Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 22:12:52 -0700
Reply-To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?
I'm pretty much a desert dude, so my snow experience is rather minimal. The
one thing about your tale is that from Hood Canal to Seattle is mostly
pretty flat. Ski trips usually involve hills. Would this be a factor?
Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Keezer" <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2001 9:02 PM
Subject: Re: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?
> Hello Rick!
> I was just explaining my experience with this subject today so here is a
> repeat for you and the list.
>
> The Vanagon Westfalia has better traction with snow tires than a standard
> passenger Vanagon. The extra weight of the camper package adds several
> hundred pounds to the Vanagon Westfalia.Reartraction with rear weight is a
> traction factor, but have you ever tried to carry a pop-top? They are
heavy.
> Add those cabinets, water tank, stove and fridge three people and all your
> camping and skiing gear and you weigh 4,500+ lb. All of this sits on the
> tires.
>
> Personal story: Remember the record snow of the winter of 1998 Christmas
Day
> in Washington State-I think that was the year.
> The family was at my sister's on the hood canal and that area we were at
got
> two feet of snow.
>
> She lived at the end of a 1.5 mile road. I spent the night in the Westy.
The
> neighbors had a Vanagon passenger model that I heard start, and then after
> several attempts of trying to move-the engine was turned off. A little
while
> later I heard chains being installed. Even with chains he couldn't get it
to
> roll.
>
> I turned over and went back to sleep, assuming that if he was'nt going
> anywhere, neither was I.
> Later that morning i put chains on, since the snow was here to stay for a
> few days. After the chains were on, I thought I would try to see if I
could
> drive. The snow was up to the middle of the front bumper.
>
> I put it in first, let out the clutch, and the van rolled-all the way to
the
> end and back-I plowed the road for the neiborhood with the Westfalia!
>
> Since then, I have driven in Central Oregon in the snow and Washington
> Cascades. With studded snow tires and chains when needed the control is
> excellent. I
> I drove back to Seattle the next day, snow all the way, 25 mph.
> I never saw so many cars in the ditch on that 80 mile stretch as i did
that
> time-the Vanagon did'nt slide once. Slowness also helps, but these
Westfalia
> vanagons have the needed weight for better traction. (mine weighs 4,450
lb)
> SO, the only thing you really have to worry about is the other guy, and
the
> road sand that cars spray you with when changing lanes too close in front
of
> you, pitting your front paint.(a Bra on the front is a must for this
reason)
>
> I am only worried about the other guy-
> be careful and enjoy your ski trips!
>
> Robert Keezer
> 1982 Westfalia
>
>
> >From: Richard Huey <silverhuey@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
> >Reply-To: Richard Huey <silverhuey@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
> >To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >Subject: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?
> >Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 17:56:04 -0800
> >
> >I recently purchased an '85 full camper. If I put on good snow tires,
what
> >are my chances of using this vehicle as a base for skiing and
snowshoeing?
> >
> >Will it handle OK, or should I stay out of the mountains until spring?
>
>
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