Towing Issues: Towing a 73 VW Fastback, vw fastback, dune buggy

Question
Don:
I have a 2007 Toyota Hybrid with a towing package (capacity 3,500 lbs).  I am exploring the feasibility of towing a '73 VW Fastback with a tow bar (rear engine, standard transmission with curb weight of 2,200 lbs) approximately 1,400 miles to San Diego. Any issues and recommendations that come to mind?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
As far as the Toyota goes, it would seem that the capacity is enough, but I am worried about flat towing with a fairly light capacity vehicle when you really can't get any brakes on the VW being towed.  I am not a real expert at flat towing, but without tieing into the hydraulic system of the VW you can't get any brakes on the vehicle in tow.

If you plan on going over any of the many real moutains near San Diego, then I would think twice about it because you con't want to run out of brakes going down a mountain.  Also, I am not sure of the laws regarding this, you should check with the CA DMV.

Finally, there is one major web site that lists vehicles safe to flat tow every year, and they have not listed any VW vehicles since their first issue, 2002.  This obviously does not cover your '73 VW, but there may be something about the VW tranny that makes it not work when flat towed.  Some places hint that you should stop every hour or so and run the engine of the vehicle being towed in neutral with the clutch out.  this spins the tranny internals and gets lube distributed.

I went to some VW sites (mainly dune buggy's) and they seem to imply there is no problem flat towing as long as the tranny is in neutral!  (little joke there, of course you tow in neutral).

I have heard some horror stories where manual tranny cars being flat towed have accidentally gottin into gear.  Don't know how that would happen, but make sure nothing inside the vehicle can fall against the shifter (some people pack the tow vehicle full, and that isn't a real good idea, plus it adds to the weight).

So to be safe, check with your Toyota dealer on towing tips, there should be plenty in your owners manual.  There should be a towing guide available at any toyota dealer, I would get that.  

BE careful in the mountains with no brakes on the VW, and check over your hitch equipment carefully, as some rental places have sold rusty stuff that breaks as you use it!

Don