fyi:
I've never been stuck in my '89 Westfalia and
I travel extensively throughout CO and UT.

The summer tires are Yoko 185R14. Last weekend
we went to the Holy Cross Wilderness which has
only a jeep road for access. It rained heavily
on Sat. nite and made the trip out a sloppy
muddy drive. We made it with no problems.

For winter travel I use Blizzak snow tires.
They are great IMHO. For the most part we do
our skiing in the backcountry. Most of the
roads leading to the really cool ski
destinations are unplowed (sometimes) forest
roads.

Monty
'89 Westy
'62 Sunroof Bug

(Denver)

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Richard A. Jones [SMTP:jones@COYOTE.COLORADO.EDU]
> Sent: Thursday, August 19, 1999 9:29 AM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Re: Vanagon Traction
>
> 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
>