<What else can serve the same purpose as converted syncro westy for example?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not the sprinter, not any various homemade
mashup, not a fullsize camper van, nothing>

Well, not entirely true. The last time I looked (couple of years ago) Sportsmobile did a van camper based on Ford/Chevy/Dodge vans, also available with Quigley 4WD. Looked a lot like a Westy. But, they cost around 75K. I left the VW bus scene a few years back, bought a Chevy conversion van. It was nice, but it was the VW folks I missed the most. I joined a van club, all American vans, mostly custom conversions. I went to one camp out, where the president of the club informed me that as the newest member, I was a "puppy trucker" and would have to walk around all weekend with a pacifier in my mouth-and I would also be required to participate in drinking games, where I would be "required" to drink whatever each member of the club wanted me to drink! I told him I needed to run to 7-11 and get some cigarettes and I got in my van and went home-what a bunch of losers! I'll take VW folks any day!    Jeff