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Subject:Re: Vanagon Alternative...just thinking
From:OlRivrRat
Date:Sat, 14 May 2022 21:50:31 -0600

The VW Logo is meaningless to Me,, Where it is capable of getting Me to while

still providing the Van Camping Creature Comforts that It Is Pretty Darned Good @

is all I that find necessary,, Have Yet to see Anything Comparable ~

        I will add that I am still able to be My own ShadeTree Mech’,, That Helps ~

> On 14 May , 2022, at 8:30 PM, David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Well, for a lot of listers, it just wouldn't be VW. and for some, that
> really matters.  Not me, I have the Campmobile for its camping function,
> not because it is VW, and certainly not because I like all the maintenance
> it requires.  But I will say, it seems to keep on running.
> 
> On Sat, May 14, 2022 at 5:04 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
> 
>> No PopTops.  Not needed.  Only camp with 2.  Custom side window screens
>> and a rooftop vent give me all the ventilation I need.  Yes, I can still
>> pull on my jeans sitting down, no need to stand up.  Cooking outside on
>> campground picnic table works just fine, and keeps the bears away (except
>> for one time at Mammoth with trash bag on passenger side window.....you
>> will never know how big a bear's face is until it's 14 inches away in the
>> middle of the night with only a window pane separating!)
>> 
>>    On Friday, May 13, 2022, 03:18:07 PM PDT, Gil Ngai <
>> eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Richard, care to share pics of your other conversions? Do they have
>> poptops?
>> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••GIL NGAI • I TELL GOOD
>> STORIES
>> filmmaker • DP • chief storyteller • instructor www.dayonemedia.ca
>> 
>> On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 4:09 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> Insane amount to convert into camper?  Oh, not at all.  If you've got an
>> electric drill and an electric saw of some kind....and a staple gun and
>> scissors...YES!!!  I have done this 3 times.  True that foam cushioning
>> prices have climbed, so has plywood.  But still...with some imagination,
>> and a modicum of expertise, the Westfalia interior can be easily surpassed
>> in both price and function.  BTDT.
>> 
>>    On Friday, May 13, 2022, 02:27:09 PM PDT, 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.
>>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>>

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