Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 10:55:34 -0400
Reply-To: TJ Hemrick <x53gunner@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: TJ Hemrick <x53gunner@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Not the tire thread (again)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Greg,
Since you mentioned your dad, a fleet of vanagons, and towing, I was
wondering if you (or anyone else on the list, of course) could share some
info with me concerning your dad's experience with heavy towing and the
Vanagon. No, I'm not looking to dangerously overload my vehicle or hold you
(or anyone else) accountable, so you back seat lawyers and chicken little
types, go crack open a cold one and take a breather. I've towed a lot of
stuff with a lot of vehicles. Everything from a single axle tilt flatbed
with a VW Thing (overloaded with bales of hay I quickly got my first lesson
in tongue weight and sway control all at 50 mph!) to a 10 ton tractor with a
load of high explosives (which is an 18 wheeler for you all who don't know)
but I've always wondered what is the magic secret to the Vanagon. I was
never formally TAUGHT about towing. I just got a bunch of hands on so
I'm uneducated on this one. OK, so the engine is dreadfully underpowered.
That mostly covers starting and accelerating (obviously) so that's not the
issue. Given the hitch from hell (available), the proper tires (as you
mentioned) and killer brakes (also available, but not very common) what is
it that makes the vanagon so poor for towing a good size load? Is it the
GVW? Sure, even a Syncro isn't THAT heavy compared to a full size 3/4 or 1
ton pickup.
It's got great weight distribution and traction galore but the weight is the
only thing I can come up with if the mechanics are taken out of the equation
by improving them for safety since that is possible and highly recommended.
Someone throw me a bone!
And for the love of Pete, don't anyone start ranting about tires or safety.
We've covered that a million times! Nothing personal, I love and respect
the fact you're concered about my well being and those of your fellow man on
the road around me. We just don't need to clog the list with it--Again.
Thanks,
TJ
87 Syncro
87 Wolfie
(Slowly returning from an extending lurking session. Me, not the vans.)
Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 09:24:27 -0400
From: Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Subject: Aaargh. Here we go again. (was Re: Tires!)
Hi Rob,
Fitting the rims and the body are important tire considerations, but
not the only ones.
Safety and proper control of the vehicle should also be a concern.
Also be aware of the fact the 3020 was the UNLOADED weight, not the
weight you went into the dump with. Care to share that number with us?
My baywindow is rated for 5200 lbs GVRW, and I use it that way pretty
regularly. My Dad treats his vanagon fleet the same way; they carry
or tow heavy loads routinely.
Are under-rated tires really more affordable if you wind up replacing
them prematurely due to sidewall failure? I'm a very frugal person,
but in my opinion, tires are not appropriate area to try to save $$
on a bus or vanagon. And a bus or vanagon will handle MUCH better
with the correct-rated tire on it.
Visit Larry Chase's tire review page, and shop around. There are
affordable tires out there that meet your vanagon's specifications.
www.roadhaus.com/tires.html
Happy Trails,
Greg Potts
1973/74/77/79 Westfakia "Bob The Tomato
www.pottsfamily.ca
www.busesofthecorn.com
