So it turnes out it was an issue with the solinoid on the starter itself.
This guy got towed to the campground and lucky enough there was another
Vanagon owner camping there who was able to get him all sorted out and they
got the bus starting. So it's a happy ending and they are all set.

Thank you all for the suggestions and tips - I did pass those on to him and
I think that is what lead them to getting it fixed.

--
Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus