Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Bayliss Thomas · Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 557 Location: SUFFOLK

Just aquired a small vintage caravan, I guess it weighs in at around 7cwt but I will put it on a weigh bridge soon. My tow car is an 1925 open tourer, it sports an original 1250cc OHV touring engine (Meadows). Its 3 speed and a cone clutch. Am I asking to much of the car?? I live in Suffolk and would use the car in this county mainly. Your thoughts welcomed.

mikeC · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 9:18 am Post subject:

Hmm... I think you might be pushing your luck a bit; should be no problem under most circumstances, especially if you stick to East Anglia, but you might come unstuck on hill starts. Even mild uphill road junctions could be a problem. Suppose it depends on how heavy your car is to start with, how strong the clutch is, and how high geared is First?
I am guessing that your car is a Bayliss Thomas, which I think is a rather bigger car than, say, the Lea Francis which used the Meadows engine; hopefully it's not a heavy saloon! Have you driven the car fully laden, and does it struggle?
My Star was a saloon, and even with an 1800cc engine, it struggled on hill starts, with a weak clutch and high gearing, whereas a 1666cc Austin Twelve with 4-speed box has a super low ratio and would climb a wall, and I even performed a hill start in top gear just to prove a point!

Bayliss Thomas · Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 557 Location: SUFFOLK

Thanks for reply mikec, my Bayliss Thomas is an light car, 4 seat open tourer which I have found out weighs 18cwt without passengers. I have also found out that my caravan weighs in at a mighty 12.3cwt, again empty of parafanalia. 3 speed crash gearbox and the usual huge gap from 2nd gear to top. I have driven the car with full compliment of 3 adults + myself driving and although no ball of fire it managed around the Suffolk countryside without to many dramas.
I guess I do not want to part with my Bayliss, but agree that an Austin 12/4 or better 12/6 would be a good tow car. Should mention that my Bayliss sports its cone clutch and I don't know if this makes matters worse or not?

mikeC · Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 8:47 pm Post subject:

Here's an idea: Do you know anyone locally with, say, an Austin Seven?
If so, try a short towing test, to see how your car copes with the load - even an early chummy is going to be at least 12cwt, so it should be a fair test.
I think your troubles will be with starting from a standstill, rather than pulling at speed (such as it might be!), although the caravan will certainly slow you down....

Bayliss Thomas · Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 557 Location: SUFFOLK

Now that is a good idea, honestly I had'nt thought of doing that. As you say Mikec it will give me a good indication of what I can expect. Thanks Smile

I will let you know how I get on.

Bayliss Thomas · Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 557 Location: SUFFOLK

Well I towed an Austin 7 (thanks for help Mel) and whilst I thought at first that my Bayliss would manage the caravan upon reflection I know it would not be a sensible thing to do.
So if I keep my caravan I will need a tow car, it must be no younger than 1930, good spares backup and not cost a fortune to run. The Austin 12 is an good suggestion earlier, perhaps an Austin 16/6. Please suggest options budget not over say 15k.
Thank you