Towing VW Trike

[sonny8l3]

I have seen pictures of some thing that looks like a front wheel chock and sling combination for towing trikes.The front wheel goes in the sling and the whole thing goes into a receiver hitch. I'm wondering where to buy one and what has to be done to the VW to keep from damaging the motor and/or tranny. Any other info will be appreciated.
Thanks for your time

[FuzzyWuzHe]

My concern would be lubrication ... If the VW is one of those vehicles that can be towed, I'm guessing it would be okay.

[peteg59]

www.etrailer.com Has a few receiver type towing rigs.

If the above doesn't work, Google: Oldenkamp Hitch Cargo Carrier - RHMC1SV
The upper weight limit on the receiver hitch type tow rig is around 800#.
Not sure your trike weight, but most VW trikes are >800#

[DeathBySnuSnu]

Remember this. All the stresses of towing, pulling, stopping the trike will be put through the forks. A lot of forces and in directions not intended.
The tow hitch needs to be hinged to help twisting stress on the fork.
For an emergency or short distances being very careful I would be ok with it.
The std shift gearbox is a sump splash oiler, no problem with towing. But remember every mine you tow it is the same wear to the gearbox as if it was driven.
*I would use trailer.

[MdKnightMan]

I saw this on Trikerdon's website. Its called a tow thingy but it's for short emergency hops http://trikerdon.50megs.com/towthingy.htm

You remove your wheel and put your axle through with spacers to keep it from moving side to side. If you have an auto or an autostick, make sure to disconnect the cv joints so the tranny doesn't burn up.

[vwbug72501]

Possum Pride Trikes has a picture of a tow bar that they used to make that would solve the front end stresses because it pulled from the frame. Might call them and see why it is no longer available. Looks like it attached to a bracket on the frame and cradled the front wheel. Might be tough to lift it onto the hitch once it's attached to the trike.

http://possumpridetrikebodies.com/frames.html

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Possum Pride Trikes has a picture of a tow bar that they used to make that would solve the front end stresses because it pulled from the frame. Might call them and see why it is no longer available. Looks like it attached to a bracket on the frame and cradled the front wheel. Might be tough to lift it onto the hitch once it's attached to the trike.

http://possumpridetrikebodies.com/frames.html

Pretty kewl web site ... got my wheels turning.

[stinger608]

Possum Pride Trikes has a picture of a tow bar that they used to make that would solve the front end stresses because it pulled from the frame. Might call them and see why it is no longer available. Looks like it attached to a bracket on the frame and cradled the front wheel. Might be tough to lift it onto the hitch once it's attached to the trike.

http://possumpridetrikebodies.com/frames.html

Sure makes me wonder why they quit offering that tow bar? I have to wonder if it had something to do with safety.

[vwbug72501]

Might be. Might be CYA in today's world if they don't install the frame mounts. I'll bet it would be a bit of a strain to lift the coupler onto the ball once installed.

[peteg59]

Might be. Might be CYA in today's world if they don't install the frame mounts. I'll bet it would be a bit of a strain to lift the coupler onto the ball once installed.

It's hard to imagine how hooking up to trike & attaching it to tow vehicle is accomplished, by just the one pic in their website.
It would be good to know why it is gone. Was it safety?, was it physically too much to attach once loaded, for one person? or???

Perhaps a past customer of P/P/T/B who owns one, will see this discussion & offer some clarity...

[ea81slush]

These hitches are common in Oz. Made to bolt onto a large lug under the fuel tank directly below the riders butt area it is a "U" shaped section so the front tire can sit in. Most VW trikes in Oz are wired so you just connect a wiring loom lead into a socket then attach it to your tow cars wiring for all rear lights.

It works ok however I've heard that the trike bounces around a lot on its rear wheels and it prone to paint damage. If your trike has an auto transmission then the driveshafts should be disconnected 6 hex bolts each side.

Best to use a trailer.