Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 22:00:54 -0700
Reply-To: Mike Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: a vanagon trailer??
In-Reply-To: <4d1b79350808072031j322cbbdp9e19b8d882134988@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Handy tip -- I'm an unskilled trailer backer-upper so I'll try it on my
journey north. With this method do you prefer to look over your shoulder
or in the rear view mirror?
--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
On 8/7/2008 8:31 PM Jim Felder wrote:
> Felder's tips for trailer backing:
> When you go to back a trailer, grab the steering wheel by the bottom, not
> the top. Whichever way you want the trailer to go, turn the wheel that
> direction.
>
> Jim
>
> 2008/8/7 Cullen Stewart <cullberly@vermontel.net>
>
>> I am selling my Mazda pick up and plan on getting a 4X6 utility trailer to
>> tow behind my van and my fox. It just makes more sense. less maintenance,
>> less fuel, less insurance.
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Chris S" <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 10:28 PM
>> Subject: Re: a vanagon trailer??
>>
>>
>> Whether it's a Westfalia, an SUV, or a small car, removing weight off the
>>> vehicle, maintaining a lower center of gravity and reducing aerodynamic
>>> drag
>>> as compared to a car-top carrier, or a full trunk, are all big pluses of a
>>> small trailer. The downside is parking and backing up, with backing up
>>> being the most problematic for inexperienced drivers. I refer to my
>>> trailer
>>> as a "tow-behind trunk". It means that my Westy can remain uncluttered by
>>> luggage and my New Beetle TDI is suddenly sufficient for trips. It also
>>> means that I can do without a truck for hauling miscellaneous home
>>> improvement supplies. It's no wonder small trailers have been so popular
>>> in
>>> Europe.
>>>
>>> 2008/8/7 Tom Buese <tombuese@comcast.net>
>>>
>>> Here's a pretty cool trailer link:
>>>> http://www.sylvansport.com/it.html
>>>>
>>>> Coincidentally, There is an article in my local paper today about the
>>>> National Outdoor Retailers Trade Show in town & the new trailers out
>>>> there
>>>> for folks w/ lots of gear, etc. & how to save $$ on gas, etc. w/ a
>>>> trailer
>>>> instead of roof top racks:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10121741?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com
>>>>
>>>> YMMV,
>>>>
>>>> Mr. BZ-have trailer will haul
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Aug 6, 2008, at 6:56 PM, Chris S wrote:
>>>>
>>>> The chassis is a kit from Harbor Freight:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42708
>>>>
>>>> I bought it on sale for $120, but that was in 2001. I initially used it
>>>> to
>>>> haul a car-top carrier.
>>>>
>>>> I had the remainder of the frame welded by a friend to my specs in 2004.
>>>> They did an outstanding job! The top section is a box with a hinged lid
>>>> that bolts on to the original frame. I did this so I could remove it
>>>> incase
>>>> the chassis was damaged. I used birch plywood for the sides and the lid
>>>> which took a lot of labor to sand and coat with several layers of
>>>> Helmsman's
>>>> "marine" finish. I think I worked 30 hours over 2.5 days to get it done
>>>> before a planned trip. The finish proved nearly worthless as it did not
>>>> stand up to weather the way the can says it should. I plan on installing
>>>> marine plywood in it this winter.
>>>>
>>>> I'll dig up some construction pics this weekend.
>>>>
>>>> Chris.
>>>>
>>>> 2008/8/6 Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com>
>>>>
>>>> Chris,
>>>>
>>>> I echo Pete's question here. Was this trailer part of a kit you found and
>>>> if so any chance you might point someone towards where you found that
>>>> kit?
>>>>
>>>> That trailer looks about perfect. Pete - it reminds me os Olsen's
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Jeff
>>>> '90 Carat (Grover)
>>>> '86 (We call this one Parts)
>>>> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Chris S.
>>>> "Jeszcze Polska Nie Zginęła"
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> --
>>> Chris S.
>>> "Jeszcze Polska Nie Zginęła"
>>>
>>>
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