A camping forum for VW bus and camper owners.
Just bought a Vanagon and need some helpful hints
I just bought a 1981 Vanagon and we are going to need some help along the way as far as figuring it all our and making everything run right. We dd not have manuals for the camping equipment. Have a stove, fridge and sink. Heard the fridge probably won't get that cold but still think it will be useful. any ideas on finding manuals? We are going thru all if right now to try to get her ready for a trip to the CA coast in Sept. We live in Nevada right below Lake Tahoe. Learned you can't be in a hurry going up the mountain roads. So any tips on getting up to the top bunk? We are also checking right now on a possible burning oil too quickly problem. It is in pretty good shape with most things in good shape. The propane tank and regulators are right below the slider door. An electrical outlet on the driver's side. Any help on filling the propane and use of the regulators? Our poptop pops straight up with a roof rack in front. I am happy to join your family. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael Hewitt on
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Give either Van Cafe or Bus Depot a try for manuals. They have the best price for stuff.
www.busdepot.com
www.van-cafe.com
or
http://www.thesamba.com
Michael
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Thanks. Anything online?
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Ordered a manual for the appliances, etc. , but the manual was clearly not a match. Positively ID'ing the vehicle might be a good first step - it doesn't appear to be much like most I see. First of all, the pop top raises straight up and does not extend the full length of the bus; forward of the pop top is basically normal metal roof w/luggage rack. "VANAGON L" is on the rear hatch... thanks again - hope that helps!
Michael H said:Give either Van Cafe or Bus Depot a try for manuals. They have the best price for stuff.
www.busdepot.com
www.van-cafe.com
or
http://www.thesamba.com
Michael
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Try this and see if it helps.
http://www.countryhomescampers.com/pdf/CHC_OWNERS_MANUAL.pdf
janice eady said:Ordered a manual for the appliances, etc. , but the manual was clearly not a match. Positively ID'ing the vehicle might be a good first step - it doesn't appear to be much like most I see. First of all, the pop top raises straight up and does not extend the full length of the bus; forward of the pop top is basically normal metal roof w/luggage rack. "VANAGON L" is on the rear hatch... thanks again - hope that helps!
Michael H said:Give either Van Cafe or Bus Depot a try for manuals. They have the best price for stuff.
www.busdepot.com
www.van-cafe.com
or
http://www.thesamba.com
Michael
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Bingo! That appears to be exactly what it is - thanks, Regis!
Regis said:
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Permalink Reply by Werner Schink on
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Sounds like you might have a "country homes camper". Go to http://countryhomescampers.com/our-camper/vw-vanagon and see if what you have is like what's in their picture. There's a owner's manual you can download.
Welcome to the world of VW camping.
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That's it exactly. Thank you, Janice
Werner Schink said:Sounds like you might have a "country homes camper". Go to http://countryhomescampers.com/our-camper/vw-vanagon and see if what you have is like what's in their picture. There's a owner's manual you can download.
Welcome to the world of VW camping.
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Permalink Reply by Daniel Hatton on
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Hi Janice,
My wife Gerda & I bought a 1990 Vanagon Westy GL from a super mechanic owner in Vegas about 2 months ago (Wolf Blum). After we struck the deal, Wolf had it transported to us here in San Diego by one of his VW hauler friends for $100. It was and is in superb condition, but needed some things (which Wolf told us all about) done to ready it for a 3,000 mile trip from San Diego up the coast to Port Orchard Washington and back. We took it to Peter Adams who owns San Diego Westy (he has several positve write-ups and no bad reviews). Peter went over it and worked with us constantly for a little over 1 week. We replaced the propane tank with a new one (CA certified), replaced the drinking water storage tank pump, put in a new faucet, replaced the outside hose connection, fixed the windshield wipers (it did rain on the trip North), installed an inverter with two outlets (1300 watts), installed an auxillary battery and hooked up all appropriate electrics to it (instead of the primary battery), got the refrigerator working (on shore power); bought for $88 a superb fridge at Walmart which became primary because our pet Natasha is a diabetic and her insulin had to be kept cold......you don't need to spend a fortune on an ac/dc refrigerator -- shop and buy Walmart's 45 qt ac/dc travel fridge. As an aside, when we got to Port Orchard, WA it didn't seem like the Wally's World fridge was working properly so we took it to the local store & they replaced it no questions asked (so keep your receipt with you on the trip). Oh, we also had Peter install 4 Bilstein shocks which made the ride much more comfortable. All of the above for under $3K. The engine, trans, water were sealed tight and it had just had a tuneup a couple of days before we bought it. We drove North up the CA/Oregon/WA coast to Port Orchard and back down the coast (along the CA Redwood Highway as well) back to San Diego. We are absolutely convinced we didn't have problems and we were self-sufficient in nice campgrounds and in state campgrounds (cheap with no hookups) because of the before trip checks and investment. Here's our advice. Get your Westy sea-worthy (we also boat) before you go to sea. Make sure it is tuned up (including oil & filter) and that you have no leaks (no water, oil, or transmission leaks). Your trip could turn into a nightmare if you are along the coast highway far from towns and far from any "reputable" VW repair shop. Have a good mechanic back home that you can call for advice (if you are in Vegas, get hold of Wolf Blum) .... if you run into trouble along the way. This is our second Westy. We owned one back in the early '70s when the kids were little. We bought this one (for me and Gerda) now that the two daughters are grown. So, we have had "before" and "after" Westys. Also, if you don't belong to AAA, I recommend you join and get the premium set up. They will tow you up to 200 miles. If you get stuck along the California coast in a remote area, you might need the 200 miles to get you to a "reputable" VW repair shop. I hope this helps and here's wishing you well. Dr Dan and Gerda
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