---- Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Anybody ever use such a thing?

> http://www.lakelandgear.com/car_back_carrier.aspx
I'm mostly looking
> to get some of the softer/smaller camping gear out of the van while
> traveling; this looks like a better idea for that particular thing than
> either the car-top carrier or a mini trailer. Thoughts?

1.  'twould hamper access to the luggage compartment and engine bay, of course.
2.  vanagons are not streamlined, but would this interfere more than an equivalent load in the luggage rack?
3.  you're right, likely beats a trailer.

David McNeely