VW motorhome campers are small - particualrly when compared to the huge RV motorhomes available in th US. If you’re planning a trip, its worth considering how you’ll cope with manoevering a very large vehicle, the amount of fuel it will use and how it will influence the type of great outdoors experience you’ll have. This is an informative account of roaming Utah in a VW Motorhome camper.
“I’m in a warm and cactus-studded desert, slouched comfortably in a camp chair, savoring a paisley-tangerine sunset. To my left, shrimp the size of plantains are sizzling on a hibachi. To my right, beer is chilling in a slushy cooler. And behind me stands my home, my wheels and the linchpin of my retirement dreams: a Volkswagen pop-top camper.
Like a lot of Boomers, I’ve envisioned my rapidly approaching golden years as not just active, but mobile: I yearn to explore the national parks of the West, trace what remains of Route 66 or meander down the Baja Peninsula, camping each night on deserted beaches. (In my fantasy, there are no bandits, armed drug gangs or time-share touts.)
But after once watching the proud new owner of a monstrously large motor home wedge it between two pine trees while trying to turn around in a Yellowstone campground - for all I know, it’s still stuck there - I see myself behind the wheel of something a bit more modest, easier to drive and less punishing at the pump.
For someone who grew up in the 1960s and early ’70s, that means only one thing: a VW camper van.”
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More from Van Fest 2008 at Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire. A great opportunity to explore all things VW Camper, meet up with VW Camper enthusiasts and show off your own VW Motorhome.
You can also relive the experience of cool times and cool VW Campers at Plymouth Volkfest 2008
Duration : 0:4:9
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Technorati Tags: fest, van, vanfest, vw, VW Camper, VW camper events camper, VW Motorhome
Hiring a camper van for a vacation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking new adventures. The lure of the open road and freedom to roam wherever you please is an appealing thought for many. Knowing a little about the history of the camper van can give you that sense of belonging whilst out on the road.
A traditional camper van has a folding roof that pops up to provide room for the sleeping quarters. One of the favorite makes of camper vans has been that of VW. The VW camper van based on the VW Beetle, made its first appearance at the 1949 Geneva Motor Show and the basic design has held the test of time. The vans do around 25 miles to the gallon and offer plenty of internal space.
The VW camper is a firm favorite with the surfing community. It has remained a popular choice for the young at heart for decades and has become a symbol of free spirit for many. Often seen with a new paint job featuring large flowers, these vans have long secured their iconic status and a place in history.
Another of the iconic camper vans were those created by Wally Byam of the Airstream company. Airstream started off in 1936 with a trailer called “the Clipper”. Using aircraft technology to reduce wind resistance and provide optimal strength to weight ratio, the Airstream has become a true American icon.
The first Airstream branded camper van called “the Classic” made its debut in 1979. The company continues to innovate and produce camper vans to this day and has a 10,000 strong international membership of the Wally Byam Caravan Club. Over 1000 rallies are held each year by the club.
Camper vans have evolved into what we call motorhomes. As the name suggests, the objective is to create a “mobile home from home”. Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes and are generally classed by the distance between the front axle to the rear axle. This measurement is called the “wheelbase length” and is termed as short, medium and long.
Fuel costs are a definite consideration for many when deciding to hire a camper van. This problem has been taken on board by the rental companies and manufacturers. Many camper van hire companies now offer vans with conversions to LPG. This should at least half your fuel costs.
One thing I should mention is that insurance cover for camper van hire can be expensive and you should know up front exactly what you are covered for. Take time to review the policy. Remember to comply with most hiring insurance policies you should carry out the daily maintenance tasks on the camper as specified by your rental agent.
Don’t overstretch your budget on the camper van hire cost. Part of the enjoyment of a camper van is being able to visit and enjoy new places. If you are a couple, a medium wheelbase camper should provide you with a good overall comfort levels and ease of use.
When hiring or even buying a camper van you should try and arrange a test drive first so that you can decide which style best fits your needs. My personal preference is to use medium wheelbase vans as they tend to offer the best compromise between size and comfort. Whatever van you choose it’s sure to be an adventure.
Technorati Tags: airstream, camper van hire. VW camper, classic camper, classic camper van hire, VW Motorhome
This was the basis of not only the highly popular Westphalia California VW camper van, but of numerous other vw motorhome conversions by a range of companies.
The Volkswagen T4 van, released in 1990, was the first VW transporter without a rear engine. A major departure from earlier configurations, this front-wheel drive model was available in two wheelbase sizes, and the front engine design made a far greater range of special body variants possible. The shape maintained the wedge of the T3 (t25) but in common with much other styling of the time, had a more rounded front end and details.
The engines are transverse mounted with four, five and six cylinders, and the popular TDI diesel engines with direct injection, brought the Transporter’s performance back to a competitive level.
Enthusiasts naturally bemoaned the death of the classic Type 2, but rationally it really was inevitable. The T4 was a tremendous success, and the introduction of its successor was delayed until eventually after 14 years, the T4 ceased production in 2003. This makes it second only to the T1 (the Beetle) for length of production in its home market.
There was one major model change to the T4, in 1994, when the front end was redesigned to allow the six-cylinder VR6 engine to be fitted into the engine bay. The commercial variants, which were not available with the VR6, retained the old look. Following the Type 2’s naming convention, these two versions are called T4a and T4b informally by enthusiasts.
You’ll see how the VW T4 is configured in this earlier post http://vwmotorhomecampers.co.uk/vw-motor-homes/vw-t4-motorhomes
Technorati Tags: VW California, VW Motorhome, Vw motorhome conversions, VW T4, VW Westphalia
VW California Motorhome T4
Volkswagen linked up with Westfalia to produce the factory fitted Volkswagen Westfalia range of T4 camper vans. The T4 Volkswagen Westfalia was manufactured only as left hand drive, passenger vehicles.
Similar in specification to the Volkswagen Caravelle, (the passenger carrying rather motorhome version) the Volkswagen Westfalia is a highly developed factory built conversion camper van. There were a number of versions available with rear elevating roofs and side opening roofs.
The VW Westfalia had factory fitted sliding windows, safety belt mounting points, rear passenger heating and door pockets. Westfalia included a tested practical sliding bed/seat with seatbelts with an optional (additional) removable seat which can be fitted in the tracks.
Westphalia VW motorhome conversions also have low profile elevating roofs keeping the T4 under 2 metres in height. The moulded vehicle lining is easy to wipe clean, and with steel framed storage units and twin swivel cab seats these are sought after motorhomes.
The diesel option is more expensive but the fuel economy of 30-40mpg makes this worthwhile
Technorati Tags: VW Motorhome, VW T4, VW T4 California, Westphalia camper
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