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DAIZEE Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010 Posts: 7552 Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 7:26 am Post subject: Back End Baskets vs Roof Top Carriers vs Utility Trailers |
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I'm looking for comparison here. Ultimately I need to make the decision. Top Rack hard for me to handle up and down items., have trailer hitch but I'm starting to think that towing may not be good for me. On my 4000 mile trip I saw lots of back end platforms. I like them but my present trailer hitch set up can not be altered to a square female which the platforms need.
Neeed to hear some talk on the subject which will ultimately perhaps help me make my decision.
I sorta like the platform. One would just have to remember that the back end is farther than you think it is.
I'd like something to carry my electric bike (heavy) BBQ, hoses, etc.....
Come on fellows/gals give me your experiences and/or opinions/suggestions. _________________ '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) |
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j8 Samba Member

Joined: August 13, 2003 Posts: 575 Location: Minneapolis, MN
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 7:52 am Post subject: |
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Hmmm. How much weight are you really talking about with the bike/bbq? The Vanagon backend is pretty heavy with the engine, and the hitch - even the ones that are bolted in deep, not just on the loops - can't hack too much weight. For cargo platform you'd want something stable that could handle that pressure. Even if it does, you'll experience different handling for better or worse. Have you seen the Gary Lee racks? Depending on your needs (the electric bike - is it a pedal bike w/elec or more like a scooter?) you might be able to run with one of these.
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/vanagonrack.htm
Some folks seem to love their trailers, I (personally) love not having one in tow. We don't carry much, so I'm of little real help. Sorry  _________________ Julia
'89 2WD Westy (No end to names...) |
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DAIZEE Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010 Posts: 7552 Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 7:58 am Post subject: |
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that helps. I'm looking for opinions and advice.. I'm in a steep learning curve. Its an electric bike with a heavy long battery. Did not get the scooter (even tho I liked it) because it is too bulky and hard to store and carry. Will look at your link.
I'm wondering if adding a bar up to the front end underneath is feasible and if would give more even distribution and safety factor. _________________ '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) |
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RCB Samba Member
Joined: September 05, 2005 Posts: 4143 Location: San Francisco-Bay Area
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:03 am Post subject: |
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Simba'sWestyWings wrote: |
that helps. I'm looking for opinions and advice.. I'm in a steep learning curve. Its an electric bike with a heavy long battery. Did not get the scooter (even tho I liked it) because it is too bulky and hard to store and carry. Will look at your link.
I'm wondering if adding a bar up to the front end underneath is feasible and if would give more even distribution and safety factor. |
I think that adding a bar to the Westy is a fine idea, but stock it with pints to cut down on the overall weight of the Van.  |
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j8 Samba Member

Joined: August 13, 2003 Posts: 575 Location: Minneapolis, MN
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:05 am Post subject: |
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Hope you get some better info. Some folks love the storage boxes on the top.
Gary's got a front mount/carrier for bikes, that might be a good deal to balance out. I don't have his stuff, but everyone who buys from him raves FWIW. Those electric bikes are pretty nifty!
Out of curiosity, have you checked out RoadHaus?http://www.roadhaus.com/ Larry decked his Westy in ways that might interest you. _________________ Julia
'89 2WD Westy (No end to names...) |
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Timwhy Samba Member

Joined: January 01, 2009 Posts: 4085 Location: Maine
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:13 am Post subject: |
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I have a reese trailer hitch and a 6" raiser for my hitch haul. The thing works as promised but I don't load it down with heavy stuff. Just my general camping gear, the usual stuff firewood, grill, tote of camping crap. You get the picture. The Hitch Haul does come in different sizes and I've seen the cargo box on a reese hitch but that was expensive.
The 6" raiser was so the hitch haul won't drag on the ground going up slight inclines. If you are going to a reese hitch there's over $200+ and the hitch haul maybe close to another $100, a raiser can be alot too. I bought mine from an ebayer for $30, cheap in my mind when I was quoted $100 for new?
_________________ '15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary
http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee |
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DAIZEE Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010 Posts: 7552 Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:46 am Post subject: |
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I'm thinking a platform that is really close to the back. When I did my 4000 mile break down cruise I had way too much on the inside floor of my van and I just don't want that any more. I want to be able to walk around and I have a little 10 lb dog and she needs space also.
I would think that the further a platform with only one point was from the van the more difficult it would be and increase the load. Close to the van I'd think is more solid and safer for me to drive I think but I don't really know.
I'm asking for everyone to input. I don't have to do this right away but I'd like to learn about my options. _________________ '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) |
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Emeritusx Samba Member

Joined: June 20, 2008 Posts: 2775 Location: 12 inches behind the wheel
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:55 am Post subject: |
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I prefer a small trailer. You can take 'em off once you get to your destination, be it a campground or show or whatever. Lower to the ground, easy to load. There are some pretty light small utility trailers out there. Almost feel like they are not there. _________________ 82 Westy ☢, 66 Splitty ☮, 73 Type 181 ✠ |
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J Charlton  Samba Member

Joined: August 24, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: The True North Strong and Free
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:04 am Post subject: extra space |
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I'm thinking that a custom bumper with a couple of 2" receiver sleeves and a narrow platform with a couple of 2" receivers that slid in ... just wide enough to accomodate the bike. There could be a ramp that could attach to the end of it to wheel the bike up if it was too heavy to lift.
Couple this with a good rear hatch rack and the bike and storage problem would be solved. _________________ NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 1 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 4 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2024 |
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DAIZEE Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010 Posts: 7552 Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:08 am Post subject: |
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Mine is a little Reese Trailer too. Its not too bi I think it was used for towing behind a motorcycle , I think it is somewhat aerodynamic, the heaviest thing would be the bike. I'd just like to have someplace else to stow hoses, electrical cords, propane, lawn chair and little itsby bitsy stuff I don't need in the van while travelling. But again I am feeling nervous about towing a trailer since reading someone else's post of what can happen.
I'm trying to upload pictures but having problems. It matches my van colors. _________________ '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) |
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J Charlton  Samba Member

Joined: August 24, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: The True North Strong and Free
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:38 am Post subject: trailers |
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Trailers are great when you have to use them. I have about 5 of them, from utility trailers, boat trailers, ATV trailer, 2 flat beds - nothing beats them for when stuff is too big or messy or whatever to fit into a vehicle. Having said that, they are all always a PITA. From wheels and tires to bearings to licenses to constantly farting around with the lights the list goes on and on. Its a true love hate relationship. I think on an extended trip with a westy I would avoid pulling a trailer if at all possible. Backing a trailer up is a bit of an art - I've been doing it for over 50 years and I can park a trailer on a dime as long as I can see it either out of the back of the vehicle or in the side mirrors - I'd have a real problem with a small trailer behind a westy.
"Geez officer - the lights were working when I hooked up and tested them ..... " _________________ NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 1 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 4 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2024 |
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singler3360 Samba Member

Joined: February 25, 2009 Posts: 1191 Location: Corvallis, Oregon
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:43 am Post subject: |
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What about the rear hatch rack in the Gary Lee link posted previously,
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/vanagonrack.htm, combined with the front hitch unit he also sells? Hatch rack to carry a tote with all those odds/ends to free up the space for the dog-friend and the front hitch for the electric bike. Does this seem optimum for your setup? (Albeit kind of spendy). |
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SteveVanB Samba Member

Joined: June 01, 2008 Posts: 1645 Location: This side of Daytona
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Classicvibe Samba Member

Joined: August 03, 2009 Posts: 743 Location: Salt Lake City
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 11:42 am Post subject: in my posse |
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This is a little off subject I think, but, everyone in my group of friends has sold their trailers. These were all camping trailers, pop-ups, but it only took traveling with me once, then they would see that the "tow-life" is not all they thought it would be. They were always fussing with things. That is the beauty of the westy pop-top, you can go anywhere, get around easily in tight places, pull over and pop open your camp. Anyway, I think you lose some important Vanagon traits when you have something in tow.
As for things on the floor, I built a rack system that I totally love. It is spacious, looks good, solid mounts, and holds a ton of crap. it is also very easily removable. I will go out and snap a shot here when I am done. It is a pain to get things in and out of it however. I have to stand on the wheel, and even then, @ 6.1, I can only reach like 1/2 the stuff in the rack portion. The other side is a box and it is mostly accessible. But I built it knowing that I wanted the interior open and clean, and I have only used it skiing, but I love getting all the stuff out of the interior. _________________ On a mission, the destination is just an excuse.
Syncro Solstice 2022...see you there!
1986.5 Wolfsburg Syncro Westfalia Poptop Weekender Transporter |
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DAIZEE Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010 Posts: 7552 Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 11:46 am Post subject: |
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Yes please post picture. I see you can get a stand on the ground lite ladder for reaching the top. I'm giving serious rethinking to my roof top carrier bag. It 'might' be the best thing to get things you don't need while tripping out of the van. And get a bike carrier. mmmmm sooooo much to think about.  _________________ '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) |
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greggearhead Samba Member

Joined: June 20, 2004 Posts: 579 Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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Classicvibe Samba Member

Joined: August 03, 2009 Posts: 743 Location: Salt Lake City
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 12:29 pm Post subject: posted |
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I just posted here pix and info here:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4375062#4375062
A different and good thread is rolling dedicated to showing different rack set ups. Have a look and let me know what you think.[/url] _________________ On a mission, the destination is just an excuse.
Syncro Solstice 2022...see you there!
1986.5 Wolfsburg Syncro Westfalia Poptop Weekender Transporter |
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vspecter Samba Member
Joined: September 24, 2006 Posts: 84 Location: Trois-Rivières, Qc, Canada
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 12:30 pm Post subject: |
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It's maybe not exactely what you need but that works for me.
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DAIZEE Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010 Posts: 7552 Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 12:26 pm Post subject: |
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Yes that is something that I'm thinking of. Can you put a pic in without the container? or is it fixed? Can the platform be folded up? Could a bike carrier be added? _________________ '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) |
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buildyourown Samba Member

Joined: March 01, 2009 Posts: 1668 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 1:33 pm Post subject: |
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Just a quick reply as I am at work.
The roof rack is out since you already mentioned how hard the top is to handle for you. It's hard for me with a rack and I'm 30 yo, 6+ ft tall, and I use a ladder to load....And I have the helper shocks.
With a PROPER hitch, the back end can handle the weight. I have a GW bumper with hitch and regulary load 2 DH bikes on a heavy rack, then drive rough dirt roads. Think 120# of bike and rack. The van handles fine with the stock suspension.
Buy a proper 2" hitch and rock the platform.
I work with a guy who has a steel truck tool box on his platform. It's a daily driver too. |
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