Can 1984 VW Vanagon be Flat Towed

Updated 09/21/2015 | Published 09/19/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(171)

$670.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

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$1577.69

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Adapter for Blue Ox and Demco Tow Bars

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$91.96

Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

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$77.31

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

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RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

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Question:

we have 1984 vw vanagon and need to know if it can be towed behind a motor home. And where would I find out this information.

asked by: Dianna

Expert Reply:

According to my research, a manual transmission equipped Vanagon can be flat towed with no worries. Simply leave the transmission in neutral, and off you go. Automatic transmission equipped 2WD models need to be trailered, but whether or non syncro (4WD) vehicles could be flat towed wasn't clear. I found this information through a Google search, but I'd urge you to confirm for yourself.

To flat tow your Vanagon, you'd need base plates, a tow bar, a wiring solution and a supplemental braking system. For base plates, use the # 1208-1 Roadmaster Base Plates. For a tow bar, I'd recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520. The Falcon 2 features independent arms that make the tow bar easy to use, even when the towed vehicle isn't perfectly lined up behind the RV. You'll also need safety cables, part # RM-643. For a wiring system, I really like a magnetic mount lamp like the Roadmaster Magnetic Tow Light set, part # RM-2120, which won't require any cutting or splicing into the existing taillight circuits. For a braking system the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR is a good portable option that doesn't require a full installation.

I've linked you to some helpful FAQ articles about flat towing.