Chris

I would try to put the heavier stuff in the middle of the bus and as low as
possible !
It�s best to try to keep it as close to 50/50 on the axels as possible to
get the best handling
The traction will be OK anyway since the bus is rather heavy and with a low
power output but the more weight in the rear the wider it�ll slide and that
could be a real pain if you�re not used to it even if the long wheelbase
makes it ehh.... easier to collect and somewhat entertaining once you get
the grip of it  :-)
Try to go out and practice some sliding on a parkinglot as soon as possible,
even if it�s not until halfway on the trip ! Provoke the vehicle to get in a
real slide and try to recognice it�s behaviour - but prepare yourself for a
real ride and make sure there is plenty of space :)
This will give you an advantage if you ever find yourself sliding around
somewhere and might be the difference between success and disaster !
Apart from the chains bring a bucket of sand and a shovel, might come in
handy if you get stuck in snow.
And if you anticipate really bad weather, bring boots, blanket, warm
clothes,a flashlight, some food (or raisins and chocolate bars) to give you
the extra energy if you get stuck.....
The most important thing: Take your time, it�s easier to make an error if
you�re in a hurry and whoever is waiting at the other end will be happier
if you�re a couple of hours late then if you don�t show up at all

Calle
Mullhyttan, Sweden

----- Original Message -----
From: "aircooledchris" <aircooledchris@EUCASAFARI.VENDIOWEB.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2004 8:59 PM
Subject: winter handling / driving

> Any tips on driving in the snow with your bus?
>
> For the first time ever I actually found a little patch of snow and
> noticed
> the bus liked to kick itself into a fishtale pretty easily.
>
> I will be travelling across the country, from the midwest to the west
> coast
> soon and just want to plan properly.
> I have chains, just in case.
>
> My biggest concern is what happens if I need to access the engine
> compartment, and I have half of my worldly belongings sitting on top of
> the
> hatch. Im going to need to try and plan according, where whatever I place
> here can be easily moved.
>
> But is this just like an old car, where you just want all the weight at
> the
> back for more tracktion, or doesnt that apply when the motor is also at
> the
> back?
>
> Any tips, suggestions, or misc tomfoolery is welcome.
>
> thanks.
> cr
>
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>
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