24 replies to this topic

[(philip)]

Lots of camping planned next year, wondering whether to buy a caravan, either a teardrop or one of those cute Eriba Pucks. Has anyone got experience of towing these?

 

I have a BOC so a 1275 engine. 

 

the alternative it to get a mini trailer to keep all the camping stuff and nonsense in, but really want to explore getting a caravan.

 

Ta.. :)

 

 

 

[adam_93rio]

I'd just get a teardrop trailer or one of those tiny caravans. Just check the weights that you're allowed to tow with your model of mini

I wouldn't use those terrible designs of tow bar either that bolt through the boot floor and your subframe. Whoever designed that must not of been thinking

[Guess-Works.com]

First of all, as your mini is before 1st August 1998 you can tow using it... not many people realise the post this date, you need a type approved tow bar and the classic mini does not have one.

 

As Adam has said above you then need to check your weights, for a mini saloon, your MAXIMUM towing weight is just over 400kg's, so you need a trailer which when filled with all your 'holiday equipment' is under that weight. There isn't many of these micro caravans which come in at that weight.

[minisprint]

I tow a eriba puck with my 1963 mini van no problems even with drum brakes as caravan has brakes too!

[surfblue]

I used to use a minivan based trailer towed behind my 1000 saloon and carried all the camping gear in it. Looked cool. Must get some of my old photos scanned and posted.

[(philip)]

First of all, as your mini is before 1st August 1998 you can tow using it... not many people realise the post this date, you need a type approved tow bar and the classic mini does not have one.

 

As Adam has said above you then need to check your weights, for a mini saloon, your MAXIMUM towing weight is just over 400kg's, so you need a trailer which when filled with all your 'holiday equipment' is under that weight. There isn't many of these micro caravans which come in at that weight.

 

 

That is really useful thanks, 400kg ins't a lot! I can't see many (well, any) teardrops under that weight, and I am guessing the eriba is much heavier. 

 

Bugger. 

[62S]

You want one of these - a Thomson Mini Glen. It even uses Mini wheels.

[Cooperman]

Camping! That's when the hotel doesn't have 24-hour room service  .

[AVV IT]

Camping's utterly brilliant!!.....

I just love to sit and watch campers freezing there bottoms off on a cold damp evening, from the warmth of my fully centrally heated caravan, with flat screen TV, running water and fully sprung king sized bed!

[Dan]

  Yes the Puck is too heavy to tow legally with a Mini, but loads of people have them and do it anyway.

[greenwheels]

Depends on your Puck - the early ones are 400kgs

[greenwheels]

Camping's utterly brilliant!!.....

I just love to sit and watch campers freezing there bottoms off on a cold damp evening, from the warmth of my fully centrally heated caravan, with flat screen TV, running water and fully sprung king sized bed

Ah yes - but when all our campingg ear is tucked away in the Clubman Estate and we are on the road nobody calls us a mobile road block  LOL

[AVV IT]

 

Camping's utterly brilliant!!.....

I just love to sit and watch campers freezing there bottoms off on a cold damp evening, from the warmth of my fully centrally heated caravan, with flat screen TV, running water and fully sprung king sized bed

Ah yes - but when all our campingg ear is tucked away in the Clubman Estate and we are on the road nobody calls us a mobile road block  LOL

 

 

Ah yes, but then you don't get all the satisfaction of causing a mobile road block and being a complete and utter nuisance to other road users either!! 

 

Seriously though, aside from the slightly lower speed limits that you're supposed to adhere to, towing a caravan really shouldn't hold anyone up significantly. The problem is the type of dull, over cautious middle aged/ elderly people that tend to be associated with caravaning and the fact that they insist on dragging their sheds around behind them everywhere overly slowly. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than overtaking these types towing their caravans, whilst actually towing a caravan myself, and watching the looks of utter disgust and disapproval on their faces as I sail past!! 

[robminibcy]

I'd just get a teardrop trailer or one of those tiny caravans. Just check the weights that you're allowed to tow with your model of mini

I wouldn't use those terrible designs of tow bar either that bolt through the boot floor and your subframe. Whoever designed that must not of been thinking

What other towbars are available? I've only ever seen the type as described above. Although my mini can barely pull itself when fully loaded so fitting a tow bar would make her very cross!

Edited by robminibcy, 26 October 2013 - 08:28 PM.

[Guess-Works.com]

I'm fairly sure that a towbar needs to be attached to the body and/or chassis of a vehicle, attaching to the subframe only is not adequate.

 

Also bear in mind, if you have a towbar it will be checked as part of the MOT.