Date:         Thu, 30 Aug 2001 10:03:46 -0600
Reply-To:     "Morrell, Edward" <Edward_Morrell@JDEDWARDS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Morrell, Edward" <Edward_Morrell@JDEDWARDS.COM>
Subject:      Towing 90 Vanagon Auto w/Tow Dolly
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

OK, I will admit the need to respond, although it might be redundant for
many.  I had a personal experience a few years back with towing my '90
Vanagon on a dolly with rear wheels up and fronts down.  Even with steering
wheel locked and tied (uncase lock disengaged), at about 65mph behind a
full-size Ford sedan (ok, too fast, I know), I lost control.  The Vanagon
swayed and spun me around 270 degrees and ended up in a ditch.  Good news,
generally, for me on this, as no damage (van did not tip!), no injury,
(oncoming cars on the 2-lane saw what was happening), and I went to front
wheels up on the dolly and had good success.  My advice, NEVER use a tow
dolly with front wheels down.  Natural play in the steering system can
EASILY render the car unstable, even with good weight distribution.  As far
as the tranny, can't help there.

Regards,
Ed Morrell
'91 Carat 48K Red
'90 Carat 100K White
'90 Vanagon 170K Blue
Patriotic German Car Owner

Date:    Wed, 29 Aug 2001 22:25:32 -0400
From:    Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Towing 90 Vanagon Auto w/Tow Dolly

So what type of motor home? I am on my second one. I sometimes tow my 87
Syncro Camper to have the best of both worlds. The automatic should not be
towed long distances since some of the bearings will run dry causing
significant damage. It can be towed with the rear wheels on a dolly but you
must be careful with weight distribution and locking the front wheels. Surge
brakes when working properly will not drag on normal down hill runs. Most
are designed to work at up to a 7% grade before they will actuate. A damper
of some type is usually used to allow down hill operation. If you do use a
dolly with the rear wheels, make sure you get one with a swivel bed or
steering axles. This will help make turns with out having to drag the van
sideways. Also make sure your motor home has the capacity to tow the van.
Many are only rated to pull 3,500 lbs. This is due chassis extensions. Hope
this helps.

Dennis
1999 Tropi-Cal
33.5 feet with slide out
Triton V-10
Gas Guzz

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Mark & Laura Magee
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 10:52 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Towing 90 Vanagon Auto w/Tow Dolly


Volks,
Bought a motorhome (no westy flames please, we are expecting our fourth
child!) and we are considering towing the 90 Carat w/auto tranny on a
tow dolly. I expect I would have to tow it backward, that is with the
front wheels down. Anyone know if the Vanagon Auto tranny is ok w/towing
in neutral?
Anyone towed a late model Vanagon w/auto on a tow dolly cross country.
I will be getting a tow dolly with electric or surge brakes, I am
leaning toward electric as I hear surge can over heat on long downhills.
Any feedback on any of this appreciated.
Mark Magee
90 Carat 73k mi's
Kemah TX USA
John 14:6