Date:         Mon, 17 Jun 2002 20:51:55 -0400
Reply-To:     kimbrennan@MAC.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Anyone tow a car with their van?
In-Reply-To:  <002a01c21661$e2dd7c00$c758f4d1@5mw3v>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

On Monday, June 17, 2002, at 08:48 PM, Christopher Berchin wrote:

> Hi all.
> As a person who is always noodling around ideas, I'm currently curious
> if
> anyone tows a whole car with their Vanagon?  Aside from the lack of
> power,
> how well does a Vanagon tow something like a Miata (i.e. reasonably
> light)?
> What kind of hitch are you using?  Can it handle towing the car and also
> being full of cargo?  Thanks!

I have a Polaris Ranger, which is a 6x6 ATV...around 1500 pounds in
weight. I have towed it upon a 2 wheel (single axle) trailer, up and
over a mountain, with my Syncro (w/the original 2.1 liter waterboxer
engine). This is an unbraked trailer, so I've been pushing the limit...

Issues. At highway speeds, I'm limited to about 50-55mph. You must also
be prepared for  much longer distances to slow down, as the additional
weight takes a lot more effort to bring it to a halt. I once experienced
an oscillation issue (where the trailer wagged the Vanagon). Extremely
unpleasant, but I think that was only due to an unbalanced load.

Going up hill (9-10% grades) is...slow. 25 mph at best. Be patient...and
watch your coolant temperature as you will be working the engine
extremely hard. Going down hill I suggest taking it easy as well and
don't try to rush. Take a break and take your time...and be polite to
other drivers (i.e pull over if they get behind you.) You'll get there
if you are patient.

I'm expecting to do some towing with my new Tiico engine in September.