700 kgs =1540 pounds. I think that puts a Westy close or at overload. You
won't do any immediate damage if the tires are up to the task and the
weight is evenly distributed. Why not make two trips?  If you go the
trailer route it needs brakes. Braking would be the biggest concern
especially on the 83. Consider the liability issues should you get into an
accident if you are over the GVWR of the vehicle.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Kao
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:48 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: How much weight of a load can a 83.5 Westy haul?

I anticipate a need to haul a load of about 700 kgs of stuff for
60 miles on the freeway. I have done it before for about 500 kgs.
But this time it will be about 700 kgs. My tires are reinforced
tires with at least half of the tread remaining. Can a Westy with
a 1.9 WBX engine handle such a load? It's not a question about
if the engine is able to haul such a weight. It is a question
about the Westy chassis. Will such a weight cause any damage
to the suspension (rear and front) of a 83.5 Westy? Maybe I
should use a trailer instead. I believe it will be fine if I use
a trailer.

David