Snow.

Derek Drew writes in `vanagon at lenti.med.umn.edu' (10/94):

When the snow gets really deep (above 10 inches), I start to get stuck a little and I put on the diff lock. After about 12-15 inches I begin to have difficulty climbing hills so then I let the air out of my tires so I am running only about 15 psi compared to the 36/40psi I normally run. This allows me to drive in fresh snow that is 24" deep or more without getting stuck. The vehicle makes a furrow the full width of the van. Snow builds up in the front of the van into geat piles as I drive. These piles grow half-way up to the windshield and then break off, falling to the side of the van as I drive.

If there is ice I add snow chains. With the chains on and 15 psi in the tires I can drive on snowmobile trails. Snowmobilers come flying around the corner and they stop and cannot believe it. I open the sliding door and make them hot chocolate on the stove while they admire my rig.

Sometimes the snowmobile trail gets very very steep. Then I take the portable 4,000 lb winch out of my back seat and connect it to the frame in the front of the vehicle and winch up the trail until it gets more flat so I can resume normal driving.

I usually try to reach a mountain top or mountain pass where I pop the roof and make dinner on the stove with the heaters on. In the morning I resume driving down the other side of the mountain or pass, hoping that there are no weak bridges I have to cross to get back on pavement. If the bridges are out I remove huge boards from my roof which are 3.5 inches thick and which run the length of the vehicle. With these I manufacture my own bridge before moving on.

Derek Drew, drew at interport.net (main address for e-mail) ['95]

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