Much bigger tires, light in the rear.  He could probably pull you out though
if you get stuck.

Go for it!

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Fjazzbass [mailto:fjazzbass@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 10:05 AM
To: Stuart MacMillan
Cc: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Re: Tin top going camping... 2wd off road capability

Good points, Stuart...

One thing I forgot to mention was that I'll be driving behind a 2wd newer
F150...one thing I forgot to think about as well ;-) how could he make it
and me not?????

Dave

> On Jan 15, 2014, at 12:55 PM, "Stuart MacMillan" <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
wrote:
>
> I know nothing about Ocala NF, but it looks sandy from the photos online.
> Biggest problem is hitting soft sand with a  2WD Vanagon--you can dig
> in deep fast.  The weight over the rear is a disadvantage here.
>
> Use the usual snow tricks (I know you are in Florida, do some Googling).
> Carry a shovel, pull the parking brake to lock up the slipping wheel, etc.
> May be useless, so the best plan is to follow someone with 4WD who can
> pull you out!
>
> My sand experience was on Washington and Oregon beaches years ago
> where you had to go through several yards of soft sand to get to the
packed tide flat.
> the locals would pull you out for $20 or so, but I've seen cars taken
> by the tide in remote areas.  I don't drive on sand anymore, and today
> almost all vehicles on our beaches are 4WD anyway.  You likely will
> not be far from someone who can help if you get stuck.
>
> Stay on hard packed sand and have fun!
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of Fjazzbass
> Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 9:17 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Tin top going camping... 2wd off road capability
>
> I'm finally taking baby bus out camping in the Ocala national forest.
> Until now she's only been a road queen. I'm told that the trip to the
> campsite is somewhat treacherous... What conditions would make this a
> no go for me? Does anyone have any examples of where my 2  (really 1)
> wheel drive vanagon can not make it? I thought the off-road capability
> was high as long as we weren't dealing with climbing rocks and splurging
through mud...
>
> Thanks in advance for your wisdom :-)
>
> Dave
> 85 GL "babybus"
>
> Sent from my iPad=
>