Date:         Mon, 29 Oct 2001 23:03:20 -0800
Reply-To:     Jere Hawn <jbrschawn@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jere Hawn <jbrschawn@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?
In-Reply-To:  <F42CXk25ahFW0XY65Gx0001e9e2@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi all,

I don't have the camper I only have the GL version (manual) and in the snow
I find it very comfortable.  My experiences come from Wyoming winters, New
England winters and countless blizzards I have encountered.  I have never
used chains or snow tires and I find the GL to be sure footed and doesn't
easily get away from you with out ample notice.  The spoiler on my 90 GL
picks up a lot of snow and makes quite the noise but always comes through.
In deep slush I have had a problem with the O2 sensor not working properly
(I think it either shorted out or just wouldn't warm up) but when I got out
of it cleared up.  When the snow turns to ice the GL still handles better
than any rear wheel drive car made in America.  However, wind becomes a
factor when driving on ice, especially wind from a semi passing you.  I
never been blown off the road but the first couple of times it happens can
be unnerving but once you get use to it life returns.  My own wives tale:
when I'm in the deep snow traveling I never turn off the engine until I'm
down for the night, I let it idle when I gas up and I do the fast food
routine... with all that water everywhere I apply Newton's basic laws...a
vanagon in motion tends to stay in motion verses a van at rest tends to stay
at rest.

If you are talking mud.... forget it... buy a Synchro or a jeep.

Jere
90 GL
88 GL