VW T5 on the Slipway?

[whisper]

Does anyone run a VW T5 Transporter van or camper, if so how do you find it for launching and recovery?

Mines a T30 104bhp camper.

Thanks in advance

[Ribshop]

We used to have the LWB 174bhp it was ok on a shallow gravel slip with anything up to a 6.5 around 1 tone but anything over that weight or on a good slope no traction at all.

[whisper]

Would it be ok with a 4.7m, the van would be loaded with camping equipment and food etc and obviously the weight of the camper conversion.

The slipways I have been using are mostly tarmac with a medium slope.

[Ribshop]

With that you should not have any problem.

[whisper]

Thanks, I'll fit a towbar next week

[fatboyrib]

tow and launch a 5.4 searider with 1.9 tdi T5, 104BHP remapped to 130... best towing vehicle ive had, launches and retrieves AOK as well... hope this helps

[whisper]

Thanks

Tow bars are really cheap from P F Jones, £75 without electrics

[mick]

I av had 2 T5 before I got the Defender great motors last one was an auto crap on wet grass though

[mick]

But I have some top quality snow chains

[Portholme]

I use the same van as you to launch a 6 metre rib. The clutches are bomb proof so a bit of slippage to keep traction doesn't seem to matter. I pulled the boat out the other day up a steep concrete slip with a weeks worth of luggage, dinghy and outboard in the boot and five in the van because they were cold and I'm too soft to kick them out!!!

I don't think you'll run in to any problems. I used to have an xc90 as my road car and I towed the rib with it a few times and I can say without doubt the t5 is way better. I'd love to get a caravelle four wheel drive but as it's our third car the prices are a bit eye watering.

[nik]

Another option is to use a long rope to get the towing vehicle on the level.
It makes a big difference.

[Alan Priddy]

I remember Tony Leigh Elliot launching his 10m Rib down the Hythe slipways with one with a front hook and the rib and trailer dragged the entire unit underwater. Alan P

[whisper]

The whole van went under?

[mick]

You could always use an extension pole if your rib is well balanced

[falcon0310]

i got one used it tow 6.2 mt rib and 21 ft sports boat with 5 lt v8 bit hard get that up the slipway

[falcon0310]

and mines auto but get aglis 81 tiers last the longest had 92 k out off the back

[mick]

Originally Posted by falcon0310

and mines auto but get aglis 81 tiers last the longest had 92 k out off the back

Yep those tyres do last

[Jizm]

My transit does quite well as a tow vehicle but pretty sure it's down to the shear weight of it rather than any power output.
And it's FWD.