Dingy Towing a Vanagon?

Randy Repass · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:10 pm Post subject:

I left Memphis yesterday having hooked up my 81 westy to my mom's highlander on lens for the job.

I bought a towbar at harbor freight Sunday on the way down for $79.99 -20% with a coupon I showed them on my phone I got off retailmenot.com.

I'm about to hit Erie, PA & hope to bein Vt tonight.

Go for it!

danfromsyr · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:13 pm Post subject:

if you'd be so kind, offer us an image of the hookup as you made it to the vanagon.

and best whishes.

Dan in NY
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Randy Repass · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:14 pm Post subject:

Btw: a previous owner had attached a plate for this purpose onto the frame behind the front bumper. They had also conveniently rigged up a tow light system that I was able to hook to at the front with lights built into bumper. What luck!

Randy Repass · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:18 pm Post subject:

Will do Dan! I'll be passing thru your town it looks like!

Wonder if you could help with a few bits. Heater boxes/dual carbs or a FI computer-advice on best of those two.

BillWYellowstone · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:02 pm Post subject:

Depending on where you tow, some sort of braking may be required by law. Brake Buddy is one brand that is easy to use. When I get set back up after the fuel pumo is installed in my motorhome (sheesh), I'll snap a shot.

The welded brackets you have above are likely some sort of tow, but never saw one like this. All my gear is on front. Tow bar stans attached to towing vehicle via the 2" receiver. The arms pin to the towed vehicle.
_________________
Live Fulltime in motorhome
Have 86 Westy Camper 2.1 rebuilt
Work in Yellowstone NP year round.

Randy Repass · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 2:02 pm Post subject:

DAIZEE · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 2:07 pm Post subject:

hot looking van. And you are going to take it to Europe? Just asking why take a sandwich to a banquet? Will you bring it back?

I just have to say it: Everytime I see this thread title I get a vision of a sailing dinghy towing a Vanagon, everytime! Embarassed

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'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

danfromsyr · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 4:32 pm Post subject:

SO it's had a towbar on it at one time already, interesting.
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BillWYellowstone · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 6:38 pm Post subject:

Dinghy towing is one term, another term is a Toad, or Towed.

Repass, I would take another look at the photo, one bolt does not appear to be tightened all the way.

You are also pretty confident in a chinese tow setup. Hope it is better built than my vise grips I bought!

Of course for just one trip, maybe not so bad.
_________________
Live Fulltime in motorhome
Have 86 Westy Camper 2.1 rebuilt
Work in Yellowstone NP year round.

Randy Repass · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:12 am Post subject:

BillWYellowstone · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 9:35 pm Post subject:

Back in VT?

Today I actually towed my Westy the first time any distance, Idaho Falls to Ogden, UT, about 180 miles. Towed perfect. Overnighting here at Willard Bay SP. Tomorrow head towards Moab.

I'll take some pictures in the morning to post later of the setup.
_________________
Live Fulltime in motorhome
Have 86 Westy Camper 2.1 rebuilt
Work in Yellowstone NP year round.

BillWYellowstone · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:36 am Post subject:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Tow Bar, Blue Ox

Braking setup. Has compressor, uses inertia to activate, presses the brake pedal. Not shown hooked up, but switch on front of van with pull out pin attached viia cable to towing vehicle, switch activates braking to stop.

In position ready to go.

Unfortunately, it was at this point we discovered that the fuel pump in the motorhome went kaput. Enought to start and idle and move around, not enough to drive anywhere, so... as you can see, we got towed. 120 miles to a place that could fix it. 80 gallon, almost full tank had to be lowered. Part ordered, but they looked at it Tues AM, I drove away Weds 2:30PM.
_________________
Live Fulltime in motorhome
Have 86 Westy Camper 2.1 rebuilt
Work in Yellowstone NP year round.


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