Hello,

I add another vote to the camp who maintains that the Vanagon is simply
not suitable for ANY off-roading unless it is a Syncro.  I had a 1971
camper which was wonderful off-road;  I could take on most low to moderate
difficulty 4WD trails in Colorado uneventfully.

On the day I bought my first Vanagon (1983 Westfalia) I got it stuck
during a very simple stream-fording off of Independence Pass.  This was a
stream which I had crossed multiple times in the 1971, and once in Kim's
1974 Pontiac Ventura.  I attribute the problem to 1st gear being too high,
more weight, and less-than-optimum weight distribution.

The first snowy day was also an adventure in the Vanagon.  I eventually
found that with very aggressive studded snow tires it was satisfactory in
snow;  the 1971 was great in snow, even with street tires.  Overall the
Vanagon camper has a better interior layout and is a much nicer vehicle
than the early busses for daily use.  Is is, however, my opinion that an
awful lot of utility use was given up in the interest of comfort and
highway cruise capability.

After driving the 1983 for 90K miles, I sold it and bought a 1987
Westfalia Syncro specifically because of these problems.  The Syncro has
been exceptional in the off-road and winter arenas, but the
excessive costs associated with the Syncro-only parts is frustrating.

Regards,
Jon Kanas