Date:         Thu, 4 Oct 2001 09:26:46 -0400
Reply-To:     Ed Stevens <ejstevens@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ed Stevens <ejstevens@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Driving into NYC and using a parking Garage
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I have to drive to NYC this weekend and I will undoubtably be using 1 or 2
parking garages.

I will be away on an Indian Guides cabin camping trip in NJ with my 8 year
old son and bringing the 84 Westfalia camper would be perfect for the stuff
I have to bring and the cooking we are planning to do with 7 other dads and
their sons. But I have to make an 8 hour trip into Manhattan on Saturday and
then back to the NJ cabin.

If I recall correctly there have been numerous incidents of roof damage in
garages and I do not want to become one.  My choices seem to be:

1   -I have another vehicle I can bring (1999 Honda Odyssey) that would not
present the same potential problems. A no brainer.

2   -Trying to make the Westie a fool proof parking job. [ never
underestimate the power of a fool!]


I have an 84 Wolfsberg Westfalia that my owners guide says is 80.7 inches
tall (6 ft 8.7 inches). Since I will have the vent down, I'll say it is 6 ft
10 inches for safety sake.  How does that compare with Manhattan garages?
I'll certainly pay attention to signs and height bars at the street
entrance.

In addition I was thinking of writing a sign that says

WARNING - THIS IS A TALL VEHICLE
THAT NEEDS SPECIAL CARE.  IT IS
6 FT 10 INCHES TALL.  IF YOU
DAMAGE THE ROOF IT WILL BE YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY TO FIX IT
AND IT WILL BE VERY EXPENSIVE.

Allowing for English as a second language I will write it out.  I would show
this to the attendant and request special parking considerations. Aren't
they responsible for this type of damage?

Any recommendations, caveats and suggestions are appreciated? Should I
seriously leave the bus home and have a second rate camping experience with
my son just because I am concerned.

I am going to be really upset if anything happens to my van in a Manhattan
parking garage.



--
Sincerely,
Ed Stevens
Valley Forge PA