Date:         Sun, 27 Apr 2003 17:20:05 -0300
Reply-To:     Michel Bertin <mibertin@NBNET.NB.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michel Bertin <mibertin@NBNET.NB.CA>
Subject:      25 mpg westy (impress)
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I bought my first westy this winter and drove about 250 Km with it at the time and burned 35$ in gas (full tank). At the time I taught it was a little expensive but didn't realize that the weather was really cold (-25C) and it does make engines harder on gas.

This week end I took a trip to the same area where I had picked up the van and used 23$ in gas (30 litres for 240 Km) which gives me around 22 mpg I was impress with the van. I saw on the list here a lot of people which only makes around 15mpg with their van and I was praying mine was going to do better I guess my prayers have been answered.

Anyway just wanted to share this with everyone.

By the way it is great to travel in that little thing both my wife and I really enjoyed it. I've installed a second battery and am waiting for a propex heater, I already have a BA-6 heater in my van but find it unfortunate that these heaters don't work with a thermostat, you have to get up during the night to put this timer on all the time when it's cold. Oh yes, the second battery I installed with a maring switch (#1 batt., #2 batt., Both and off position) I find this switch very nice as you can use both batteries together or whichever battery you want just need to switch position. The only downside is not forget to switch to 1 or 2 position when you have it on both for charging. Other than that it is great (23$ US) not exepensive and easy to install (only three wires). You don't have to do any changes to your existant wiring in your fuse box or anywhere else, you just take the existing positive wire at your battery and bring it to the switch than bring one wire to each battery and install a ground for your 2nd battery.

Michel Bertin