Date:         Tue, 27 Aug 2002 16:45:55 EDT
Reply-To:     Trvlr2001@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Carpenter <Trvlr2001@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: How do vanagons get up the Willamette National Forrest?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"

> In a message dated 8/26/02 11:23:48 PM, agondry@MSN.COM writes:

 After spending a few days in the mountains via another minivan, I was 
wondering how do Vanagons make it up the mountains of Oregon?  This is for 
future wishful reference.  My van with a family totaling 7 had a little bit 
of a time.The answer is slowly. In 2nd gear mostly. 

Any problems with overheating in that situation?  I've gotten the distinct
impression the Vanagon cooling systems are underdesigned and suffer
greatly under heavy load, especially when there's a lack of ram air.

Two years ago, I was climbing up a steep, rocky, alpine canyon road in my 85 
2 wheel drive, and it was so steep, that halfway up I had to stop & move 
rocks out of the way.
Several 4X4`s stopped to ask if they could chain the bus up & help me up the 
hill.
I politely declined, and when I finally did reach the top (with clutch a 
burnin`)
I was so giddy, that I was askin the 4X`s if they needed any help!
They didn't appreciate the sarcasm!
It was fun!
John C...