Towing a Bailey Pursuit 430/4 with Mercedes A250e

[coded1982]

Hi all,

I’m returning to caravanning but on a smaller scale this time. Previously, I towed an 8ft wide caravan with an Audi Q7, which handled it with ease. Now, I’m looking to tow a Bailey Pursuit 430/4 (2018) with my 2020 Mercedes A250e Hybrid. I realise this will be a different experience, especially with a smaller car and lower ground clearance. I didn't want to go out buy a bigger car if the A250e can do the job.

Here are the details:

Car: Mercedes A250e (2020, Plug-in Hybrid)​

• Kerbweight: 1,490 kg
• Braked Towing Capacity: 1,600 kg
• 85% Rule Towing Limit: 1,266.5 kg
• Ground Clearance: 109-113 mm
• Engine Power: 218 hp with 450 Nm of torque (hybrid system)

Caravan: Bailey Pursuit 430/4 (2018)​

• MTPLM: 1,232 kg
• Length: ~6.45 meters
• Width: 2.2 meters

Concerns:​

1. Ground Clearance Issues: The A250e’s ground clearance is only about 109-113 mm, which is quite low. I’m concerned about potential scraping or bottoming out, particularly at campsites or on uneven terrain. How have others dealt with this issue in smaller cars?
2. Hybrid Towing Experience: With the Bailey Pursuit’s MTPLM at 1,232 kg, it sits close to the 85% towing limit. While I’m aware of the electric motor’s instant torque, I wonder if this setup will be stable over long distances or on inclines. I’d appreciate insights from those who have towed with hybrid cars, especially smaller models.

Looking forward to hearing your experiences and any tips you might have.

 

[GaryB]

A friend of mine tows a trailer with the same car, his is a 2021 model (from memory), his trailer is a lightweight single axle car transporter that tows his vintage racer, total weight is just over 1250kgs, it handles it with ease. The tow bar fitting was expensive (but I cannot remember how much) as only 1 or 2 places could do the coding.

 

[ProfJohnL]

FIrstly 85% is not a towing limit or rule, it is only an advisory figure issued by the UK caravanning industry, However it does imply it's better to keep any trailer a small and light as possible.

The specification of the car looks good and it should manage the weight of your caravan safely, with power to cope. However back in 2021 on a different forum, this mode of car was discussed, and it appeared there was some difficulty in finding a type approved tow bar system.

Ground clearance should not be a real problem on most sites.

 

[Woodentop]

85% is NOT a rule, rather guidance for those new to towing. If you have towed before and/or have confidence in towing you can tow up to 100% without trouble.

 

[trevormonty]

I tow 1100kg van with 1250kg car. Handling is only really issue in high winds. Fine on windy roads. Unless planning to offroad, ground clearance should be fine.

 

[coded1982]

FIrstly 85% is not a towing limit or rule, it is only an advisory figure issued by the UK caravanning industry, However it does imply it's better to keep any trailer a small and light as possible.

The specification of the car looks good and it should manage the weight of your caravan safely, with power to cope. However back in 2021 on a different forum, this mode of car was discussed, and it appeared there was some difficulty in finding a type approved tow bar system.

Ground clearance should not be a real problem on most sites.

Thank you for the comment. Probably poor wording on my part, I get it's not a rule as such but it does provide a bit of headroom when you consider additional weight that might need to add when towing.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Thank you for the comment. Probably poor wording on my part, I get it's not a rule as such but it does provide a bit of headroom when you consider additional weight that might need to add when towing.

The way the 85% towing ratio is calculated is not affected by the degree of loading you apply to the outfit, it always looks at the worst case scenario. It's not a realistic figure , but it does set a comparative benchmark.

85% has no legal power, though apparently there are some caravan (not car) insurance policies that do specify a maximum permitted ratios. The load limits displayed on your vehicles VIN plate are the statutory maximums which you must never exceed when solso or towing regardless of any advice.

 

[RogerL]

Your quoted ground clearance of 109-113mm does seem incredibly low, lower than many traditional sports cars - you need to get the car up on a lift and see whether it has a flat bottom which would slide over ground undulations or vulnerable components hanging down which would easily be damaged.