A pretty good while back people on the list were discussing making a 2 axle
trailer from a vanagon body, basically removing the drive train and interior
and keeping everything else.
With the steering column unlocked, the van would track well and follow
nicely in the corners, much like flat towing with a tow bar.
One could add a plastic or metal bathtub-like bin in what was the engine bay
and access through the engine lid for additional storage.

With all the cooling and power steering system and shifter mechanism,
accelerator, dash, seats, carpets/sound deadening, AC, windshield wipers,
wiring harness, ebrake, gas tank, etc. stripped, the weight would come in
pretty low, I would bet below 2000lbs.
A hinged hitch would be required, basically just like a tow bar.  Leave the
reinforced tires on to carry heavy loads; keep the spare in original place.

Besides legality issues, my biggest concern would be possibly a high center
of gravity when unloaded and funky handling characteristics from the
partially loaded suspension.

But on the positive side, you just couldn't fine a cheaper way to haul home
those 20 sheets of drywall and 15 bundles of insulation in the pouring rain.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Scott Daniel - Turbovans
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 5:09 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Lost the post with the cute little vanagon trailers....

lol,
anyone want to buy a very rust-free vanagon body to cut up into a trailer ?
heck, you can do it at my shop, and tow away what you've created !
got lotsa room and privacy.

Scott
turbovans
Medford/Ashland, Southern Oregon.