Date:         Thu, 2 Jun 2005 17:33:12 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: '88 Westy: Towing Capacity?
Comments: To: Chris Paquette <cxp36@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2005060215062645@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

In addition to what Jim said, Syncros seem to have slightly higher
limits than other Vanagons. On my passenger and Westy syncro the limits
were 1500 pounds. On my Tristar it is higher yet.

I towed 1500 pounds with my passenger syncro with a stock engine, over
mountains and on dirt roads and also highways. 50 mph was about all I
could manage on the highway (drag on the trailer was like an anchor.)
On the mountains, 25 mph going up without over heating was about all I
could do. Forget using AC while towing with a stock engine. One time I
didn't load the trailer correctly and the tail was wagging the dog. Not
pleasant.

I ALWAYS gave my self plenty of room to stop (almost seemingly
excessive amounts by ordinary standards) so my brakes were sufficient.
I wasn't in a hurry and never hesitated to get out of the way of
others.

Towing was one (of many) reasons I swapped out my stock engines for
something else. Never have looked back.


On Jun 2, 2005, at 3:06 PM, Chris Paquette wrote:

> When I bought my '88 Westy, the PO had put a trailer hitch on it. This
> always struck me as highly optimistic, as the little 4 cylinder, 100
> horsepower engine seems to have its hands full just propelling itself
> around, much less pulling a load.
>
> However, a need has arisen and if possible, I'd like to attach a small
> U-haul type trailer to it and move 25-30 boxes or various sizes (books,
> dishes, clothes, etc.) from California to Washington state. Anyone
> done any
> towing with their Westy? Is it asking too much of the engine, or is
> this
> actually feasible?
>
>
> Cheers,
> Chris Paquette