On long upheals, in heavy traffic, I was for many years turning the heating,
both front and rear. Even sometimes at ambients close to 40 degrees. Windows
open, under the roof mounted fans providing some comfort.
Ark.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Mcneely" <mcneely4@COX.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 2:27 PM
Subject: Re: Heart vs. Head

> Vanagons are slow pulling long grades.  Amazingly so.  And, you likely
> will be driving at high summer temps.  You may be concerned about the
> "overheating" that you may experience.  Learn ahead of time about
> cooling system performance.  The book says that "normal" is for the temp
> needle to be from the middle mark, up to but not above the next mark.
> Above that is overheated.  Well, some vans reach that mark when on long
> grades at summer temps.  You may have to pull over and let it rest a
> bit.  Just be aware, watch it, and make sure ahead of time that all
> cooling system components are in order.  For a van new to you, unless
> the previous owner can show recent evidence of this work being done, I'd
> put on new belts and hoses, make and get a competent mechanic (whether
> that is yourself or a professional) to pass review on cooling system
> performance.
>
> If the slow lane isn't for you, don't drive a vanagon, especially not a
> camper.
>
> David McNeely
>
>
> On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 6:01 PM, Mark Hineline wrote:
>
>> Okay, a couple of points to consider.
>>
>> First, I had a '76 bus named Peregrine. Greg mentioned my trials and
>> tribulations with Peregrine.
>>
>> Second, and this is really the kicker, my number one destination is
>> the Colorado Plateau -- Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Cedar Mesa. From San
>> Diego thats' 500 to 600 miles and an 8000 foot gain in elevation. In
>> my GTI I can do it in 7 hours. I'm guessing that in a watercooled
>> Vanagon I'm looking at 10 to 12 hours for the same trip.
>>
>> Sound right? Are Vanagons slow pulling long grades?
>>
>> Mark
>>
>>
>> On Nov 19, 2009, at 3:52 PM, neil n wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> I was about to ask what your wants and needs were in a van. (in part
>>> involving a possible SO) But since that's not a factor.....