Date:         Wed, 1 Sep 2004 13:53:14 -0400
Reply-To:     Ron Tipton <uther@DRAGONHOME.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ron Tipton <uther@DRAGONHOME.ORG>
Subject:      Re: From a Westy, to a "Motorhome" ?? Seeking advice (LVC)
Comments: To: Tom Rowsell <sakow86@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <e1ac3674040901045466dcefb3@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

On Sep 1, 2004, at 7:54 AM, Tom Rowsell wrote:

> After a rather pleasant summer camping with a Westy (family of 4), I'm
> really considering acquiring a motorhome of some sort...a 22' or so
> Class C. We find that the (lack of) space in the VW is becoming a
> challenge, especially as the 2 boys grow bigger  :)
> I'm wondering if any members have gone to such a transition, or have
> gone the other way even. Opinions from owners of both would be nice to
> hear also.

I've also gone the RV route.  In my case it's not young boys but old
wife and
me.  I've got a bad heart and my wife is disabled.  We REQUIRE the
comforts and AC of a motor home.  On the other hand, a motor home is a
bit
mainstream for us.

Our solution can be seen at http://dragonhome.org/~uther/roaddragon
All of these pictures were taken by the previous owner.  It's no longer
pink
inside and has a few additional mods both inside and out.  One of these
days I'll get around to posting recent pictures, but these will give
you some
idea.

The damn thing is BIG which might be a concern.  On the other hand I've
not
found anywhere I couldn't go... and we usually boondook so I've been
down
some mighty small gravel/dirt roads.  The other major disadvantage is
gas
milage.  On the other hand, it has plenty of power, a large gas tank
(75 gals),
handles well and will go anywhere (while not 4X4 it does have a rear
locker.

The advantages are that we are completely self-contained and can stay
out
for over a week without power or water hook ups and still be
cooled/heated,
take showers, sleep on a queen sized bed and have our bi-paps working,
etc.

r


Ron Tipton
IT Specialist III
Laboratory for Information Technologies
University of Tennessee