FYI,

From the owners manual - 1986 and up (not sure if the early Vanagons are
different, but don't see why they would be):

Maximum braked trailer weight -    900kg (2,000 lb)
Maximum unbraked trailer weight - 600kg (1,320 lb)
Maximum tongue weight -                 75kg (165 lb)

Note that there is no difference shown between the Syncro and the passenger
van.  Not sure if the camper supplement shows a lower number or not.

Don in Reidsville, NC
1987 Vanagon GL Syncro (Suzie) - For Sale!
1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)
Why do they call it a fixed income, when mine is always broke?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve@EuroCampers.com" <Steve@EUROCAMPERS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Fri 18 February 2005 11:08
Subject: Re: Motorcycle Hitch for 1985

> on 2/17/05 9:46 PM, Dennis Haynes at dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET wrote:
>
>> Hanging 200 pounds behind a Vanagon needs to be done with care. As the
>> load moves further back, the actual load on the rear axle increases and
>> the load on the front axle are lifted. I build a hitch that will hold
>> the load. Please see the attachment for some information and pictures.
>> The price is $250 delivered.
>>
>> Dennis
>
> A 2 inch receiver hitch usually has at least a class III rating which
> means
> it can handle up to 6000 pounds towing weight and 600 pounds tounge
> weight.
>
> Of course not all vehicles can handle these weights, but the hitch
> manufacture warns not to exceed the vehicle manufacturer's towing limits.
>
> I don't have a Vanagon owner's manual on me, but I would guess it does not
> allow for 200+ pounds of tongue weight.
>
> We only offer the class I drawbar type of hitch for Vanagon, which is
> rated
> to 150 pounds tounge and 1500 pounds towing.
>
> I doubt the Vanagon can handle the tongue weight of a 185 pound moped and
> the rack that holds it.
>
>
> -- Steve Lashley
> SKL Enterprises Inc.
> http://EuroCampers.com
> PO Box 339
> 1661 Veterans Dr Ste C
> DeSoto MO 63020
> 636-337-7700 voice
> 636-586-7077 fax
> 888-797-5994 - phone orders