Date:         Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:34:13 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: towing capacity with big brakes and turbo zetec engine
Comments: To: David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@aol.com>
In-Reply-To:  <8CED900CE96C8DE-DA8-12498@webmail-d052.sysops.aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On Sun, Mar 25, 2012 at 5:44 PM, David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@aol.com> wrote:

>  Does anyone out there know what the towing capacity is for a turbo zetec
> engine(I think about 180 BHP/ not sure of torque but probably slightly
> less) westy outfitted with bigger front disc and rear disc brakes assuming
> suspension is in good shape (I have HD Bilstein and getting new progressive
> springs). Just thinking about future plans that might involve towing. Could
> this setup tow 1500-1800 lbs( Harley on a light trailer or two medium size
> 4 wheelers) assuming safe speeds and braking and no extreme hills? Is this
> only possible with a Subi 3.3 and upgraded trans/axles? Thanks list.
>
> David Clarkson
>

  I think you might want brakes on the trailer, too.   I've towed all kinds
of loads with various rigs and once the towed load gets up there in
comparison to the weight of the tow vehicle...the load really 'pushes' the
tow vehicle during slow down maneuvers.   With some simple electric brakes
and the controller properly adjusted, you'd be much happier and safer.  I
recently pulled a 10' Wells Cargo utility trailer with my wife's Subaru
Forester...While the load was OK (about 1200lbs, I guestimate) with the
power, under braking, especially when cornering, it was pretty
sketchy...brakes on the trailer would have eliminated the tendency of the
load to push the rear end around...

  Somebody will certainly chime in on the reasons you can't do it, I bet.
I guess you could, the key word is guess, if you drove with care.
  Don Hanson