Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 13:48:03 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Not the tire thread (again)
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
As an experienced truck driver, you already know that the Vanagon is really
not underpowered. the 90 hp pushing 5,000 pounds is more HP/pound than many
or most trucks, buses and motor homes. As for that torque philosophy, that
is what the gear box is for. Let the engine rev! You'll be surprised what it
can do given time. The cooling system is way more than adequate except for
oil cooling.
I have towed Rabbits, Sciroccos, model A Fords and even Vanagons with a
Vanagon. Pulling a Vanagon on a tow dolly is scary. Can't stop or steer
well. I have had no trouble keeping highway speeds pulling the small cars.
For 4 speeds and Syncro's, I'd suggest 2,000 to 2,500 pounds as the limit.
Trailers do need their own brakes. For the automatic, I would suggest 1,500.
Since there is no lock up on the torque converter, any slippage is heat. You
also need to consider the wind resistance of what is being towed. 13 ft high
and 8.5 feet wide may be more of a problem than weight. I wouldn't suggest
towing much with the air cooled vans due ti engine cooling but the
waterboxer takes it in stride.
Dennis
>From: TJ Hemrick <x53gunner@GMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: TJ Hemrick <x53gunner@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Not the tire thread (again)
>Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 10:55:34 -0400
>
>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
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