How is towing capacity calculated?
Hey folks! Just wondering how towing capacity is calculated on stock vehicles? And if I have a modified vehicle how can I safely calculate if my towing capacity has increased? Background – I have a slightly unusual van: a 1990 VW Vanagon Syncro (yes, it is a 4WD VW ). These vans were woefully underpowed but amazingly versatile. Stock it has a locking rear diff and an ultra-low gear BELOW 1st but only 95HP originally. In spite of this it was rated to tow up to 2500lbs with trailer brakes. Since I can’t leave well enough alone, I have dropped in a bigger engine increasing HP and torque by 50%, put larger disc brakes on the front, and a drum-to-disc conversion in the rear, as well as stiffer springs at all four corners. (in the near future I may also change out the front and rear rings/pinions for another increase in torque) So…with more power to get me out of trouble and newer, bigger, better brakes all around to stop me before I get INTO trouble, and the ability to carry more weight –
