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Date:         Fri, 8 Aug 2008 16:48:43 -0400
Reply-To:     Cullen Stewart <cullberly@VERMONTEL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Cullen Stewart <cullberly@VERMONTEL.NET>
Subject:      Re: a vanagon trailer??
Comments: To: Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="ISO-8859-2";
              reply-type=original

Unfortunately the little trailers that we van owners use are generally short and narrow. This means they are hard to see and jack-knife quickly. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris S" <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Friday, August 08, 2008 9:04 AM Subject: Re: a vanagon trailer??

>I attach a tall bicycle flag to the rear center of the trailer so I can > locate it easily when backing. This works well and allows you to > practice. > > The few times I got into trouble and just didn't feel like manouvering I > simply lifted the loaded trailer enough to drag it around in the desired > direction. > > 07-08-08, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> napisał(a): >> >> there is a seldom seen 'no sweat back up trailer' arrangement. >> >> The trailer has a single, center-mounted, castoring wheel. >> The 'hitch' connects to the back of the tow vehicle at two braodly spaced >> points....... >> which only provide up-down pivoting. >> this ar up just backs up .........like a regular car even. >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris S" <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM> >> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> >> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:28 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" >>> >>> >> > > > -- > Chris S. > "Jeszcze Polska Nie Zginęła" >


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