Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Towing | Hitches and Toads
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 07-17-2017, 03:13 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2014 Hurricane 34E
State: Alabama
Posts: 286
THOR #6181
Anyone towing old Volkswagon Beetle

Looking into old Beetle to tow, just curious for now. I heard u can tow in neutral no problem.
And, I was curious about how low they are. I would think if I drop hitch and tow bar level at the hitch receiver would constantly drag going
in/out of gas station drainage and any up and down situation.
If that is true, to avoid, what upward angle on tow bar can you get away with and still be safe?
Thx, Dennis.

__________________
Budman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2017, 04:11 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 29M
State: New York
Posts: 148
THOR #8264
Looking forward to the answer. My wife and I are considering buying a a late 60's early 70's Beetle to tow. We think it would be fun to drive around campsite areas plus they don't weigh anything.
__________________
PNTR10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2017, 04:16 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Oneilkeys's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Travato
State: Florida
Posts: 2,475
THOR #1765
Quote:
Originally Posted by Budman View Post
Looking into old Beetle to tow, just curious for now. I heard u can tow in neutral no problem.
And, I was curious about how low they are. I would think if I drop hitch and tow bar level at the hitch receiver would constantly drag going
in/out of gas station drainage and any up and down situation.
If that is true, to avoid, what upward angle on tow bar can you get away with and still be safe?
Thx, Dennis.
I towed my Karmin Ghia for years - until it turned into a little pile of rust in my driveway - and never had an issue. It is a little low and I dragged a few times, but got used to judging. If you do get a beetle, there is a tow bar built specifically for beetles, that fits up under the front suspension and attaches with two pins above the axel. Super easy to get on and off and I could tie it up to the bumper and drive short distances with it on. Easy on the vehicle to tow it that way too. Don't know if there are any still around, but it would be worth looking for.
__________________
Oneilkeys is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2017, 04:18 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Oneilkeys's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Travato
State: Florida
Posts: 2,475
THOR #1765
Quote:
Originally Posted by PNTR10 View Post
Looking forward to the answer. My wife and I are considering buying a a late 60's early 70's Beetle to tow. We think it would be fun to drive around campsite areas plus they don't weigh anything.
My Ghia convertible weight about 1600 lbs. Four strong guys could pick it up and move it.
__________________
Oneilkeys is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2017, 04:28 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 29M
State: New York
Posts: 148
THOR #8264
Many years ago I left my MGB parked on a sound stage and went out and ran some errands. When I returned the crew had picked it up and placed it on wood boxes about two feet in the air.
__________________
PNTR10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2017, 06:36 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2014 Hurricane 34E
State: Alabama
Posts: 286
THOR #6181
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oneilkeys View Post
I towed my Karmin Ghia for years - until it turned into a little pile of rust in my driveway - and never had an issue. It is a little low and I dragged a few times, but got used to judging. If you do get a beetle, there is a tow bar built specifically for beetles, that fits up under the front suspension and attaches with two pins above the axel. Super easy to get on and off and I could tie it up to the bumper and drive short distances with it on. Easy on the vehicle to tow it that way too. Don't know if there are any still around, but it would be worth looking for.
I have seen those tow bars very reasonable. But correct me if I am wrong, u still have to lie on ground under front and connect?

If so, that is the part I am afraid of as I have a bad back, bad neck, and 2 replaced knees!!! Once I'm down I can't hardly get up but if I do usually get hurt/strain something after I do!!!

I was thinking of going w a Roadmaster or Blue Ox baseplate. Probably BO since I have one of there tow bars here at the house. Thx, Dennis.
__________________
Budman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2017, 06:42 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2013 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,181
THOR #908
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oneilkeys View Post
My Ghia convertible weight about 1600 lbs. Four strong guys could pick it up and move it.
Ha ha, cars used to get moved around like that all the time back in our high school lot, I remember personally being involved in one VW move.
__________________
blw2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2017, 07:13 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Oneilkeys's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Travato
State: Florida
Posts: 2,475
THOR #1765
Quote:
Originally Posted by Budman View Post
I have seen those tow bars very reasonable. But correct me if I am wrong, u still have to lie on ground under front and connect?

If so, that is the part I am afraid of as I have a bad back, bad neck, and 2 replaced knees!!! Once I'm down I can't hardly get up but if I do usually get hurt/strain something after I do!!!

I was thinking of going w a Roadmaster or Blue Ox baseplate. Probably BO since I have one of there tow bars here at the house. Thx, Dennis.
You're right. That was in my earlier days. I probably wouldn't find it as easy any more.
__________________
Oneilkeys is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-28-2017, 09:54 PM   #9
Member
 
doubravsky's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds 31W
State: California
Posts: 99
THOR #1414
I tow a manx style buggy .... same vw tow bar. It's worked really well, but I probably have an easier time getting down to the front to connect the bar with the fiberglass body....
__________________
doubravsky is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 08:10 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2