Date:         Mon, 8 Jan 2007 20:23:52 -0800
Reply-To:     BA <oddstray@ODDSTRAY.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         BA <oddstray@ODDSTRAY.COM>
Subject:      Re: NAIAS Detroit Opening
In-Reply-To:  <326099ba0701081844o6ae727c1w21f5b3089c79b73f@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi,

Waitaminnit ...

Isn't "Airstream" about camping?

Where are the camping facilities in this beast?


That's more than a casual inquiry.  Being realists who look
unflinchingly at the mortal life-span of our beloved Esme, :~-(  we
looked recently at a Westphalia-alike.

Minuses

1) It was on a V8 Ford engine and got about 14 mpg.  That was the
first deal-breaker.  (We're getting 18-20 mpg in Esme.)

2) The pop-top sleeping area was shorter "height"-wise, unless one
closed it off from the lower level ... but then, how does one climb
down to answer the call of nature during the night?  Shorter is a
serious issue for us vertically-gifted folks.

3) The pop-top sleeping area had less depth at the toe ends.  Even in
Esme, S's toes are definitely wedged in there!!!

4) With the top popped but "folded back" to make standing-up room in
the middle, the ceiling over the passenger seat was noticeably lower
than in Esme.  So much so that S (6' 1/2" tall) could not comfortably
sit in the passenger seat.  That was the second deal-breaker.

5) The fridge didn't operate on propane.  And the camper only had
provision for two deep-cycle batteries (only one comes installed).  So
if you want to use the fridge you're almost required to have a 110V
supply or else run the engine overnight.

6) It was waaaay too obvious that the previous owners were smokers.
That lurking odor can just not be covered up.  :-{

Plusses:

It has an installed greywater tank, and hot-water heater.  Nice for
taking showers.  (B is happy with a bath-from-a-bowl, but S needs a
proper shower to feel right with the world.)

It has hydraulic-assist for the pop-top.  B has underdeveloped arm
strength and *can**not* lift the pop-top in Esme  :-o(

Same old same old:

It has no blackwater tank ... depends on a porta-potty.  (The BLM is
reputedly strict and will not accept such a setup for camping on their
land outside of established campgrounds.  Which is great swaths of the
US southwest.)

It was reasonably priced ($50,000 asking price, with around 3000 miles
on it).


S has been checking out the 'Westfakia's at gtrv.com.  They look
pretty good.  But, lousy gas mileage (and that's just the base
vehicle).  And, no room fer your feet up top!  They have a neat 4x4.
(Since we got Esme stuck in sand down in Baja over Christmas vacation,
we've been jonesing for a syncro ...)   Prices start at $50,000 USD.


B&S
'87 Westy 'Esmerelda Blanc'
SoCal



On Mon, 8 Jan 2007 20:44:54 -0600, you wrote:

>Volks-
>
>I attended the media opening of the NAIAS in Detroit today (and will return
>tomorrow) for a shoot that I'm running for my client, General Motors.
>
>While strolling around looking at some of the absolutely phenomenal new
>concept vehicles (that I got MANY pictures of!) I came across the new Ford
>van/bus concept, The Ford AirStream.
>
[ edited ]

>
>Check it out:
>http://media.ford.com/products/press_article_display.cfm?article_id=25147&vehicle_id=1530&make_id=trust&CFID=9356231&CFTOKEN=80cbda9798c9ec5-58F1241A-1185-6933-5DBA764F4D9844F7&jsessionid=58305b1b7c21J$16$5F$
>
>Thoughts?