Date: Tue, 6 Jul 1999 23:10:22 -0500
Reply-To: Budd Premack <bpremack@WAVETECH.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Budd Premack <bpremack@WAVETECH.NET>
Subject: Re: Towing a Vanagon
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
First, let us assume that you do not have a Syncro. If you do, remove the
center driveshaft prior to any lengthy or fast towing.
Your 91 should have the fiberglass bumper covers. Remove these by taking
out a few simple bolts (hidden under some plastic caps, if I remember
correctly). You will then see a mammoth closed box frame steel member which
is the real front bumper. (This bumper is the same for all Vanagons,
regardless of the outer bumper or year.)
It conveniently has 2 sets of holes about 2/3 of the way out from the
center, one set on each side. The holes are about 2 1/2 inches apart. If
you get the right size u-bolt and run it through each set of holes, you can
then attach a tow bar to the u-bolts. Be sure to use hardware adequately
sized for the job.
I have towed this way several times, with the caveat that the tow bar I
bought from U-Haul didn't open wide enough to reach the u-bolts. You can
then either modify the tow bar so that it opens wider, or else (much harder)
fabricate a flat steel bar with 2 sets of holes so that the u-bolts fit into
the outer holes and the tow bar fits into the inner holes. I chose the
steel bar route, but I would suggest the tow bar modification as a much
easier technique.
Once you have worked out the tow bar arrangement, you are almost ready to
go. Get a set of trailer lights (about $ 20 from U-Haul) and wire them up
to a standard trailer light plug.
If you don't want to use a tow bar, you can use a 2 wheel tow dolly, which
you can rent. The only problem with that is cost and the extra weight.
It is important that the towing vehicle be heavier than the towed vehicle.
If not, you will develop a bad case of rear end sway at highway speed.
(BTDT) Remember that even if you have enough power and weight to tow
adequately, your brakes will be way undersized, so drive defensively.
If you use a tow bar, please remember to put the key in the ignition of your
towed van and turn it just enough to unlock the steering wheel. If you
forget this, it creates an interesting set of skid marks as you drag the
front wheels through all of your turns. It is also prudent to remove the
keys when you leave the van (such as at a gas station or other stop).
Otherwise anyone can drive off in your van by simply loosening a few bolts.
You can then tow any distance you wish. I have towed a 91 Carat for 1500
miles (using a GMC pick up as the tow vehicle), and a 84 GL parts van 1000
miles behind my 86 Syncro. Both tows went quite uneventfully.
Good luck.
Budd Premack
86 Syncro, 73 Super
Minneapolis, MN (Land of Sky Blue Waters)