Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2002 04:14:59 -0700
Reply-To: dnmwilhite@EARTHLINK.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Wilhite <dnmwilhite@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Westy to Weekender or just buy another one?
Just thought I would solicit some opinions from the list(s) concerning my use
of a Westfalia. I just got back from another trip (P.C. Beach) and I am
thinking about alternatives. Please excuse the length of dialogue here.
I've had my 84' Westy for two years now and have really enjoyed it, although I
have not really used the fridge and stove that much. It seems that most of my
'camping' has been going someplace to do something, not just camping out, if
you know what I mean. I've also had issues with needing to carry more than
four people. So I was wondering if a Weekender would be more pratical for my
family's lifestyle. Right now I am looking at possibly three options.
One, sell my Westy and buy a Weekender.
I kind of hate to do this, because I've put so much effort into it. I did the
Subaru conversion right after I got it, and I don't think I could be content
with the stock VW engine. I could always find another one with a bad engine,
but I don't really want to spend that kind of time again.
Two, Remove my Westfalia equipment for Weekender equipment. This may be a
little easier on my mind, because I wouldn't be giving up all I put in to it,
but I don't know if this is practical. If I purchase a Weekender interior, I
could keep the Westfalia stuff and re-install it in the future if my 'camping'
changed. Two problems I have with this is storage and dollars. I don't have
a garage (I did my conversion in the open air), and I don't budget much money
to my Vanagon 'hobby'. Maybe I should just swap interiors with someone, but
then I would not have the 'stuff' to change it back if I ever decided.
Three, Sell the van, buy a 7 passenger SUV and pull behind trailer. Most
people (non-VW) would think this the best alternative. This package would
have all the luxuries, you know, A newer vehicle that I or my wife could drive
without wondering what is going to mechanically fail next (the Vanagon is 17
years old after all). Stuff like roof-top AC, and a shower. Sometimes it
seems that this would be more practical, but I can't imagine not having the
Westfalia. I may not use it that much, but I know it's there, and it has been
nice being able to use it when I needed to.
I am somewhat in turmoil thinking about all this, but I'll get over it again
and settle down after a few days. Maybe I should have started with, Hi, my
name is David and I'm a Westfalia owner.
Thanks for any opinions, enlightenment, or encouragement.
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