I have gotten my '81 Vanagon stuck several times on
relative flat terrain.  I am very conscious of this
problem when in rough country--like Utah.  ;-)

I used to go about anywhere in my '61 and '67 splities
and don't remember problems in my '76.

They all went much better in snow than the vanagon.  I
use four gutter downspout splash blocks on top of the
engine compartment to get around the Colorado mtns in
the snow now.

I think the traction problem (or lack of) is due to the
Vanagon being wider and there being less vertical travel
in the rear wheels.  Just a little bit wider makes a
difference if you think of moving out on a lever arm.

The snow problem is greater body weight and the more
even weight distribution between front and rear.

Makes me want a syncro....

                                Richard A. Jones
                                Boulder, Colorado
                                '81 Vanagon  Mr Bus