Best EMERGENCY way to tow a Vanagon

[djkeev]

Next, you need to drill a 1/2" hole through the center of the mounting bracket.

Remove the pin and the tow bar hook up interface......

Mark the center of the bracket, center punch it and drill a 1/2" hole through it.....

Slip a washer on the bolt and slip it through the new 1/2" hole in the bracket.
Push the bolt through the horizontal slot, through the backing plate, put on a washer and two nuts..... The two nuts are to jamb one against the other so they do NOT fall off!

Dave
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Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[djkeev]

Here is the mounting bracket ready to accept the tow bar, the pivots mechanism is installed......

Both brackets ready to use.....

Assemble the tow bar and bolt it to the mounts......

Put your stick shift into neutral and unlock the steering wheel and off you go!

You have an Automatic?
You MUST remove both axle shafts before towing!
Unlock the steering and off you go!

Carrying this ready to go tow bar, if catastrophic failure were to occur, I could rent a Pickup in any small town USA and take my Van home or to a secure repair location.

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[djkeev]

[danfromsyr]

each has their place.

I keep a strap under the back seat..
and a tow bar in the base of the closet.
help from a stuck situation or a couple miles to the gas station sure a strap.
tow across town in traffic or further. tow bar.
at the price point of <$100 all complete and done. it's cheapskate negligence to do otherwise in a long haul emergency.

then again I do always say that the cheapest thing in a classic car (vanagon) is the loose nut behind the steering wheel. and I am seldom disproved.
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[danfromsyr]

not sure if this was mentioned in here.. but a tow'd vanagon is considered a 'trailer' and must have safety chains to the towing vehicle. highway patrol don't like possibility of loose cannons.

also some form of rear lights, but the van hazards are best.
I quickly remove the front turn bulbs, to cut power consumption in 1/2.
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[djkeev]

[Steve M.]

If your going to be in a spot where you have to tow it off the bumper like your suggesting then I suggest you remove your axles so all you have are the wheels rotating.
Also buy a Bra for the front end cut 1/8" sheet of plywood in half and hinge the two halves so you can unfold it to protect the front from stones tossed up from the tow vehicle.
For any distance the best way was suggested, but you can't drag a trailer around on the chance you might need it.

On a side note, the Vanagon has the single tow point on the front.
Do not even entertain the thought of putting tow hooks in the holes of the sub-frame under the "A" Pillar, the hooks will cut through the sheet metal like butter.