Throughout the '90s I towed serious loads very often with my stock 1200. Not a van, but heavier. Think 8x5 trailers loaded to the roof with rock and roll gear, and the like. In it's restored form today, it still has it's tow bar attached.

Yes you're right. You'll never have problems getting underway. But you'll certainly have issues pulling up in a hurry. My 1200 has stock drums front and back and stock unassisted single cylinder brakes.

It's all about the driving - leaving plenty of space between you and whatever is in front and basically driving the thing like you would a big heavy truck. Up and down the gears, anticipating whats coming up and being ready in advance.

i would generally be sure to load the car itself heavy also - boot full of heavy power cables, back seat full of heavy amplifiers and other crap, front seats full of human flesh. Ole' 1200 never broke.

I have vivid memories of tearing down the M4 on 42 degree days with the sun belting down. 1200 full of gear and heavy trailer on the back. Foot flat on the floor and never taken off except for (frequent) gear changes. Cruising past lines of other overheated cars. My own temp gauge right on overheat but the thing never actually boiled over.

There were a few moments when a sudden need to stop would see both feet on the brake pedal and a lot of pressure in the drivers' seat to pull it up. But she never let me down once on a tow. Ever.

10" van? No worries. As long as you don't exceed standard weight limits. If you can put electric brakes on it then all the better.

ZM