Date:         Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:35:18 -0400
Reply-To:     Jason <uberhare@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jason <uberhare@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: towing capacity with big brakes and turbo zetec engine
In-Reply-To:  <BAY152-ds67F000866144D6AF966A5A0450@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I know I might get flamed for this but...I used to tow my race car
behind my 82 with 1.6TD.  Race car was 1900 lbs, tow bar + gear likely
added another 300 lbs.  Stock 82 brakes & stock 1.6TD.  It didn't
really seem to slow the van down that much, and brakes felt fine.  Yes
it was slow, but not much more unloaded.

Jason

On Sun, Mar 25, 2012 at 10:53 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I believe the owner's manual states the tow rating as 1,100 pounds for an
> un-braked trailer and 2,200 pounds with brakes. From experience the stock
> set up handles this just fine. A handling limitation exists as the towed
> load approaches the weight of the van. I once towed a Vanagon on a dolly
> from Vermont to my home on Long Island. The tail wagging the dog was a bit
> scary but except for acceleration I had little trouble on the highway. Even
> with the tow dolly having surge brakes stopping was a little scary. I have
> frequently towed older Rabbits and Sirocco's with no trouble.  With an 84 7
> passenger I flat towed a 28 Model A Ford from Tennessee. These things tow
> quite well.
>
> The weak link can be the transmission and driveline especially with the
> oversized engine. Vehicles designed for towing have massive cooling systems
> and engines designed to sustain  extended operation under load. The
> Waterboxer is somewhat designed this way. I don't have any experience with
> the turbo zetec. The advanced controls on it will protect it by adjusting
> the timing and maybe reducing boost to keep from pinging itself to death or
> melting pistons.
>
> With patience and skill you do not need a lot of horsepower to tow. But you
> do need an engine, cooling system, and driveline to sustain the continuous
> load as you don't coast or cruise as normal with the extra weight and wind
> resistance.  Consider all those big trucks and busses don't proportionately
> even have as much power as the stock Vanagon.
>
> As you get in to towing you need to do a bit more planning. Various states
> have differing laws for towing. For example New York requires trailers to
> have brakes at 1,000 pounds. Some states have tow limits based on the ratio
> of the towing vehicle to the towed load. Some may require you to stop at the
> weight stations. Most require the trailer to be registered. Usually your
> liability insurance will include a trailer but check it out.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> David Clarkson
> Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2012 8:45 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: towing capacity with big brakes and turbo zetec engine
>
>  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
> 90 Westy soon to get turbo zetec and bigger brakes front and rear