Jake asked,
>>Okay, that's how they configured the outlets for the Canadian market, but
>>the question remains - why?
 
Canadian market vans had to meet CSA standards for the 120V system.  For some reason this included an attached extension cord.  The outlet had to be low on the van so the cord could be stored in the cupboard beside the fresh water tank.
George
'85 Westfalia (with a CSA sticker below the driver's door)