RV Trailer Towing

[SCP_Austin]

Greetings!

Anyone tow legit RV trailers behind converted vans?

I have 2.5L subaru and 1.9 aaz and wondering if I could tow a small airstream. I think I could based on the numbers.

Both vans are syncros.
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#leftlanelife

[danfromsyr]

based on what numbers?

whut's yer hitch rated for? that'll tell you.
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[SCP_Austin]

I am asking for that reason I am asking what people do. I could do a burley hitch setup or something custom in order to tow a small airstream.

I love my VWs, but my special lady is wanting to look into them...
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#leftlanelife

[SCP_Austin]

With air bags could I do 500 lbs tongue weight and 4500 towing?

This seems not practical, but I love my vans!!!
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#leftlanelife

[danfromsyr]

I'd say no, the parts just aren't up to it.

the factory says no too.

[SCP_Austin]

Right, but since I have a engines that were stock, and I up to building it up to accommodate...what is the true limit?

I have seen the an Audi V8 in a van and that van used for towing, but I am not doing that...
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#leftlanelife

[danfromsyr]

brakes
suspension
legal liability
color of your underwear

what is the real limits you are looking for..

I've tow'd another van ~5,ooo# on a bar (no tongue weight) for ~1,ooomi
I would NOT tow a full sized RV trailer 1oomi

maybe a popup/tent trailer.. or one of those R-pods.. but no 5oo# tongue weight and 5,ooo# tare weight (add in H2o holding tanks & gear )

you can build up all of the systems of a vanagon chassis to handle more weight but legal liability in event of an accident can go from negligence to full irresponsible homicide quickly depending on who gets hurt and how good their lawyer is.
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[insyncro]

I tow with H6 converted Syncros

Power, torque, brakes, suspension and driving style are variables when towing.

Having them all dialed in and designed to work with eachother is advised.

Two words for ya....trailer brakes

[SCP_Austin]

I would definitely get trailer brakes!

I spent 5+ years hauling crew shells for my college team and high performance team--and can tell you from experience how valuable those things are!

So assuming I have a trailer brakes and proper suspension, could i tow with a 1.9 AAZ?

I am not trying to be a hero, but I am definitely interested in hearing what people think. I have heard "no" so now I want to hear how I could/would do it.
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#leftlanelife

[insyncro]

Not saying no, but getting a dedicated tow rig may be a smart investment.

[Syncro Jael]

I would be apprehensive about towing much weight when the weak link to our drivetrain is the transaxle. Dealing with additional horsepower and torque is an issue and then compound that with pulling additional weight?

From what I am understanding is BIG TIRES - HORSEPOWER - TORQUE - WEIGHT = $$$$$ FOR TRANSAXLE REPLACEMENTS

Maybe invest in a tranny cooler along with the trailer brakes?

But it would be sweet to get passed by a Syncro pulling an Airstream!
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1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat)

[windnsea]

...just got onto this thread and am having the first cup of coffee for the morning!!

So, towing an Airstream - the most weight heavy trailer per foot of all??

Well, I would simply suggest that you purchase an RV that would be capable of towing you Vanagon!!

END OF STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...sometimes the truth does hurt!

[kourt]

I also haul shell trailers (and the occasional car-top, as seen above).

For those not in the know, a double axle rowing shell trailer, fully loaded, is 40 feet long with 60 foot loads (overhangs), can carry around $500,000 in rowing shells, and weighs about 8,000 to 10,000 with around 500 in the tongue. Trailer brakes are a must.

Assuming the van is up to snuff in all the other areas, I'm sure you could manage a small load not unlike one of those smaller shell trailers...

....but the bigger shell trailers made by Mo Trailer (that's what Vespoli sells) are in the neighborhood of 4,000 empty due to the need for structural steel to keep the shelves relatively stationary with relation to one another.

I think the length and wind load are also a factor... a friend recently rolled his small shell trailer in Colorado due to high winds. He was towing quads, fours, sectional eights, and everything else with a very capable full size Toyota Tacoma and was highly experienced. The side wind loads simply got the best of him and took the trailer (and part of the rear of the truck), twisted them sideways and left him in a ditch.

There was someone recently who posted a rather disturbing video of a Vanagon towing somewhere in Europe. The load started to sway and it looks like the driver got too aggressive on the brakes--you know what happens next: the whole lash up loses control and the van was pushed into oncoming traffic. Major accident.

I've towed loaded shell trailers about 10,000 miles per year for over ten years with no accidents, but a few close calls, and always with 3/4 ton or 1 ton trucks (and once with a 15P van). What I've learned is this: when the close calls come, you don't want to be driving a vehicle that is anywhere near "marginal" for the work you're doing. The 15P van had a high center of gravity that I could just feel would not behave reliably in a bad situation.

Another measure of prime mover vs. trailer is the value of each. I typically haul $200K to $500K in rowing assets with a $60K truck that is not a unique vehicle like the Vanagon. The truck is the expendable part of the equation. I know you're not talking about hauling shell trailers with your van, but do consider the value of what you're doing when putting together towing lash ups. Towing takes a toll on vehicles. I have blown up two rental diesel trucks--thankfully they were rentals and I simply made a phone call, cast the dead soldier aside, waited for the new truck to be delivered, and went on my merry way.

My van is pretty valuable to me. I wouldn't tow anything bigger, heavier, or longer than the largest U-Haul box trailer with my van.

kourt

[Waldi]

[Syncro Jael]

Insyncro posted this:

Looks like they tow to me.


Link

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1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat)

[insyncro]

Sure they tow...but do you have the CVs and transmission to handle it...doubt it

Right Mr. Mountain Goat?

A properly maintained trans and 930s all around are what I have and have not had issues.
Anything less is asking for trouble.

Make sure you have insurance for the trailer and pay extra for coverage that tows it home for you if and when the Vanagon/DOKA decides that it has had enough of that.

[danfromsyr]

VW had differing specs for the European and USA manuals..
you happened to get the more beefy one..
I've seen plenty of pics of europeans towing a car on trailer with a vanagon
not so many M'ericuns doing the same.. odd I know.

[Syncro Jael]

[SCP_Austin]

For the record...I would never attempt a shell trailer! I was just trying to give myself towing credibility. Speaking of...ever driven one without brakes? Ours went out coming back from Philly to Atlanta once...talk about white knuckle driving.

I was thinking about the small single axle airstreams. 350 on the tongue and 3500 lbs max.

So a tranny cooler, probably and oils cooler ad well?
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#leftlanelife

[MsTaboo]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=583064625067150
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Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

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