Date:         Tue, 4 Jan 2022 16:50:00 +0000
Reply-To:     David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM>
Subject:      Winter Travel
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Hello Van Types

I just returned from a trip to our local mountains during a cold snap where the overnight low was around -20F and the high around 0F. While driving there during below 0 temps I noticed a faint odor that seemed like a hot belt. At the same time the power steering was acting up, as though it was cutting in and out. We stopped and I checked the power steering belts and fluid, and everything was fine. We let the van sit for about an hour before proceeding, and everything was OK for a few hours, then started again. By then we were at our destination (a motel, we were not camping), so just let it sit. The next day temps were about 20 degrees higher and the problem did not return.

I wonder if those of you in colder climates have had that experience and if it might be the steering fluid getting thick and having flow problems. I imagine that letting the van sit allowed the warm engine to warm up the steering fluid. Does that seem likely, and if so is there any prevention or alternate solutions other than letting it warm up?

Also, would those of you living with extreme cold have any other cold-weather travel tips, other than park in a warm garage?

On a related note, we were with a small group snowshoeing and skiing. Our van, with our new Propex heater, became the warm-up shelter for everyone. I was really glad to have that, especially with the low temps. And the van handled the snow very well. We did not drive in deep snow (nothing over 4"), and our Goodrich AT tires handled the snow and ice very well. We carried chains but never needed them.

Thanks
Dave B.
Boise