Model T - tempted.
Discussion
I currently use my 1928 Vauxhall 'Bedford' saloon 2800cc/straight six/OHV/ 4 speed box to tow my vintage caravan. It gets on with the job very well and can keep a reasonable pace whilst towing. I am tempted to change though, over to Model T purely because the T would look so much nicer as a vintage combination with the caravan. Having never driven a T before I am not sure as to whether this is a good idea or just plain nuts. Comments (not on my sanity)invited.
I'd also wonder about the Model T's brakes. IIRC the foot brake operates on the transmission and the hand brake operates on the (tiny) drums on the back axle. I bet the Vauxhall is like a Porsche with ceramic discs compared to the Ford for stopping power.
Don't forget the Ford Model T is also willfully odd to drive (two speed, epicyclic gearbox controlled by pedals; throtle where you might expect to find the advance/retard control; combined handbrake/gearlever). They are quite good fun but I think you should have a go in one before deciding if you want to tow a caravan with it. Actually everyone should have a go in a Model T at some point, just because it is a mind-blowing experience.
Don't forget the Ford Model T is also willfully odd to drive (two speed, epicyclic gearbox controlled by pedals; throtle where you might expect to find the advance/retard control; combined handbrake/gearlever). They are quite good fun but I think you should have a go in one before deciding if you want to tow a caravan with it. Actually everyone should have a go in a Model T at some point, just because it is a mind-blowing experience.
Very good points raised, thanks. I know that the T came in many forms, even small lorries but I guess the running gear was the same as a two seat tourer. Not sure about the power thing, its a fair size engine of almost 3000cc, four cylinder and I did wonder if it sports plenty of torque which would make it good for towing perhaps. Brakes 
that aspect has put the carbosh on the whole idea! My vauxhall is equipped with good sized four wheel brakes, but I still have to read the road well ahead, even more so when towing.
Thanks again for input.
that aspect has put the carbosh on the whole idea! My vauxhall is equipped with good sized four wheel brakes, but I still have to read the road well ahead, even more so when towing.Thanks again for input.
Rocky mountain brakes will only make a model T safe, it will still not be as good as 4 wheel brakes. And they will not stop you from rolling backwards.
Model T brakes are tricky! With the foot brake being a transmission brake if you lock a wheel it will be one wheel brake.
I have connected my rear brakes to my foot brake so it evens the load. But I still can't stop any faster.
If you start putting too much heat into it you can crack a transmission drum. On long steep hills the trick is to swap between reverse and the brake.
Thats not to say it can't be done.
As for power, how much do you want?
They are 20hp standard, but with period parts you can push them to about 100bhp. Or if you want to go crazy the record stands at 320hp for a standard block. (Thats N/A)
The TT (one ton truck) will do it easily, but your top speed is about 30mph.
Model T brakes are tricky! With the foot brake being a transmission brake if you lock a wheel it will be one wheel brake.
I have connected my rear brakes to my foot brake so it evens the load. But I still can't stop any faster.
If you start putting too much heat into it you can crack a transmission drum. On long steep hills the trick is to swap between reverse and the brake.
Thats not to say it can't be done.
As for power, how much do you want?
They are 20hp standard, but with period parts you can push them to about 100bhp. Or if you want to go crazy the record stands at 320hp for a standard block. (Thats N/A)
The TT (one ton truck) will do it easily, but your top speed is about 30mph.
Thanks Major Fallout, interesting stuff and its enough for me to put the nail in coffin of the idea of towing with a 'T'. Shame really because the 'T' would look 'so right' towing my old Eccles. Until I crash at the bottom of the hill that is! So I will carry on with my Vauxhall for now at least. Thanks again.
As said, the T wouldnt be able to move the caravan or stop it. You would get called all sorts of names on the road and in bad weather you wouldnt be able to touch the motorway as its simply too slow.
I wouldnt let that stop me though. I would suggest maybe something a little more modern such as a model A ford or perhaps, something with a flathead V8. Reasonably cheap if imported from the states. So many after market parts for the engine its sickening and would be able to tow the van easy.
The model B ford is too expensive.
I wouldnt let that stop me though. I would suggest maybe something a little more modern such as a model A ford or perhaps, something with a flathead V8. Reasonably cheap if imported from the states. So many after market parts for the engine its sickening and would be able to tow the van easy.
The model B ford is too expensive.
Dont look past a 28 chev four cylinder. I have one in bits 
From 29 they were 6 cyl stovebolts and truck engines to the bone.
The Ford model A four pot is still 3.3l so not that small. Far easier to drive than a T. I personally think that T's are good as speedsters rather than pack horses.
From 29 they were 6 cyl stovebolts and truck engines to the bone. The Ford model A four pot is still 3.3l so not that small. Far easier to drive than a T. I personally think that T's are good as speedsters rather than pack horses.
Was looking around a model 'B'a couple of years back, it was on display at a local show. Lovely car, the owner told me it was the model used by the Bonnie and Clyde duo in their bank robbing days. Owner told me the cars value then was around 22k and they are difficult to find.
Looks like I will be keeping my Vauxhall for the next season or two.
Looks like I will be keeping my Vauxhall for the next season or two.
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