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Subject:Re: Vanagon Alternative...just thinking
From:Gil Ngai
Date:Fri, 13 May 2022 16:08:52 -0600

My friend has the Landcruiser. It is even more pricey to maintain than the
Vanagon!
Might as well just get a syncro. Unless you need to do serious 4 wheeling.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
*GIL NGAI* • *I TELL GOOD STORIES*
*filmmaker • DP • **chief storyteller • instructor*
* www.dayonemedia.ca <http://www.dayone-media.com/> *

On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 3:44 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:

> Well Gil...
>
> In the back of my mind, there's a plan to exit the Vanagon world...
>
> The dream is (revised periodically) - a Toyota Landcruiser with a roof top
> tent and a small trailer for all the gears. A G Wagon 500 would be nice but
> too pricey ... :-)
>
> On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 2:27 PM Gil Ngai <eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I have a similar Westy and I too frankly wonder why there isn't more
>> discussion about this.
>> Modern Toyota and Honda vans are incredible machines, so reliable and
>> cheaper for entry in the long run.
>> For sure an insane amount of work to convert, but we are all use to a lot
>> of work on our rigs.
>> So what's the reason not more people are dreaming like Richard??
>>
>> Gil Ngai
>> '85 Westy 2.5EJ
>> Calgary, AB
>> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
>> *GIL NGAI* • *I TELL GOOD STORIES*
>> *filmmaker • DP • **chief storyteller • instructor*
>> * www.dayonemedia.ca <http://www.dayone-media.com/> *
>>
>>
>> On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 3:18 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> > Add a rooftop tent and you're good TO GO ....! ! !  :-)
>> >
>> > On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 2:13 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> > >  It's Friday, so OK to post something like this.  I have owned VW vans
>> > > since 1974; current '85 is approaching 300,000 miles of fun.  Has a
>> > recent
>> > > Subie 2.2 motor conversion, a new rebuild of transmission, and soon
>> will
>> > > have new front suspension and new brakes all around.  So obviously, I
>> am
>> > > committed to this thing.
>> > >
>> > > Others have eyed my Vanagon with envy.  My tintop parks nicely in
>> garage,
>> > > gets 22 MPG, I smile everytime I drive, especially when I see
>> reflection
>> > in
>> > > glass store front windows.
>> > >
>> > > So....Toyota Sienna.  About a 2005-2008.  Fits in garage.  Has A/C
>> that
>> > > works.  Drivetrain is exactly like my daily driver, a 2004 Toyota
>> > > Highlander.  V-6 motor.  Robust.  Parts and service are available
>> > > anywhere.  Price on San Diego Craigslist is typically around $6000 to
>> > > $9000.  Plentiful.
>> > >
>> > > My idea would be to strip back interior.  Build my own bed and camper
>> > > interior.  Screens on windows.  House Battery in that deep space in
>> the
>> > > back of Sienna.  Butane stove.  Ice chest.  Custom curtains.  All the
>> > usual
>> > > junk too.  Totally doable.  Great campervan for 2 people.
>> > >
>> > > Please don't hate me.....just thinking.
>> > >
>> >
>>
>