Dane:

I had an '85 Westy which I used for about 3 years to haul two jet skiis
on a trailer regularly from L.A. to the Colorado River and Lake
Mojave(near Las Vegas).  Total weight with gear, skiis and trailer was
about 1000 lbs. The trip required climbing mountain passes beginning from
500' above sea level to about 4000' and sometimes travelling in 100+
degree F temps in the desert.  The Westy never overheated, and towed
really well. (I did not run the a/c when climbing!). You will find
yourself in second gear when climbing any major hills.  The trailer ran
nice and level behind the van due to the height of the hitch from the
ground and launching the boats was easy. I wouldn't worry about 550 lbs
if I were you. While it is not recommended 'by the book', I encountered
no difficulties and enjoyed many crazy weekends on the river.

BTW, I no longer have that Westy and no longer ride jet-skiis, but I am
now wedded to an '81 air-cooled and we enjoy a little less exertion on
our road trips these days!

Melissa Mourkas
81 Westy 'Hildie'
Massachusetts