Getting the VX tow-ready

[Travelin2]

I finished the driveline disconnect yesterday. I basically had to do it twice. A parts guy at my local NAPA store recommended a local shop for the driveline work so I thought I would support our local business...WRONG. At speed there was a pronounced vibration so I removed it again and drove the 40 miles to the shop I intended to use in the first place. When I got it back not only did it run smooth but he replaced the grease fittings damaged by the first guy,greased the entire driveline, painted the thing and marked the balance line for reference. The hubs are on the way and in the mean time I'm going to fab the tow bar attachments. This may be of little interest to most but I thought someone else may also have separation anxiety and have the need to keep their VX near.;)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/thumbs/drivline_019_Medium.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15886)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/thumbs/drivline_016_Medium.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15885)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/thumbs/drivline_007_Medium.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15884)

[don moore]

very good ......looks like a fun job...lol

[Marlin]

Did you fab the setup or did you have it done? I was wondering how much torque that gear on the driveshaft can Handle? Is it possible for it to release while you are driving on accident?
Looks pretty sweet.

[Riff Raff]

Travelin2--- Pretty impressive!!! Sad to hear of the mis-recommendation by the NAPA guy, but glad you finally went with your instincts and everything is marching forward in a positive manner.

If you haven't already, check-out the thread by "ORION" entitled: "MY NEW BUMPER"

It'll give you some ideas regarding vehicle tow points when you hookup to your MotorHome/Camper. Anyway, it seems your project is coming along nicely.:bgwb:

[Travelin2]

Marlin...I didn't fab the whole setup. I looked at the Remco application chart and they install these in rigs with more torque than the VX has so I figured I was OK there. They have this pretty well figured out and there is not much possibility of accidental disengagement if it is properly engaged. There is a detent at each end of travel of the shifting collar. I did have to do some fabrication of the bracket that attaches to the differential. The set up I bought was for a Ford Ranger so it was quite different. They don't make one to fit the VX, imagine that. The guy at Remco kept saying, "Its a what?"


Riff Raff... I did see Orions post and I just came in from removing the nose cone for the first time,(boy, the VX looks like s*%t with that off). I see where he did his attachment and will do something similar. I am going to acquire some of the small size receiver hitch tubes and install one on each side near where the stock tow hooks are then I can unpin the tow bar brackets and just put stubs in there with shackles for pulling(for when we go wheeling with Rowhard) or bicycle rack or barbeque or fishing rod holder or 50 cal. mount for jack rabbits or...
http://www.bumperdumper.com/

[Travelin2]

Finished the hitch today. I'll install the hubs tomorrow. I went with the Warn Premium hubs. I know and trust them. No plastic.


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http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/09_campout_053_Medium.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15891)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/09_campout_052_Medium.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15890)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/09_campout_058_Medium.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15892)

[don moore]

very nice..lookin good

[rowhard]

John, know it's a little late, but we have a pretty good drive line shop on North Sleater Kinney in Olympia and if you speak Vietnamese that's even better for getting what you want but they do excellent work.

[Travelin2]

Yeah, John, thats who I took it to to straighten out the first guys mess. Their work is top notch. I got the Warn hubs on today. Really simple install. Now I have to find some wheel centers with open ends.
I tried to post you a pic but the thing says my attachments are full.:_confused
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/hubs_003.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15887)

[rowhard]

thought it might be them when you mentioned painted and balance line.:yeso:

[Travelin2]

Everything is road ready
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/thumbs/MH_VX_005.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15883)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/thumbs/MH_VX_004.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15882)
We are heading for California first then making our way East all the way back to Florida. If you see the rig give a wave.

[AK Falco]

Please tell me that is a fact sheet for lookey loo's so you dont spend hours answering questions at the KOA, and not a for sale sign!:freek:

By the way have you gotten those lights on that roof rack hooked up yet?

Have fun on your trip! just remember if anyone asks if you have been workin' hard or hardly workin'........... you know what to say;party: Your retired!!!!

[Marlin]

Sweet!!!! Now you just need to paint your camper to look like the VX....A giant Proton train!!!!

[Riff Raff]

Travelin2-- Very impressive set-up. Your craftmanship/ingenuity amazes me. Well done. Have a safe trip and take pictures to share with us upon your return.

[ZEUS]

Sweet!!!! Now you just need to paint your camper to look like the VX....A giant Proton train!!!!HAHA! That would be a funny sight... it would look like a school bus towing a moon buggy. :)

Travelin, good job with all that you've done! Have you thought about joining a traveling forum or something like that to post a "captain's log" during your travels? I, for one, would love to keep up with your pics, destinations, and adventures! Most of all, I wish you safety and smiles all along the way! Translation: I'm jealous... ;)

[Travelin2]

HAHA! That would be a funny sight... it would look like a school bus towing a moon buggy. :)

Travelin, good job with all that you've done! Have you thought about joining a traveling forum or something like that to post a "captain's log" during your travels? I, for one, would love to keep up with your pics, destinations, and adventures! Most of all, I wish you safety and smiles all along the way! Translation: I'm jealous... ;)

Zeus; I'll think of you when I'm driving along and see a trail going up over a mountain somewhere and I stop,unhook the VX and start into the unknown.:)

[ZEUS]

...Why darn you! LOL I guess you may as well dream a little dream for me too... :_steering

Here's to your adventure! :_beer:

[tom4bren]

"I'll think of you when I'm driving along and see a trail going up over a mountain somewhere and I stop,unhook the VX and start into the unknown."

EDIT

"I'll think of you when I'm driving along and see a trail going up over ... Gooney Bird's foot ..."

Travelin2 - Your set up has me droolin. We just got a Coachman & now hafta figger out how to take the VX along for the ride. I'm leanin more towards a trailer tho (I know you don't like that approach but it gives me more versatility).

[Travelin2]

You bet Tom, whatever works best for you. Everybodys needs are different. Good luck with your setup. We just towed down the Oregon Coast and through the Redwoods in Northern California. We are spending the night in the KOA Campground in Willits,CA. Everything worked like a charm.:)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Florida_09_trip_047.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15939)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Florida_09_trip_050.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15941)

[VX KAT]

We'd like to possibly do this sometime in the (distant?) future.....can I ask approx how much this all cost you?

Now that you're actually on the road/underway, notice any problems or concerns pop up?

[Travelin2]

We'd like to possibly do this sometime in the (distant?) future.....can I ask approx how much this all cost you?

Now that you're actually on the road/underway, notice any problems or concerns pop up?


Heres about what we spent on the set up.

Roadmaster Sterling towbar (Craigs list).............................$485
Roadmaster Brake Pro (Craigs list).....................................$400
Remco Driveline Disconnect (Craigs list)..............................$125
Rework and balance driveline(done twice)...........................$270
Roadmaster Tail light wireing kit(Camping World)....................$80
Misc. material to fab VX brackets......................................$150
Warn Premium Hubs(Amazon.Com).................................. ...$200
.................................................. ..............Total...........$1,710


Cost of having your VX with you.......Priceless!

So far no regrets and no problems but its early. We are 700 miles into a 6000 mile trip. We will know more later. Stay tuned.

[tom4bren]

You bet Tom, whatever works best for you. Everybodys needs are different. Good luck with your setup. We just towed down the Oregon Coast and through the Redwoods in Northern California. We are spending the night in the KOA Campground in Willits,CA. Everything worked like a charm.:)


:drool2:

[pbkid]

wow... sounds amazing...

if you go through colorado, be sure to hit us up... im sure us 'coloradians' would meet ya for dinner or something

[tom4bren]

Travelin2,

Any updates on your trip? We're anticipating daily updates ya know.

Hope all is well.

Tom