In a message dated 5/25/99 4:14:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
drc11@EMAIL.MSN.COM writes:

>  I didn't like the bed arrangement - it cantaleavered over the seat (not
like the
>  Westie where the seat folds down.  The top is about 1.5 ft higher than the
>  pop top of Westie.  Feels nice inside to have all the space.  I found the
>  top bunk to not be as long as a Westie (may be an optical illusion).
Hi Madeline.  Try spending the nite in an Adventurewagen bed, and you might
like it better.  I think it's one of the great features.  It is a one-piece 4
inch foam mattress on an even plywood platform (no sperate cushions to
arrange and make up, no cracks to sleep on).  It is as wide as the rear hatch
(wider than the Westy), 75" long, and the height and side tilt of the head
end can be adjusted for uneven parking.  Elbow room is the entire 64" width
of the vehicle (no cabinets in the way).  Setup is as quick and easy as
reading about it.  The rear seat backrest folds down, pull the bed out in one
motion, and hook up the 2 suspension straps.  Done.  Putting it away is just
as easy, and it stores with the sheets and a blanket made up already.  The
bed also works well for hauling.  Large fragile items can go on the mattress,
or take the mattress out and there remains a 4x6 foot plywood platform to
haul whatever.  Even 4x8 sheets of plywood will lie flat, extending over the
lower cabinets.  Because the bed sits on a higher platform, it makes for a
"secret trunk" over the engine (casual burglars will not find the trunk when
they break into the vehicle), and the original VW non-camper full back seat
is retained.  So you get the comfy seating for 3 adults of the original seat,
plus a much nicer bed than a Westy.  Also, Ed makes ingenious use of every
space.  When the rear seat backrest folds down, there is a space a few inches
deep across the vehicle behind the seat for whatever, such as fishing rods.
I have beach umbrellas there.  Ed puts a cord across so that it can be used
as a pantry; medium large cans fit all the way across, and are held in place.
 The upper bunk adjusts from 39" to 72".  It has its own light, and a
removable retaining rail at the head.  If you have smaller children and don't
use the full length, there is still useable standing space left.  And it is
insulated, with 3 screened awning type windows, and a sunroof.  Our grandkids
love it.  When not used as a bed, it provides lots of storage space, with
tie-downs.  And there is nothing to raise or set up, the space is always
there.
So, the wife says I spend too much time posting!  Perhaps she is right.
We really like our Adventurewagen!    :)
Zoe Ann & Roger
1987 4x5 Syncro Adventurewagen