Date:         Wed, 23 Jun 2004 13:12:18 -0700
Reply-To:     Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Subject:      Re: Towing a Vanagon with a Vanagon?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

From a vehicle service manual I have:

    "The weight of the trailer is the most important factor. A good
weight-to-horsepower ratio is about 35:1, 35 lbs. of Gross Combined Weight
(GCW) for every horsepower your engine develops. Multiply the engine's rated
horsepower by 35 and subtract the weight of the vehicle passengers and
luggage. The number remaining is the approximate ideal maximum weight you
should tow, although a numerically higher axle ratio can help compensate for
heavier weight."

If you take this as gospel, you're a long, long way from towing anything
nearly as heavy as a Vanagon with a stock Vanagon, nevermind the passengers,
etc.

Cya,
Robert

----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Gies" <andrew_gies@CANGENE.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 9:16 AM
Subject: Re: Towing a Vanagon with a Vanagon?


> I'll bet that 99.9 times out of 100, that when someone blows up their
> engine/transmission when towing, it's because of their driving habits
while
> towing, and not the limits of the towing car itself.  (trying to tow at
> 65mph, passing, accelerating hard...)
>
> I thought that GVW was one of the most important considerations when
towing?
> The engine and tranny will get it moving no matter what power or lack of
> power is on hand.
>
> It's stopping and handling once you are at cruising speed that is the most
> important.
>
> Most cars/trucks double their towing capacity if a braked trailer is
towed.
> The only difference is the added stopping power.  The same
> engine/transmission has to get the trailer moving no matter what the load.
>
> Now - I agree that towing a Vanagon with a Vanagon isn't something you
> should do on a regular basis, but take it easy this one time, give
yourself
> PLENTY of stopping room and you should be fine.
>
> AG
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chris S. [mailto:mrpolak@YAHOO.COM]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 10:33 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Towing a Vanagon with a Vanagon?
>
>
> > youd be better off towing it with a honda civic or the like..
>
> I might be inclined to disagree, as the Vanagon chassis and
> suspension is much stouter than that in the Civic - it's a
> HEAVY-DUTY TRANSPORTER CHASSIS for crying out loud just in case
> you haven't noticed the last time you crawled underneath.
> Towing is more about stability than outright speed.  You might
> average 30 mph in the Vanagon, but you'll get there.  I do
> remember seeing pictures of a Vanagon towing a Vanagon
> somwhere....
>
>
> =====
> Chris S.'85 Westy Camel -> http://www.knology.net/~vw/vws/camel/ '84 Westy
> Hershey -> http://www.knology.net/~vwghost/hershey/ '01 NB TDI ->
> http://www.knology.net/~vw/Beetle.jpg
>
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