Date:         Fri, 23 Mar 2001 23:11:22 -0500
Reply-To:     jbrush@AROS.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Brush <jbrush@AROS.NET>
Subject:      Re: can 85 westy pull boat?
In-Reply-To:  <3ABC12CC.8E25B0DE@surfree.com>

>> Do any of you tow a fishing boat with a stock 1.9? I want to buy a 14ft boat
>> to pull with my Westy. If you do whats it like as far as handling, stopping
>> and esp backing the trailer in and out of the launch. Any info would be
>> appreciated.

Spencer,

I have been on this list for the better part of the last three or four
years, at least as a lurker :) and I can tell you that you won't get an
answer to your question. I mean no disrepect to the great folks on the
list, its just that I don't think any of them tow anything with their
vans.

I have asked the same type of questions, and the replies are not from
people who are towing, but from folks who seem to know someone who does :)
The answers are correct, and have good information, but I have yet to hear
from anyone actually doing it.

If its of any value, I recently bought a small (under 1000lbs) tent
trailer that I can pull with my car, but would rather pull with my van, so
I will be finding out what happens and will be sure to pass on the
experience. I am sure I can pull it, but I am more concerned with stopping
it, and the long term effect on the engine. I have installed an oil temp
gauge, and will monitor it closely. I suspect that it will not be the best
thing in the world to tow with, but I am gonna find out.

I will let you know, and I again state that this is not intended to offend
anyone, and if someone is towing with a vanagon, we would love to hear
from you  :)

Regards from Utah,

John