Hey all,
The last few years, I have worked as a ski instructor and coach on weekends,
I make round trips of up to 150 miles each day. My Van (7 passenger, not
westy) has studded snow tires on all 4 wheels. When there is not much snow
but a glaze of ice on the road traction is not great. If I get stuck in stop
and go traffic (every weekend here on Mt. Hood) I will usually chain up or
drive my quantum.

Where the van seems to shine is in deeper snow. If we have a couple inches
or more it seems to get great traction without the chains. I spent a weekend
camping and quasi-offroading last winter with a friend who owns a syncro, I
could follow him just about anywhere he went as long as I kept the van
moving, even through 2 foot drifts and and water and snow slush puddles in
the middle of the road. YMMV!
Don
82 gti vanagon
Portland, Or.

----- Original Message -----
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2001 9:12 PM
Subject: Re: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?

> I'm pretty much a desert dude, so my snow experience is rather minimal.
The
> one thing about your tale is that from Hood Canal to Seattle is mostly
> pretty flat.  Ski trips usually involve hills.  Would this be a factor?
>
> Karl Wolz
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robert Keezer" <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, October 29, 2001 9:02 PM
> Subject: Re: How does a Westy Camper Handle in the Snow?
>
>
> > 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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>