Date:    Mon, 27 Jun 2005 17:25:09 -0700
From:    Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Subject: Re: General/Sorta dirt-road worthiness of 2WD Vanagons?

As far as traction when the going gets tough, I'd say the same is also
true - the 2WD
Vanagon will outperform a 2WD pickup or similar provided you can keep
momentum,
and/or keep both wheels planted. I've had two embarassing situations
where I got
stuck in the stupidest spots because one wheel lost traction, and I'd
not kept my
speed up enough to overcome the slippery conditions.

I have found the 2WD T3 a reliable beast off road although I do agree
the bay window vans were better for traction and the splittie was even
better before that.

The centre mounted fuel tank, radiator up front etc has had it's effect
on rear traction as weight distribution is now 50:50 although I don't
find I get into difficulties very often and I do spend a fair amount of
time on rough or loose surfaces.

I carry my snow chains under the rear seat year round and with these as
additional help on occasions, I have never got stuck anywhere I couldn't
get my self out of unaided.

Cheers,
Steve O
NSW Australia
'92 Transporter WBX Kombi
'00 Transporter Double Cab
'03 Transporter Double Cab (work truck)
'78 Landrover Series 3 Soft top ute (ex-Aust Army)