With all this talk of traction I'd like to point the list to a new photo
I've posted of my Vanagon, http://www.251.org/myvgon.html#snow , This
was taken on Dec. 30 1998 in the middle of Illinois.  This is at a rest
stop that we pulled off to get a picture and, well rest a while.  Anyway
the Vanagon did great, there was somewhere around a foot, a little less
actually, of snow by the time it was over the next morning.  Never got
stuck, and it started right up after sitting all night at apx. 0 deg F.
This was with my 205/70 14 Michelin MX4 Rainforce tires and the first
trip with my new motor.  And BTW those are relay switched 120W bulbs in
the aux. brights.

dave
www.251.org