Date:         Thu, 7 Oct 2004 04:31:22 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: 1st successful road trip report (longish)!
Comments: To: Parker Beeson <parker@COREADDICTS.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <41477274-1832-11D9-A8EE-000A95A8745E@coreaddicts.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Parker Beeson wrote:

> Just returned from a 3 week, 4,000 mile paragliding road trip with my
> brand "new" 1989 Westfalia and wanted to share a few thoughts.
>
Nice trip report!!

I think I would just callit "Biscuit". Anything else is to much IMHO.

Regards the tires, you didn't say what kind, and from the sound of it,
doing all that dippity-do-dah to avoid the ducks and other things you
need different tires. I run Michelin XCA's 205/75R14's Load Range D,  8
ply (actual 8 plys - not 6 rated 8) aired to 55 PSI. My 88 GL Tracks
like it is on rails. This tire has one heck of a stiff sidewall, and
that is a must for decent handling on the Vanagons, whatever version it is.

I find the tire to be a good one, with excellent all around performance,
but on my GL without a load in it the tread is not agressive enough and
I can break the rear end loose from the road under certain conditions.
Loaded however, it sticks like glue. So for the heavier Westys the XCA
may serve better all he way around.

Enjoyed the trip report!!

Hope you continue to enjoy the vehicle with minimum difficulties.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver