I had a chance on my recent long road trip to check out a FourWheelCampers pop-up
camper, mounted on a Dodge Dakota. The owner was very excited about it and it looked
impressive. Told me how well built it was and that it could withstand a roll-over
where the truck itself would be demolished. Told me about the extra insulation and
that the vinyl sides of the pop-up were also insulated. But as I walked back to my '90
Westy, I started thinking about the drawbacks. Higher off the ground and harder to get
into. Just a narrow aisle down the middle. No access between cab and camper (unless
you want to squeeze through the sliding window). His pickup was a crew-cab, but
passengers in the back of a Westy are more comfortable and easier to talk to and more
legal, with seatbelts, etc.
And what about hauling cargo? He has to pull out the camper shell. I just open the
sliding door and slide in a washing machine or whatever. Open the rear hatch and slide
in 12' long lumber or whatever.
I'll stick with my multi-purpose Westy.
Jerry

----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Oda" <craigoda@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 10:56 PM
Subject: Re: swapping vanagon for Prius (was RE: license plate light bulbs

> If you're travelling with only 1-2 people and you're paying a mechanic
> to do your work, here are my thoughts:
>
>  1) Get a used  4x4 truck like a Toyota Tundra or a Ford and throw a
> used camper on the back. If you want the Westy feel, go for something
> like Four Wheel Camper from CA.
>   http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/  (but spend time to find a used, cheaper one)
> Make absolutely sure that the camper and truck fit together before you
> buy either.  You might want to identify the camper you want first and
> then look for a used truck that can haul it.  I think that to get the
> Westy feel, you should get a lightweight camper.  if the truck breaks
> down, you can still live in the camper in someone's driveway while the
> truck is in the shop.  Also, with a 4x4 truck, you won't have to mess
> around with tire chains as much when you camp in the winter.  it'll
> also give you more traction if you upgrade your kayak to a boat that
> requires a trailer.   I take it that Maltilda is not a syncro
>