Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 14:24:59 -0500
Reply-To: "Carlen, Gregg" <Gregg.Carlen@DYNCORP.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Carlen, Gregg" <Gregg.Carlen@DYNCORP.COM>
Subject: Re: Of Buses Towing Boats (kayaks & racks)
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I've had my 85 1.9l Westy since 1990 and I've towed my 17 Sailboat all over
Virginia without problems. I've also had a 3 rail-motorcycle trailer that I
put my 1000 lb 1976 Goldwing on (as well as other stuff) and towed that all
up and down the East Coast. Never had a problem. Never had much power or
speed either, but that's not my point.
Like all vanagons, I've had to put in my fair share of preventative
maintenance to keep it this way. The only two 'break downs' I've had in
relation to towing (and I actually wasn't towing at the time) was when I
filled the van with Cub Scout Popcorn and drove it 50 miles (ended the last
bit of life left in the CV joints) and blew a wheel bearing because I was
putting off getting them re-greased (even had the new bearings in the van!
Try changing a wheel bearing on the side of the road with hand tools)! I
would attribute both failures to my neglect of maintenance.
Addison, All in all, I agree with your comments about pulling anything you
want, just a matter of time, money and patience. In general, I don't strain
my van if I can anymore. That's why our second family car is a Jeep.
Gregg Carlen
85 Westy (taking a break from running when I want it to)
76 Wing
-----Original Message-----
From: Addison Leplatte [mailto:aleplatte@EARTHLINK.NET]
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 6:36 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Of Buses Towing Boats (kayaks & racks)
Well i can finally add my.02 worth..
Towing a boat with a Vanagon is governed by a simple rule...
VW's can carry an Elephant on the inside but can't pull a Chihuhua.
I had an 82 air cooled and ordered the hitch (attaches to the
tow hooks) to pull a Siren 17 sailboat (max gross weight 1200 lbs)..I killed
the bus coming back from Panama City Florida..heard a loud whirring flapping
noise coming from the cv axles in the rear and she never ran right after the
trip..So I bought a Dodge Grand Caravan..great power but a poor camper..
So I bought a 1.9 84 Vanagon .. I tried my Quick'n'Easy racks and they
worked but I prefer my Yakima 1a towers with a pair of 78" bars..
Can you pull a boat? Sure.. but comfortably and safely uphill; nothing over
500 lbs total weight if you are doing it regularly over distances of 100
miles roundtrip..Can it be done with more? Sure..all it takes is time, money
and attention..(I thought the idea was to have fun)..This leaves the
following possible list of boats for sailors: You'll get the idea
1)WestWight potter 15
2)Dovekie
3)Siren (I'm biased)
For power boats any aluminium johnboat or skiff in the sub 17ft range..
Finally to make life fun if you need your water and bus fix
Yakima (or Thule) gutter mount uprights, 78" or 96" racks, extensions if you
have a camper and your favorite kayak or canoe on top...
Final note if you stick with Paddlecraft thats one less thing that needs
maintenance (gas oil rigging etc...)
See you sailing
Addison
PADDLEVAN
