Hello, David!
As of your question, I checked my owners manual, the figures given for all
Syncros, even TDs,  are 2000kg with brakes, 600kg unbraked, maximum 12%
incline. It is allowed to pull up to 2500 kgs with a "dispensation", but as I
understand it from the manual, you need to have at least 1000kg at the rear
axle to do this. I doesnt make sense.  The pressure at the hitch should not be
more than 75 kgs. The engine in your D'cab should be more than powerful
enough. All figures are for the 1988 model year.

PerL
88 Syncro

David Marshall wrote:

> What is the limiting factor with the 1500kg (braked) weight restriction
> when towing a trailer?  This summer I hauled a 79 GTI on a u-haul dolly (
> un-braked ).  The GTI and dolly would be aprox 1100kg which is over the
> un-braked maximum weight.  The only problem I had was stopping ( needed 30
> to 50% more stopping distance ) the rig but normal driving and acceration
> was almost un-effected.  The reason why I am asking is that I might have a
> lead on a VW Iltis in Alberta, but I would have to tow it home seeing how
> the engine is not functional.  The weight of the Iltis according to the
> Canadian Military is 1550kg.  The total trip is something like 1000km.
>
> -- David Marshall                                    --
> -- 78 1.8L VW Rabbit, 80 2.0L VW Caddy, 87 Audi 5KSQ --
> -- 85 VW Cabriolet, 88 2.0L VW Syncro 16" Double Cab --
> -- Volkswagen Homepage   http://www.volkswagen.org   --
> -- Volkswagen/Audi Parts http://parts.volkswagen.org --
> -- mailto:david@volkswagen.org - Quesnel, BC, Canada --