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General Forums => Air Speed Lounge => Topic started by: bwaz on April 10, 2009, 03:15:07 PM

Title: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: bwaz on April 10, 2009, 03:15:07 PM

I'm considering towing a beetle from Northern California home... anyone ever used the old towbar that mounts to the front beam for a distance like this? I don't have a vehicle that could tow a trailer, and would have to rent one or have the car shipped. I'd rather tow it, but not sure if it's easy enough over distance. Anyone ever done it before? Thoughts or ideas???
thanks
B.Waz

Title: Re: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: neil68 on April 10, 2009, 03:19:43 PM

I routinely tow my Beetle on 400-mile trips and would not hesitate to tow a longer trip.  I plan to tow it from Calgary to Vancouver this summer for the DVKK Strip Show at GCVWS.  I use the standard aftermarket tow bar that hooks onto the front beam and also install stock tires for the trip.  Just make sure you let the steering wheel turn freely for cornering :)

Title: Re: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: bwaz on April 10, 2009, 04:34:03 PM

It's a car that has been sitting, and thought to bring 4 good tires to put on it, as not sure about the age of the ones on it. Pull the drums and re-grease everything,  back off the brakes so there'd be no binding or heat build up too. 

Title: Re: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: BUSDADDY on April 10, 2009, 06:26:43 PM

What's the CHP, etc. have to say? if it's been sitting does it have current plates and insurance? I'm not sure about the states but around here it has to be licensed and insured to flat tow.

Title: Re: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: bwaz on April 10, 2009, 07:20:36 PM

good thought, it's not currently licensed. I might have to get an ICBC temp for it, even though it wouldn't have the paperwork through the US or Canadian border yet. I'd have it all filed, but as always they want to see it as it crosses to verify the numbers.

Title: Re: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: Airjack on April 11, 2009, 12:25:32 AM

Also, the 72 hour rule applies. Your paper work has to be at U.S.Customs before you cross the border. If not be prepared to wait there.

Title: Re: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: beetleman on April 11, 2009, 11:44:57 AM

you can go to the dot in california and get a permit that allows you to travel through all states to canada, and i towed my beetle from sanfran to BC with a tow bar ,just hooked up some extra light for braking and turning.....

Title: Re: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: Geoff on April 12, 2009, 09:01:59 PM

I have a set of lights you can borrow, I use them when towing my oval(they plug into a 4 pin trailor harnes) . As well dont back up with a tow bar or ir will bend.

Title: Re: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: bwaz on April 12, 2009, 09:17:58 PM

Thanks for the offer Geoff, still trying to work out the details.... I'll get in touch if I need them.
Brian

Title: Re: towing a beetle from northern California?
Post by: 68IIIbuggy on May 01, 2009, 04:35:08 PM

I towed my old 66 800 miles down from Fort St John. after the first few hours I forgot it was back there, so the distance should be no prob. I did a steady 100-105 km/h.