Hi John,

I started my VW Bus life with a 1972 camper. The icebox blocked the
sliding door and the closet blocked the P/S rear window. It was nice to
camp in but the interior wasn't really practical when you weren't camping.

About 12 years ago I got back into buses with a 1973. It came with the
same interior. I ditched the icebox immediately and it was better. Then
as it not-so-gradually rusted off its wheels I transmogrified a
bare-metal 79 passenger van to meet my needs.

The rear cabinet did not make the transisition. Instead I widened the
rear bed. A few years later I acquired a pair of rear-facing seats and
created what may be the first-ever baywindow carat. I love it. I carry
my kitchen gear and camping equipment in a trailer I tow behind the bus.
Putting this gear in the trailer is a great timesaver on a friday
night... I get home from work, raid the fridge and hook up the trailer
and can be headed to camp in well under an hour.

Two years and 45,000 miles ago I bought a Vanagon Wolfsburg hardtop. I
drive it daily, and camp in it occasionally when circumstances favour it
over the aircooled pop-top.

Neither van is exclusively used for camping. These vans are used to haul
building supplies, appliances, groceries, high-school students and
Graphic Arts Equipment on a regular basis. You just can't beat the
carat/wolfsburg layout for day-to-day versatility.

And that queen sized bed in the back of a Vanagon Carat/wolfsburg is
really spoiling me...

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
Toronto, Ontario Canada
197x Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
www.pottsfamily.ca

BUSES OF THE CORN - AUGUST 13-15th, 2010
www.busesofthecorn.ca

On 6/26/2010 12:05 AM, John Rodgers wrote:
> 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.