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?  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.