Date:         Thu, 8 Sep 2011 22:12:01 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Convert '85 Westy to trailer?
Comments: To: Graham Janson <graham.janson@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CACWn1ZEnyO_+o1Wh7XVjOY63R5B_7fzZxn38=MdZDGvDKV7DgQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I find that a pretty disturbing concept - hacking up  a good and
precious vehicle -one that is very much sought after. These are precious
machines and are gradually disappearing. There will never be any other
quite like them, especially at the price. From a practical standpoint,
you would be ahead of the game to sell it, and buy yourself a trailer
designed for the travel. Let  someone else have the Westy to enjoy, and
rain TLC on. They will thank you for it - and the rest of Vanagon
society will bless you for it as well.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com


On 9/8/2011 1:35 PM, Graham Janson wrote:
> 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
>
>