Date: Fri, 13 May 2022 16:53:47 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Drillock <madvws@COX.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Drillock <madvws@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Alternative...just thinking
In-Reply-To: <CAB-k8XWGgFSEmnAQPbLgceDEm-Ct66wTfw1JZp57LkkXOGXq3Q@mail.gmail.com>
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For me the answer is simple.
Ergonomics!
VW vans are made for People to enter and exit easily in 1 step, facing
in or out.
I can be carrying something with both hands and still enter or exit the
living space safely in 1 easy step up or down.
Once inside, I can move around while almost standing.
I can move from the rear area up into either front seat and go back when
I wish.
I can have the wide bed laid flat for 2, put on a kettle for tea, brush
my teeth in the sink, and change my clothes, all without the other
person in the bed needing to get up.
I'm talking about just a tintop. Add a poptop and things are even better.
Plus it fits in a small parking space and can travel on narrow and rough
roads.
Mark
On 5/13/2022 2:26 PM, Gil Ngai 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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