Debra,

My 4-speed '85 Westy and I putt along at indicated 75... which is more like
78 with my tall tires.  I run Mobil-1 15W50 in the WBX.  We do slow down up
the larger hills, of course, because of gravity playing nasty tricks on us.

I do think that your decision to take it easy until you become familiar with
your vehicle is very sound.  I also can't say I would recommend cruising at
75 all day long in an automatic Vanagon.

Chris.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Debra Clark" <debra_clark@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, February 18, 2002 7:58 PM
Subject: Thanks and advice for top (safe & sound) cruising speed

First, let me thank everyone who replied with explanations and help
concerning my oil light and buzzer coming on JUST once for a few seconds
while exiting and slowing down.  I've had this checked and there are no
leaks, no electrical problems (that can be found now) and yes, my oil level
was a bit high which someone suggested could have prompted this under these
circumstances.

My kids and I went camping this weekend and, although we got a bit wet, we
had a blast.  I plan to do a lot more as the weather warms.

Now to my latest question which I did check in the archives.  Maybe I didn't
use the right string of words but I didn't come up with much.  My husband
and I are planning to take the Vanagon (1990 Multivan, 140,000 miles) on
it's first out of town excursion during spring break.  It's basically S.D.
California to Sedona, Az.  About an 8 or 9 hour trip.  I've told my husband
that I think we shouldn't push it more than 55-60 mph.  He thinks this is
rather stupid and that we can drive 65-70.  Now, don't jump all over him or
me, but I'd really like more input so that he (or I) can be more
knowledgeable.  This car is an automatic so I'm concerned about the high
RPM's over a longer distance when we don't know the car that well.  Also, I
don't want to over-extend the engine when we really bought it for local
camping and we do have an alternative car for this trip.  But it would be
more fun in the Vanagon.  At what speed do all of you cruise?

Debra Clark
Santee, California
debra_clark@yahoo.com