Date:         Tue, 31 Jul 2001 18:25:50 -0700
Reply-To:     jrbelknap <jrbelknap@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jrbelknap <jrbelknap@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Newbie Alaska trip completed
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Hi,
I'm new to the list although I confess to having lurked for a couple of months. I just completed a 30 day, 9000 mile trip from the SF Bay Area up to Alaska and my 1987 Westy ran flawlessly. When I left she had 205k and I was debating the wisdom of taking such a high mileage vehicle up there, the odometer now proudly reads 214k and she feels as strong (relatively speaking) as before.  Averaged slightly over 20mpg, all up, all in, running at 65mph. Worst part was the Cassiar route (Hwy 37) up thru western BC, and the Dalton highway from Fairbanks up to the Arctic Circle - pretty rough on the old girl, but took it slow and lowered tire press to smooth the ride. Changed air & oil filters twice. Also, had to replace tires - put on Michelin XCA 205/75-14 in Whitehorse, YT. They are excellent, load range D and very capable in rough conditions.  I will f/u with another email specific to these tires.

regards, john

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