[Vwdiesel] winter adventure

[Tad]

I can attest to the plastic Thermo-T cracking and causing mysterious
issues.  Also the o-rings can leak air, but overall it's nice to have the
extra heat.

Re: chains, if you actually plan to use them (vs. emergency backup), I'd
suggest investing the extra $ in one of the new quick-fit designs that are
MUCH easier to install and adjust (not to mention more durable) than the
cheapo cable chains.  I've struggled, drew blood, damaged bodywork with and
broke/lost on the road those crappy cable chains for the last time.




On Wed, Jan 9, 2013 at 3:52 AM, Travis . <tgott at hotmail.com> wrote:

> I can add a few of my stores. I don't have any of being stuck really but
> what I do to prepare. With the rabbits, I have the cable style tire chains
> (while I was in WY where they didn't salt-they are in winter storage now).
> I test fitted one time and they worked. Never needed them so I never
> installed again. Still have the cables and when I get my metro running-they
> will go in there. Foldable shovel, a EMR kit that has foil blanket,
> lighter, and a few other supplies. At one time in the rabbits I had a full
> toolbox that I could about do anything on the car with. But once I had them
> both running well-I found I never used it so I took it out. Only think that
> I have needed along side the road was a couple tubes of silicone gasket
> maker and antifreeze after going to the top of a Ski mountain. I filled at
> the top with water and basically costed to the bottom where there was a gas
> station with the supplies I needed to finish my 1500 mile trip before
> replacing the radiator since no on
>  e stocked a radiator. I also make sure I have cloths I could walk out
> with.
>
> Now that I live in WI where cell service is better and there is a lot more
> people/houses per mile I don't fret as much. Good tires, shovel, EMR kit,
> tire chains and that is it. Tire chains aren't allowed in this state but if
> I am stuck-you will see me with them on. So far I have only used them twice
> gong up a hill with a trailer. For the folks that don't like installing
> tire chains or have a hard time as there bodies aren't what they used to
> be-look at Spikes-spider tire chains. There is a few options to install and
> you can get the install hubs on mulitiple cars if you have the same size
> tires so you can put the chains in the car you are going to drive. I bought
> when my wife was first pregnant as there was no way I wanted her shoveling
> possibly slipping and attempting to put on normal chains. They are not
> cheap but less damage will occur if something fails on them vs normal
> chains and I can put on both tires in about 30 seconds and take off in
> about 45 if I am doing it fast.
>  http://www.spikes-spiders.com/195-65-15/spikes-spider-sport-style-6 That
> is the style I have. You can find used for about 1/2 price.
>
> As far as carrying extra fuel filters-on the rabbit truck I almost had to.
> Seemed like ever year the first cold snap even with winter fuel and
> treating it would gel up, My other rabbit I had put the same filter style
> as the TDI were it returns the fuel through the thermo T into the filter
> below a certain temp. It never gelled after doing that. I advise that be
> done with anyones winter VW diesels. I have a kit that actually used a CAT
> 5 micro filter setup with the thermo T as well so there is extra capacity
> so there is less fuel filter changes as well and the rabbit truck will be
> getting that installed this spring. That way all filters are the same (TDI
> and rabbits). Some people with TDI's change the thermo T to a straight line
> and bypass-I won't. I understand they can crack and leak but I won't mess
> with gelled fuel either.
>
> Travis
> _______________________________________________
> Vwdiesel mailing list
> Vwdiesel at vwfans.com
> http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/vwdiesel
>