Well, I have some better information now. The weight I was getting was
relayed by my friend's wife...it's not 1600#. It that the trailer has a
1600# payload. So I would expect that it weighs a few hundred pounds
and my 500# or less would be fine for towing as long as reasonable
caution is used.

Thanks for the replies. It's been helpful.

Aaron

On May 5, 2005, at 5:24 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

> The hitch will have the weight rating stamped on it somewhere. Most are
> 1,100 pounds and some go as high as 1,500. That weight has been done
> but
> I have seen the hooks break and the 2 bolt bracket attachment in the
> sheet metal frame box can get deformed.
>
> If you look at the weight rating sticker in you door jam, you will not
> see a "Gross Combined Weight Rating", (GCWR). Yep, not approved for
> towing anything. The owners manual somewhere I think says you can tow
> 1,100 pounds un-braked, 2,200 pounds with brakes. Most states require
> brakes on trailers depending on weight. NY says brakes required at
> 1,000
> pounds. This is law even if using Suburban. A break away system is also
> required.
>
> I've towed with a Vanagon and they pull surprisingly well. The low
> gearing is very helpful.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Aaron
> Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2005 1:39 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Towing limits
>
> Hello all. I'm sure that this has been discussed before, but the
> archives kept timing out on me.
>
> I am thinking of towing a 1600LB trailer + around 500 pounds behind my
> '85 vanagon. I have a towbar that is hooked to the rear towhooks and
> not to the frame. Is this strong enough? What is the weight limit on
> it? My Brakes are in good shape and I have a Subaru for power. I just
> don't know what the tow limits are for the van and my tow setup.
>
> Thanks!
> Aaron
>