I think it is a Air Conditioner.  VW could have used the existing front
fan and
vents, and added a rear AC unit.  I've replace almost everything in my AC
system. Somethings several times to keep it running.  On its best day, if
working hard it still has to compete with the front air leaking in thru the
heat ducts.  I've never seen an AC system that wasn't failing down from the
roof.                          JUST JUNK!
                                             Eric

Melvin Mudgett-Price wrote:

>>Even the venerable engineers at VW or Westfalia come up with a stupid
>>
>>
>idea now and then, and this one takes the cake.
>
>The above reference was about OEM pop top seals. I think while the
>design is bad I know of another part that REAlLY takes the cake and that
>is:
>
>The rubber mat over the driver and passenger steps.
>
>In case you've never had the pleasure of removing one, try looking at
>yours from under the step. The mat is held in place by 5 rubber
>protrusions on the mat that VW accommodates by drilling 5 holes in the
>step. These holes are right in front of the wheel arch so the holes can
>be kept constantly wet just in case they don't rust out quick enough
>without the road spray application. I've just had to have two metal
>plates welded in place as the steps were rotting away.
>
>This total overkill is done to keep a little piece of rubber in place
>and it really takes the cake...unless you know better!
>
>Melvin
>
>
>
>