Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 22:40:58 -0800
Reply-To: Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
There are some pretty good grades between Brinnon and Seattle Via the Hood
Canal Bridge, slope percentage being close to those found at Snoqualmie pass
though not as long. And here in Seattle, a city of hills, you learn to not
pick the steep ones.
I have been over the Cascade mountain passes many times. In the snow-with
studded snow tires and chains when needed, the Westfalia Vanagon is
extremely sure-footed.
Now this isn't a sales pitch but my own experience.
Snoqualmie Pass, the one here that I-90 runs through, is a low pass just
over 3,000 feet.
It is kept plowed so you hardly need chains-studded tires are fine. Carry
chains front and rear for off the paved roads.
I would not head up on real steep snow-covered roads no matter if i had
4WD-years ago i slid backwards 100 feet in my 64 bus-the only thing that
kept it from going over a 200 foot bank(Stampede Pass)) was I thought to
turn the wheel left and the rear swung around and stopped without backing
into the ditch. Did I have shaking knees!
Ever since, I don't try to go to steep off-road places like Stampede pass .
There are plenty of backcountry roads here where you can drive all day in
the snow.
Robert
1982 Westfalia
>From: "Karl Wolz" <wolzphoto@worldnet.att.net>
>To: "Robert Keezer" <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>, <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Subject: Re: Re: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?
>Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 22:12:52 -0700
>
>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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>
>
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