Old or Older?

[richafranco]

Pete,

Thanks for the info. I'll look into the shaft lock. Other than it's
bigger than I really need, it's in my driveway and paid off! It's got
the clearance and nice big tires, for a car, not a bus, 265-70-16 and
they work almost as good as 4wd. AND the car hardly ever makes mistakes
anymore!

Rich
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
wrote:
>
> 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@...
> 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 aeonix1@
> > 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(http://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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> >
> >
> >
>