Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:56:05 -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: <741232.82917.qm@web38804.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
dear jeff
the ratchet type are certainly more than fine if the load rating for strap
and ratchet is 4 times the load
4 times over expected stress/tension/compression is a rating commonly used
for temporary stuff in the construction industry ...
the real important thing is to use equipment designed for the job ...
and the job in this case is holding down a heavy vehicle over the rigors of
a long journey ...
regarding markers and to be clear ... aside from having read lights working
100% to alert those behind you of your intentions ...
the other two hang up spots for the operator are front right corner of
trailer - (caused by short turns)
so have some sort of way of seeing exactly where this corner is when turning
right (a small flagged buggy whip like old folks motor scooter or off road
buggy has )
http://www.vwparts.net/BP3540.html?zmam=2626912+zmas=4+zmac=25+zmap=BP3540
one on the front right and one on the back right
it certainly doesnt need to be this elaborate but some sort of similar
application created that can stand the wind of highway travel
the other odd place where stuff unexpectedly happens is at the right hand
wheel well
the wheels get caught on highway appliance islands ... so do fenders ...
and worse than one can imagine ...
motorists behind you try to sneak by to get the right turn in ahead of you
even though you are clearly signaling a right turn...
they try to utilize the space you created for your self by leaving the right
open for a wide right turn ...
have your right hand mirror adjusted so that you an view the length of your
load in one glance to see if there are any wierdos in the way
and one other place that gets a little weird is the left turn in front of
traffic racing to turn left ...
they pull out past the stop line and when you go to turn left they have
their nose out in your turning radius ...
jeff you have lots to watch out for but if you are careful,
vigilant-professional you should have certain success
yours
On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 9:33 AM, Jeff Michal <jeffmichal@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Thanks for the tips Roger. I've got a truck and trailer reserved from
> Penske.
>
> The truck is 22', with the van behind I know I'm going to be pretty big on
> the road.
>
> I'm definately going to take your advice with those markers for the rear
> end. I was thinking to get those reflective driveway markers you find at
> hardware stores and fixing them on the rear end of the trailer so they stick
> out to the sides.
>
> I'll have to see what Penske provides for tiedowns, and from what I have
> seen of their business I am expecting they will be more than adequate. If
> they are not acceptable, where can I get something better? By your advice I
> assume that the wide straps with ratcheting clamps I see are no good?
>
> I'll be going south on I81 to I75, which is pretty steep and there are
> those right hand lanes you wrote about. I've never driven a truck this
> large with a trailer. Is there anything I should look out for beyond making
> sure to stay right whenever possible? I am particularly concerned with I75
> going into Chatanooga, which is incredibly steep and there is often serious
> traffic there.
>
> I'm planning on taking my time covering the 1400 miles I've got in front of
> me.
>
> Thanks again for your advice.
>
> Jeff
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@gmail.com>
> To: Jeff Michal <jeffmichal@yahoo.com>
> Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 11:06:54 AM
> Subject: Re: Towing an Automatic Vanagon. Cutting the drive axles?
>
> 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)
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> View the growing list of video work at:
> http://revver.com/find/video/?query=LastonLastof&search_on=owners
> and ... older work at
> http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7135104650374818257
> http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3259745150182742364
>
--
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)
-----------------------------------------------------------
View the growing list of video work at:
http://revver.com/find/video/?query=LastonLastof&search_on=owners
and ... older work at
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7135104650374818257
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3259745150182742364
