I am a non-mechanic type who has driven ~100K miles with my 84 Westy.
My suggestions:
1. Proactive maintenace (my westy is only as reliable as its oldest part)
2. Cell phone
3. AAA card
4. List from vanagon.com of recommended mechanics within a 200 mile radius
of route. Of course, driving through N/S Dakota, WY, and eastern MT will
always require luck.....This is also why I carry a Bentley; I may not be a
mechanic - but I hold out hope that in a crunch a mechanic could use the
Bentley....
5. Good hearing - I know my van, know its vibrations/noises/clunks - I also
know when what I'm hearing/feeling is something new. So rather than cranking
up the stereo and hoping it will disappear - I start to pay attention and
begin to think about where I could get help.
6. Last, but not least - having read this list for 5+ years, I do know the
weak spots and possible fixes. Yep - I don't know how to fix them, but I do
have a clue about what's going on.

There are few vehicles that boost or deflate your confidence than a VW van!

M Holm
84 Westy