Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 20:09:53 -0700
Reply-To: steeles <steeles@HORIZONVIEW.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: steeles <steeles@HORIZONVIEW.NET>
Subject: Re: swapping vanagon for Prius (was RE: license plate light bulbs
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Joy:
How about this...?
Try out the Prius on a short trip, maybe a week long. There is no need to
make a snap decision and you may find that, like many of us on the List
have, we have outgrown the desire to sleep on the ground in a tent over any
length of time. High and dry is best for me. AND, you get to keep the kayak
for water-bourne adventures!
Obviously you have been storing the car... "store" the van for a while and
then decide.
Keeping the Westy? Learning more about it?
What about hanging out with the mechanic that has looked at Matilda? Even if
he doesn't do a lot of Vanagons at least you could be exposed to the various
mechanical systems/tools that are commonly repaired/used. A 12mm wrench is
used in about the same manner on all cars. Batteries may be found in
different locations but effectively they do the same job in all cars. A
starter is a starter the world around.
A good small tool kit, a Bentley manual, a road tow service policy, along
with internet access are all essential for the non-mechanic on the road.
Personally, I think that as long as you have access to the List and carry an
AIRS list you can be pretty well assured of competent advice if not outright
help from anywhere that you choose to travel. Can you expect the same or
better from a spotty dealer network on a relatively unknown odd ball model?
Unlike Mr. Wilder, I find the (wbx) Westy to be a very able long distance
vehicle. I have enjoyed many long trips and walk away far more refreshed
from days of driving my '87 Westy than any of the other cars in my family (3
Jettas, an '84 Westy, a Gti, a Ch**y truck, and an MGB). The biggest
obstacle is learning to slow down my land speed a little and enjoy the van
for what it is... a multi-purpose, highly capable home on wheels. I have
spent a lot of years tent camping and consider myself fairly adept at it.
That said, I enjoy the totality of the Westy experience far more than any
other car camping/driving that I have done so far. YMMV
The concept of stealth camping has not been mentioned yet. It's pretty hard
to compare tent camping to the stealthiness of the Westy in most non camp
site environs. The relative safety and comfort of the van as compared to a
tent would be major considerations for me. Heating, ventilation, and
security are some other issues where the tent is not a contender in the long
term.
Lastly, as some Listees have brought up, you may decide that some other
sleep-in-the-vehicle may be a option. BUT, you are asking the Vanagon List
and we are biased.
Stephen
Chillicothe OH
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