Date: Thu, 3 Aug 2000 23:07:36 -0400
Reply-To: pokeswagon@blazenet.net
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "(Donna Cassano)" <pokeswagon@blazenet.net>
Subject: TRACTION - I HATE TO SAY - tires
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Tobin Copley wrote:
> Being an old
> breadloaf air-cooled ex-owner, I have to say I'm quite amazed with
> just how poor the 2WD vanagon performance is compared to the old
> mid-70s buses we had when it comes to traction off pavement. We have
> an 82 diesel westy now, BTW.
>
Actually, my '80 had better traction off pavement. I think that the
transmission had lower gearing or something. Maybe this one spoiled me a bit.
> I find that the weight distribution front-back makes the vanagon
> pretty hopeless on anything slippery or loose-- ..... The drivetrain
> seems very happy to light up one wheel on anything slippery, loose,
> or with moderate to large off-camber suspension travel. It's kind of
> embarrassing nearly getting stuck on slightly inclined wet grass or
> spinning the inside rear wheel on uphill gravel-paved corners.
Been there - done that with the old Kelly's that came on the Van.
> So what's my point? Well, I guess I have 2:
>
> 1) If you have a 2WD vanagon and you want to go off-road (or even
> off-pavement) and want tires that will keep you from getting stuck,
> tires will likely not give you that solution (in my--albeit rather
> limited--experience, anyway). If you want to go off-road (again, as
> opposed to off-pavement, although even that can be surprisingly
> challenging), get an off-road vehicle. Four-wheel drive. A syncro
> would do very well, although it would still have the usual bus
> challenges of ground clearance, and approach and departure angles.
>
OK, maybe the term "off-road" is conjurring up images of me and the Westy out
making the mud fly, crossing streams and jumping logs. No, that would be
4-wheeling. I camp a lot in the National Forests and most of the spots I like
to go to are back old, unmaintained dirt and grass logging roads. I generally
go about 5 to 10 miles an hour in the knarly spots and avoid crossing
streams. So I guess that maybe I should say off pavement. Besides, I can't
afford to buy or upkeep a Syncro.
> 2) I wanna explore off-pavement (and maybe even off road) in Baja
> this winter with my family in our westy diesel. I was extremely
> happy with Y370s on our old buses--those tires were tough!--but I
> understand they are NLA. Hoping to find a set of 4 forgotten in a
> warehouse someplace, but if anyone has recommendation for a seriously
> tough and stable replacement tire, I'm all ears.
>
The Bridgestone Dueler's should work fine. And I may have a low mileage set
for sale soon. ; )
Peace - donna
'84 Westy (Pepe)
