Date:         Sun, 28 Feb 1999 11:11:18 -0600
Reply-To:     Blue Eyes <lvlearn@MCI2000.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Blue Eyes <lvlearn@MCI2000.COM>
Organization: Vexation Computer
Subject:      Trailer wiring, and Kar Kaddy use with Vanagons
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I recently bought a Demco Kar Kaddy with which I'm about to go cross country to
move two Vanagons I recently bought.  I'll be using my diesel pickup truck
which I've used to tow trailers and to tow other vehicles using a tow bar.  But
this used Kar Kaddy which I got from a used car lot had it's wiring torn and
the electrical connector was gone.  So I was facing much the same decision
Jason is facing, even though mine didn't involve a Vanagon's wiring.

I went to a Walmart automotive department and was surprised at the wealth of
connection kit options, and the variety of connector plugs.  I wanted to have
as close to a universal standard as I could find.  So I contacted a couple
rental businesses and asked what they suggested.  I was told that the old flat
four lead connector is the best choice.  It has a standard color code for all
vehicles and plug locations, so if you install one following the kit's
instructions, it will automatically interface with any others complying with
this standard.  Adapter plugs that interface this standard to other
configurations may be purchased, so it's something of a "common denominator."
It has a ground lead, a running tail lamp lead (low wattage filaments), and one
for each turn signal/brake (high wattage filament).  Some specialty kits they
sold ran up to $19.95, but this kit only ran $3.95.  It included both plugs
with long wires for the tow vehicle side and short ones for the trailer, and 4
of the vexing "Scotch Lock" wire connectors.

With this posting, I'm unsubscribing from both Vanagon Lists.  I'm leaving
today for the east coast with the articulated steering Demco Kar Kaddy towed by
my 58 hp. diesel pickup.  I called Demco which sells these units by the
thousands to rental franchise chains, independents, auto dealers, RV owners,
and indirectly to at least one Vanagon nut case.   My initial trial runs towing
it at 70 mph empty revealed that it tended to "hunt" side to side so I
suspected a wheel alignment problem.  Joe from Demco explained the simple
alignment procedure of loosening the steering locking pin bracket and spinning
the horizontal bar on the tie rod threads.  They have this designed like a turn
buckle so spinning it either pushes or pulls each side.  I was instructed to
set the toe in to 1/8 to 1/16 th of an inch.  No more "hunting."  If you ever
borrow or rent one, I can  tell you that it's very possible for someone to have
spun this bar 360 degrees or some multiple of 360 so the wheels will not be
aimed in agreement.  Mine was received that way.

Another topic this list has discussed is towing vehicles backwards.  I asked
Joe, who seemed to be in management, about this.  He said their brochure
instructions specifically suggest NOT towing vehicles that way, but their
reason for doing so was because they had learned early on that these tow
dollies are often used to pick up autos that have just been in front end
accidents.  In those cases, if the front suspension is damaged, the towed
vehicle may be unstable.  I told him I planned to tow a couple VW Vanagon vans
with rear wheel drive and automatics, but only had engine problems.  He said
towing those backward would work just fine, and people have done it for years.
He said they prefer to have people call them there about towing vehicles
backward rather than assume they will get the message that backward towing is
all right ONLY if the front suspension is normally aligned and safe to drive
forward.  He said not to trust the anti-theft steering lock but rather use a
strap like the seat belt to secure the steering wheel straight.

Another issue others might consider is Kar Kaddy licensing.  I could not get a
title for this as the selling company in Nebraska did not have one and told me
they were not required to have a license plate for tow dollies in that state.
They owned 3 of these dollies and decided that since I wanted to buy one, 2
would be enough for their use.  I took my bill of sale to the department of
motor vehicle licensing counter in the state where I have my northern home
base, and asked to buy a license plate for it.  They looked at the bill of sale
and said roughly, "Oh, this is just a car tow dolly.  There's no title issued
with them and there's no VIN and there's no license plate for them.  We won't
issue one to you and you don't need one."  I asked if I could get a written
statement from them to take along with me to show to any law officer who might
stop me as I planned to drive through many states with it.  She said, "No."
Grrrrrrrr.   She did say that if I wanted to apply for a title on it I could
and maybe I could start paying for license plates on it if that would please
me.  I thanked her and left.  Outside, as I was leaving, a highway patrol
officer saw me and obviously assessed my road appearance, which was tidy and
clean.  He actually waved a friendly smile.  The towed vehicle is supposed to
have a plate.  An empty dolly is apparently a phantom!

Well, Washington DC, southern New Jersey, Georgia, Maryland, and maybe
California, here I come.  What do you want to bet that I get over 35 mpg towing
empty and over 25 mpg towing Vanagon?  I'll let you know later in the show.
I wish the best to you all.
Be well and live in grace,
John