> what is the weight difference between a camper and a passenger
vanagon.  Out of the weight not including poptop, how much extra
does just the camping stuff weigh?  is just the camping equipment
alone a significant weight that would effect handling and mileage
etc...?

from the local truck stop scales ...
my 88 bus weighs 3740 lbs, with full fuel tank (16gal x 6lbs/gal
= 96 lbs of fuel)
1930 lbs on the front axle, 1810 lbs on the rear axle. must be
all that fuel.

my 87 camper, on the same scales, weighs 3960 lbs, with full fuel
tank.
2100 lbs on the front axle, 1960 lbs on the rear axle.

so the luggage rack and poptop and cabinets put 70lbs more on the
front axle,
and 150 lbs extra on the rear axle.

your mileage may differ. :)

oh, and both include a tool box with about 50 lbs of tools in it.
but it was right in the middle of the sliding door opening.

unca joel