Date:         Mon, 14 Nov 2016 14:51:34 -0500
Reply-To:     pcking <pc.king@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         pcking <pc.king@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Utility trailer benefits...yay
Comments: To: Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8"; reply-type=original

Dan, et al,

Towing a trailer behind a van is very different from towing one behind a
car. While weight is a concern it is rolling resistance that is the real
issue. Big, hard tires help here. A van can pull a lot more than it can
carry. The trailer acts like a large sail behind a car. It hides in the wind
shadow of a van. That said, you are still dealing with mass on the hitch.
Don't go overboard on size or weight.

Wheel size is important. Small utility trailers like the ones from Harbor
Freight (I have one) and Northern Tool are limited to 45 mph by the wheel
size. You want car size wheels and bearings to run at highway speeds.

I towed a 35' long 1 ton sailplane trailer behind a full size Dodge van
powered by a 95 hp slant 6 Chrysler engine with a 4 speed manual
transmission. Sound familiar? It did not have a stump puller first gear.
Acceleration took longer but on the highway it was fine.

A trailer will keep large, heavy, bulky messy stuff out of your Westy.

The added benefit of a small enclosed trailer is that it holds your camping
slot when you day trip with the van.

PCKing


----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan N" <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2016 12:35 PM
Subject: Utility trailer benefits...yay or any?


> hi all,
>
> I am considering to get a small utility trailer (no more than 8x4) for my
> vanagon tintop 2.1 WBX..
>
> recently I move some firewood using a dolly... that make me think it's so
> easy with the dolly instead of carrying the firewood on my arm or my
> back...
> so an utility trailer will benefit the modest power of the 2.1 BX engine
> or
> not? (instead of putting all the camping gear in the van)...
>
> thanks in advance for any though...
>
> dan