My limited experience towing has been that STOPPING while towing with a Vanagon is much more the problem than accelerating.

Todd
'88 Vanagon

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> As an experienced truck driver, you already know that the Vanagon is really
> not underpowered. the 90 hp pushing 5,000 pounds is more HP/pound than many
> or most trucks, buses and motor homes. As for that torque philosophy, that
> is what the gear box is for. Let the engine rev! You'll be surprised what it
> can do given time. The cooling system is way more than adequate except for
> oil cooling.
>
> I have towed Rabbits, Sciroccos, model A Fords and even Vanagons with a
> Vanagon. Pulling a Vanagon on a tow dolly is scary. Can't stop or steer
> well. I have had no trouble keeping highway speeds pulling the small cars.
>
> For 4 speeds and Syncro's, I'd suggest 2,000 to 2,500 pounds as the limit.
> Trailers do need their own brakes. For the automatic, I would suggest 1,500.
> Since there is no lock up on the torque converter, any slippage is heat. You
> also need to consider the wind resistance of what is being towed. 13 ft high
> and 8.5 feet wide may be more of a problem than weight.  I wouldn't suggest
> towing much with the air cooled vans due ti engine cooling but the
> waterboxer takes it in stride.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> >From: TJ Hemrick <x53gunner@GMAIL.COM>
> >Reply-To: TJ Hemrick <x53gunner@GMAIL.COM>
> >To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >Subject: Not the tire thread (again)
> >Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 10:55:34 -0400
> >
> >Greg,
> >  Since you mentioned your dad, a fleet of vanagons, and towing, I was
> >wondering if you (or anyone else on the list, of course) could share some
> >info with me concerning your dad's experience with heavy towing and the
> >Vanagon.  No, I'm not looking to dangerously overload my vehicle or hold
> >you
> >(or anyone else) accountable, so you back seat lawyers and chicken little
> >types, go crack open a cold one and take a breather.  I've towed a lot of
> >stuff with a lot of vehicles.  Everything from a single axle tilt flatbed
> >with a VW Thing (overloaded with bales of hay I quickly got my first lesson
> >in tongue weight and sway control all at 50 mph!) to a 10 ton tractor with
> >a
> >load of high explosives (which is an 18 wheeler for you all who don't know)
> >but I've always wondered what is the magic secret to the Vanagon.  I was
> >never formally TAUGHT about towing.  I just got a bunch of hands on so
> >I'm uneducated on this one.  OK, so the engine is dreadfully underpowered.
> >That mostly covers starting and accelerating (obviously) so that's not the
> >issue.  Given the hitch from hell (available), the proper tires (as you
> >mentioned) and killer brakes (also available, but not very common) what is
> >it that makes the vanagon so poor for towing a good size load?  Is it the
> >GVW?  Sure, even a Syncro isn't THAT heavy compared to a full size 3/4 or 1
> >ton pickup.
> >It's got great weight distribution and traction galore but the weight is
> >the
> >only thing I can come up with if the mechanics are taken out of the
> >equation
> >by improving them for safety since that is possible and highly recommended.
> >Someone throw me a bone!
> >
> >And for the love of Pete, don't anyone start ranting about tires or safety.
> >We've covered that a million times!  Nothing personal, I love and respect
> >the fact you're concered about my well being and those of your fellow man
> >on
> >the road around me.  We just don't need to clog the list with it--Again.
> >
> >Thanks,
> >
> >TJ
> >87 Syncro
> >87 Wolfie
> >(Slowly returning from an extending lurking session.  Me, not the vans.)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >Date:    Mon, 14 May 2007 09:24:27 -0400
> >From:    Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
> >Subject: Aaargh. Here we go again. (was Re: Tires!)
> >
> >Hi Rob,
> >
> >Fitting the rims and the body are important tire considerations, but
> >not the only ones.
> >
> >Safety and proper control of the vehicle should also be a concern.
> >Also be aware of the fact the 3020 was the UNLOADED weight, not the
> >weight you went into the dump with. Care to share that number with us?
> >
> >My baywindow is rated for 5200 lbs GVRW, and I use it that way pretty
> >regularly. My Dad treats his vanagon fleet the same way; they carry
> >or tow heavy loads routinely.
> >
> >Are under-rated tires really more affordable if you wind up replacing
> >them prematurely due to sidewall failure?  I'm a very frugal person,
> >but in  my opinion, tires are not appropriate area to try to save $$
> >on a bus or vanagon. And a bus or vanagon will handle MUCH better
> >with the correct-rated tire on it.
> >
> >Visit Larry Chase's tire review page, and shop around. There are
> >affordable tires out there that meet your vanagon's specifications.
> >
> >www.roadhaus.com/tires.html
> >
> >Happy Trails,
> >
> >Greg Potts
> >1973/74/77/79 Westfakia "Bob The Tomato
> >www.pottsfamily.ca
> >www.busesofthecorn.com