I believe the owner's manual states the tow rating as 1,100 pounds for an
un-braked trailer and 2,200 pounds with brakes. From experience the stock
set up handles this just fine. A handling limitation exists as the towed
load approaches the weight of the van. I once towed a Vanagon on a dolly
from Vermont to my home on Long Island. The tail wagging the dog was a bit
scary but except for acceleration I had little trouble on the highway. Even
with the tow dolly having surge brakes stopping was a little scary. I have
frequently towed older Rabbits and Sirocco's with no trouble.  With an 84 7
passenger I flat towed a 28 Model A Ford from Tennessee. These things tow
quite well.

The weak link can be the transmission and driveline especially with the
oversized engine. Vehicles designed for towing have massive cooling systems
and engines designed to sustain  extended operation under load. The
Waterboxer is somewhat designed this way. I don't have any experience with
the turbo zetec. The advanced controls on it will protect it by adjusting
the timing and maybe reducing boost to keep from pinging itself to death or
melting pistons.

With patience and skill you do not need a lot of horsepower to tow. But you
do need an engine, cooling system, and driveline to sustain the continuous
load as you don't coast or cruise as normal with the extra weight and wind
resistance.  Consider all those big trucks and busses don't proportionately
even have as much power as the stock Vanagon.

As you get in to towing you need to do a bit more planning. Various states
have differing laws for towing. For example New York requires trailers to
have brakes at 1,000 pounds. Some states have tow limits based on the ratio
of the towing vehicle to the towed load. Some may require you to stop at the
weight stations. Most require the trailer to be registered. Usually your
liability insurance will include a trailer but check it out.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Clarkson
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2012 8:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: towing capacity with big brakes and turbo zetec engine

 Does anyone out there know what the towing capacity is for a turbo zetec
engine(I think about 180 BHP/ not sure of torque but probably slightly less)
westy outfitted with bigger front disc and rear disc brakes assuming
suspension is in good shape (I have HD Bilstein and getting new progressive
springs). Just thinking about future plans that might involve towing. Could
this setup tow 1500-1800 lbs( Harley on a light trailer or two medium size 4
wheelers) assuming safe speeds and braking and no extreme hills? Is this
only possible with a Subi 3.3 and upgraded trans/axles? Thanks list.

David Clarkson
90 Westy soon to get turbo zetec and bigger brakes front and rear