16 replies to this topic

[russ_1380]

HI everyone.

My Minus project is getting off the ground now, but its looking like I'll eventually need a trailer for it (Track days, runs out, taking it to body shop etc)

My current car is a VW Polo (97) 1.4 8valve!

Now I know this may sound a daft question but is there anything stopping me attempting to pull a trailer on it? Surely you don't need that much torque? I only need to cruise at say 50mph.

And yes, I'm not taking the mick, I just do not understand towing.

Thanks

Russ

[The_Mistro]

nothing stopping you, just make sure the trailor,mini and any tools spares etc on the trailer doesnt exceed the 1000kg limit that your model polo has!

[russ_1380]

haha oh dear!

I think the trailer and Minus would weigh more than that

Oh well.....

Any suggestions for a cheap tow vehicle (estate) say a budget of £900. I might be able to use it for work then as well for lugging tools about.

When the Minus is done I think it will be too uncomfortable/exhausting to drive to track days lol.

[M44K TS]

406 1.9TD, My mate has had a few over the years and they simply never break, last one he had was an ex taxi with 230k miles and still pulled like a train. You can get them for peanuts too. His brother in law just bought one yesterday for £650 on a R reg with 90k and full Peugeot history.

[Broomer]

You will have to be carefull regarding the rules and regulations of towing licences.

I towed my Mini to nurburgring in april so i had to check up on all this jargon.

after coutnless phone calls to get a definate answer i spoke to a motor way cop who explained it all.

The only reason i was able to tow a mini legally with my car, a 406 Estate was because the car unloaded weighed the Exact same as the trailer and mini, and the whole thing was just shy of 3.5 tonnes.

You will struggle with a polo....

[Broomer]

Anything over that and youll need a B and E license.

and i think you will find that itll be 750KG max towing limit unless the polo unloaded weighs more than the trailer and mini, which it wont.

Unless your old and you can pretty much tow what ever you want. eg got your license before 1997.

Edited by Broomer, 31 May 2010 - 10:38 AM.

[Sam]

You really need something upto the job. I have a 406 estate tow car and it tows well (and looks "right" with a trailer).

[MarlonSpi]

haha oh dear!

I think the trailer and Minus would weigh more than that

Oh well.....

Any suggestions for a cheap tow vehicle (estate) say a budget of £900. I might be able to use it for work then as well for lugging tools about.

When the Minus is done I think it will be too uncomfortable/exhausting to drive to track days lol.

If you dont need a family car, you may do well with a medium size van. I got an Escort diesel and found it ideal for fetching and carrying mini bits around. Although a bit gutless for towing, they do the job....
Alternatively look for a 405/406 Estate Car, or Citroen variant...cheap as chips and great towing vehicles.

[Broomer]

Mine towed a beaut. 1400 miles and it didnt miss a beat.



190K still the most realiable car i have ever owned.

[The_Mistro]

my towing vechile will tow all of your towing vehicles put together!

[sweetser]

I think a big old volvo estate will be up to the job, and shouldnt be to expensive to pick up

[M44K TS]

Hmmm, a T5 850 CD Auto would fit the bill quite nice.....

[russ_1380]

Cheers guys

Excellent advice.

I do quite like the idea of an old fast Volvo but there again it will probs be thirsty when not suing the trailer. I think the Pug sounds a good bet.

I still need to research all this milarky but it theory is rear wheel or 4x a better bet than towing? I presume the weight of the trailer will pull the back of the car slightly down? If so is front wheel drive the less desireable option?

[The_Mistro]

all about torque when towing! why tractors and landrovers (no difference really) are geared so low! tractors are usually rwd if they arent permenant 4wd! then again citreons and kias have suspension on the rear that senses the load on the rear and raises the back up to level the car out! caravaners love kias for this reason!

[Dolly 89]

i used to have a 405 1.9TD was a briliant car towed a box trailer with motocrossbike and all gear in including a water barrell petrol jetwash the full works and it towed brilliant it was over the legal limit for me to tow as i passed after 1997 but never had a problem in the 2 years i went past cops and never got pulled over e=which suprised me as i was only 17/18 at the time but deffinitely look at a pugeot it had over 200,000 on the clock and the only reason it went to the scrappy was the engine mount had snapped and the engine fell forward a little and wouldnt select a gear but other wise it was ready to do another 200,000 cant praise it enough