Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:13:31 -0800
Reply-To: Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject: Vans (from a digester)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
I am of the school that likes to modify my vans to suit the use I have in mind for them. Also, of the school of thought that before I do a total custom installation of some thing, I cobb it up and try it a while..Many many times I've been absolutely certain I have it just right..and then find out it isn't..So preliminary 'test' modifications are my rule.
Another thing I've learned over the years: Watch the weight you add. Think about it. Who want a van that waddles down the road and gets 10mpg? Who needs 10,000 lbs of extra added stuff with them whenever they drive their van? After seeing how weight affects performance in my race car and on my bicycle, I try to consider weight whenever I add something. "Do I need it in there permanently? Does it need to be 3/4" partical board, or will 1/4" baltic birch be better? Do I really need two Air conditioners and 3 heaters, or will a sweater work, or shorts and open windows? " Like that.
One of the great things I like about vans is they are pretty simple and light, compared to other camping vehicles. If you want to start putting everything in that you'd find in a Prevost diesel pusher bus, perhaps that would be a better platform for you than a VW van..But don't try camping in one, just stick to the RV parks and the main roads..
No names for my vans. While they do have some personality traits, they are still just 'stuff'..I don't have a name for my house, either..find that a bit odd...When someone calls their vehicle by a name in conversation, it's weird, to me..
"Yeah, we just got back from Baja and Helmut was great"...
Me, "Who the fu** is Helmut?"
"Oh" they say, like I am some kinda dummy or like I really ought to care.."Helmut is our Mercedes Unimogg Euro truck". or our Winnebago
....whoop-de-do...I am usually underwhelmed that they've decided to call their possession by name...But whatever..at least they are out there..
Vans are great, I can't believe I've gone about 15 years since my last one..
Don Hanson
|