Date:         Mon, 14 May 2001 23:11:55 -0500
Reply-To:     andrewbell <andrewbell@qwest.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         andrewbell <andrewbell@qwest.net>
Subject:      Re: Towing!!!
Comments: To: Steve Shane <shane_steve@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; x-mac-type="54455854";
              x-mac-creator="4D4F5353"

Last year I towed a '71 bug from Ft. Collins, CO to Minneapolis. It drove SO
well I kept having to look back in moments of fear to see if the bug was still
there! I think I averaged about 65-70 MPH. Last fall I towed a tandem U-haul
from Minneapolis to Brooklyn, against all recommendations, up and down the
Appalachian Mountains, again at 65-70 MPH, and with no problems.

The Van I have is an '84 GL, standard with 1.9...maybe it's just really
great...

AB

Steve Shane wrote:

> Mr. Goat Island asked about towing with his 86. Mr. Goat, if you search the
> archives you will find an abundance of info on this topic, but here is the
> sum up.
>
> Vanagons can pull a sum total of around 1500 - 2000 lbs presuming you have a
> hitch that can do that. (CLASS 1 specs) But I would suggest keeping it
> around 1000. WHY? Cuz your key factor is your brakes. Vanagon brakes are
> maxed out to begin with, and when you add a trailer, your breaking ability
> goes to pot!!!!!!! BIG TIME! Leave tons of extra room... NO JOKE!
>
> I have pulled two sport bikes from Maine to California Via Texas on a uility
> trailer with a wonderful hitch made by (Jim Haynes??) the name escapes me
> right now. This was done with my 87 2.1 If your current hitch is just the
> (bolt on to the tow loops type), be warned... other list members have
> complained thet the tow loop welds break with long term use, or if you try
> and attach a bike rack to one.
>
> Anyway, search the archives, you will get all you need.
> Good Luck!
> Steve Shane
> 87 Westy in N. Cal
>
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