Unfortunately the little trailers that we van owners use are generally short
and narrow. This means they are hard to see and jack-knife quickly.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris S" <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2008 9:04 AM
Subject: Re: a vanagon trailer??

>I attach a tall bicycle flag to the rear center of the trailer so I can
> locate it easily when backing.  This works well and allows you to
> practice.
>
> The few times I got into trouble and just didn't feel like manouvering I
> simply lifted the loaded trailer enough to drag it around in the desired
> direction.
>
> 07-08-08, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> napisa�(a):
>>
>> there is a seldom seen 'no sweat back up trailer' arrangement.
>>
>> The trailer has a single, center-mounted, castoring wheel.
>> The 'hitch' connects to the back of the tow vehicle at two braodly spaced
>> points.......
>> which only provide up-down pivoting.
>> this ar up  just backs up .........like a regular car even.
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris S" <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:28 PM
>> Subject: Re: a vanagon trailer??
>>
>>
>> Whether it's a Westfalia, an SUV, or a small car, removing weight off the
>>> vehicle, maintaining a lower center of gravity and reducing aerodynamic
>>> drag
>>> as compared to a car-top carrier, or a full trunk, are all big pluses of
>>> a
>>> small trailer.  The downside is parking and backing up, with backing up
>>> being the most problematic for inexperienced drivers.  I refer to my
>>> trailer
>>> as a "tow-behind trunk".  It means that my Westy can remain uncluttered
>>> by
>>> luggage and my New Beetle TDI is suddenly sufficient for trips.  It also
>>> means that I can do without a truck for hauling miscellaneous home
>>> improvement supplies.  It's no wonder small trailers have been so
>>> popular
>>> in
>>> Europe.
>>>
>>> 2008/8/7 Tom Buese <tombuese@comcast.net>
>>>
>>> Here's a pretty cool trailer link:
>>>> http://www.sylvansport.com/it.html
>>>>
>>>> Coincidentally, There is an article in my local paper today about the
>>>> National Outdoor Retailers Trade Show in town & the new trailers out
>>>> there
>>>> for folks w/ lots of gear, etc. & how to save $$ on gas, etc. w/ a
>>>> trailer
>>>> instead of roof top racks:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10121741?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com
>>>>
>>>>  YMMV,
>>>>
>>>> Mr. BZ-have trailer will haul
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Aug 6, 2008, at 6:56 PM, Chris S wrote:
>>>>
>>>> The chassis is a kit from Harbor Freight:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42708
>>>>
>>>> I bought it on sale for $120, but that was in 2001.  I initially used
>>>> it
>>>> to
>>>> haul a car-top carrier.
>>>>
>>>> I had the remainder of the frame welded by a friend to my specs in
>>>> 2004.
>>>> They did an outstanding job!  The top section is a box with a hinged
>>>> lid
>>>> that bolts on to the original frame.  I did this so I could remove it
>>>> incase
>>>> the chassis was damaged.  I used birch plywood for the sides and the
>>>> lid
>>>> which took a lot of labor to sand and coat with several layers of
>>>> Helmsman's
>>>> "marine" finish.  I  think I worked 30 hours over 2.5 days to get it
>>>> done
>>>> before a planned trip.  The finish proved nearly worthless as it did
>>>> not
>>>> stand up to weather the way the can says it should.  I plan on
>>>> installing
>>>> marine plywood in it this winter.
>>>>
>>>> I'll dig up some construction pics this weekend.
>>>>
>>>> Chris.
>>>>
>>>> 2008/8/6 Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com>
>>>>
>>>> Chris,
>>>>
>>>> I echo Pete's question here. Was this trailer part of a kit you found
>>>> and
>>>> if so any chance you might point someone towards where you found that
>>>> kit?
>>>>
>>>> That trailer looks about perfect. Pete - it reminds me os Olsen's
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Jeff
>>>> '90 Carat (Grover)
>>>> '86 (We call this one Parts)
>>>> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Chris S.
>>>> "Jeszcze Polska Nie Zgin�a"
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Chris S.
>>> "Jeszcze Polska Nie Zgin�a"
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Chris S.
> "Jeszcze Polska Nie Zgin�a"
>