Don's right ..
trailer brakes would make the whole affair about 75 % better and safer,
over no trailer brakes. ..
in terms of braking and braking while cornering.

stress on the trans under load ..
if you're real nice to it , it might be all right.
A trans speicialist might chime in.

I don't think it says if this is a 2WD vanagon or a Syncro AWD one.
some factor there on the trans I'd think.

On 3/25/2012 6:34 PM, Don Hanson wrote:
> On Sun, Mar 25, 2012 at 5:44 PM, David Clarkson<dvdclarksn@aol.com>  wrote:
>
>>   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
>>
>    I think you might want brakes on the trailer, too.   I've towed all kinds
> of loads with various rigs and once the towed load gets up there in
> comparison to the weight of the tow vehicle...the load really 'pushes' the
> tow vehicle during slow down maneuvers.   With some simple electric brakes
> and the controller properly adjusted, you'd be much happier and safer.  I
> recently pulled a 10' Wells Cargo utility trailer with my wife's Subaru
> Forester...While the load was OK (about 1200lbs, I guestimate) with the
> power, under braking, especially when cornering, it was pretty
> sketchy...brakes on the trailer would have eliminated the tendency of the
> load to push the rear end around...
>
>    Somebody will certainly chime in on the reasons you can't do it, I bet.
> I guess you could, the key word is guess, if you drove with care.
>    Don Hanson
>