Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:06:54 -0700
Reply-To: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Towing an Automatic Vanagon. Cutting the drive axles?
In-Reply-To: <596944.81697.qm@web38806.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
dear jeff and towers
when towing on a trailer
worry about proper tie downs ...
make sure they are chains that you can retighten easily
clamp the tightening mechanism so it will not spring open ...
talk to a professional car hauler to see how to tie down ...
or get VW tie down instructions
keep tires on the trailer and tow vehicle inflated to proper level for
towing
check tow vehicle fluid levels ...
make sure all lights on trailer are working 100%
if some one passes you honking ... they may be telling you you are an
a$$#ole -
or they may be telling you you are in trouble with your load ... pull over
immediately to see ...
*immediately - is not the next rest stop ...it is now
*Many highways in the states have a speed limit and right hand lane travel
only for vehicles with a trailer-
this is not only meant for semis ... any vehicle with a trailer is any
vehicle
Make sure trailer wheel bearings are greased and if required re grease
enroute depending on your particular circumstances
make sure trailer wheels lug nuts are secure and tight ...
when pulling a trailer as an anomaly in your life ...
mark the right hand side with a flag of some sort that will alert you the
trailer is there when you are turning right
many accidents are as a result of the driver not realizing at that moment
that he has an extra 25 or 30 feet to worry about in lane changes and right
turns
use a spotter on your left side each and every time you back up ... even two
feet ...
make sure the spotter and you agree on hand signals and what they mean
before you set out
make sure the spotter will tell you with load words or clear gestures to
stop *BEFORE *you strike something
and lastly ...
if something appears to be wrong with load or hitch or what ever as you are
traveling
stop and check it ... it will not fix it self
professional drivers check their vehicle all over at every stop to make sure
all is well
be careful - have a great trip
yours
**
On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 7:36 AM, Jeff Michal <jeffmichal@yahoo.com> wrote:
> 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
>
>
--
roger w
There are two kinds of jobs in the world:
Picking up garbage and telling people things.
Successful people do both, with the same good attitude. (riw)
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