Date:         Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:51:22 -0700
Reply-To:     Tom <bueses@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tom <bueses@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      6 month westy trip w/ family & tinting?
Comments: To: Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <f98ee6b45a34.45587c92@gci.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

> Thanks for asking your question, I was just thinking about this
> issue this morning on my way to work.  The wife and I are
> considering packing up our Westy sometime in the next 2-3 years and
> touring the States for 6 months or so.

I know this is not your primary concern in this thread, but how do
you swing this breath-taking-away trip w/ a teen, wife & 6 year old?
Inquiring mind wants to know.

> Window tinting is just one of a number of items that I will be
> pondering in the coming year(s) while prepping our van for a road
> trip with two adults one teenager and a 6 year old.
>
> Now for my two cents worth on tinting.  My `87 Sunroof Syncro came
> from its PO with the rear window tinted and it definitely affects
> my rearward visibility at night, which right now is from 4:00PM to
> 9:00AM.  One thing to consider is where you are and what is your
> intented use for the van in the foreseeable future.  We do not want
> tint on our Westy's windows but when it comes time to travel the
> more southern latitudes we may rethink this.  Having spent most of
> our lives in the frozen, now slowly thawing, North we will want as
> much protection from the sun as possible.

Now to your thread, the sun is not that big of a deal unless you live
all year in Lake Havasu  City, Az. or some place like that. I think
tinting is non essential for a 6 month trip. Your curtains will do
just fine when you want to keep the sun out.  AC might be nicer if
you will be traveling in warm climates during the Summer, but other
than that, the sun is good!  YMMV.

Tom B.-lives in the hi desert w/ no ac or tinting except for top of
windshield.
>
> Mark in AK