i agree with dennis here.  i think i damaged a 2wd trans towing it on a
dolly with the drive shafts connected from montana to michigan.  the trans
continues to work and i have probably put 20-30k on it but the bearings
are going and its loud.  i can't say thats what did it for sure because i
never drove it because it was non-operational.  the last one i towed long
distance on a dolly i pulled the shafts before the tow.

jonathan

On Wed, 11 Oct 2006, Dennis Haynes wrote:

> 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
>
>
>