Recommendation of Safe and Economical Parts for Towing a 1990 VW Vanagon Behind an RV
Question:
I will be towing a 1990 vw vanagon behind my rv. gvw 5200 lbs. recommended list of parts needed for safe connection but also affordable. Thank you
asked by: David
Expert Reply:
There are 4 required components for towing a vehicle; base plates, tow bar, safety chains and light wiring. I will make recommendations for the 4 parts below.
The first thing you will need is a set of base plates for the 1990 VW Vanagon. The base plates allow the car to be hooked up to the tow bar which is in turn connected to the hitch of the RV. We have one kit from RoadMaster for the Vanagon and it is part # 1208-1.
Next you will need a tow bar rated for the weight of the towed vehicle. Since the Vanagon weighs 5,200 pounds I would suggest a tow bar that is rated for 6,000 pounds. The RoadMaster StowMaster is most in-expensive tow bar we carry that has a 6,000 pound rating. The tow bar is part # RM-501.
Like the tow bar, I would recommend safety chains or cables rated for 6,000 pounds. RoadMaster part # RM-643 are strong basic cables.
Finally you must have tail lights on the towed vehicle. You can either use a wiring kit and wire the Vanagon yourself using part # RM-154 or you can use magnetic lights like part # RM-2120 so you will not have to re-wire anything.
Some Sates and Provinces in the U.S. and Canada require a braking system for the towed vehicle. Check with your local Dept. of Transportation as to whether or not you will need a braking system. I will include a link to a page that has our braking systems and more information on them.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Base Plates
- Fixed Drawbars
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Pole Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Coupler Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Stores on Car
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Crossbar for Roadmaster Motorhome Mounted Tow Bars
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Base Bar
- Roadmaster
more information >
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