Date:         Tue, 30 Oct 2001 08:50:46 -0800
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
Subject:      Re: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?
Comments: To: Richard Huey <silverhuey@worldnet.att.net>
In-Reply-To:  <002201c160e6$d1dab340$308c520c@CSB.COM>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Richard,

In my experience, the vanagon (2wd) is not nearly as good in snow (or other
slick road surfaces) as the type 2 buses.

Unlike the older buses, the vanagon's weight distribution is very close to
50/50 (my measurements, 82 westy), so adding extra weight in the back can
help. Even so, backing uphill out of a spot can be impossible without studs
or chains.

So good tires are important. Was impressed by studded Nokian Hakkapelittas
(sp?).

Alistair

albell@uvic.ca
'82 Westy, diesel=>I4 gas


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on 29/10/01 5:56 PM, Richard Huey at silverhuey@WORLDNET.ATT.NET wrote:

> 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?
>