Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 19:16:56 -0600
Reply-To: Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
Subject: Re: [WetWesties] How do Vanagons do in the snow?
In-Reply-To: <41FBF5A1.7010505@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Pretty much my experience, too. Putting some more weight in the back
behind the seat helped a lot. What I usually use is water softener salt
in 80 lb bags. Being one of the world's most thrifty people, I grumble
at the thought of paying money for something that I'll not use in the
summer. So, in spring, the salt bags get carried into the basement to
meet their ultimate use. And they are rugged bags that are hard to break.
2bags (160lb) helps a lot, 4 bags (320lb) is super. Spread evenly
behind the rear seat. Some of the weight will be carried on the engine
cover.
This makes vehicle that is a blast to drive. I'm surprised I haven't
flipped one over while doing completeely crazy stuff. (Still crazy after
all these years!) I can only imagine what fun a Syncro would be!
BTW, my 82 diesel has about 2500 lb of contractor's stuff in it. I just
put the studded tire in the front, leave the all weather tires in the back!
Al Brase
John Rodgers wrote:
> My first Vanagon - an 85 GL I bought when I lived in Alaska. - scared
> the slop out of me the first winter I had it. I spun out in the middle
> of the road with the vehicle while driving my first icey/snowy day of
> that year. That 50/50 weight distribution that made it such a delite to
> drive on dry pavement was miserable on the icy road. I drove away for m
> the spin out and went directly to the Goodyear dealer and had studded
> tires put on all the way around. Man, did that thing have a grip with
> those studs. Never had a problem of any kind after that in Alaska
> winters. Made a nicely handling vehicle from a monster.
>
> Regards.
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
> Alistair Bell wrote:
>
>> i have to disagree with Robert here.
>>
>> Having owned both a '72 and '82 (diesel) westies I can saw with no
>> hesitation that the Vanagon is much worse in the snow or any low
>> traction conditions.
>>
>> The Vanagon has almost exactly 50/50 weight distribution unlike the
>> pronounced rear weight bias of the loaf. Also, and this applies more to
>> rough road/off road travel), I found the Vanagons' suspension less
>> compliant than the loaf's. ie I could get the Vanagon to lose grip, and
>> indeed be completely, un-weighted on one tire when going down roughish
>> roads cum creeks here on Vancouver Island.
>>
>> The loaf would keep its feet firmly planted on the ground :)
>>
>> If you plan on taking your 2wd Vanagon anywhere in the snow, get snow
>> tires. I recommend the Nokia Hakkepelitas (sp), forget the current
>> model number for vanagon. I Just have 2 for the rear, but they are
>> studded and make the van usable on snow and ice. If you can, get 4
>> tires, don't be cheap like me :)
>>
>> Alistair
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 29-Jan-05, at 12:51 AM, Robert Keezer wrote:
>>
>>> Michelle,
>>>
>>> If you just carry extra weight in the Standard
>>> passenger Vanagon it will be fine.
>>> The Vanagon does well on compact snow. the rear engine
>>> weight over the rear wheels helps traction.
>>> The low center of gravity the Vanagon has makes it
>>> incredibly sure footed . I have been places only 4WD
>>> would dare.
>>>
>>> Now that I understand what your average driving
>>> conditions are, then yes- better than a Bay or Split?
>>> Well, again, all three share the rear wheel drive
>>> weight in over the driving wheels , which makes for
>>> better traction.
>>>
>>> Also when stopping, the weight of the vehicle shifts
>>> forward which pushes weight distribution front and
>>> rear to 50/50. Even weight on both axles means more
>>> stability in tricky braking situations.
>>>
>>> In your average American Van or pick-up, the weight is
>>> in the front so even less weight is on the rear axle
>>> when braking. These vehicles typically have less
>>> traction .
>>>
>>> Robert
>>>
>>> 1982 Westfalia
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
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