Date:         Tue, 22 Aug 2006 11:19:35 -0400
Reply-To:     "Warner, Jeffrey (Jeff) S (J6C)" <Jeff.Warner@DLA.MIL>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Warner, Jeffrey (Jeff) S (J6C)" <Jeff.Warner@DLA.MIL>
Subject:      Small Trailer Solution
In-Reply-To:  <COL1SMX14vNLepTyaGW00004839@COL1SMX14.USE.AD.DLA.MIL>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Volks,

Since there had been a fair amount of talk lately regarding trailers,
wiring and hitches, I thought I would share my solution.  I needed a
small trailer to take our dirt bikes out to the national forest where we
can camp for free at the trail heads.  Here's what I ended up with:

VW factory aftermarket hitch - Bought it several years ago on ebay.
Bolts up between the two bumper supports.  Requires a notch be cut out
of the bottom of the bumper which it just so happens had already been
done to my replacement bumper.  First two bolt holes are already in the
bumper supports.  Two additional holes need to be drilled for the back
two bolts.  Maximum capacity 1500 pounds.  New 1 7/8" ball.  Very nice
neat install. 

Harbor Freight 4'X 8' fold-up and tilting trailer, #90154 - Purchased on
sale for $239.  Even though it wasn't on sale at our local store, they
price matched their internet price.  Comes complete with everything but
the tags and the plywood decking.  The folding feature is very nice
(although you have to get underneath it and remove 4 bolts to facilitate
the folding) and the construction seems quite sound.  This model has 12"
tires.  There are several different models/sizes to choose from.  Took
the better part of a day to build.  The tilting feature is great for
loading the bikes.  Capacity is 1175 pounds and it weighs 287 pounds.

(http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90154)

Hopkins Towing Solutions 4 wire flat #48215 - Purchased at Autozone for
around $6.  This is the 4 wire harness required for the van to connect
to the trailer.  I ran it through the license plate door behind the
coolant jugs over to the left taillight area.  When not in use it
stashes nicely behind the license plate.

Hopkins Towing Solutions Taillight Converter #48845 - Purchased at
Autozone for around $10.  This provides the conversion from a split turn
signal/brake light system like on our vans to a shared 4 wire system
like the trailer has.  Mounted the converter on the metal flange behind
the taillight and did all the wiring at that location.  On my '86 Westy,
the right turn signal wire was green with a black stripe and is
accessible behind the left taillight.  I used wire taps for all the van
harness connections and butt connectors for the converter to 4-wire
connector connections.  Used shrink tubing and electrical tape to cover
everything back up as appropriate.  This converter requires no
additional 12v connections.  It has 5 connections going in for Ground,
Brake, Taillights, Left turn and Right Turn and the 4 common 4-wire
leads going out for Ground, Taillights, Left Turn/Brake, Right
turn/Brake.  Works just fine.  Lights are nice and bright.

With the bikes loaded the total trailer weight is a little under 700
pounds.  The balance worked out so nice that I can easily move the
trailer around with one hand even up the slight grade of my driveway.
As for on the road performance, it was much better that I could have
hoped for.  I took it down the road to where there is a somewhat steep
long hill.  From a dead stop at the bottom of the hill I had no issues
at all.  I could hardly even tell it was back there.  I was even able to
downshift with effect (automatic).  Overall, I couldn't be more pleased.
Now to plan for that camping/trail riding weekend.

(http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/CentralOhioWesties/photos/view/a
82b?b=3)

Hope this helps somebody.

Jeff Warner
Galloway, OH
'86 Wolfy Westy "Barry"
'89 Cabby "Snowflake"