TheSamba.com :: View topic - HELP - Can i tow a 6x12 2000lbs trailer with my 74' Westy ?

Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:42 am

Hi,
I can get a killer deal on a 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer that weight about 1100 pounds + let's say 900 pounds of goods i plan to haul.

This trailer have brakes obviously...

My Question - can i tow this trailer with my 74 bus which as been fitted with a Raby Aircolled Camper special engine (110hp / 90 torque)

I have a class 2 hitch so this is not an issue.

???

Let me know asap please : jason_pelletier@steris.com

Thanks, JAson :)

Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:48 am

I'd think your first email should have been to Jake to get his opinion on it. I don't think anyone's opinion but his matters on this one.

Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:49 am

I would say 1 way home, empty, across town even ok.
but regularly as a cargo trailer where ever your needs may take you.
nope.

but it's your bus and your motor/brakes/safety.. well it's other motorists safety as well.

Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:10 am

VDubTech wrote: I'd think your first email should have been to Jake to get his opinion on it. I don't think anyone's opinion but his matters on this one.

Yeah, i do emailed Jake but he's not available right now. By his automated reply, i do beleive he have much more serious things to do right now...Wishing the best for him as always.

Bye, Jay

Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:39 am

I would pass on the trailer since it is over 1000 pounds loaded.

I would think the hitch would not be up to snuff either.

Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:40 am

The tongue weight is most important. As long as you keep the load spread out in the trailer you'll be fine. I wouldn't carry a bus load of people ant then a ton behind it. I had a buddy with a type 1 powered bus that pulled a simular sized trailer packed with band gear (drum kit, amps, p/a's and numerous gig boxes) but all in all that was probobly more like 400-500lbs. His bus pulled it but was pretty slow in getting there. 55mph and less would be a given when towing anything with a bus.

Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:41 am

in the 1980's we pulled a 2,000 pound boat and trailer from LA to Lake Havasu City roundtrip 3 or 4 times (about 200 miles each way mostly flat with a few mild grades) with a stock 1971 type 1 deluxe and a custom hitch that bolted to the frame, 2 people in the car. It is slow, like 3rd with even the slightest grade, not to mention hard on trans, cv-joints and engine but it can be done. Would I do it again? No. But in those days I couldn't afford a second car and parts were cheap and readially available everywhere. we also used to pull a small coleman trailer from LA to Yosemite every year with 3 adults and 2 children in the bus. It weighed about 500 pounds maybe and was only a minor drain on resources but you knew it was there.

Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:04 pm

I do plan to run 15 000 miles within a year with this setup...

East coest to west Coast, then BC, Canada to Southern CA, then up notrh to AK, then back to east coast.

I guess i'n NOT good to go ?

Anyone can say i'm able to do it ?

I do run the Camper Special engine with a 002 (short gear) tranny

Let me know.

Else i'll home-made a 5x9 trailer, that would be a bit lighter.

Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:47 pm

Jake says to keep it under 1000 pounds.

Mine does all right with my CS, but it does put a drag on the bus & engine....

I would not drive it 15,000 miles.