Print out the good fix-it shops from
http://www.vanagon.com/vendors/shops.html
for each state that you plan to cross.  Get AAA to tow you to the
closest one.  I'm planning a similar trip - Nova Scotia to Arizona
and back, so I know what your going through,  Bon Route!
malcolm s

Kari wrote:

> thank you to everyone on the list who has sent me such wonderful advice re:
> our coast-to-coast summer trip. i am shocked that so many people would take
> the time to put quite a lot of thought into answering. so far, i have a very
> long shopping list of spare parts and things to pack --- all of them
> worthwhile. and my brother (the vw mechanic) is coming around and said he will
> get my vanagon ready to go.
> yeeehaaa! this is starting to get exciting. thanks again, and please: keep the
> good advice coming!