Hello Rick!
I was just explaining my experience with this subject today so here is a
repeat for you and the list.

The Vanagon Westfalia has better traction with snow tires than a standard
passenger Vanagon. The extra weight of the camper package adds several
hundred pounds to the Vanagon Westfalia.Reartraction with rear weight is a
traction factor, but have you ever tried to carry a pop-top? They are heavy.
Add those cabinets, water tank, stove and fridge three people and all your
camping and skiing gear and you weigh 4,500+ lb. All of this sits on the
tires.

Personal story: Remember the record snow of the winter of 1998 Christmas Day
  in Washington State-I think that was the year.
The family was at my sister's on the hood canal and that area we were at got
two feet of snow.

She lived at the end of a 1.5 mile road. I spent the night in the Westy. The
neighbors had a Vanagon passenger model that I heard start, and then after
several attempts of trying to move-the engine was turned off. A little while
later I heard chains being installed. Even with chains he couldn't get it to
roll.

I turned over and went back to sleep, assuming that if he was'nt going
anywhere, neither was I.
Later that morning i put chains on, since the snow was here to stay for a
few days. After the chains were on, I thought I would try to see if I could
drive. The snow was up to the middle of the front bumper.

I put it in first, let out the clutch, and the van rolled-all the way to the
end and back-I plowed the road for the neiborhood with the Westfalia!

Since then, I have driven in Central Oregon in the snow and Washington
Cascades. With studded snow tires and chains when needed the control is
excellent. I
I drove back to Seattle the next day, snow all the way, 25 mph.
I never saw so many cars in the ditch on that 80 mile stretch as i did that
time-the Vanagon did'nt slide once. Slowness also helps, but these Westfalia
vanagons have the needed weight for better traction. (mine weighs 4,450 lb)
SO, the only thing you really have to worry about is the other guy, and the
road sand that cars spray you with when changing lanes too close in front of
you, pitting your front paint.(a Bra on the front is a must for this reason)

I am only worried about the other guy-
be careful and enjoy your ski trips!

Robert Keezer
1982 Westfalia

>From: Richard Huey <silverhuey@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
>Reply-To: Richard Huey <silverhuey@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?
>Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 17:56:04 -0800
>
>I recently purchased an '85 full camper.  If I put on good snow tires, what
>are my chances of using this vehicle as a base for skiing and snowshoeing?
>
>Will it handle OK, or should I stay out of the mountains until spring?

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