Date:         Sat, 30 Mar 2002 13:30:15 -0500
Reply-To:     Gordon Smith <porpentine@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gordon Smith <porpentine@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Questions from a Vanagon Newbie

Hi everyone,

I've just bought an 86 Westfalia, with the intention of driving it around
the U.S. in about a month. I've never owned a Vanagon before, and I've
never gone on any extended van-camping trips before either.

While I'm reasonably mechanically capable and have travelled (by
train/bus/boat) fairly extensively, I was wondering if there are any
outstanding tips, warnings, idiosyncrasies or useful
upgrades/additions/tools that you might share with me before I take
off.

 I'm particularly interested in the best ways to use the stove/fridge/sink,
beds and cabinets to make the Westy a comfortable home away from
home.

I'm realize that this is a little bit like asking you to tell me basically the
entire contents of this mailing list--but if there are any anecdotes like
"The best purchase/fix/option I ever got was..." or "This made my life
easier", or even "This ruined my trip",  I'd appreciate it.

Last of all, if you know of ANY book that covers travelling in, operating
and maintaining the water cooled Vanagons, I'd love to hear about it...

Thanks a lot for your time and your great mailing list!