Calle,

This is a good advice. Living in Canada while you are in Sweden, the
temperature differences are not so much. I have allways snack food, candles
and some blankies in my van. It's not acamper but I can flip the rear bench
into a bed. A cell phone is a good idea as well but you need a car charger
to make sure  it's working. I don't carry boots beside the one I wear but I
have some spare gloves if the other one get wet and have the inserts for
rubber boots.

Hartmut

----- Original Message -----
From: "Calle" <vw.vanagon@TELIA.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2004 :16:05 PM
Subject: Re: winter handling / driving

> 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
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------
>> What are you doing or where are you going in YOUR westy?
>>
>> http://www.WestyCampers.com
>> -----------------------------------------------------------------
>>