Matthew - I don't follow your "internal load capacity" vs "trailed capacity" comparison. I checked Helmut Zeidler's hypertext link he posted today and, best as I can figure, my '85GL is rated to handle a tongue weight of 50kg and to tow 2000kg (w/brakes) or 600kg (w/o brakes)! And THIS on a 12% grade!!! (according to the TN DOT, all Interstates are built with a max of 6% grade) His chart also notes tongue loads of 75kg for Vanagons man. after June '85 and 100kg for those man. after '88. Have NO idea what changes were made in the rear of those later Vanagons, though, to increase their capacity. Also, since the proportioning valve's function is to keep the rear brakes from locking up, the downward force on the rear of the van induced by an un-braked trailer creates even LESS chance of the rear brakes locking up! With a properly adjusted braked trailer, I fail to see any problem which could develop. I mastered most of the physics involved in "one object pulling another through a pivoting tether", shifting loads, sudden acceleration/deceleration and "emergency braking" from my years of pulling calves from *issed-off cows! It's just as breathtaking, I think, as emergency stop in a Vanagon whilst trailing a load. BOB - WA4RRN '85GL - "Bourgeois" http://dogmandoesAtlanta.com |
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