Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2023 02:32:02 +0000
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Great Vanagon Alternative
In-Reply-To: <2061170F-48C4-4E1F-AD74-D3A51788AAB3@icloud.com>
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Yes, I am well aware of decrease in interior space and headroom of a Toyota Sienna vs. a Vanagon. For me, I've never desired a Westy nor a Hightop for that matter; I've done Tintops since 1974. Never, and still....can put on my pants just fine. Nor, I've never needed interior cooking nor fancy refrigeration; heck, a single burner butane stove works FANTASTIC....and a major plus is I can take it outside to picnic table to cook "bear attracting" stuff; or inside to just boil water or just warm something up. Ice box is fine for my style of roadtrip; I camp, then the next day head to the next destination, get some gas and some ice and some new food. For me, roomy bed is paramount. Clothes are easy in duffle bags tossed up to front seats; I generally find a laundromat once a week. Roof box for inflateable kayak and other gear; heck, they have even got built in roof racks, can cram a bunch of crap upside. Having A/C that works while driving is pretty nice. So is easy ability to find parts and mechanics in the smallest of towns. Sink?....heck....never needed either, outside is where you rinse stuff, takes up way too much space in my opinion; gallon plastic jug does the trick. Hot shower? Well yes, I have this in my Tintop Vanagon, have used for 30 years, can take nice hot showers inside or outside, but I won't elaborate on this....too much potential for abuse and outlaw of such devices. But dang, V6 power, all driving luxuries, superb reliability, excellent comfort if you are clever with some basic tools. Hey, I could even add some bigger tires...make it look macho!! Toyota Sienna Vans are long proven to be extremely reliable, durable, mostly trouble free....and with some cool and clever improvements inside, not your "soccer mom" vehicle anymore. Still....I want my Tintop Vanagon back!....goal is South Texas from San Diego...April 8...Total Solar Eclipse.
On Friday, December 29, 2023 at 05:51:56 PM PST, Alistair Bell <ragnarhairybreeks@icloud.com> wrote:
Richard,
Yeah maybe… but the interior will be less space. Yoko want a pop top,you will, or a hi top.
The JDM delicas etc around here look great, not that’s what you’re talking about. Look great but they are narrower and that hurts for camping comfort.
I don’t know what the real alternative for van is. If you don’t want van but still camping then a taco with camper be best
Cheers
Ab
> On Dec 26, 2023, at 5:35 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> Excellent post, Rob. And for sure, if I get pissed off enough, I am going to buy me one of those Toyota Sierras. I will strip it, build wonderful camping interior. The motor and tranny will be strong; the A/C will work, also the radiator. It readily fits into my small garage. It will climb mountains; it will be bug free and yet have superb camping ventilation. It will have cooking facilities. It will have a hot shower system. It will have a giant bed. Even room to entertain 4 people. And...very important...if I have a breakdown, I can find parts in AnyTown USA. I still love my Vanagon.....but if I get pissed off enough....hold on folks!
>
> On Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 05:17:01 PM PST, Rob <vwrobb@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Not to say anything bad about the Vanagon...
> http://thegroveguy.blogspot.com/2011/06/toyota-sienna-van-conversion.html
>
>
> Rob
> vwrobb@gmail.com
>
>> On Tue, Dec 26, 2023 at 7:31 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>
>> My Vanagon is crumpled; I am hoping it will get fixed. It's got a super duper Subie 2.2 motor, a new transmission, SS coolant pipes & new radiator. It's got Garmin GPS; hidden fuel pump cutoff switch; all wheel bearings and brakes are top notch; oh yeah, cruise control. And I've rigged up a plywood panel for 5000 BTU cooling in summer; and I've got a Mr Heater Buddy for heating in Winter. And yes, it's a Tintop...with huge bed...the only way I roll. Simple Butane one burner stove; plastic ice chest. Laptop provides communication and entertainment.
>>
>> Years back, I posed the question? What after Vanagon?
>> The answer: Toyota Sienna van.
>>
>> Why? I own a 2004 Toyota Highlander, 152K miles, excellent. The Toyota Camry and the Sienna and the Highlander all share essential components. And they made millions of them. Millions.
>> For sure.....I am trying to get my Vanagon rig fixed. After a T-Bone, it's been difficult. But folks, always have Plan B. And yes....I could nicely transform a Toyota Sienna Van into a very accomplished ride. All it takes is some plywood, foam, fabric... I know how to do this. Last resort..preference is my Tintop Vanagon.
>
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