For me the answer is simple.

Ergonomics!

VW vans are made for People to enter and exit easily in 1 step, facing
in or out.

I can be carrying something with both hands and still enter or exit the
living space safely in 1 easy step up or down.

Once inside, I can move around while almost standing.

I can move from the rear area up into either front seat and go back when
I wish.

I can have the wide bed laid flat for 2, put on a kettle for tea, brush
my teeth in the sink, and change my clothes, all without the other
person in the bed needing to get up.

I'm talking about just a tintop. Add a poptop and things are even better.

Plus it fits in a small parking space and can travel on narrow and rough
roads.

Mark

On 5/13/2022 2:26 PM, Gil Ngai 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.
>>>