Date:         Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:36:07 -0700
Reply-To:     Jeff Michal <jeffmichal@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Michal <jeffmichal@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Towing an Automatic Vanagon. Cutting the drive axles?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I'm about to have to tow my 90gl from DC to Texas.  I was going to pull it behind the rental truck with all 4 wheels on a trailer.  Do I need to worry about anything?
Jeff
90GL



----- Original Message ----
From: "Jim @ work" <jrasite@EONI.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 10:04:37 AM
Subject: Re: Towing an Automatic Vanagon. Cutting the drive axles?

You obviously have only three choices:

1.) remove the half shafts and dolly it.
2.) rent a trailer (will require a "real" truck) and trailer it all four
wheels off the ground. (Number 1 above really ought to include a "real"
truck as well. You're moving about 4500 lbs.  I would want something with
equal or better weight to tow with.)
3.) hire it done.

Well, maybe a fourth choice...

4.) go to where van is and remove what you want.  Call local boneyard to
come pick up the remains.

Having put my Westy on its roof trying to save a few bucks, I would strongly
recommend options 2, 3, or 4.
My effort to "save a few bucks" has thus far cost me:
$300 to put the Westy back on its wheels and drag it 8 miles home.
$300 for a replacement top.
$500 to the metal bender to put the tailgate hole back to square.
$150 for a different tailgate.

Still to come:
paint. driver's door.

Calling a hook would have been a bargain.

Jim