I think my homemade camper conversion in my (previously) 7 passenger 
Vanagon GL has some big advantages over a full Westy configuration:

1.� BIG bed...after all, that's the reason we have vans rather than 
SUV's for camping and roadtrips...instant hotel.� Mine originally had 
the Z-bed...took it out...too hard and "uneven", and the hardware 
linkage mechanism takes up a surprising amount of space.� I'm 6'1", 
girlfriend is 5'10", so a big comfortable bed sure makes for a nice 
trip.� Can carry 5 people if needed (rare).

2.� Lower vehicle weight and center of gravity...all that wood is heavy 
and bulky, not to mention the weight of the fridge and stove unit.� I DO
 like the Westy undervehicle propane...but could always add that.� So 
better handling & MPG, less wind resistance and wind noise.

3.� Plastic ice chest works just fine....I tend to stop once a day for 
fresh food and gas and ice anyway....easy to move around and clean, can 
set outside of vehicle if needed for meal prep.� Also, like to have lots
 of ice for beverages.

4.� Stealth Camping:� another biggie for me...a raised pop-top would 
draw unwanted attention.� I installed a 14" square screened roof vent 
and made my own side window screens (larger than a Westy) so have plenty
 of cross-ventilation and chimney effect.� Even with poptop down, 
everybody knows it may have people sleeping inside.� Never needed to 
sleep 3 or 4, most trips for me are 1 or 2.� Passenger Vanagon looks 
less suspicious.

5.� Closet:� Sure takes up a lot of space; duffle bags with clothes you 
toss up into front seat area at night works just fine.

6.� Cooking:� don't want the splatter and odors, so a gasoline Coleman 
stove outside works great.� As a backup, carry a single burner stove 
that screws on top of a 1 lb. propane bottle....for rare occasions for 
heating food inside the van or boiling water for hot beverages.� Stores 
under the rear seat.

7.� Couch:� my setup has a full rear seat, and a fullwidth swing-up 
section for sleeping, or in this case, turns the rear into a very nice 
couch (approximately 30" x 60" seat area) for reading or lounging or 
watching the 10.2" DVD player...very spacious.

8.� Swivel front seat:� don't have, might be nice, but didn't want the 
1.5" height increase...So, when camped, I just push the passenger seat 
forward off tracks, reverse, re-install, takes 1 minute, and presto! 

9.� Carrying gear:� with rear seat backrest folded flat (like for 
sleeping), easy to carry 4 x 8 plywood, bicycles, surfboards...or to use
 vehicle as a moving van.

10.� Garage:� I keep my Vanagon garaged, don't know if pop top would 
fit.� As it is, I "cringe" when entering parking garages, would cringe 
more with Westy.

11.� Storage of odds and ends:� I built a 3 drawer "dresser" to hold all
 of the little things, entertainment, cooking stuff, etc.� Also built a 
wall-mounted fold-up table for dining indoors bug-free and wind-free.

12.� Shower Contraption:� With the rear heater removed, I have plenty of
 room for my hot water shower, and also a 6 gallon plastic Jerry Can of 
water.� Also store tools, stove, lantern & fuel, skillet, hatchet, 
shovel, and plenty more under there.� Easy access via flip up rear seat.

13.� Curtains:� used Walmart curtain rods with homemade curtains for 3 
sides, a bungee cord mounted curtain across the van behind the front 
seats, gives total privacy, yet with the front seats "showing", doesn't 
look like it's all "closed up"...again, the stealth-camping issue.

14.� Sink:� a plastic dishpan outside works fine, or inside even.� 
Mostly just wipe the teflon skillet with a paper towel, and a cold water
 soak, rinse and wipe is OK for utensils and glassware.

15.� Cost:� passenger Vanagon much cheaper than a Westy.

16.� Shore Power:� a 30 Foot extension cord is used when AC power is 
available, and a Triple outlet.� It enters van at front door, on the 
floor, the weatherstrip doesn't crush it.� Use it for 1500 W electric 
heater, light, computer, etc.� Mostly for fall and winter; campgrounds 
out West with AC power are rare...very common east of the Mississippi.

So don't overlook the possibility of converting a passenger Vanagon into
 a very nice camper; takes a bit of ingenuity, but rewarding effort.� 
Designed mine with Solidworks 3D CAD software, built it in 3 
weekends...mostly spent dreaming and planning and measuring and 
sketching.� Someday, I plan to "upgrade" to a stripped-out Sprinter Van,
 and build my own interior just the way I like it.

Rich

85 Vanagon GL with homemade camping interior

San Diego

--- On Fri, 6/25/10, 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: Friday, June 25, 2010, 9:05 PM

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