Date:         Wed, 1 Sep 2004 08:32:33 -0400
Reply-To:     Michael Vickey <vickrail@VELOCITY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Vickey <vickrail@VELOCITY.NET>
Subject:      Re: From a Westy, to a "Motorhome" ?? Seeking advice (LVC)
Comments: To: Tom Rowsell <sakow86@GMAIL.COM>

Tom,

For a number of years I have owned both VW Westfalia Campers and Winnebago
Rialtas (22').

I am a single parent, and while my 2 older sons were growing up, I had
only a Westy - lots of fun, but you are right - sometimes more space would
have been better.

The Rialta has been the vehicle of choice for longer trips these days, and
with only my 3rd son now living at home, the 22HD model Rialta is just
perfect.

The Rialta comes in 3 different floor plans (or is it 4?). Mine is the HD
model, which has asthetically the nicest interior, but is really designed
for only 1 or 2 people on overnight trips. You may want to consider one of
the other floorplan options that accomodates 4. Another option from
Winnebago is the Vista. Still uses the VW Eurovan truck cab, but with a
completely different design meant more for 4 people. Of the 2, the Rialta
will probably give you better gas mileage.

There are a couple of Yahoo Groups that deal with both the Rialta and
Vista, and I suggest you have a look at them before you make your
decision. The folks on those groups are generally friendy and helpful.

Having slimmed down my collection of vehicles, the Campers are now gone
and the Rialta remains. You can see mine at:
http://www.velocity.net/~vickrail/moshevw.htm

Best wishes.

Michael