Sudhir:

 I must dissent from Tom's opinion that you should avoid 50 through
nevada....i see it as the best route for the same reasons tom sees it as the
worse....it is desolate....you are up close to all the freaky natural
wonders of the nevada desert, and there are numerous ones along 50.  you can
pull off almost anywhere and camp almost everywhere.  cars are few and far
between...so there is a sense of kinship among the other travelers you
meet.  Yes, make sure all the vulnerable parts of your bus are in good
working order before you venture out onto "The Loneliest Road in the World"
...as they call it, beause you will be in for some hassel if you break down,
but do go if you have confidence in you van...there are not many roads like
this  anywhere...

Forhan, Thomas wrote:

> Sudhir,
>
> I've travelled much of your proposed routes in VW buses.  Without
> question, I would not take your prefered route to San Diego, making
> extensive use of Route 50.  First of all, it is a thousand miles longer.

> <snip>

> Also Route 50 across Nevada is a forgotten highway going through very
> desolate territory. You'll get the same views going through the desert
> on the Interstate, and services, parts and people will be much more
> available.  This part of Route 50 would be, in my judgement, one of the
> worst roads in America to have a Vanagon problem that needed
> professional assistance.
>
> <snip>

> Have fun!
>
> Tom F.