can a VW based trike with auto trans be towed?

[eagle42101]

I need to pull my trike about 200 miles and need to know if it is ok to pull a full auto VW based trike that far. I appreciate any help you can give me on this.

Bob

[saab9k]

Yes, place rear wheels on a car dolley, let front wheel follow.

Or pull driveshafts.

[Rsw]

Yes, place rear wheels on a car dolley, let front wheel follow.

Or pull driveshafts.

Vw's don't have driveshafts?? Don't know how th transaxle works in a automatic, but you will need a hitch that swivles to pull it with.

[eagle42101]

Thanks! Why didnt I think of putting the rear wheels in a tow dolly? Super easy!

Bob H

[ea81slush]

I'm presuming it is the same 3 speed full automatic from a type 3 around 1968-1973 period. This is also the same as what I have.

I know of a guy here in oz that tows his auto trike with the rear wheels on the road and a hitch from Sydney to Brisbane every year without an issue, leaving it in neutral. Around 1000 miles return.

Maybe ask around at some VW experts/auto experts.

[eagle42101]

well, I have a few more days till I can pick it up, so Ill wait for more opinions! Thanks slush

[Rsw]

A trailer is your best bet.

[eagle42101]

Found a friend that has a trailer large enough to handle the trike so I'll be picking it up with that. Thanks for all the ideas. Aren't these forums great?

Bob H

[Rsw]

Found a friend that has a trailer large enough to handle the trike so I'll be picking it up with that. Thanks for all the ideas. Aren't these forums great?

Bob H

Is this your first trike?? We like pictures.

[saab9k]

Vw's don't have driveshafts?? Don't know how th transaxle works in a automatic, but you will need a hitch that swivles to pull it with.

VW call them halfshafts, there are one on each side.
If trans pump is driven by rear wheels, you can push start it.
If engine pump, not the brightest idea to let rear wheel turn without engine running.

[eagle42101]

Found a trailer that will hold the trike so towing is a moot point. I do appreciate all the answers.

Bob H

[aussiepilch]

It is not recomended to tow a VW auto great distances or at high speeds.
You can get yourself out of trouble towing at very low speeds but not for long.
Anyone trying to tow great distances must have a stash of autos for repairs, I have only two, one in the trike and another in reserve and as they are scarse I'll look after mine.

[Tinbasher]

Just wondering how you would keep the trailing front wheel on track if you used a dolly?

I ask because my friend had a Mini Cooper automatic trike which he cannot tow.

[bs50]

would like to see some pics of mini cooper that would be fun to build off of

[Tinbasher]

Don't have any of the finished trike but here are some work in progress.



Engine in the subframe



Engine out