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[bryanbellis]

As those who might have spotted, I only arrived here yesterday. Did have a Jeep Cherokee until stolen and it was magnificent at towing our family caravan. Could trawl up hills without a sweat, keeping a constant 60mph on cruise control.

OK, now I have the Omega 2.2 petrol face lift 2001 auto estate. Anyone here with caravan towing experience and Omega? Is the Omega up to it, or is it hard work? Secondly, do I need to have an oil cooler fitted? The Jeep had one fitted as standard, don't know re Omega. Thoughts please folks?

[tunnie]

Omega autoboxes already have oil coolers fitted, well the v6 ones do at least....

2.2 should be ok for towing, members here towed a caravan with a 2.0 auto.

The V6 is a better tow car because it has more low down grunt, also will get similar mpg to the v6 belive it or not.

The 2.2 should town fine though  

[Martin_1962]

The 4 cylinders have oil coolers too. Then can tow OK but you will need to run in sports mode. Any head winds and it stays in third, steep hills second - but the engines will survive plenty of high revs so don't worry.

Advise - use a high quality petrol, I found this made a couple of mpg difference and the car was able to hold top a lot better.

[TheBoy]

All Omega autos have oil coolers in rad.

2.2 may lack shear grunt up long hills, but then you probably are not looking to win any races with a van on the back...

[bryanbellis]

The 4 cylinders have oil coolers too.

Is this confirmed? My 2001 face lift 2.2 petrol estate auto (CDX) has oil cooler already? What exactly, and where am I to look?  

[TheBoy]

The 4 cylinders have oil coolers too.

Is this confirmed? My 2001 face lift 2.2 petrol estate auto (CDX) has oil cooler already? What exactly, and where am I to look?  

yes, confirmed. All auto Omegas have oil coolers.  You can see the oil pipes connect to rad (oil cooler integrated into main rad)

I would recommend more regular autobox fluid changes if towing...

[bryanbellis]

Cheers, and much appreciated to all. I feel an auto-box oil change coming on!!!

[bigall]

I tow with my Omega - 1400kg max van  tows OK little lacking in power on long uphill stretches but tows at LEGAL limit ok.
As you have a facelift model check that the box has had the latest  management upgrade this gets rid of the hunting for gears about 50mph.
As far as a cooler goes - yes all auto omegas have a cooler in the radiator  - a length of pipe in the radiator - look under the air filter box and see the pipes disappear into the radiator.
From a personal point of view I had an external cooler fitted as well just to be certain - cost fitted about £180 which is a lot cheaper than replacement box .
As you have an estate the rear suspension should be strong - may even be self levelling  so no problems on that score.

enjoy towing

[bryanbellis]

Very useful information, thanks.