Around this part of the world four wheel drive is a necessity for exploring
steep,wet, unmaintained logging roads strewn with loose rock.  A winch might
get you up the hills but would take forever.  We're not talking 200 foot
obstacles, more like 2000, or maybe 6000.  Its best used in loose footing
combined with steep grades.

I have been to a fantastic natural hot springs 9 miles up an abandoned
logging road that is only accessible by foot or four wheel drive.  Not my 4
x 4, but really happy my friend has one.   :)

Just my experience.

On 3/18/07, David Etter <detter@mail.auracom.com> wrote:
>
>         Has anyone considered carrying an electric trailer hitch
> mounted winch costing under $220.00 and weighing 40 pounds. You need
> not carry it all the time either, only when you expect to go off road.
> an e-Bay example.               http://tinylink.com/?9MZbAtHSUm
>
>         Why waste an EXTRA $20k on a 4x4 version Westy and all the
> inherent technical problems that might arise when you get in over
> your head, for the 1 in 20 times you might want (need ???) to go off
> trail..Then again, there's a certain machismo or bragging rights
> about having a 4x4. Just ask the kids that cruise the local strip.
>         My father who owned many 4x4's used to say.."All a 4x4 does
> is get you stuck or broke down even further from help".  When camping
> or fishing, he always traveled with the philosophy of driving as far
> as you could in 2WD and then using 4WD to go home.
>
> Then again, it's your money and you have the right to spend it anyway
> you wish. I just wish now I had all the money I wasted on vehicles
> (or other toys for that matter) when I was young and foolish.
>         Ahhh....... the wisdom that comes with age.
>
>                                         David (dsl82westy)
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com