12 replies to this topic

[cal844]

Hiya folks, (if this is the wrong section please move as necessary!)

I've been thinking of buying a small Eriba Puck type caravan to tow behind my Clubby Estate.

Does anyone know the weight of an empty Eriba Puck type caravan?

Also will a 1275 engine be powerful enough for towing?

I'd also need to make a tow bar (hitch) for the car but that's not an issue as my dad is a competent welder.

Thanks folks, I look forward to the debate ?

Edited by cal844, 10 June 2018 - 04:48 PM.

[nicklouse]

1 you are limited  303kg. covers most Pucks. Saloon can tow more 404kg not Rover Minis though.

2 any towbar fitted needs to be E (or similar) approved. and have such a plate attached. you are about 10 years to late for Dad to make one.

3 the only guys i know that do TÜV  approved towbars are out here in Germany.

4 yes a 1275 will piss it.

[Bat]

Hi,

It's not a case of whether a 1275 will pull it but more about the weight of what you are towing against the weight of the car. It's illegal to tow something heavier than the car towing it. The safe recommended is 80% of the towing vehicle's weight.

Also think about rear suspension and luggage etc to keep your car and caravan level.

Having the front end light is dangerous due to affecting the steering and braking stability.

Dont get me wrong, I'm all for what you want to do just makes sure everyone on the road stays safe 

Cheers 

[cal844]

Thanks for the insight folks, is the 303 kg the certified towing weight?

I've read online that Pucks are 560kg dry, which is really all that I'd be towing(couple of sleeping bags and basic toiletries will be any extra weight).

I've seen minisport have a saloon tow bar listed on thier site, would it be worth calling them to see if they can make one for an estate?

Where do these usually mount? To the rear subframe or through the boot floor?(with spreader plates)

Sorry lads, never had a mini with a tow bar

Edited by cal844, 10 June 2018 - 06:42 PM.

[nicklouse]

you will not be legal to toe 560kg you need to look at the older Pucks

[cal844]

you will not be legal to toe 560kg you need to look at the older Pucks

Handy to know! Now to find someone who can make a towbar ? thanks mate

[greenwheels]

Only the very early Pucks are below 303 kg, like my 1962 model. As time went on the Puck became more sophisticated, with extra insulation which made it much heavier.

The 85% rule is not legislated, although it was recognised as OK back in the day. I have seen loads of estates towing pucks at IMMs but I think that legally the are pushing it. 303kg is only 44% of the estate weight whereas 404kg is nearly 60% of the saloon weight. Why there is this discrepancy puzzles me.

I would love to tow my Puck with my estate rather than my Saloon. I am currently restoring it and intend to strip it of weight where possible and get it weighed on a weighbridge.

[cal844]

Have been looking at alternatives, plenty choice ?

Now to sort out a tow hitch

[nicklouse]

Thanks for the insight folks, is the 303 kg the certified towing weight?

 

yes abnd you will find in in your Haynes manual and any BMC/BL Rover manual.

[viz139]

Watling do a tow bar for estates but its not the best looking. I tow my '86 puck with my 1275 SPi.(3.2 final drive) no problem.   My brothers MPi (2.7 final )drive doesn't tow as well. 

[cal844]

Watling do a tow bar for estates but its not the best looking. I tow my '86 puck with my 1275 SPi.(3.2 final drive) no problem. My brothers MPi (2.7 final )drive doesn't tow as well.

Watling? Do you mean Witter?

Edit: I see watling-towbars.co.uk?

I'm sure my engine has a 3.44 FD (engine is a late carb 1275)

Edited by cal844, 11 June 2018 - 08:31 PM.

[viz139]

Injection minis have more low end torque so the 3.44 should be good with the carb.

[cal844]

Injection minis have more low end torque so the 3.44 should be good with the carb.

The motor does pull very well indeed, just need to get things moving with regards to what length of teardrop to buy, oh and a tow bar but I think I've got that covered