Seems rather impractical.  You could sell the Westy and buy a pretty nice
~15' (same length as the Westy) trailer with the proceeds.

But... it would definitely be a little different.

Cheers,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Graham Janson
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2011 11:35 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Convert '85 Westy to trailer?

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