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VW Beetle

Discussion in 'Towing & Tow Vehicles' started by Sweeney, Mar 7, 2012.

  1. Sweeney

    Sweeney Administrator

    Has anyone ever towed with a VW beetle? I don't' mean a new one...I mean like a 1972 super beetle?

    I've been reading a book about worst case scenarios...and I'm starting to like the idea of having a car around that is cerebrated and the only computer is located near the nut behind the wheel.

    Be cool seeing that combination too...I think the classic beetle with a teardrop would be awesome :D

    I did see a video about an odd fifth wheel on YouTube, but I couldn't find anything more than some bad video on how well that worked.

    Being flatlanders we don't much in the way of hills to contend with...but I'm in no hurry...thats what gears are for....
     
    Sweeney, Mar 7, 2012
    #1
  2. Cary Winch

    Cary Winch Camp-Inn Staff

    Sweeney,

    Hopefully we can get Craig to chime in on this one (hopefully Betsey tells him too ;)). Craig has collected beetles for years and knows their limitations pretty well.

    From being around them some too I would have to say it would be the wrong vehicle choice for that application. The driveline would just not be tough enough or powerful enough to the job. I am not knocking beetles, there is a simple elegance about them you can't help but love but I wouldn't do it.

    However you hit upon an idea that is really good. Having suffered through car electronics problems myself lately and such I am in complete agreement on the idea of a simpler tow vehicle. A 60s car with a six cylinder and a manual transmission generally gets good mileage and would tow very nicely. Something like a midsized economy car maybe like a Falcon or a Dart. Just ideas and no I am not suggesting any particular brand loyalty. Couple years ago I got all frustrated with my wife's car and how overly complex it is that I started surfing Craigslist for affordable 4 door vintage (late sixties and early seventies) sedans and station wagons. Particularly the more sedate daily driver types. Very affordable stuff actually. Aftermarket air conditioning systems are easily available for most of these and for a more modern convenience there are some nice aftermarket drop on fuel injection systems that would make these great old cars start and drive like a modern one. Even with these additions installed the cost is still going to be less or equal to a reliable used modern car. Still tossing the idea around even though my wife is still not totally convinced.

    Hilditch has a nice vintage tow rig. A bit snazzier than I am suggesting or what Sweeney has in mind but really is a great idea for a tow vehicle. One should look at that as a model for the idea.

    Cary
     
    Cary Winch, Mar 7, 2012
    #2
  3. Alan Hill

    Alan Hill Novice

    I'm working on that myself Cary. I have owned a 1951 Willys sedan delivery for 40 years. I am now deeply into the restoraton/upgrade. I have done serious modifications to a Dakota chassis which will serve as the starting point. This gives me disc brakes and power rack and pinion steering. Running gear will be a later model rebuilt GM 4.3 with simple throttle body injection and a rebuilt 700R4 trans. Should be decent milage and fun to drive.
     
    Alan Hill, Mar 7, 2012
    #3
  4. Hilditch

    Hilditch Novice

    Thank you Cary. You got a big grin out of Susan (It's her car.).

    [​IMG]

    Hilditch
     
    Hilditch, Mar 7, 2012
    #4
  5. ajs777

    ajs777 Novice

    Susan… you go girl! Nice classic look.

    Hilditch,

    Did you put larger wheels and tires on your trailer? They appear to fit better in the wheel wells than the factory set up. Spacers maybe, or is it just my imagination?
     
    ajs777, Mar 7, 2012
    #5
  6. Hilditch

    Hilditch Novice

    What a call! These are OEM wheels and the SUV option tires, BUT due to a bad axle I had to add a 1/4" spacer to this side to keep the tire from rubbing on the body. Also, they quit making this size tire 2 1/2 years ago so now the next smallest size is the only one that will fit. Since this photo was taken, CI replaced the axle under warranty and a blown tire replacement gives a now 'normal' look to the tear on the street side.

    All the wheels on the rig are the same size. Just 3 different sized tires. Actually 4 different sized tires as the new replacement diameter matched the original diameter of the good one on the tear after 25,000 miles so I only bought one.

    Hilditch
     
    Hilditch, Mar 7, 2012
    #6
  7. ajs777

    ajs777 Novice

    Always liked the way offsetting the wheels filled up the wheel well.
     
    ajs777, Mar 7, 2012
    #7
  8. Sweeney

    Sweeney Administrator

    I'm looking at other cars too, but what I like about dubs, is:

    1. Parts aren't a problem. I thinkmJC Whitney sells everything you need to build a new car
    2. Dead simple to maintain and fix
    3. Did I mention reliability

    darts and others are fine, but I don't have the patience to finds restoration items. I just wanna drive ....
     
    Sweeney, Mar 8, 2012
    #8
  9. Craig Edevold

    Craig Edevold Administrator Staff Member

    If you get into hills, just use the Dragonfly method....Drag up the hills -N- Fly down the other side. :D

    Can and Should are two different things. If you aren't in a hurry, you CAN do it, the question is "SHOULD you do it?" I have spent a few years behind the wheel of various Beetles although I never towing anything as large as a teardrop (just a small utility trailer).

    But then, using a diesel Rabbit, I towed a 4'x8'x4' box trailer filled to the gills, moving from Minnesota to Utah. On the steeper sections (both uphill and downhill) I was in 1st gear going 10 mph for miles at a time. If you don't mind taking 2 hours to go 20 miles, it works. Having done that once, I wouldn't want to do it again.

    Here are a few things to consider:
    -You are right, it is all about gears. You will probably have to tow in 3rd gear. (with a top speed of about 50 mph) This will keep the engine RPM higher to improve torque and cooling.
    -On the flip side, if you either over-rev or lug the engine, you risk overheating the valves causing them to stretch. You will need to adjust (and replace) your valves more often. This is even more of a problem in hot weather.
    -The brakes on a beetle are marginal to start with. Even if you upgraded the front brakes to disc brakes, I would recommend installing electric brakes on the trailer.
    -With 2500 miles between oil changes and valve adjustments, you will have to take short trips, change before and after each trip, or do an oil change on your trip. (If you are running primarily in third gear, you should change every 2000 miles)
    -The transmission in Beetles doesn't like to be pushed. IF you down-shift a lot, it will wear the back side of the gears and you may get it popping out of gear. One of my Beetles had that problem. I had to hold the stick in gear when I down-shifted into first. This would be a problem if it happened on a long down-grade.
    -Lastly, Beetle clutches can be a bit weak in a stock set-up. You may slip and burn your clutch if you are climbing steep hills or accelerating fast.

    CAN you tow with a Beetle? Yes. IF you are careful.

    Would I tow a teardrop with a Beetle? Probably. But only for short trips, when I'm not in a hurry, and not in the mountains and not in heavy city traffic, and not on Interstates.

    Hope this helps.....
     
    Craig Edevold, Mar 13, 2012
    #9

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