Date:         Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:05:53 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tow Loops
Comments: To: "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\"" <camping.elliott@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <4C4CDFEF.4040907@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I bought a d-ring to install for a kayak tie-down on the driver's
side. I've used rope through the holes down there when carrying two
boats but that really isn't a good idea as the metal would eventually
slice a rope. I didn't install the D-ring because when I actually got
underneath and looked, there is no way it will work out in that flat
panel under the car without some part of the body or another cutting
the tie-down. BUT it would be a great place to reinforce with quarter
inch plate and weld a nice fat D-ring to for extraction.

It may not need quarter inch plate but it will need something. I got
towed once and noticed recently that the tow hooks tore a big gash in
that metal in the corner.

The body configuration would chafe at a woven strap tied to the roof
anyway you look at it. But a cable or chain for extraction or towing
wouldn't be a problem if reinforced properly.

Jim

On Sun, Jul 25, 2010 at 8:07 PM, Mike "Rocket J Squirrel"
<camping.elliott@gmail.com> wrote:
> Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
>>
>> Hi ..
>> that one small loop in the front is all you get ..
>> for emergency use, like pulling the van out of a ditch or whatever.
>> That look never has looked that strong to me , but I've never seen a
>> broken one either.
>>
>> I'd say fine for pulling the van on the level ..
>> but not for super serious major pulling...like if van is stuck in mud up
>> to the middle of the wheels..
>> and you attach some monster 4WD pick-up to it ....
>> not strong enough for that use.
>>
>> there are two in the rear of course, on each bumper bracket.
>> those are pretty strong , especially when used together.
>
> Male Pattern Blindness? I see no loops in the rear.
>
> --
> Rocky J Squirrel
> 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> 74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
> Bend, OR
> KG6RCR
>