Stuck on grass in campsite
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Stuck on grass in campsite
Last season I had difficulty in leaving a campsite due to rain and ground being wet, site was not waterlogged and not to much of a gradient. Eventually managed to leave without being towed but wondering if anybody has any tips on how to improve traction. Is there a particular tyre that is recommened for the rear drive wheels and are they suitable for both campsites and travelling on roads in between. Tks TOny
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX
- captain Byrne
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Wouldn't really bother changing tyres - it's not the grip, it's a combination of small tyres on a rear wheel drive pushing a big heavy van. Just get some of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kampa-Wheel-Gri ... B0076K4DDM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also good to keep a decent tow rope in the van.

Also good to keep a decent tow rope in the van.

1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.
- Ian Hulley
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Having camped on grass for many years and sat laughing watching the fat ass front wheel drive Fiat gin palaces trying to get off and also watching fwd cars in snow sliding around as I drive serenely past I can assure you that weight over the rear wheels combined with the torque characteristics of a petrol T25 is FAR betterer.
Ian.
Ian.
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LPG courtesy of Steve @ Gasure
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Hammer some nails into the tyres, the spikes help in the grass, they just push in when on tarmac.
: Haha!
There is a particular hill which I have to move off on with the wheels almost locked over, next to a police station. I have to avoid it when its wet!!

There is a particular hill which I have to move off on with the wheels almost locked over, next to a police station. I have to avoid it when its wet!!
1984 Voltswagen 25 Pop-Top (No idea what type!?) 1.9 W/C Petrol based in Guernsey, C.I.
- thechubbsdub
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Get hold of a plastic bread tray, the ones that they deliver bread to shops / supermarkets in. Cut out the base and then cut it into two strips, place one under each drive wheel tyre.
Don't eat yellow snow.
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- Winchweight
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Search for waffle boards on eBay or MaxTrax
Also consider having some winter use all terrain wheels and tyres. 15" steels with Grabber AT 215/75/15s are a straight fit and will get you out of most things. It's what we have on our Syncro. Road tyres are poo in the wet and slippy.
Also consider having some winter use all terrain wheels and tyres. 15" steels with Grabber AT 215/75/15s are a straight fit and will get you out of most things. It's what we have on our Syncro. Road tyres are poo in the wet and slippy.
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VW 1.9 TDi AHU Syncro Camper
VW 2.1 WBX DJ Syncro Doka - SOLD
VW 1.9 TDi AHU Syncro Camper
Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Or you could just let some air out to get better grip. Re inflate when in firmer ground.
- Dazco
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
As I found out a few weeks ago once you've spun the wheels and filled the tread with mud you are stuffed. Make sure you've got a good long tow rope and get a tractor



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- syncropatrick
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Chuck the rug/doormat/dog blanket under the front of the rear wheels. As they turn they'll drag the mat under themselves and gain grip.
Give it a hose down and then a good wash when you get home.
Use 2nd gear to avoid spinning the wheels.
Give it a hose down and then a good wash when you get home.
Use 2nd gear to avoid spinning the wheels.
Syncro 16” AGG Dehler Profi hightop Caravelle/Camper
- captain Byrne
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Not true I'm afraid. It's pretty much widely accepted that FWD is much better in the snow. There is an advantage with having the engine on top of the drivetrain in a T3 but it doesn't really make much difference. They're rubbish on anything slippy.fwd cars in snow sliding around as I drive serenely past I can assure you that weight over the rear wheels combined with the torque characteristics of a petrol T25 is FAR betterer.
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Tks to all some usefull ideas there which i will take onboard. Rgds Tony
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
I don't know about the technicalities of it but I always found my rear wheel drive T3 Caravelle far superior to the T4 front wheel drive in the snow.captain Byrne wrote:Not true I'm afraid. It's pretty much widely accepted that FWD is much better in the snow. There is an advantage with having the engine on top of the drivetrain in a T3 but it doesn't really make much difference. They're rubbish on anything slippy.fwd cars in snow sliding around as I drive serenely past I can assure you that weight over the rear wheels combined with the torque characteristics of a petrol T25 is FAR betterer.
Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
Waiting for the auto choke on the carb to dis-engage drops the revs on the engine so less chance of wheel spin when starting off -'gently does it'- has worked for me in the past !
- jamesc76
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Re: Stuck on grass in campsite
captain Byrne wrote:Wouldn't really bother changing tyres - it's not the grip, it's a combination of small tyres on a rear wheel drive pushing a big heavy van. Just get some of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kampa-Wheel-Gri ... B0076K4DDM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also good to keep a decent tow rope in the van.
THose things are next to useless, not where near enough grip on them. I use the bottom of bread crates loads better!
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Now cutting about in an LT35 MWB
Now cutting about in an LT35 MWB