Towing a 77' w/ an Automatic ..w/ bus tow bar?

[DaVonZip]

I read that you have to tow an automatic bus backwards if your using a tow dolly, but what about a bus tow bar ? If its in neutral etc. anyone w/ experience please let me know. Thanks
Rick

update: more searching i came up with this, seem correct?
"Not supposed to tow the bus on its own for very far or very fast if it has an automatic transmission, something about it getting hot. It's in the Owner's Manual. You can work around this by disconnecting the CV joints at the wheel hub and wire them up out of the way. Then you can tow it freewheeled as far as you like then".
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-No, the point is, it's your frickin car. Drive it. park it, light the bitch on fire-- it's not for us to say. (samba member)

-For once in my life, i'd like to get up in the morning and be as happy as my pennis is... (samba member)

[danfromsyr]

NO, you can't tow an automatic in either direction with the rear wheels on the ground (axles installed)
if you want to tow it flat, you need to remove the axles.
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[jtauxe]

And towing a 77-foot bus is going to be a problem, regardless.

But seriously, you should use a flatbed or full trailer that keeps all the wheels off the ground. AAA will provide a flatbed if you ask for it.
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John
"Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie..." - Colin Hay and Ron Strykert
http://vw.tauxe.net
1969 Transporter, 1971 Westfalia, 1976, 1977, 1976, 1977, 1971, 1973, 1977 Westfalias,
1979 Champagne Sunroof, 1974 Westfalia Automatic, 1979 Transporter, 1972 Sportsmobile, 1973 Transporter Wild Westerner, 1974 Westfalia parts bus, 1975 Mexican single cab *FOR SALE*, 1978 Irish 4-door double cab RHD

[Bala]

You can tow with a tow bar if you keep it under about 30mph. I've done it for a short distance with no damage done. For longer/faster trips I would just get a trailer though.
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1976 Westy

1966 Beetle

[DaVonZip]

So if i undo the cv joints at wheels, specifically just the REAR, i am good to go, correct ?
thanks
_________________
-No, the point is, it's your frickin car. Drive it. park it, light the bitch on fire-- it's not for us to say. (samba member)

-For once in my life, i'd like to get up in the morning and be as happy as my pennis is... (samba member)

[jtauxe]

[Bala]

Yep, but, I would completely remove them if it was me. Especially if the boots are looking worn. Would be a good time to replace them

*edit* JT beat me to it!
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1976 Westy

1966 Beetle

[VDubTech]

[danfromsyr]

yeah I did, & do know this and the rule is 30 under 30. which while not impossible, I deam improbable. And at what risk, loss and rebuild of the transmission. too great IMO. what if it's been sitting high & dry for XX years, is it still 30 under 30 or less?

my answer is no, VWs answer is kinda,

one of the potential failures is the governor shafts seize and shear from lack of lubrication while turning coupled to the differential portion. there's a few accounts of this failing while coasting in neutral down hills/mtns. so even if you had the engine running you can't go more than 30 over 30.

here's from the 1977 owners manual.

[WM971252]

[72lowslow]

Go U Haul is the cheapest and safe way, you don't want find you self if is true or not, pulling that way. Good luck

Balt.
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If you want to get into this hobby better you have a very strong strong wallet.

[DaVonZip]

thanks everyone.. axles removed completely and bar on and heading out now for a three hour haul... all the best.. Rick
_________________
-No, the point is, it's your frickin car. Drive it. park it, light the bitch on fire-- it's not for us to say. (samba member)

-For once in my life, i'd like to get up in the morning and be as happy as my pennis is... (samba member)

[Wildthings]

I had a very experience car hauler pick up a high mileage bus from me years ago and loaded it backwards on a dolly because of the automatic. He called about a dozen miles down the road asking for help turning it around as it had been swaying every which of way. Not saying others haven't done this successfully, but from that experience I would suggest that people think twice about towing a bus arse end first using a dolly.

[VDubTech]