Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all. Which Morris Minor is best for towing a thomson glen caravan.
I was tempted with the series 2 but I got told not to as it wouldn't have much umph to keep with modern traffic. I like the 56 splitscreen 4 doors, Would that be able to tow a thomson glenn

Any help is appreciated
Ben

How heavy is the caravan? An 803 engine can barely move the car - never mind a caravan. I would not consider anything less than a 1098 engine - or a 1275 -doesn't matter what car the engine (and matching gearbox - NOT the old 803 box!) are fitted in. And you will need a proper tow bar - not one of the basic ones that only bolts to the rear bumper irons! You need a good solid angle iron towbar - with long arms reaching forward and bolting up inside the boot floor - which obviously needs to be in tip-top condition.. And of course BRAKES !! The old 7" front drums just will not do - at least fit the 8" drums from later cars, and make sure the caravan has good working over-run brakes...

Is this the type of van?

http://www.thomson-caravans.co.uk/roadt ... niglen.htm

Don't forget to consider the weight factor. You don't want the "tail wagging the dog"

Perfect for towing with a Mini - and 45 mph was even possible, often in 3rd gear....! You'll have an angry trail of motorists if you struggle along the road at 45 mph these days. 10 cwt unladen ... By the time you add gas cylinder/water carrier/Elsan (argghhhh) /cooking utensils and clothes and food - maybe 15 cwt or so? And note the low ball hitch height.....

i used to tow something similar with an Anglia, it had a 1600 mexico engine so pulled it ok but needed a stabalizer and i also had to fit a larger radiator than the 1600 Escort one i started with. In this day and age I Cant help thinking even behind a 1098 minor it will be too slow to keep up with modern traffic, Have you thought about a teardrop style van or folding van, they work well behind a minor.
kevin