Date: Sat, 14 May 2022 19:30:54 -0700
Reply-To: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Alternative...just thinking
In-Reply-To: <827756952.1907504.1652573060974@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Well, for a lot of listers, it just wouldn't be VW. and for some, that
really matters. Not me, I have the Campmobile for its camping function,
not because it is VW, and certainly not because I like all the maintenance
it requires. But I will say, it seems to keep on running.
On Sat, May 14, 2022 at 5:04 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:
> No PopTops. Not needed. Only camp with 2. Custom side window screens
> and a rooftop vent give me all the ventilation I need. Yes, I can still
> pull on my jeans sitting down, no need to stand up. Cooking outside on
> campground picnic table works just fine, and keeps the bears away (except
> for one time at Mammoth with trash bag on passenger side window.....you
> will never know how big a bear's face is until it's 14 inches away in the
> middle of the night with only a window pane separating!)
>
> On Friday, May 13, 2022, 03:18:07 PM PDT, Gil Ngai <
> eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Richard, care to share pics of your other conversions? Do they have
> poptops?
> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••GIL NGAI • I TELL GOOD
> STORIES
> filmmaker • DP • chief storyteller • instructor www.dayonemedia.ca
>
> On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 4:09 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
>
> Insane amount to convert into camper? Oh, not at all. If you've got an
> electric drill and an electric saw of some kind....and a staple gun and
> scissors...YES!!! I have done this 3 times. True that foam cushioning
> prices have climbed, so has plywood. But still...with some imagination,
> and a modicum of expertise, the Westfalia interior can be easily surpassed
> in both price and function. BTDT.
>
> On Friday, May 13, 2022, 02:27:09 PM PDT, Gil Ngai <
> eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I have a similar Westy and I too frankly wonder why there isn't more
> discussion about this.
> Modern Toyota and Honda vans are incredible machines, so reliable and
> cheaper for entry in the long run.
> For sure an insane amount of work to convert, but we are all use to a lot
> of work on our rigs.
> So what's the reason not more people are dreaming like Richard??
>
> Gil Ngai
> '85 Westy 2.5EJ
> Calgary, AB
> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
> *GIL NGAI* • *I TELL GOOD STORIES*
> *filmmaker • DP • **chief storyteller • instructor*
> * www.dayonemedia.ca <http://www.dayone-media.com/> *
>
>
> On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 3:18 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Add a rooftop tent and you're good TO GO ....! ! ! :-)
> >
> > On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 2:13 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> > wrote:
> >
> > > It's Friday, so OK to post something like this. I have owned VW vans
> > > since 1974; current '85 is approaching 300,000 miles of fun. Has a
> > recent
> > > Subie 2.2 motor conversion, a new rebuild of transmission, and soon
> will
> > > have new front suspension and new brakes all around. So obviously, I
> am
> > > committed to this thing.
> > >
> > > Others have eyed my Vanagon with envy. My tintop parks nicely in
> garage,
> > > gets 22 MPG, I smile everytime I drive, especially when I see
> reflection
> > in
> > > glass store front windows.
> > >
> > > So....Toyota Sienna. About a 2005-2008. Fits in garage. Has A/C that
> > > works. Drivetrain is exactly like my daily driver, a 2004 Toyota
> > > Highlander. V-6 motor. Robust. Parts and service are available
> > > anywhere. Price on San Diego Craigslist is typically around $6000 to
> > > $9000. Plentiful.
> > >
> > > My idea would be to strip back interior. Build my own bed and camper
> > > interior. Screens on windows. House Battery in that deep space in the
> > > back of Sienna. Butane stove. Ice chest. Custom curtains. All the
> > usual
> > > junk too. Totally doable. Great campervan for 2 people.
> > >
> > > Please don't hate me.....just thinking.
> > >
> >
>
>
>
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