Date:         Fri, 18 Feb 2005 22:36:37 -0500
Reply-To:     Jonathan Farrugia <jfarrugi@UMICH.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jonathan Farrugia <jfarrugi@UMICH.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Flat 4 towing 85 GL
Comments: To: jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
In-Reply-To:  <BE3BF81B.864D%camper@tactical-bus.info>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

I have seen a couple tow bars made for vanagons that involve removing the
front chrome bumper.  A plate with bolts into the bumper bolt holes and
the plate hooked up under to the backside of the bumper.  Quarter inch
plate.

Any body familiar with the infamous ken morgan?  He had a similar tow bar
for his towing of vanagons around behind a chevy van.
---------------------------

i made a similar tow bar set up to pull a stripped 85 to the crusher.  i
drilled some 1/2" holes through the beam that is behind the bumper.  then
i used 1/2" high grade bolts to attach my tow bar hook up points to the
beam.  i used some small 1/4" back up plates behind the nuts.  the sheet
metal is very thin back there not thick like it is for the bumper beam.  i
towed the van about 4 miles and from that i would not suggest towing with
that kind of set up.  when i took my system off at the yard i could see
where the plates were starting to deform the sheet metal.  i will
eventually design a better mounting system that bolts to the "frame rails"
but, i haven't gotten that far yet.

jonathan