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P3 (75) with vintage caravan

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:21 am
by MisterEnderby
Hello,

I have a vintage camping team (Wolseley 14/56 from 1936 and Eccles caravan from 1932) wich gives me much joy; the problem is that with an max. average speed of 40-45 mph (lack of power and the caravan begins to swing) the highways are a no-go-area for me and for long distances I have to drive on country roads what takes so much time.

I consider buying a Rover P3 (75), meaning the best compromise between reliability, speed and parts-supply (I hope so).

What do you thing, is the Rover P3 with the 2100ccm engine strong enough to hold an average speed of 50-55 mph with the caravan (wheight only 600kg, but 2,30m high) on the highways so I can drive even longer holiday trips?

If not, I would try to find a 20-25hp car (Wolseley 25, Humber Super Snipe); but as these cars are not so common, I am afraid of having problems with parts-supply.

Regards from germany
Brian

Re: P3 (75) with vintage caravan

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 10:18 am
by GOY189
Hello Brian,

The problem with a P3 and towing is the chassis or rather lack of it. The rear shackles for the rear springs are attached to the rear bodywork. Attaching a tow bar would be a problem. Later P2s are a better bet.

Regards
Mike

Re: P3 (75) with vintage caravan

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 1:21 pm
by MisterEnderby
Hi Mike,
that is really an important news- so that means the frame is not long enough to get the towbar fixed?

I usually would like the P2 more as I am keen on prewar-cars, but I thought the new developed engine of the P3 should be more powerful and so the better choice for towing.

Re: P3 (75) with vintage caravan

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 9:33 am
by MisterEnderby
I got a draft of the P3-frame; you are right, the frame ends at the front of the rear springs, so the rear bumper is fixed to the body.

I suspect the german MOT won't agree with fixing a towbar to the body, so this might be a knockout criterion for my project- What a pity!

Re: P3 (75) with vintage caravan

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 10:49 am
by djm16
Rather than assume it cannot be done, why not take a copy of the chassis diagram to a caravan / 4WD type workshop and ask their opinion. As the shackle cross tube is strong enough to take the rear spring mounts and the rear bumpers, I am guessing it should be fine for a tow bar as well.