Date: Sun, 26 Mar 2000 18:43:15 -0500
Reply-To: Jim Cain <jcain@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jim Cain <jcain@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject: Re: asking for travel tips
In-Reply-To: <00ec01bf975f$5b714360$b1438cd1@newmicronpc>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"
>What types of toppers are people really happy with that work great
>with the VW for extra storage?
I used a cheapie from Sears a long while back on my old '71 on a trip
throughout the West. It held a lot, but was such a wind resistor
that I wish I hadn't added it. Did not use all the stuff I carried
anyway. If doing it now, I wouldn't add anything on top. Downsize
and do without or buy it when you need it.
I have been toying with the idea of making a lid for the luggage rack
for seldom used things. If I made it flush with the top, it would
not offer any wind resistance. Anyone tried that one? The only
thing that I have carried up there so far is fire wood.
>What are the minimum necessities a person should have in the Tool Box?
Every one has his/her own ideas on that. My favorites besides the
usual wrenches are string/rope, a foldable shovel and a pruning saw.
The pruning saw works much better than a hatchet for cutting firewood.
>Other helpful hints for storage?
We use two plastic bins that we got at Target for things that we take
out every stop, e.g. food and eating things. They double as side
tables to our camping chairs if we don't have a regular campsite.
When we pull into a campsite, we put them on the picnic table and
every thing is right there, no running back and forth to get
something. I put them on the floor behind the seats when traveling
and secure them with bungee cords. One couple that we met had
removed the upper bed and built some plywood trays to fit in the
space on top. Be sure to secure them from sliding out with a sudden
stop. He said he was speaking from experience. :-) I also made a
hanging thing, kinda' like a shoe bag, for frequently used items, and
hang it from the back of the passenger seat. Easy to get to from
outside. Handy, but presents a problem when rotating the seat to
face the rear, though. I may rethink that one, since it was a
leftover from my '71.
> It looks like adding the extra battery will be a necessity- Thanks
>for the recent battery discussions.
Unless you intend to stay in one camping spot for a long (week or so)
time with out electricity, I think the extra battery is not needed.
I use the space as my tool box. I have my tools in canvas or plastic
wraps and can get my entire mechanics tools in there (I am an amateur
mechanic). It secures them from bouncing/sliding around on curvy
roads. I use a battery powered lantern that works better than the
mounted light and LP for the fridge. Only pull on the battery is the
radio occasionally (very occasionally, I like the natural sounds when
camping) and the fridge fan if it is extremely hot, as in South Texas.
Good luck on your trip and keep us posted.
