On Mar 24, 2009, at 3:19 PM, Loren Busch wrote:

> RE: Storage
> From what you are saying I think you are talking about the carriers
> that go
> in the hitch on the back?  Never used one but friends have.  The
> complication is that the wider ones need to be wired up for tail
> lights/stop
> lights, their wide enough to block the lights on the Vanagon.  And a
> front
> carrier is going to hurt your gas mileage.  And bad packing of items
> in the
> top luggage carrier up front can also cut your gas mileage, don't
> ask how I
> know :)

>
> And part of the solution is what you pack, you really don't need all
> that
> you initially might think you need.

Just what I was thinking.  I don't know how much stuff you are
planning on taking on this trip to CA, but you should be able to pack
most of your essential stuff in the storage cabinets, or on the upper
bunk while parked if storage is needed in the rear while driving? I
have a westy vanagon specific canvas storage bag for my roof rack,
that I stopped taking as I never need it.  We carry extra chairs,
table, big cooler, dutch ovens & charcoal, fire starter, a small Weber
grille, large dog, & our clothes, toiletries, etc. in the westy, & are
able to be completely ready for cocktails in camp in 5 minutes.

YMMV,

Mr. BZ