Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: Towing Automatic
From:Greg Potts
Date:Sat, 18 Aug 2007 10:39:11 -0400

Hi Jack,

Don't even THINK about towing a vanagon from the back end. It's
unsafe. The steering lock is far too fragile and the two rubber
bushings in the steering column allow enough slop in the steering to
create a severe whiplash effect in very short order.

Disconnect the driveshafts from the wheels, tie them up to the
chassis and you are good to go, for as many miles and at whatever
speed as desired. (Within reason). Depending on the cleanliness,
dropping those 12 bolts should be only a 10 minute job.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/77/79 Westfakia "Bob The Tomato
www.pottsfamily.ca
www.busesofthecorn.com

On 18-Aug-07, at 9:09 AM, Jack R. wrote:

> If you tow from the back end of a 2WD, then you can tow as far as
> desired.
> It is never a good idea to tow an Automatic in neutral, with the
> drive axle
> down.  Frankly, I would "flat bed" it, if it didn't cost too much
> more.
>
> Good luck!