Date:         Thu, 8 Sep 2011 14:35:13 -0400
Reply-To:     Graham Janson <graham.janson@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Graham Janson <graham.janson@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Convert '85 Westy to trailer?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi folks

I've been mulling this idea over for a few weeks now, and wanted to throw it
out for opinions. The motivation for the question is that my new job will
see me out of the country for periods of six weeks to six months at a time
(generally closer to the latter).

I love my 1985 camper but leaving it sitting for months at a time doesn't
seem practical. Has anyone ever converted a Vanagon camper into a trailer?
Losing the self-propelled aspect would be a bummer, but I could still keep
my van and tow it behind my truck as a camping trailer.

Details-wise: I envisage removing engine, transmission, wheels, suspension,
steering etc., and welding on (or bolting on?) a trailer axle (or two?) in
the middle-ish. Using a long axle (i.e. with wheels outside the body rather
than recessed in wheel wells) would provide additional lateral stability and
allow the sliding door to open. Finally a tongue would be welded on.

Or should I just let it go?

Graham