My wife and I prefer not to bother having the tables in the van. Here
are some things that have helped us do without them.
1) We use large plastic bowls with flat bottoms as our only dish (and
plan our meals accordingly).
2) We use Rubbermaid plastic boxes with lids (approximately 8"x12"x4" )
for lap trays. We also use these boxes for storing light-weight items.
Three stack nicely in the cabinet near the electrical socket.
3) We use a stack of 2 or 3 large Rubbermaid boxes for extra storage.
They fit nicely behind the passenger seat and slide around easily to
provide a large "table" wherever we need it.
Hope one of these ideas will prove useful to someone.
    I'd also like to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to all the
great folks who have contributed to this list. I have learned a
tremendous amount about my Vanagon over the last few months. Hope we
will get to meet some of you on our adventures.

Lee and Irasema Kouns
88 Westy
Downey, CA