Date: Tue, 17 May 2022 12:41:00 +0000
Reply-To: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Alternative...just thinking
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6=3yLEn1XLWQr4if23ewRfDf+-J883k8zaCjWjS1Scudw@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
"Why don't they put the battery under the
rear bench compartment?"
One would lose a lot of storage space. Mine has toolbox, folding shovel, jumper cables, axe, buck saw, sink drain hose, jack and blocks, griddle, porta pottie chemical. bag of electrical repair stuff, ECU OBD II dongle and a couple of things I can't remember. On the other hand, it is a pain to get to the battery. BTDT.
Dave B.
the Bsoton one
-----Original Message-----
From: Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Sun, May 15, 2022 4:07 pm
Subject: Re: [VANAGON] Vanagon Alternative...just thinking
*"On the negative side, I am not a big fan of the batteries being located
in a tiny steel box inside the van"*
Yes... I agree with this 100% - Why don't they put the battery under the
rear bench compartment? It's close enough to the engine and close enough to
the fridge (if there's one in a full camper)?
My BMW 735iL has the battery under the rear seat.
On Sun, May 15, 2022 at 12:59 PM Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:
> For me a big plus and smile goes to the Vanagon’s drivabilty around town
> or with City driving. Really good visibility, great turning radius,
> excellent for parking.
>
> Also fun to drive / putter on 2 lane highways but not so much fun driving
> on long stretches of major interstates, freeways or up long mountain passes.
>
> Many repairs are accessible and can be completed simply…for example
> changing a side marker or signal light bulb, installing new plugs, etc.
> With some newer cars getting at the engine components, to swap out
> something or changing an oil filter or replacing bulbs is a real chore.
>
> On the negative side, I am not a big fan of the batteries being located in
> a tiny steel box inside the van - or watching the coolant temp gauge climb
> when idling in bumper to bumper traffic.
>
> I am lucky that there are still many Vanagons around where I live and also
> knowledgeable mechanics. It will be a different story though if I ever
> complete a cross continent trip.
>
> Bruce
>
> On Sunday, May 15, 2022, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> So... this is my thinking regarding Vanagon... please add yours if you
>> have
>> any.
>>
>> The plus + :
>> - Unique look and attractiveness.
>
>
>
>
>> - Practicality and functionality.
>> - Size - small enough for narrow and tight roads.
>> - For a fee the vanagon can have another engine other than the 2.1 WBX.
>>
>> The minus - :
>> - Parts are getting scarcer and scarcer.
>> - Attract thieves in some areas.
>> - Less and less good mechanics to work on.
>>
>> Anything else...? :-)
>>
>>
>> On Sun, May 15, 2022 at 10:56 AM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> > I have another friend who made the vanagon exit and got something else
>> > (this one and the other with the Sprinter are long time vanagon owners)
>> >
>> > So he sold this Westy (2.3 GW engine, full camper) and bought a good
>> used
>> > Toyota Tundra, bought a small used camper trailer, got rid of the wheels
>> > and suspension and put it on the back of the Tundra, refreshed the
>> interior
>> > a bit and drove to Alaska...
>> >
>> > 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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