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Date:         Sun, 8 Jan 2012 08:52:29 -0500
Reply-To:     Dake Collins <wuwe423@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dake Collins <wuwe423@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: 86 Westy Camper w/automatic : list of emergency gear
Comments: To: Gregg Carlen <gregg.carlen@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAK-ud2j=sJaWaZLLwcL_cDcPGDhoV8K39FZojvVZ0pvVmB08OQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Very timely tips. One week from today I'm leaving Maine headed south to VA, north Georgia (for the winter meet up) and on to Florida and then ??? Perhaps we'll meet up. Happy trails to all, Dake

Sent from my iPod

On Jan 5, 2012, at 21:19, Gregg Carlen <gregg.carlen@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

>> >>> On Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 7:24 PM, Art <awa0330@gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> In a few weeks, I’ll be spending close to 2 months traveling in my >> Westy. >> > > Art, > > There's been much discussion about this topic on the list in the past. A > search of the archives will likely result in several lists. Also search for > storys of others that have broken down to learn what problems they've > encountered (the more you know and can be prepared for, the better). > > Personally, I like the approach of 'what is most likely to go wrong?' and > then determining what things to bring. On a non-mechanical level, I would > spend the money on the highest level of AAA membership available. Of course > a cell phone along with internet access and laptop to contact the list in > case advice is needed. (Don't forget the Vanagon rescue squad; > http://www.vanagonauts.com). > > As far as emergency equipment goes, the best approach is to be prepared > financially. What if you break down and need a major repair (hundreds or > more in repairs)? What if you have to stay somewhere (hotel?) for a week or > more while parts are being shipped or repairs being made? > > Jumper cables, fire extinquisher and such are the essentials, but I would > add a combination jump-pack/inflator (the largest capacity you can get). > Works great for adjusting tire pressure and jump-starting yourself if > another car isn't availabel in case you have a dead battery. A good quality > work light (battery powered) for repairs after dark if needed. > > I would categorize equipment into two types: tools & supplies (e.g. rags, > gloves, grease, hose clamps, duct tape, WD-40/PBblaster, etc). > > The other category would be spare parts. I would stock parts that I could > use to do a repair within my capabilities or parts that a local mechanci > could do, but wouldn't necessarily have parts for. Lots of suggestions in > the archives, but some that come to mind are (and there is always a lot of

> contraversy over what should/shouldn't be in your 'bag of tricks'): > Coolant hoses (the various shorter onces you could replace within the > engine compartment. > Cap/rotor > Fluids of each kind you'll need > Water pump/gasket > Thermostat (87 degree, not the 80 degree one) > Small pack of 8Mx1.25x30mm bolts/washers > Spare coolant tank (better yet, change it now and bring the old one as a > spare) > > All this being said, the final thing I would share is to make sure to > do what I would call 'durable' maintenance items. By this, I mean things > like replacing the fuel lines, change spark plugs/cap/rotor/wires, replace

> all vacuum hoses, repack wheel bearings, inspect/inflate spare tire, verify > 50% or more break pads/shoes left, flush/change coolant, wheel alignment, > etc. This list could go on endlessly depending on how agressive you want to > prepare. > Good luck on your journey. It's been a long time since I've been on an > extended trip, so I'm jealous. > > Gregg > 90 Westy (Blueberry)


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