Date:         Tue, 4 Jun 2002 09:27:27 -0700
Reply-To:     Ward Smith <wsmith@SAN.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ward Smith <wsmith@SAN.RR.COM>
Subject:      Weigh your Westy...
Comments: To: dave bowers <dave@SPARKPLUG.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <B9223269.55D2%dave@sparkplug.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

Hey All,

Correct me if I'm wrong (and I'm sure you will), but I thought ALL cars sold
in the U.S. had to have a weight tag stamped to them. I ran out to my 83.5
and found these numbers on a tag on the drivers side door jam.

GVWR:  LB 5160  GVAR:   LB  Front:   2425    Rear:  2866

So, this tells me that the total weight of a watercooled Westy (Pop-Top)
should be 5,160 pounds. To confirm this, I lifted the bus up in the air, and
sure enough, the doctor said my X-Rays looked like I lifted a 2.5 ton
vehicle above my head.

The explanation of the front+rear weights not equalling the total weight can
only be explained by the 2 swivel tables moving around while The front and
rear wheels are lifted.

As a more impirical test, have someone that lives in Pa. (or other similar
state) that drives on a turnpike check their travel ticket. I remember every
time I drove on one, the car gets weighed as you approach.

Good Luck,

Ward

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of dave bowers
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2002 9:01 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Westy Weight ideas


I have a weigh station near me on I-5, just north of Portland. I've stopped
there twice and asked if they would weigh my van and suv for me (just out of
curiosity). I passed them all the time, and often the station is open with
no waiting (or weighting as it might be).

They had no problems and passed on the weight no charge. Sadly, I can't
remember the numbers they passed on.

Also, there is a garbage/recycling station near by too and I suspect the
would offer the same offer.

Might be worth a try at different times, and when loaded down differently.

Good luck,

dave bowers
vancouver, wa
1986 Westy Weekender