The first step to answer this question is to tell us what type van it
is. The 2 wheel drives and Syncro's have different gross vehicle weight
ratings and axle ratings. These are posted in the left front door jam.
The next variation is if it's a camper or not as the camper stuff adds
weight. To really do things right, have the van weighed empty at a truck
stop, junk yard or local dump scale. If possible get each axle weight.
Then you can determine the allowable carrying weight. Typically, the
Westies have room for ~1,400 pounds and passenger vans ~ 1,800 pounds.
Make sue the tires are rated at or above the axle ratings.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Kurt Grotz
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 8:14 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Weight Capacity

A friend of mine wants me to haul cases of calendars that she made and
is
marketing for the holidays.  I was wondering if anyone has an idea of
what
the maximum (safe) weight to carry in my Van would be.  The first
shipped
was 1600 lbs, so I didn't take it all - haul (according to the skid
weight)
about 1,200 lbs no problem.

Thanks

Kurt Grotz