Bailey 75- 4 car towing weight

watshea
watshea Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited September 2019 in Towcars & Towing #1

Hi, 

Very new to the motorhome game. Just bought a Bailey 75-4 , 2019 and would like to know a suitable car to tow. Struggled finding info on the internet. Any help very much appreciated

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,335
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    edited September 2019 #2

    First of all you need to establish what weight your van can tow and don't forget to include the weight of your trailer or A-frame as well as the car when doing your calculations.

    Also, remember the towbar fitted to your van will eat into its payload allowance.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 14,062
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    edited September 2019 #3

    Most Baileys seem to have a towing capacity of 2000kgs see here https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/motorhomes/autograph/autograph-74-4

    David

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,499
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    edited September 2019 #4

    I would go for the lightest car that meets your needs regardless if you could actually tow a heavier one. It will both help with performance and fuel consumption.

    Have a look at what Towbars2Tow are selling, they usually have a range of second hand vehicles already equipped with an A-Frame and their system is very good.

    peedee

  • watshea
    watshea Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited September 2019 #5

    Thanks guys. Appreciate the advice

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited September 2019 #6
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  • watshea
    watshea Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited September 2019 #7

    Gosh. Thanks Bolero Boy. So much to consider. Can't recall the sales person talking about pay load but she might have told mu hubbie while I zoned out! Really useful info. Guess it's not life and death we have a car to tow. Hubbie is pretty good at driving larger vehicles after his time in the forces. Just may be a bit restrictive in some areas. Thanks again

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited September 2019 #8
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  • Apperley
    Apperley Club Member Posts: 254
    edited September 2019 #9

    Hi Watshea, boleroboy has provided an excellent review of the issues.

    I have a Autograph II 75-4 (ignore my picture) and tow a Toyota Aygo on an A frame. I also have a spare wheel and carrier fitted under the rear. I had the dealer replate  the weight when I bought it to it’s maximum 3850 kgs for no charge, that is without doing anything mechanical, just a paper exercise.

    Fully loaded, 2 adults, food, clothing, bedding two bikes on the bike rack, and with the Argo attached I came in at 3800 kgs  on a weighbridge, with the rear axle at its maximum 2000 kgs. 

    I travel with around 30 litres of fresh water or less,  if going to a site where I can fill up when I arrive. 

    Weighing enabled me to redistribute some gear and of course you can put some gear in the car.

    Replating  presents other issues. It lowers your VED to £165 a year but restricts speeds and prohibits driving through some villages in France, others will know more. Some recovery agents won’t recover over 3500kgs.

    But, you have a nice MH, enjoy. 

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited September 2019 #10
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  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,335
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    edited September 2019 #11

    And don't forget the other issue of the driving licence restriction of 3500kg max for the over 70s or those who passed their test on or after 1 Jan 1997. It can be overcome by taking the necessary test but it’s all more hassle to be endured. I guess the OP's OH will be OK though.

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