How to tow a bus

Brutus · Post by **Brutus** » Thu Nov 08, 2001 2:10 pm

Some time ago I saw an article in one of the VW mags on a tow bar to tow a bus. You know, like the ones for towing beetles.

I was wondering if anyone had ever tried one of these and how it worked? Also are they available from anywhere?

I'm looking to bring my '68 from Wisconsin to Oklahoma and don't have a trailer or dolly - or alot of cash (but who does?). My two fears are

1. If I don't repack the bearings in the bus before I haul it down here, they'll burn up (it's sat a while)

2. It will want to pull my poor tacoma off the road - even my baja can be a challenge since it's not alligned.

Any thoughts?

------------------
'69 Baja, '68 Bus, missing my '59 Double door

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Nov 08, 2001 6:26 pm

I used to have a towbar made for a bus. It basically was one for a bug that someone had altered . The bumber was removed and two plates were bolted into the holes using a longer bolt. It worked well and was used many times without incident.Might be a good idea to remove the CV joints as a safety precaution. The bus will catch a lot of wind in open country so allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Good Luck. Bob

vwnate1 · Post by **vwnate1** » Wed Nov 14, 2001 3:08 pm

I just take a good quality (that let's the $39.95ones out) typ I tow bar to a competent welder and have him extend it . don't tow by the bumper mounts unless the body is perfectly rust free . I'd remove the outer CV joints and tie them up with wire . go slow , a bus on tow is a handfull if you have to swerve or stop real suddenly - I know , having towed many long distance . take your time and you'll be fine .

------------------
-Nate
Filth & Greed Imports
(the LAST honest VWshop)

Brutus · Post by **Brutus** » Thu Nov 29, 2001 6:49 am

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately due to wife's school schedule, our trip north got cut short by 3 days, so I didn't have time to get the bus ready to tow anyway - next trip....

One question though, the VW beetle tow bar will go around the front beam on the bus? If I'm reading what you say right, I already have a beetle tow bar to modify!

Heath

mike/Mike! · Post by **mike/Mike!** » Fri Jan 11, 2002 6:13 pm

Attach to the beam style tow bars are NO GOOD on a type II. Too much stuff down there in the way. Get a decent one that attaches to the bumper. (take a look at the brake cylinder and steering bell-crank if you don't believe me!)

Mike!