What is your tow vehicle? I regularly tow my Syncro behind a motor home, 4
wheels down and have not had any trouble. The mileage only changes ~1 mpg
with or without the van do I don't think there is much to really save by
disconnecting the drive line. Pulling the center shaft will save some VC
wear. Consider that you may come across a situation where you may need to
disconnect and drive the van separately.

Check the laws of the states you will travel through, many require you to
operating brakes on the toad.

The dolly is not a good idea for that long a tow with the rear axles
connected. The steady up-end will drain the gear oil from the front bearing
and maybe the low (granny) gear case.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Raymond Paquette
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 2:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: towing my van

Hey

I'm planning on flat towing my Syncro about 3000 miles, with the driveshaft
and both rear axles removed.

Opinions on how much drag I'll save by having the rear axles out?  I expect
to get about 7MPG with the tow vehicle.

It might be nice to be able do drive it around some enroute.  On the other
hand the tow vehicle gets crap fuel mileage, and anything I can do to lessen
it's load is probably worthwhile.

Someone suggested a tow dolly as the simplest and cheapest way to go (over a
towbar).  I can't see why.  I'd have to buy/rent the dolly, and I'd still
have to take out my front driveshaft.  And I'd still have the same wear on
the rear bearings and transmission.  Only thing saved is on the front.
Doesn't seem simpler nor cheaper.  What am I missing?

Raymond