----- Original Message -----
From: Sharon Falvey <snow@INCONNECT.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2000 10:13 PM
Subject: Re: asking for travel tips

> Thanks
> - I thought about the wind resistance -want to minimize that
> - I have the plastic storage. The cocktail table is a nice addition.
> - Like the idea about the shoe bag storage.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Cain <jcain@MINDSPRING.COM>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Date: Sunday, March 26, 2000 3:48 PM
> Subject: Re: asking for travel tips
>
>
> >>What types of toppers are people really happy with that work great
> >>with the VW for extra storage?
> >
> >I used a cheapie from Sears a long while back on my old '71 on a trip
> >throughout the West.  It held a lot, but was such a wind resistor
> >that I wish I hadn't added it.  Did not use all the stuff I carried
> >anyway.  If doing it now, I wouldn't add anything on top.  Downsize
> >and do without or buy it when you need it.
> >
> >I have been toying with the idea of making a lid for the luggage rack
> >for seldom used things.  If I made it flush with the top, it would
> >not offer any wind resistance.  Anyone tried that one?

Thats funny I have been toying with that same idea & also there is a space
under the sliding door about 2' x 4' x 4" deep that I am thinking of
enclosing for some more storage space!

Enjoy!,
Greg
86 Westy GL

 The only
> >thing that I have carried up there so far is fire wood.
> >
> >>What are the minimum necessities a person should have in the Tool Box?
> >
> >Every one has his/her own ideas on that. My favorites besides the
> >usual wrenches are string/rope, a foldable shovel and a pruning saw.
> >The pruning saw works much better than a hatchet for cutting firewood.
> >
> >>Other helpful hints for storage?
> >
> >We use two plastic bins that we got at Target for things that we take
> >out every stop, e.g. food and eating things.  They double as side
> >tables to our camping chairs if we don't have a regular campsite.
> >When we pull into a campsite, we put them on the picnic table and
> >every thing is right there, no running back and forth to get
> >something.  I put them on the floor behind the seats when traveling
> >and secure them with bungee cords.  One couple that we met had
> >removed the upper bed and built some plywood trays to fit in the
> >space on top.  Be sure to secure them from sliding out with a sudden
> >stop.  He said he was speaking from experience. :-)  I also made a
> >hanging thing, kinda' like a shoe bag, for frequently used items, and
> >hang it from the back of the passenger seat.  Easy to get to from
> >outside.  Handy, but presents a problem when rotating the seat to
> >face the rear, though.  I may rethink that one, since it was a
> >leftover from my '71.
> >
> >> It looks like adding the extra battery will be a necessity- Thanks
> >>for the recent battery discussions.
> >
> >Unless you intend to stay in one camping spot for a long (week or so)
> >time with out electricity, I think the extra battery is not needed.
> >I use the space as my tool box. I have my tools in canvas or plastic
> >wraps and can get my entire mechanics tools in there (I am an amateur
> >mechanic).  It secures them from bouncing/sliding around on curvy
> >roads.  I use a battery powered lantern that works better than the
> >mounted light and LP for the fridge.  Only pull on the battery is the
> >radio occasionally (very occasionally, I like the natural sounds when
> >camping) and the fridge fan if it is extremely hot, as in South Texas.
> >
> >Good luck on your trip and keep us posted.
>