Date:         Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:59:13 -0700
Reply-To:     B <oddstray@ODDSTRAY.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         B <oddstray@ODDSTRAY.COM>
Subject:      Re: Westy Configurations and Bear-proffing (was Re: Westy's vs
              Other Configurations for Camping)
In-Reply-To:  <20100626124601.OH3HV.881791.imail@eastrmwml28>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I still wonder about two issues:

(1) Open windows, for ventilation at night.  Bears, especially at Yosemite, are getting more and more clever about opening the various tin cans they're presented with.

(2) A raised pop-top, with us two sleeping up there.  Since we do sleep up there, I'm guessing if we ever camp in bear country we'd be wise to move our food outside the van.  Which wouldn't necessarily be easy, since we keep survival food in the Westy (it's our escape pod from earthquake/wildfire).

B&S
'87 Westy 'Esmerelda Blanc'
SoCal


On Jun 26, 2010, at 9:46 AM, Dave Mcneely wrote:

> ---- Pat Sloan <pmsloan@SHAW.CA> wrote:
>> This thread brings up two questions that have been lurking in my
>> subconscious:
>> 
>> 1.      How bear-proof is a Vanagon? Since I like to camp in remote forestry
>> campsites or even just pull over at a wide spot in the road, how easy would
>> it be for a bear to open the oblong tin can that a Vanagon is, if there were
>> leftover cooking smells wafting on the night air? Anyone heard of any
>> experiences? A bear did a masterful and completely silent job on my backpack
>> once, years ago. As I slept in my tent about 10 yards away!
>> 2.      Why did VW switch the Westy inner configuration from the dual-side
>> of my 1973 Westy to the all-on-one-side setup in my current 1982 Westy?
>> Personally, I prefer the older layout - that great little cantilevered shelf
>> right by the sliding door; the more-balanced weight distribution, etc. So
>> what were the perceived advantages that motivated the shift to locating
>> everything on the driver's side? Vanagon historians?
> 
> the vanagon, being heavier and built with stronger steel, is likely more bearproof than lots of other vehicles -- but people don't cook in most vehicles.  In Yosemite it is illegal to even store food in a vehicle.  But most places, a hardsided vehicle is reputed (including by most park and wildlife services) to be adequate protection from bears.
> 
> I imagine that the newer configuration was perceived as offering more convenience in use -- larger single open space.
> David McNeely