Date:         Tue, 10 Mar 1998 14:18:59 -0400
Reply-To:     Tim Smith <smitht@UNB.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Tim Smith <smitht@UNB.CA>
Subject:      Re: Towing a Pop-Up Camper with a Vanagon
Comments: To: Vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi All,

I pulled an 1800lb Porsche on 500lb trailer for 900 miles to Eastern Canada
from Toronto when we moved here.  The van, barebones '85 panel 4spd. with
only me onboard, worked fine at 65-70mph.  Needle stayed at norm temps, and
if I hit the hills at 70+ I could usually maintain 4th gear.  3rd was used
on longer hills and 2nd used a few times. Was about a 14-15hr. trip.  I
always made sure the revs were up well and load on the engine was as easy as
possible.  This means shifting early and keeping it spinning. This was in
June temps, 70-75F.  No overheats in Montreal bumper to bumper rush hour,
rad fan kept it all cool. Anything under 1500lbs on its own wheels should be
a breeze, except maybe in full mountains.  Maintain a long look ahead, allow
for ample braking distance and runs at the hills.

The european towing specs are something like 1800Kg in a braked trailer,
4000lbs. So don't be too afraid at more modest loads.  Just don't treat it
like the engine is a V-8.

bye, Tim