>       After spending a few days in the mountains via another minivan, I
was
> wondering how do Vanagons make it up the mountains of Oregon? This is for
> future wishful reference. My van with a family totaling 7 had a little bit
> of a time.
>

The answer is slowly. In 2nd gear mostly.

When I go camping (usually Umpqua,Willamette or Rogue N.F.) there is four of
us with all the the gear for tent camping plus my trailer
with 4 mountain bikes on top.
I can't remember a pass on a main road that I could not pull in 3rd gear.
Usually I'm in 4th if it is not a long climb.
I'm satisfied with the power of my 2.1 (Canadian re-manufactured factory
rebuilt).

John McLean   87  Vanagon GL