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Subject:Re: Towing Vanagon with Vanagon. Brakes?
From:Dennis Haynes
Date:Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:40:17 -0500

Thanks to the RV industry there are a number of products available to
operate the brakes in towed vehicles. Bring money. Depending on state and
weight of vehicle being towed it is a requirement. In general, over 3,000
pounds requires brakes. Some states such as New York want brakes on any
trailer 1,000 pounds or more. A break away device is also often required.

As I have an RV and occasionally tow FUN BUS behind it I pay attention to
these things. I have recently notice the sign changes at some weigh
stations that they are now going from large commercial trucks to anything
towed and also anything over 5 tons. This means my motor home.

If you have to go through a weight station, be prepared to be fully legal.
This includes documentation that you are within the weight ratings of the
vehicles, axles, and the gross combined weight ratings, (GCWR). If you
note the ratings on the Vanagon door jam, we do not have GCWR listed. Yep,
we can't tow anything. When towing, keep a copy of the owners manual with
the tow ratings handy in case you are asked.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Zoltan Kuthy
Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 6:08 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Towing Vanagon with Vanagon. Brakes?

I did tow before an other Vanagon with my Westy.  Not trouble, but my
braking was really a big question.  I would not have been able to stop in
an emergency.  Dicey deed.  Not recommended.
But if I knew a way to make the rear van's brakes work, I would not mind
at all.
Anyone?
Zoltan