Personally, I choose the center section...

lower center of gravity
balance weight btwn front and rear
doesn't block the view out of the rear window
lower lift height; saves the back
access to engine, just in case
...etc

Pat

From:   Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date:   11/25/2015 08:48 AM
Subject:        loading your vanagon
Sent by:        Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>

hi,

if you have choice to load up your vanagon either in the rear cargo area
above the engine or on the floor in the center?

thanks