Are we talking passenger van or camper, 2wd or Syncro? How much weight are carrying? 
With the van loaded for travel go to a truck stop and have it weighed. Note there are separate scale sections so get the weight for each axle. This will let you know if you need to move stuff front to rear. You can also go on the scales with one off the scale which will give you the tire loads on that side. Go inside and let the clerk know what you are doing before you drive on. Now you will know if you need to move stuff side to side also. This is critical if you find a wheel that is loaded close to or above the rated capacity. 
Other considerations is passenger occupancy. You want to avoid hard and heavy stuff being in the same place as people. Consider the effect of stuff moving during an accident or a rollover.  

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dan N
Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 11:48 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: loading your vanagon

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