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05-19-2009, 08:37

The Expedition can be fitted with a drive shaft unlock -- and that's the way I'd go. Once installed, you simply flip a lever to lock (to drive) or unlock (to tow) and it's not a problem.

Using a dolly (front wheels, front wheel drive cars, only) or a trailer is another solution. Either will add a bunch of weight (weight = fuel use) and then you have to hassle around with the trailer or dolly in camp grounds. With a trailer and most dollies, you can back up, if necessary, while with 4-down, backing up is very limited (4 to 6 ft. max and rarely advised).

In retrospect, I really want to thank those who talked me out of getting a dolly. I've now watched quite a few folks hassling with them (rain, dark) and it's no picnic. It's much less trouble to work with the tow bar and a 4-down car.

If you're into scooters or a motorcycle -- that's another alternative. But, weather, carrying capacity, and safety are issues to consider for that choice.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

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

On May 19, 2009, at 8:33 AM, richafranco wrote:

Pete,

I'll second that about PhotoShop and digital cameras! I first started
out as a small lab, doing Cibachrome prints for the pros in my area. I
hate to think what's in my lungs from that!

Expedition and VW both auto. How about a trailer?

Rich
--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", Pete Masterson
wrote:

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 the
inevitable dings 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@...
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>

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