My first Vanagon - an 85 GL I bought when I lived  in Alaska. - scared
the slop out of me the first winter I had it. I spun out in the middle
of the road with the vehicle while driving my first icey/snowy day of
that year. That 50/50 weight distribution that made it such a delite to
drive on dry pavement was miserable on the icy road. I drove away for m
the spin out and went directly to the Goodyear dealer and had studded
tires put on all the way around. Man, did that thing have a grip with
those studs. Never had a problem of any kind after that in Alaska
winters. Made a nicely handling vehicle from a monster.

Regards.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Alistair Bell wrote:

> i have to disagree with Robert here.
>
> Having owned both a '72 and '82 (diesel) westies I can saw with no
> hesitation that the Vanagon is much worse in the snow or any low
> traction conditions.
>
> The Vanagon has almost exactly 50/50 weight distribution unlike the
> pronounced rear weight bias of the loaf. Also, and this applies more to
> rough road/off road travel), I found the Vanagons' suspension less
> compliant than the loaf's. ie I could get the Vanagon to lose grip, and
> indeed be completely, un-weighted on one tire when going down roughish
> roads cum creeks here on Vancouver Island.
>
> The loaf would keep its feet firmly planted on the ground :)
>
> If you plan on taking your 2wd Vanagon anywhere in the snow, get snow
> tires. I recommend the Nokia Hakkepelitas (sp), forget the current
> model number for vanagon. I Just have 2 for the rear, but they are
> studded and make the van usable on snow and ice. If you can, get 4
> tires, don't be cheap like me :)
>
> Alistair
>
>
>
>
> On 29-Jan-05, at 12:51 AM, Robert Keezer wrote:
>
>> Michelle,
>>
>> If you just carry extra weight in the Standard
>> passenger Vanagon it will be fine.
>> The Vanagon does well on compact snow. the rear engine
>> weight over the rear wheels helps traction.
>> The low center of gravity the Vanagon has makes it
>> incredibly sure footed . I have been places only 4WD
>> would dare.
>>
>> Now that I understand what your average driving
>> conditions are, then yes- better than a Bay or Split?
>> Well, again, all three share the rear wheel drive
>> weight in over the driving wheels , which makes for
>> better traction.
>>
>>  Also when stopping, the weight of the vehicle shifts
>> forward which pushes weight distribution front and
>> rear to 50/50. Even weight on both axles means more
>> stability in tricky braking situations.
>>
>> In your average American Van or pick-up, the weight is
>> in the front so even less weight is on the rear axle
>> when braking. These vehicles typically have less
>> traction .
>>
>> Robert
>>
>> 1982 Westfalia
>
>
>