TheSamba.com :: View topic - Towing capacity with a Subaru 2.2 weekender. Cast your vote

Wed Nov 25, 2015 12:36 pm

The drive train is a newly rebuilt Subaru 2.2 (at least 130HP) with a new Subaru 5 speed transmission.

The Trailer is 18 foot open car hauler carrying a stripped Syncro weekender rolling shell

Journey, From San Diego to Dallas Texas and Back.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 1:24 pm

No. A 2.2 is only slightly more powerful than a stock mill. If the route were flat, sure. But it's not. Sorry. Ungood idea.

Neil2

Wed Nov 25, 2015 1:40 pm

If you want to do some load capacity towing tests, go ahead and try it.

Your way over taxing not only the chassis, but the power train--

Give it a shot and report back with the results.

Make sure you don't forget your AAA towing card while on this excursion.

You'll be needing it.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 2:50 pm

I updated the info and added the voting.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 2:59 pm

A vanagon isn't rated to carry that load and neither is a subaru.
Braking would be a major concern.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 3:17 pm

syncrodoka wrote: A vanagon isn't rated to carry that load and neither is a subaru.
Braking would be a major concern.

Good point, Thanks for the info. Happy Thanks Giving.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 3:41 pm

danfromsyr hauled a van w/out trailer for 1,000 mi with a 1.8, but probably did not have to deal with going up a mountain (hello clutch) or down the other side (where's my big brake kit?) or (hey that guy's rear bumper is coming through the windshield) or (let's get a close up view of the trees in this next ditch).

If it wasn't for going over that big hump I would do it.
Sounds like a noble adventure....

Wed Nov 25, 2015 4:05 pm

Dan in NY has towed Vans with Vans quite a bit. I suspect never over the Sierra Nevada But............. NY / New England have some fair size pulls.

Dave

Wed Nov 25, 2015 4:09 pm

Under spec'ed vehicle pulling way too much, too far.

You didn't mention what sort of drawbar you planned on using.

Oh--you don't need a diesel pickup of unknown capacity.
Any 1/2 ,3/4 ton Chevy with a small block would get this done with no problem.
Big block without any effort.
One ton would be overkill.

Forget the trailer.
Ramp it or dock load it into the back of a box truck, and go.

Your thinking about busting the hell outa your underspeced, underpowered, light half ton (at best) Vanagon.

Rent a truck with the proper GVW capacity, & engine to move this load.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 4:22 pm

syncrodoka wrote: A vanagon isn't rated to carry that load and neither is a subaru.
Braking would be a major concern.
^^ this ^^

Towing capacity includes chassis, suspension, and braking.. in addition to the HP/torque to move the load.

it is all critical in factoring your safety comfort level.

Personally I'd not hesitate to do that tow around town.. Maybe even 150 miles of HWY driving on a mid-week day..
I have towed things way beyond spec.. with a Vanagon and several other vehicles.. If you keep your speeds modest and allow for stopping distance, it can be done "safely".

BUT! Its one thing to do that at speeds up to 45.. Long distance HWY travel with flow of traffic at 65+? And thousands of miles of that HWY travel?
You are a risk to yourself and others on the road.
I would not do that.
No way.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 4:39 pm

I don't think there are any hills between San Diego and Dallas. Go for it.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 5:52 pm

Shove it in a Uhaul box truck.

If you choose to use your van, be prepared to take lots of pics

Wed Nov 25, 2015 6:04 pm

make it a rolling chassis, tow it on an A frame
i have 2wd front suspension i can loan you if you need
you'll half your towing weight

Wed Nov 25, 2015 6:14 pm

A little foreshadowing.....a new thread pops up with a broken down Vanagon needing assistance, somewhere between CA and TX :wink:

Uhaul, V8 powered pickup truck, with proper hitch, $19.99 a day.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 6:44 pm

insyncro wrote: A little foreshadowing.....a new thread pops up with a broken down Vanagon needing assistance, somewhere between CA and TX :wink:

Uhaul, V8 powered pickup truck, with proper hitch, $19.99 a day.

I would suspect you could save the $19.99 dollar a day on fuel using a modern pickup over an ancient not so fuel efficient Subaru.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 6:50 pm

Wildthings wrote:
I would suspect you could save the $19.99 dollar a day on fuel using a modern pickup over an ancient not so fuel efficient Subaru.

But don't you have to pay mileage?

As for that tow-job. I'd say no way. I-8 - especially coming from the east, is so f'ing steep. I remember driving my 1982 Westy up that grade once. Decided, halfway up , if I don't blow my engine, I'm never doing this again.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 6:51 pm

All of the rational answers just took all of the adventure out of this move.

I say; give your van with the new Japanese engine in it a real good licken' to see if the whole unit keeps on ticken' after this ride.

Take a boat anchor with just in case the brakes fade & don't come back on the way down.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 7:00 pm

Anyone worried about the cost will get a rude awakening when whimpy Vanagon brakes superheat down a steep grade...while towing, over the weight limit for the vehicle.

If the OP wants to roll craps, great.
What about other motorists?

Let's just say that this bright idea hit your vehicle with your wife and children in it....still think it is a good idea....didnt think so :roll:

If you can't afford to do it safely, please don't bother.

Wed Nov 25, 2015 8:07 pm

Why stress out your van and that new transmission. The cost of failure is too great. I've hauled a Vanagon on a U-Haul trailer behind a U-Haul box truck. Was amazed at how easy it was to drive. Mileage cost would be high for you.

Curious why there AND back?

Wed Nov 25, 2015 8:49 pm

Cause "there" is where it is ?
Drive out, snatches it up, drags it back.
eh...