Date:         Mon, 9 Mar 1998 21:59:12 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim DiGennaro <limbo@BCN.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Jim DiGennaro <limbo@BCN.NET>
Organization: LiMBO
Subject:      Re: Towing a pop top camper with a vanagon.
Comments: To: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>, SBate82659@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi Volks,
   I saw the post about towing. Well it just so happens I happen to have
a Apache Eagle myself. Very cool little camper. Lite too.  I've had no
problems pull it.  In fact one summer vacation about 2 years ago I
pulled the camper, full of gear for a week, 700 lbs worth of Dj
equipment, 6 people in my '82 Westy. From Adams,Mass to Poland Springs
Maine. 250 miles in 90 degree heat.  And thats when I was still using
the diesel exhaust system too. (about a 3rd less power than it does
now)  We did 60 -65 the whole way. Took about 5 hours.  No problems.
Now adays I use the wifes rabbit to tow a utility trail for the DJ
equipment on trips like that. I also tow the utility trailer with the
van. I've also tow'd beetles with my camper. I use it well. Hasn't
seemed to hurt it. The engine doesn't use oil or coolant.  Now, maybe my
bus is an exception because of the rabbit motor, but I've tow'd other
buses with my old  83.5 waterboxer camper.  Gordi Davis of 4 ever 4
tow'd my current camper with his 84 vanagon from Bingamton,NY through
the Catskills and Hoosatonic mountains, never missed a beat. I live in a
valley and to go east or west I need to climb a couple of fair sized
mountains to go anywhere.  Its always been a good sign if the bus makes
it over either hill without any trouble. From there I can pretty much be
sure I can make it where I'm going. IMHO its a safe bet that a vanagon
can pull a camper up to 1500 lb's without killing itself. Thats provided
you have kept the van in proper shape and you don't try to do 75 or
80.   Take care.
--

                          -Jim DiGennaro
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