Old or Older?

[Pete Masterson]

As a one-time "advanced amateur" photographer (had the whole dark room, etc. and fiddled with reversal chemistry color slide-to-prints many years ago). All I can say is thank goodness for Photoshop and digital cameras. I do understand the need for security with cameras.

If your Expedition is a stick, you can probably tow it without a big deal. You need (1) base plate - the attachment to the vehicle; (2) tow bar (vehicle to bus); (3) supplemental braking system (required for most states). Some vehicles can't be towed "4-down" and would require a modification (such as a drive shaft release or (as in my case) a transmission lube pump. Motorhome magazine has an annual "dinghy guide" that you can download at their web site. Get the '98 edition (if it's available) to check your Expedition.

Visit Blue Ox to get info on base plates and tow bars (there are other good brands as well).

Visit Remcotowing.com and check out their recommendations. (They say 1997-2002 Expedition, 2WD may be towed 4-down with a drive shaft coupling. Need your specific engine to say what model coupling.)

I note that the drive shaft coupling can run about $1000 installed -- same ball park as the lube pump I needed. The calculation is a matter of comparing the cost of a new car that's towable with the cost of modifying an old car. In the case of my Toyota, it was paid for and it is reliable. It's old enough that I'm not at all worried about theinevitabledings that go with being towed. It just didn't make sense to spend thousands for a newer car when the old Toyota was still going strong.

As for the VW, the Remco site states that all manual transmissions may be towed as is, in neutral. Automatics may not be towed, but must use a dolly. (You REALLY don't want a dolly.)

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#

On May 18, 2009, at 3:59 PM, richafranco wrote:

<snip>

On May 18, 2009, at 3:00 PM, richafranco wrote:

Fred,

Put down the coffee pot and step away from the computer!

Really, really good info, but I was out of breath by the time I

finished. You brought some good points up.big vs. bigger, if I

might paraphrase the thread I started. This was the first suggestion

that smaller might be better and I agree with your arguments for it.

I never thought about towing a vehicle and staying at 55mph. I mean,

I've probably been passed by some of these members and I thought I

was speeding!

I've got a '98 Ford Expedition, 2wd, with less than 100k on it and

I'm a photographer(www.richfrancophotography.com) and I think I

would need a car or truck of somekind to keep the gear in. I'd

rather not tow something, but most of the stuff I take photos of,

seem to be down these little narrow roads. We've got a 2002 Wv

Beetle too, with low miles, maybe that might work, but low ground

clearance could be an issue.

I'm open to suggestions! Maybe that's a good thread to start" to tow

or not to tow, that is the question"

<snip>