Date: Sat, 26 Jun 2010 09:09:19 -0700
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Westy's vs Other Configurations for Camping
In-Reply-To: <4C257C8D.6060809@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
I think my homemade camper conversion in my (previously) 7 passenger
Vanagon GL has some big advantages over a full Westy configuration:
1. BIG bed...after all, that's the reason we have vans rather than
SUV's for camping and roadtrips...instant hotel. Mine originally had
the Z-bed...took it out...too hard and "uneven", and the hardware
linkage mechanism takes up a surprising amount of space. I'm 6'1",
girlfriend is 5'10", so a big comfortable bed sure makes for a nice
trip. Can carry 5 people if needed (rare).
2. Lower vehicle weight and center of gravity...all that wood is heavy
and bulky, not to mention the weight of the fridge and stove unit. I DO
like the Westy undervehicle propane...but could always add that. So
better handling & MPG, less wind resistance and wind noise.
3. Plastic ice chest works just fine....I tend to stop once a day for
fresh food and gas and ice anyway....easy to move around and clean, can
set outside of vehicle if needed for meal prep. Also, like to have lots
of ice for beverages.
4. Stealth Camping: another biggie for me...a raised pop-top would
draw unwanted attention. I installed a 14" square screened roof vent
and made my own side window screens (larger than a Westy) so have plenty
of cross-ventilation and chimney effect. Even with poptop down,
everybody knows it may have people sleeping inside. Never needed to
sleep 3 or 4, most trips for me are 1 or 2. Passenger Vanagon looks
less suspicious.
5. Closet: Sure takes up a lot of space; duffle bags with clothes you
toss up into front seat area at night works just fine.
6. Cooking: don't want the splatter and odors, so a gasoline Coleman
stove outside works great. As a backup, carry a single burner stove
that screws on top of a 1 lb. propane bottle....for rare occasions for
heating food inside the van or boiling water for hot beverages. Stores
under the rear seat.
7. Couch: my setup has a full rear seat, and a fullwidth swing-up
section for sleeping, or in this case, turns the rear into a very nice
couch (approximately 30" x 60" seat area) for reading or lounging or
watching the 10.2" DVD player...very spacious.
8. Swivel front seat: don't have, might be nice, but didn't want the
1.5" height increase...So, when camped, I just push the passenger seat
forward off tracks, reverse, re-install, takes 1 minute, and presto!
9. Carrying gear: with rear seat backrest folded flat (like for
sleeping), easy to carry 4 x 8 plywood, bicycles, surfboards...or to use
vehicle as a moving van.
10. Garage: I keep my Vanagon garaged, don't know if pop top would
fit. As it is, I "cringe" when entering parking garages, would cringe
more with Westy.
11. Storage of odds and ends: I built a 3 drawer "dresser" to hold all
of the little things, entertainment, cooking stuff, etc. Also built a
wall-mounted fold-up table for dining indoors bug-free and wind-free.
12. Shower Contraption: With the rear heater removed, I have plenty of
room for my hot water shower, and also a 6 gallon plastic Jerry Can of
water. Also store tools, stove, lantern & fuel, skillet, hatchet,
shovel, and plenty more under there. Easy access via flip up rear seat.
13. Curtains: used Walmart curtain rods with homemade curtains for 3
sides, a bungee cord mounted curtain across the van behind the front
seats, gives total privacy, yet with the front seats "showing", doesn't
look like it's all "closed up"...again, the stealth-camping issue.
14. Sink: a plastic dishpan outside works fine, or inside even.
Mostly just wipe the teflon skillet with a paper towel, and a cold water
soak, rinse and wipe is OK for utensils and glassware.
15. Cost: passenger Vanagon much cheaper than a Westy.
16. Shore Power: a 30 Foot extension cord is used when AC power is
available, and a Triple outlet. It enters van at front door, on the
floor, the weatherstrip doesn't crush it. Use it for 1500 W electric
heater, light, computer, etc. Mostly for fall and winter; campgrounds
out West with AC power are rare...very common east of the Mississippi.
So don't overlook the possibility of converting a passenger Vanagon into
a very nice camper; takes a bit of ingenuity, but rewarding effort.
Designed mine with Solidworks 3D CAD software, built it in 3
weekends...mostly spent dreaming and planning and measuring and
sketching. Someday, I plan to "upgrade" to a stripped-out Sprinter Van,
and build my own interior just the way I like it.
Rich
85 Vanagon GL with homemade camping interior
San Diego
--- On Fri, 6/25/10, John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Westy's vs Other Configurations for Camping
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Friday, June 25, 2010, 9:05 PM
Westy's appear to be a grand vehicle for traveling and camping, but i
have never had an opportunity to use one that way, let alone even drive
one to see how they handle. Yet a few years ago, I spent an entire
summer camping out in Alaska in my '85 GL. I found it convenient,
flexible, and comfortable for the most part. I never found a need to
have cooking facilities inside, nor sink, nor even a refrigerator. In
fact, cooking inside could have created a bear problem with the smells.
So, what are some experiences of others with their various Van
configurations. And how did you outfit yourselves with your particular
rig.? I recently came into posession of a Carat, and I alread see
advantages to having the swing out table and cup holders, yet I'm glad
half the van isn't filled with cabinets. Gives me lots more flexibility
- and I hate being cramped for space in the bed area - and the Carat has
a full bed with the seat back folded down.
Comments?
Thanks
--
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com
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