Saying hello and a reality check question

[jkallo]

Hello Vanagon people!

My wife and I have been thinking about getting a camper for years, and I think the time has come to get serious about it. First I figured I’d come here for a reality check.

So, we’re both in our 40s and have camped avidly since we were kids. I grew up taking summer trips in a Winnebago motor home, and some of my best childhood memories come from those trips. We backpack, tour on our bikes, and when we road trip (which we do frequently) we usually split our time between tent camping and motels. I also spent several years restoring a BMW 2002 and a FJ55 Landcruiser (with a chevy big block swap!) so I have pretty decent (though rusty) mechanical knowledge/ability. I don’t have a ton of time for wrenching these days, but the prospect of an older vehicle doesn’t bother me all that much.

So my reality check: we’re thinking about the van kinda like people might think about their cabin in the woods in the sense that you can just use it to get away and not worry so much about the weather etc. There are so many weekends especially in the late fall and early spring that we’d like to camp but just don’t feel like having to deal with marginal weather. So, is spending a rainy afternoon playing cards in the van doable and at least potentially pleasant? Or coming back from a long hike when it’s cold and hanging out inside? I’ve seen a bunch of heater mods etc. that look cool.

I realize this is a question that totally depends on who you’re asking, but I’d just like to get a general idea. Hanging out for a day in the van when the weather sucks doable? Doable and fun? Like being in a cage? Etc. I’m asking on this forum btw because unless something incredible comes along in either EV or bus form, we’re going to get a Vanagon.

[davideric9]

I like being in the van. I find it soothing and comfortable. If you pack well and keep everything in its place and organized its very pleasant. Too much stuff raises the stress levels as you may have to move one thing to get to another, then move two more to get to one, which I don't like. Turning the front seat around changes the feel of the "room", rear seat up or down, its like rearranging the furniture at home to make it seem new again. We've poped the top in the rain which works fine, just need to let it dry first chance you get.
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1987 Syncro Westfalia, stock (bought 1994)
1986 Syncro Westfalia SVX, 3 knob (bought 2008)
1987 Westfalia (bought 2010)
1988 Wolfsburg GL (bought 2012)

[erdonline]

I've camped many times in the Vanagon in the rain. For me, it's important to have either an awning, or an EZ-up next to the van. You can sit in the van with the slider open, or sit outside and still stay dry, with no feeling of claustrophobia.

Ed
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'85 Vanagon Westfalia
'84 Vanagon 7-passenger
'98 Mexican air-cooled Beetle

[dhaavers]

Some of my best memories are in the van in the rain...everyone (four of us) gathered around in the
"living room", playing cards, telling stories or quietly reading while listening to the raindrops...

It's better than the same day in a tent, I can tell you that for certain!

Yes, the extra space under an awning helps a lot, so go for it - you'll love it!

- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[jkallo]

[j_dirge]

[furrylittleotter]

So our vanagon decisions are supposed to be based in reality?

Crap. I've been doing it wrong!

Honestly the level of commitment required to get the average poorly maintained camper reliable and comfortable is probably comparable to that cabin you mentioned.

Unless you have a peculiar Illness id say most people would be much happier with a pop top trailer camper and a nice escalade to tow it(cheaper too!)

But if you really have a soft enough head the Westy always has been and always will be: King Of The Campground...

Comfy, cozy,versatile, fun and always a conversation starter!

Neil2

[jkallo]

[MidwestDrifter]

If you are looking for a "mobile hard sided tent with heat", and you are planning on occasional use, there are a variety of options including the vanagon. Depending on your needs a trailer (pop up or hard side) or a van could definitely work.

To be brutally honest, unless you have the cash to find a well sorted van, or the time/desire/skills to get a 30 year old van roadworthy, the vanagon may not be the best option. Got cash or skills (or both!) then you have come to right place. (I still love the form factor though). Just the reality at this point.

Any cargo van can be quickly made into a basic "metal tent". Add a few basic interior items, heater, vent, bed/couch and you can go camping.

If you need to stand up inside there are other options, but it gets more expensive once you move into pop top, high top and high roof vans.

I have never found my vans to be cage like. Judicious and liberal use of windows helps quite a bit (Vanagons have lots of glass). After a full day in the van cabin fever can set in, but its no worse than a tent or similar. Adding an awning can extend the usable space in the rain, which can help.

Having a van/camper/trailer setup and ready to use is such an advantage. There is no comparison to the tent. With some organization, everything is where you need it, its dry, and with a heater its warm. It makes life on the road, or trail much more enjoyable. With moderate insulation, a heater, and curtains you can easily keep a van above freezing in all but the coldest weather. Even van temps in the mid 40sF make a huge difference in comfort.
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2004 Dodge/Mercedes Sprinter (Custom Camper)
2000 Jetta TDI
1982 Diesel Westy W/ ABA I4 hybrid (Sold)
Epic Road Tripping since 08/05/12 | http://VagariesAbound.blogspot.com/
My Current Build | http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41215

[jkallo]

[Abscate]

I think you are a perfect Vanagon candidate with that background. You can save a lot of money getting a tiptop rather than a camper which ups the cash game a lot.

Tiintop with side awning will be awesome if you are used to tent camping
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.ssS!

[termuehlen]

Welcome!

As others have said, a Vanagon is a great platform for enjoying the outdoors. It is really easy to have everything ready to go at a moments notice without the need for packing gear and getting ready to camp. The more you adventures you take, the more you will enjoy your vehicle. It is odd, but then at some point in time sleeping in a Vanagon can become more restful and comfortable than staying at home. There is no comparison to tent camping.

Having said that, I wouldn't get overly excited about winter outings. A regular 2wd Vanagon is actually one wheel drive and can be a miserable vehicle to drive on slick roads. You can do your research here, and many people have differing opinions. But, at a minimum, winter use will require good winter tires and patience.

Good luck!
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1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx

[djkeev]

How my family became VW Westfalia campers.

My family camped since Mom and Dad began a family just after WWII.

The years ticked by, they had four sons and for every vacation, we were off camping.
The late 60's rolled along and most of us no longer lived at home or vacationed with them.

Mom and Dad Were tenting alone in Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine. It was one of those cold raw days with never ending rain.
To put it nicely, they were MISERABLE!!!!

They were walking to the bathroom and passed a Westy, top up, curtains open, a coleman lantern casting a happy glow with a family warm and snug playing cards at the Table.

My Mom got Dad's attention, she pointed at the Westy and said "Ralph, we are getting one of those!"

Soon after there was an almost new, White 1968 Westy as their 2nd car.
They would visit their Sons and travel with us until due to health reasons (Dad had heart problems) they gave it up in the 1980's.
They had 3 or 4 Westy's, ever newer models over the years.

Two of us carry on the VW torch with a Vanagon and a Eurovan. The other two? One drools over motor homes, the other lives in the Redwoods with little desire to travel, he's got it good right there!

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[Abscate]

[61Scout]

I would generally advise those not into the classic/antique factor to stay away from the Vanagon platform. Yes, they are utilitarian, but the shear age of them warrants pause, imo. I think too often folks thinking about getting into a Vanagon are nostalgic and excited. They don't realize the cost of maintaining them. Not to mention the time necessary. Having experience working on cars, and actually enjoying working on cars are two different things. Also consider there is quite a large technology jump (learning curve) from working on a BMW 2002 to a Vanagon, most notably the fuel system. Working on a more modern vehicle can often frustrate those who are used to working on vehicles that are purely mechanical.

From what I'm reading above, and in regards to winter camping, I'd probably suggest something like a Toyota 4x4 pickup with a FWC pop top camper or similar. This would give you a bullet proof 4wd vehicle capable of snow and a more modern camper set up. Add an awning and you're good to go. One place I always recommend people visit (if you haven't already) is a website called Expedition Portal. Here you can see what other folks are rolling and get an idea of what amenities you'd like.

Vanagons are awesome rigs, but asking this question to a bunch of Vanagon diehards is a bit like asking Harley owners if they like their bikes. I know a lot of people here will probably poo-poo me for this, but I sincerely believe that unless you're really into Vanagons, that there are probably better options out there in terms of initial cost, maintenance costs, time spent wrenching.

-Kevin
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1986 Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg, RJE 2.3
1985 Tin Top, Subie 2.2 + 5MT
Floppy Mirrors no more: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=653018&highlight=
Remove the front spindle nut with ease: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679567&highlight=
Remove the rear wheel bearing housing without messing with the big 46mm nut: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679507&highlight=

-Nec Spe, Nec Metu

[Ahwahnee]

[Steve M.]

Keeping the interior organized and you have your aux. battery working just right for your uses goes a long way to making it a comfortable place to be.

When you can sit there reading a good book or whatever you want to do with the sound of the rain and be able to boil water for a coffee or make some soup it can be a very peaceful place to be. An awning and a radiant propane heater adds to the comfort on those inclement days.

[SCM]

[chrisfreemanca]

Weekend camping a few weeks ago with 2 of my boys and my sister's family. Three kids preferred to play cards in the Van rather than at the picnic table.
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87 2wd manual.

[Merian]

the Vanagon is very similar to a (tiny) cabin the woods and moves about as fast

a cabin is susceptible to a forest fire while a Vanagon can outrun a very slow fire, but will sometimes burst into flames itself

the Vanagon is in some ways more like a sailboat, since it is a hole that you throw money into

let's see... I bet I can think of other similarities...
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