Date:         Tue, 26 Dec 2006 22:26:00 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: wiring a vanagon for towing
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Tow trucks do not need to fully light a towed vehicle as this is a short
distance, usually emergency tow. They also have warning lights on top of the
tow truck.

As a towed vehicle following a towing vehicle, it is by definition a
trailer. Therefore must conform to trailer lighting and braking laws. I am
on vacation, not home with references, but at 14+ feet in length, you have a
trailer that needs side markers, at least at the rear.

For a simple lighting hook up- 3 wires plus ground will get you tail lights
and markers, right and left turn signals, and except for being yellow, the
rear turn signals will act as brake lights. Roadmaster sells a low cost
controller that can be added to the towed vehicle. When both motor home turn
signals are on such for brake lights, the towed vehicle brake lights will
also be activated. I use this set up. As I also have a brake light installed
in the rear window, when the motor home brakes are activated, 5 lights in
the back of the bus turn on.

For a quick installation, the turn signal wires can be pick ep under the
steering column. The tail lights either near the switch or getting the wire
at the left front parking light is real easy. The brake lights if needed can
be had at the switches on the master cylinder.

Without using diodes are other isolating devices, you need to be careful not
to turn on the Vanagon lights, turn signals, brake lights, etc. while
connected to the motor home. The motor home electrics will have no problem
supporting the Vanagon. If both vehicles get the switches turned on at the
same time, then the lighting circuits can become battery charging circuits
and nasty things can happen.

Having the side and front markers working while towing will make the van
visible behind the motor home, especially during turns when needed.  Avoid
high level light bars on the roof rack. Gets attention. For markers OK, but
there are limits for stop and turn signals. Width should not exceed the
mirrors are as the law states, "federally required" safety equipment. This
is how RV manufacturers get away with awnings, (except in Canada). Yes, Some
RV manufacturers have gone back to ~100" wide motor homes so they can
install awnings for Canada. Does 2" matter?

I don't remember what motor home you have but make sure it is rated for the
task. Many, especially Fleetwood can not handle 5,000 pounds with out
flexing and twisting the rear frame extensions and pulling a 4 wheel vehicle
is much harder than a trailer. With 4 wheels on the ground, any side to side
motion means the front wheels have to be dragged. The RV damage is subtle
and often unnoticed at first. The first signs are the leaky roofs and loose
cabinets. My Tioga had the floor dropping just after the frame extensions.
And don't forget the brakes.

Dennis




>From: Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: wiring a vanagon for towing
>Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2006 18:30:01 -0800
>
>That's all tow trucks do when they pick up a rig.  They use magnetic mount
>units, which I believe you can purchase at Harbor Freight.
>
>On 12/26/06, Raymond Paquette <raymondpaquette@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>I don't HAVE to light the bulbs on the van?  It's legal to NOT light the
>>actual vehicle lights?  Can I just mount generic trailer lights to my rear
>>bumper, wire and go?  Just in back?
>>
>>
>Casey
>Olympia, WA
>Biodiesel: "I drive in a persistent vegetative state"
>'87 300TD intercooler/propane #22 0-60mph 7.3sec (220k)
>'84 300D (218k)
>Gashuffer:
>'89 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition (187K)
>http://users.zhonka.net/zeitgeist/Misc/IMG_0171.JPG

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