Date:         Mon, 12 Jan 2004 09:37:35 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: 88 WBX Towing Questions
Comments: To: "Warren.K.Lail-1" <wlail@OU.EDU>

Warren,

You didn't say whether it's a 4 speed or automatic.

If it's an automatic you can only tow it (with back wheels on the
ground) for a maximum of 30 miles at a speed of no more than 30 mph.
Otherwise you'll toast the transmission.  Of course, uncoupling the
axles at the final drive would get around that problem.

If you use a dolly and tow it with the front wheels on the ground, you
need to use an external steering lock of some sort .... and make SURE
that the onboard steering lock at the steering column is unlocked.

A trailer that gets all four off the ground works well .... costs more
if you're renting, and may be at the outer edge of the envelope for a
less than stellar hitch and tow vehicle.  I towed one on a trailer from
Texas to Maine once .... but that was behind a 24 foot renta-a-truck.

Mike
Houlton, Maine
'84 GL 7 pass automatic
'85 GL Westy 4 speed



> I have an 88 Westy broken down near Nashville, Tennessee, and I live
in Norman, Oklahoma (just south of Oklahoma City).  I need to tow it to
Oklahoma, but the only tow vehicle I have access to is a 98 Toyota
4-Runner with a 5,000lb hitch.  Will a tow-dolly work, or will I need a
trailer, and will that even work?  I need to get my Westy home.
>
> If I put it on a tow-dolly, do I need to pull it forward or backward,
and if forward, do I need to disconnect the axles?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Warren
> 88 Westy