Graham,

Others have done it. A simpler operation might be just to install a towbar. Vanagons tow fairly well. You can change your mind later and still have a self-propelled camper.

BenT

sent from my electronic leash

On Sep 8, 2011, at 11:35 AM, Graham Janson <graham.janson@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Hi folks
> 
> I've been mulling this idea over for a few weeks now, and wanted to throw it
> out for opinions. The motivation for the question is that my new job will
> see me out of the country for periods of six weeks to six months at a time
> (generally closer to the latter).
> 
> I love my 1985 camper but leaving it sitting for months at a time doesn't
> seem practical. Has anyone ever converted a Vanagon camper into a trailer?
> Losing the self-propelled aspect would be a bummer, but I could still keep
> my van and tow it behind my truck as a camping trailer.
> 
> Details-wise: I envisage removing engine, transmission, wheels, suspension,
> steering etc., and welding on (or bolting on?) a trailer axle (or two?) in
> the middle-ish. Using a long axle (i.e. with wheels outside the body rather
> than recessed in wheel wells) would provide additional lateral stability and
> allow the sliding door to open. Finally a tongue would be welded on.
> 
> Or should I just let it go?
> 
> Graham