Starting off in 2nd gear, well I only do it on the flat or downward slope?
Am I doing any real harm? Considering these things are designed to start off with 3 tonnes behind them in 1st of course?

No you are suposed to set off in 2nd.

you are probably doing more harm setting off in 1st ?
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DEFENDER XS CSW 08 TONGA GREEN

Where did you get that information from?

I think that you are supposed to start off in a 'suitable' gear. Why not 1st?

I only set off in 2nd when I want a quicker get away, off junctions etc.

I was told that setting off in 1st was for pulling away with a laden trailer on.
Which I do and it works well. I do hill starts in 1st but that's it.
Maybe mine is different but if I set off in 1st it feels laboured and tops out at about 10 mph
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DEFENDER XS CSW 08 TONGA GREEN

I set off in 2nd whenever I can - it does help speed things up, particularly on fast roundabouts.
1st only on (even slight) inclines and when fully loaded, when it would probably still pull 2nd but there's no point over-working the clutch.

As long as your not sliiping the clutch excessivley starting off in 2nd shouldn't cause a prob.
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2.4 90 XS
1968 1/32 scale Britains 109 Pick up.

When I attempt to start in 2nd on the level there is vibration until about 1500rpm. Does anyone else find this, or is a 2nd gear start smooth?
Austen.

It's a smooth start now, but took a bit of practice... I keep the revs low-ish so I can fully engage the clutch early on, then it's a little juddery for a second until the revs pick back up, then you're away.
(I learnt to drive in the family Transit, where the same technique applied).

The slight judder I get is only what you'd expect from low revs though - anything more and it could be down to some misalignment.

Both LR & Transit being 90/SWB - maybe 110/LWB with their extra weight need 1st more often.

Yes, mine's a 110. I suppose revving to 1500 before letting in the clutch may avoid the vibration, but I like the smoothness afforded by the software during a 1st gear start.
Ten

chalky wrote:

No you are suposed to set off in 2nd.

I would doubt it. I agree with AndrewS, start in a suitsble gear. Personally I always use first unless pointing down hill. Slipping the clutch when not needed seems to be wrong, and why would you want to wear out something that will cost a lot to replace.
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Whats broken now ?

It must be mine then because i can set off in 2nd gear without slipping the clutch. Hence not wearing it away !

As previously stated its as tho 1st gear topps out very early on up the rev range rendering a smooth take off impractcal.
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DEFENDER XS CSW 08 TONGA GREEN

Same here - no more clutch slip than when starting in 1st...

Only use 2nd when that is possible though, otherwise still use 1st - simple as that!

I find you adjust your driving to suit (same as driving commercials) - at junctions and traffic lights etc. you tend to keep a slightly greater distance from the car in front, look at what's happening further ahead and rarely come to a complete stand-still.