MrT
Posted a lot
Just who did Mr Hitler REALLY think he was kidding?
Posts: 1,773
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Sept 10, 2009 20:29:03 GMT
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So, say for instance I was sort of thinking that maybe I could replace my SWB Maverick with a car that's a little more classic/retro/interesting at some point, what could I get for a reasonable price (say, under £2000) that can safely and legally tow 1500kg? I'd really like a Triumph 2500, but I don't think that could legally tow 1500kg?  Would a MK1 Carlton/Senator/Viceroy/Royale/Monza do the trick?  Some sort of old Merc?  A Volvo 100/200 series?  Peugeot 504/505?  Saab 900?  Suggestions on a postcard please.. Dale |
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Sept 10, 2009 20:46:40 GMT
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i don't know where to start because i don't know what can legally tow 1500kg
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Sept 10, 2009 21:04:47 GMT
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A lot of things can legally tow 1500kgs, my Range Rover is plated to tow a 3.5 ton trailer!! but its generally accepted that you shouldn't tow more than 80% of the tow vehicles weight so that leaves you with the option of a van, something large and american, or a proper sized 4x4.
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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MrT
Posted a lot
Just who did Mr Hitler REALLY think he was kidding?
Posts: 1,773
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Sept 10, 2009 21:14:55 GMT
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I was towing at nigh on 100% with my last towcar (Volvo S60 - cr*p towcar due in no small part to mine having Volvo Sportpack suspension & 18" R wheels wearing rubber bands!), and have years of sensible towing experience, so I'll happily ignore the '85% rule', so long as I don't exceed a manufacturers limit.
That said, I would prefer not to have an older 4x4 or a van - I'd much sooner have a proper retro saloon/estate. Just not having a lot of luck finding kerbweights and max tow weights on the net...
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Sept 10, 2009 21:48:07 GMT
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Go for the Swedish number, I'm a convert but don't tell anyone. Fi |
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Mrs Sniper
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Panda Matt
Part of things
Datsun Owners Club Wannabe
Posts: 734
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Sept 10, 2009 22:01:45 GMT
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Dude, that 505 is seriously hot. Have you tried this siteIt's a little modern-focused (if retro in looks)... Parkers have a towing weight calculator as well |
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Sept 10, 2009 22:13:31 GMT
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 240 would tow a 940 just as well |
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1985 Bedford CF2 camper 1991 Volvo 240 Turbo |
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Sept 10, 2009 23:09:10 GMT
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The safety issue is a personal choice i guess, but just because you can do something it don't always follows its wise to do it, we had this discussion on here before and lots of us have had accidents with trailers, i been driving everything from tractors to lorrys for getting on for 30 years and although i am happy to to tow a 2 ton RR behind my own RR on an A frame even though its not really legal, i have had enough experiance of trailers (especially with cars on them) to not want to go anywhere near the tow vehicles weight unless its an axle at each end design.
A big 80's merc SEL or SEC is still only gonna be about a ton and a half, cant think of many UK cars that will be heavier than that. damn good excuse to buy a big yank and fit LPG i reckon.
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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Sept 10, 2009 23:12:52 GMT
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Next year I'll be using my Astra (which isn't retro, but it's nice):  To tow this as yet half done race Astra:   Think it will look quite nice one towing the other! Now all I need is A TOWBAR TO FIT THE GSI!!!! |
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Sept 10, 2009 23:19:53 GMT
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thats what id like to do with the polos.... but the mk2 cant legally tow the mk1 on a trailer no matter what engine i chuck in it/brakes/susp upgrade  would be a cool sight at the track tho, mk1 being hauled in by its lil brother haha |
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Sept 10, 2009 23:26:06 GMT
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Ha, yeah, but it's a pity about weights really. How about on a 'front wheel frame' for towing though?
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Mike D
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,197
Club RR Member Number: 57
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Classic/retro towcars...Mike D
@v8mike
Club Retro Rides Member 57
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Sept 10, 2009 23:36:44 GMT
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Don't forget too, that if you're towing a fair sized car behind another car it'll attract the attention of VOSA, and then they'll pull your rig to bits, regardless of the legal weights! My mate got tugged towing a Massey Ferguson Grey tractor behind his car, it was well within the limit, it's a big V6 vectra I think, and has something like a 2200kg towing weight, but because it looked 'wrong' they pulled him. i've never had any trouble towing all manner of wibblepoo behing 4x4's / vans  |
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Sept 11, 2009 0:25:53 GMT
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Sept 11, 2009 4:38:07 GMT
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Smaller engined Merc W123´s are good for 1500kgs, the bigger ones are allowed 1850  Don´t forget if the car you want to tow is 1500kgs the trailer will weigh in at another 500ish on top of that. |
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Last Edit: Sept 11, 2009 11:43:09 GMT by Oldbus
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Sept 11, 2009 5:19:13 GMT
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mk2 Granada estate?
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Someone just shot the elephant in the room. |
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MrT
Posted a lot
Just who did Mr Hitler REALLY think he was kidding?
Posts: 1,773
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Sept 11, 2009 7:28:48 GMT
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To clarify - I'm not towing a car trailer - I tow a large 5 year old 4 berth traveller-wagon (hangs head in shame...)...
I'd be more than keen on a W123 Merc, but didn't realise the max tow weights on them were that high?
Dale
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berendd
Europe
why do I need 3 keys for one car?
Posts: 1,449
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Sept 11, 2009 11:39:36 GMT
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audi 100's (1982-1988) can tow 1500kgs
most big eurobarges can handle a brakes 1500 kilo trailer..
but why not go for a transit or similar?
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Sept 11, 2009 11:45:49 GMT
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To clarify - I'm not towing a car trailer - I tow a large 5 year old 4 berth traveller-wagon (hangs head in shame...)... I'd be more than keen on a W123 Merc, but didn't realise the max tow weights on them were that high? Dale The estates have automatic self levelling rear suspension too |
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Sept 11, 2009 12:20:23 GMT
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To clarify - I'm not towing a car trailer - I tow a large 5 year old 4 berth traveller-wagon (hangs head in shame...)... I'd be more than keen on a W123 Merc, but didn't realise the max tow weights on them were that high? Dale The estates have automatic self levelling rear suspension too so did my dads old volvo 245.... |
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Sept 11, 2009 12:34:48 GMT
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As do Range Rovers, my diesel one is doing about 28mpg overall, compared to my last 2.8 straight six Mercs 18mpg, even brand new the book said it was only supposed to do 22mpg, if you get a Merc i'd definately recomend a manual diesel. :S
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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