We bought our Westy specifically for camping and use it almost exclusively for that purpose.� We have a Mopar minivan for drayage; hauling the lumber, dogs, brush, bikes, tools, antique finds, friends, etc.� Could use the Westy for that but there's no need.

However, even I can see the attraction of a Weekender interior.� We've never gotten the fridge to fire on propane and use a cooler, and although we use the sink and stove it would be no great inconvenience to rely on more portable (outside) methods, and the wider bed would be a plus.� 

Really "wanting" a Westy is a mighty thing to wrestle and not actually knowing about some of the alternatives helps to narrow the search.� When I was looking there was a nice Dehler Profi for sale within three hours of me for the price of the Westy I eventually found.� I might have been thrilled with that van but did not even look beyond the ad because it was not a Westy.� There was also a nice '91 Multivan in the 'hood that I could have pursued but it, also, was not a Westy.� Ours is great and we love it, but there are other ways to camp.

Next Vanagon, maybe.

Stephen

--- On Sat, 6/26/10, John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote:

From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Westy's  vs Other Configurations for Camping
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010, 12:05 AM

Westy's appear to be a grand vehicle for traveling and camping, but i
have never had an opportunity to use one that way, let alone even drive
one to see how they handle. Yet a few years ago, I spent an entire
summer camping out in Alaska in my '85 GL. I found it convenient,
flexible, and comfortable for the most part. I never found a need to
have cooking facilities inside, nor sink, nor even a refrigerator. In
fact, cooking inside could have created a bear problem with the smells.

So, what are some� experiences of others� with their various Van
configurations. And how did you outfit yourselves with your particular
rig.? I recently came into posession of a Carat, and I alread see
advantages to having the swing out table and cup holders, yet I'm glad
half the van isn't filled with cabinets. Gives me lots more flexibility
- and I hate being cramped for space in the bed area - and the Carat has
a full bed with the seat back folded down.

Comments?

Thanks

--
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com