Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 13:06:36 -0800
Reply-To: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6k2nVGtYXzjQ5F3yH5icXMc6mKJ1ymoo1aCoDphoN7S7w@mail.gmail.com>
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20 psi seems like a wise minimum.
We just did Bishop to Eureka Valley to Death Valley (there now), but left the tires at full pressure. No need to air down in my view, though the ride is harsh. Though I'm a lifetime kart racer and love speed, going slow in the bus is a welcome change, and the rig sure seems to like it.
Eric
Eric Wunrow Pictures
85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
Lakewood, CO 80228
303. 988. 8717
VW@EricWunrow.com
On Nov 16, 2014, at 7:43 AM, Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Yes I do deflate the tires when I do off road - usually I take out 10psi
> and 15psi on sand - in any case I leave a minimum 20psi. As Dennis
> mentioned there's a risk of damage to tires specially on the side wall if
> the road has a lot sharp rocks such as the one from Ubehe Crater to the
> Race Track in Death Valley. I always carry a 12V air pump, off road or not.
>
> On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 7:26 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Off roaders will air down the tires to improve traction and reduce sinking
>> on soft dirt, mud, and sand. As the pressure is lowered the contact patch
>> increases. They will often air down low enough that the sidewalls can also
>> provide a floatation effect, 12-16psi is common. The down side of this is
>> an increased chance of rolling the bead off the rim and having a tire
>> completely air out and hitting any type of sharp object can damage a tire
>> internally. Note this approach is for low speed operation.
>>
>> You didn't say what tire you are using, size or type, If using a regular
>> passenger tire you reach full capacity at ~35 psi. Above that you are going
>> for handling or reduced rolling resistance.
>>
>> Dennis
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>> Of Stan Shapiro
>> Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 10:14 AM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
>>
>> Another question on suspension. I have a 90 Westy, 16 in wheels,
>> Michelin tires, and Bilstein shocks from GoWesty. It is terrible on
>> washboard roads. I notice the 4 wheelers let air out of their tires
>> before going off road. Does anyone have any experience in letting a
>> small amount of air out for a washboard road?? If so, how much do you
>> let out? Do you carry a 12 volt compressor to refill?
>>
>> Thanks
>> Stan
>> Idaho
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>> Of Chris S.
>> Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2014 2:58 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Suspension for Off Roading
>>
>> See Burley Motorsports' custom upper control arms that eliminate the
>> finicky bushings. Also, for a good off road ride you may consider
>> progressive long travel springs. I have Schwenk springs on my Syncro and
>> they are wonderful.
>>
>> Chris.
>>
>> Wysłane z iPhone'a
>>
>> Dnia Nov 15, 2014 o godz. 14:47 Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
>> napisał(a):
>>
>>> Hello:
>>>
>>>
>>> I thought about posting this on the Samba but you all seem a bit more
>> civil… and helpful.
>>>
>>>
>>> We are traveling full-time in a 1984 Westy we bought just months before
>> leaving, and are about to end Month 16. Challenging, yes… and perhaps equal
>> parts commendable and committable. But we are in for the long haul.
>>>
>>> I have had four alignments done in 12K miles. At first I thought the
>> mechanics weren't torquing the right upper control arm enough, as it keeps
>> coming loose and knocking toe way out… last time it was over AN INCH out,
>> and now a few hundred miles later, it's out again and baking our new BFG
>> ATs. Ugh.
>>>
>>> The easiest solution seems to be replacing the control arm bolts, as I
>> do not think Loctite will solve it in the proper way. But, if the arms need
>> to come off anyway, and possibly new bushings are needed as well, what are
>> my options for upgrading the suspension for constant dirt travel? I saw a
>> gray panel Synchro at Buses by the Bridge in January with Fox shocks and it
>> looked like a great solution. I am willing to trade highway comfort for off
>> road softness before parts start flying off at will.
>>>
>>> We hope to keep our Bus forever, and though we are short of funds I do
>> not necessarily want a quick fix. We have to rely on this Thing (Ahem,
>> sorry, Bus) for a long time and may take it around the globe. So anything I
>> can do for the long-term good is of prime interest, and getting to remote
>> places is partly why we live in it.
>>>
>>> Also, if you know of anyone in So. Cal. or near Yuma capable of this
>> work (where we're wintering), I'm all ears. I found a cooperative tire
>> store owner in Pahrump who owns a few Vanagons, but have yet to ask if such
>> an upgrade is within his realm.
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks in Advance,
>>>
>>> Eric
>>> Eric Wunrow Pictures
>>> 85 S Union Blvd, #Q123
>>> Lakewood, CO 80228
>>>
>>> 303. 988. 8717
>>> VW@EricWunrow.com
>>
>
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