What does "tongue weight" refer to in these figures?

Joy

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Joy Hecht
and Matilda, 1989 Burgundy Vanagon

For musings about life and the vanadventures:
http://users.rcn.com/jhecht/gypsy

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:::-----Original Message-----
:::From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
:::Of Don in North Carolina
:::Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 4:58 PM
:::To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
:::Subject: Re: '88 Westy: Towing Capacity?
:::
:::On 6/2/05, Chris Paquette <cxp36@yahoo.com> wrote:
:::> When I bought my '88 Westy, the PO had put a trailer hitch on it. This
:::> always struck me as highly optimistic, as the little 4 cylinder, 100
:::> horsepower engine seems to have its hands full just propelling itself
:::> around, much less pulling a load.
:::>
:::> However, a need has arisen and if possible, I'd like to attach a small
:::> U-haul type trailer to it and move 25-30 boxes or various sizes (books,
:::> dishes, clothes, etc.) from California to Washington state. Anyone done
:::any
:::> towing with their Westy? Is it asking too much of the engine, or is
:::this
:::> actually feasible?
:::>
:::>
:::> Cheers,
:::> Chris Paquette
:::
:::FYI,
:::
:::From the owners manual - 1986 and up (not sure if the early Vanagons are
:::different, I assume the aircooled 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.
:::
:::Also, you have to take into account the type of hitch you have (I
:::wouldn't trust the tow-loop mounted ones for over 1000 Lbs.) and the
:::condition of your brakes / engine / transmission, keeping in mind that
:::these recommendations are for a NEW vehicle...
:::
:::--
:::Don in Reidsville, NC
:::1986 Kawasaki Concours
:::1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)
:::"Why do they call it a fixed income, if mine is always broke?"