Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (December 2004, week 2)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Mon, 13 Dec 2004 22:05:58 +0100
Reply-To:     Calle <vw.vanagon@TELIA.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Calle <vw.vanagon@TELIA.COM>
Subject:      Re: winter handling / driving
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=original

Chris

I would try to put the heavier stuff in the middle of the bus and as low as possible ! Itīs best to try to keep it as close to 50/50 on the axels as possible to get the best handling The traction will be OK anyway since the bus is rather heavy and with a low power output but the more weight in the rear the wider itīll slide and that could be a real pain if youīre not used to it even if the long wheelbase makes it ehh.... easier to collect and somewhat entertaining once you get the grip of it :-) Try to go out and practice some sliding on a parkinglot as soon as possible, even if itīs not until halfway on the trip ! Provoke the vehicle to get in a real slide and try to recognice itīs behaviour - but prepare yourself for a real ride and make sure there is plenty of space :) This will give you an advantage if you ever find yourself sliding around somewhere and might be the difference between success and disaster ! Apart from the chains bring a bucket of sand and a shovel, might come in handy if you get stuck in snow. And if you anticipate really bad weather, bring boots, blanket, warm clothes,a flashlight, some food (or raisins and chocolate bars) to give you the extra energy if you get stuck..... The most important thing: Take your time, itīs easier to make an error if youīre in a hurry and whoever is waiting at the other end will be happier if youīre a couple of hours late then if you donīt show up at all

Calle Mullhyttan, Sweden

----- Original Message ----- From: "aircooledchris" <aircooledchris@EUCASAFARI.VENDIOWEB.COM> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Monday, December 13, 2004 8:59 PM Subject: winter handling / driving

> Any tips on driving in the snow with your bus? > > For the first time ever I actually found a little patch of snow and > noticed > the bus liked to kick itself into a fishtale pretty easily. > > I will be travelling across the country, from the midwest to the west > coast > soon and just want to plan properly. > I have chains, just in case. > > My biggest concern is what happens if I need to access the engine > compartment, and I have half of my worldly belongings sitting on top of > the > hatch. Im going to need to try and plan according, where whatever I place > here can be easily moved. > > But is this just like an old car, where you just want all the weight at > the > back for more tracktion, or doesnt that apply when the motor is also at > the > back? > > Any tips, suggestions, or misc tomfoolery is welcome. > > thanks. > cr > > ---------------------------------------------------------------- > What are you doing or where are you going in YOUR westy? > > http://www.WestyCampers.com > ----------------------------------------------------------------- >


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.