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Sat Jul 21, 2007 8:46 am

I love the van.

I've had it for 3 years, have done LOTS of work to him. In that time, taken some great trips, memorable trips.

Now, with 2 small kids, 5 months and 2 yrs things are different. Oh yeah, and the 70 pound dog--very much like a kid herself. We took a family camping trip to the coast and I didn't enjoy it. I started to think that we've outgrown the Westy, maybe I need a folding trailer.

So I'm trying to gain some perspective on my situation. I used to envision being able to take great family trips in the van, a great way to explore the pacific northwest, and beyond. That last camping trip was just soooo difficult.

So I need to hear from others. Is it just the timing right now(i.e., the kids are small and it's a lot of work no matter what). Does it get easier to camp with 4(and a dog) in the Westy? Anybody else go through a similar situation?

I really would like to hear from some other list members on this one.

Thanks,
Bill

Sat Jul 21, 2007 8:57 am

I think it's just hard with two kids that little to do any kind of camping- a bigger trailer might make it a little easier, but really, not much. I'd say: keep the westy and in about three years, it'll be a perfect vehicle for your family. When they're this little and can't take care of themselves as well, it's going to be hard no matter what. This is coming from someone who is traveling cross country for 5 weeks in a westy with a 22 month old., and finding it hard, but at times so great. But can't imagine doing it in any vehicle with two under 2.

Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:17 am

You're pushing maximum density.
We thought two adults, a small boy, and a medium dog was about as much as we could stand.
Most people that haven't camped in one, think four adults is fine.
You can fit four adults in one but try to move around or get dressed.
Using a westy is great when the weathers nice and you can get outside and open it up to cook and stuff.
A rainy chilly day is hell with to many people/kids crammed into one.
I would suggest to you, a side tent like one of the bigger ones from Busdepot.
like this:
http://busdepot.com/details/spacemaker.jsp
It takes longer to setup and take down camp but you can still get a few more years out of the westy and don't have to start the new headace of learning and servacing a new vehical.
As the kids get older 10 or so, you can set up a tent for them outside the Westy.
Gives them a small bit of freedom, they can bring a friend, and mom and dad can get some peace at night.
Camping should be enjoyable, a cold morning cramed into a Westy with to many bodies isn't.

Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:19 am

Been there, done that.

We hit the same wall with our Westy after the second child came along. The camping got too tight, and we needed a people hauler for soccer games, etc.

Because we have had VW vans continuously since 1969, and didn't want to opt out, we got a week-ender vanagon.............lots of people room, and a way to camp along with a tent once in a while.

Now that kids are grown up, we are back to a camper for the two of us (unless the kids are borrowing it).

Best of luck.

Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:20 am

Drop the kids off at grandmas, take the dog to a kennel, and then point the bus towards the coast with just you and your lovely partner. Just kidding :wink: . You will never have enough room even if you buy a 42 foot motor home. My kids were in diapers when I bought my first van and we were driving so many long trips at the time that a two my older one was chanting a tune while she looked at the map that went "Drive and Drive and Drive and Drive"

We learned to look for playgrounds and other kid like amusements as we drove, stopping often while the lids were awake and then driving like crazy when they slept. Virtually every town you pass through will have something of interest for kids if you take the time to look, a play ground, a waterfall, statues, etc. The locals will love you for stopping in their out of the way place instead of speeding on to some overcrowded destination.

Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:20 am

We have a 5 and a 4 yr old. The dog goes sometimes.

No problems . They have a backpack for their toys.

I have a plywood shelf that bolts onto the rear bumper for the camp box, two kids' bikes, the rug, tarp and poles, Gotta love bungee cords. Storage under the rear bench has the awning and four or five kites.

Two adult bikes go on the front using a bolt-on rack.

Two igloo coolers on the floor, sleeping bags, and four smallish containers for our clothes and sundries fits on the rear deck. The result is ample room for moving about the cabin. The 4 yr old has to go pee every 10 or 11 minutes so.... the camping potty sets behind the drivers seat.

Our Westy is gutted except for a full width bench/bed. Both front seats can swivel to face the rear. The ultimate weekender IMO. I outgrew all the cabinetry long ago. Even before the kids. Quaint to have all the stuff but I don't cook or wash inside. Once we're at the campsite, everything goes outside. me and the boy are upstairs and momma and the girl sleep downstairs

I do know there may be a time of out growth, but as the get older on heavier, the backpack of toys turn into PSP's or whatever electronic gadget is popular at the time.

I will admit I've been looking at the small motorhomes and full size conversion vans. But I'm gonna be a hold-out to the end.

Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:06 am

regis101 wrote:
Our Westy is gutted except for a full width bench/bed. Both front seats can swivel to face the rear. The ultimate weekender IMO. I outgrew all the cabinetry long ago.

I have heard that this was the most asked for Westy option. Just the pop-top and full seating. Never had much use in all the gadgetry myself, but I like having a top that will sleep two easily.

Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:35 am

Ours is a 78. It came with the passenger swivel seat. After I removed the cabinetry, I also removed the sheetmetal behind the drivers seat and installed a second OE swivel seat assembly. Ooo la La

Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:45 pm

OP didn't say where exactly the issue lay, so I'll assume it's across the board.

First, MightyArt has the right idea. When we went hunting in Oregon, we took a van (not a VW) for space, but carried a large tent, and used the tent. The Westy gives you the best of both worlds, but I think you should be looking at a side tent.

Second, if storage is part of the issue, remember that the good engineers of VW were WAY ahead of you. There's a reason for that storage bunk above the driver, and you can add a rack to the top of the Westy.

I personally like the rear rack options offered over here:

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/vanagonrack.htm

'cause I want to carry a bike, maybe a gas can, some other stuff.

Third, I don't take the cats. Now, a dog is certainly more travel friendly, but some dogs are awfully big. Is yours big? Can it stay at home/the kennel/with friends?

Finally, you can add more seat space if you want it. I've got a jump seat that I pulled out of Vanagon a few weeks ago. I'm going to take my Van and have a shop weld the rear bracket in place, and put some leg pegs in place to hold the seat. It pops in and out in less than a minute, and makes our van more family/friend friendly by adding seat space.

Hope you keep the Westy - myself, wife unit and child unit will begin exploring California/Nevada/Arizona/Mexico in our westy next month. It ain't what I call spacious, but my parents (remember the big tent) have moved on to motor homes and 5th wheels. I little more space and comfort, at a considerable expense. Sure a lot easier to move my Westy around the parking lot at the beach.

And when we're done here, I hope we meet you guys up in the NW, if we can get back there.

Best of Westy life to you,

Lanval

Sat Jul 21, 2007 2:49 pm

We went through the same thing about 10 years ago. Two young kids and we're using our 85 Westy all that much. Sold it.

For the last 4 years I had been getting pretty nostalgic ... picked our 89 Westy inf February. My son (8th grade to be) loves it ... my 10th grade daughter not so much. But my wife and I are very, very excited.

You can sell and then buy again ... but if it's already paid for and the insurance bill is not that big of deal, I'd hold onto it. The prices are only going to go up.

Sat Jul 21, 2007 8:17 pm

Well, I guess it's all relative. In June we bought a 2001 Eurovan Weekender. The weekend after we bought it we loaded up the family - my wife and I, 4 kids, 2 Springer Spaniels and our.... wait for it, Great Dane Moose, and drove from the bay area to the Oregon Coast. 15 hours in the van 2 days up 1 day back. It was great - most of the time. The van had so much more space than the old mini van. Don't get me wrong , there were some tense moments, but it was a trip none of us will forget. We love our van - the kids have named it the Shaggin Wagon - what can you say?

Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:50 pm

Bill...I think that Westy is WAY too small and that, in the best interest of your family (naturally), you should sell it to me...cheaply.... :twisted:

Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:34 pm

Keep the van, you will regret it later. Bring a tent for yourself and the dog. Mom and the kids can use the van.

Heck I used to camp with my 71 Bronco, two kids, wife and big lab. Two tents, some tarps and boxes of crap and we were good to go. I wish I had a vanagon during those times but they were still good all the same.

Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:12 pm

Oh boody ding-dongs,
keep the Van.

Lady of the Home sleeps in comfort with kids, while you get the "Palace de le Poles." Tenting is fun! Heck, I see "brownie points" for being so curageous for the Ladies.

Piiissst: No one will bother you in the tent!!!

shhhsssshhh... Keep that one quiet.....

Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:05 pm

At 3 years old I taught my first girl how to climb up to the top. I attached a strap that she could hold onto for safety while climbing. After a few weeks she had climbed up perhaps hundreds of times in the driveway, up and down, up and down. So no worries there, we were ready in advance. Then she taught the next child how.

Then I made a plywood hatch cover that covered the wide-open part of the opening, so if they fell out they's only fall onto the cabinet. And it left a hole that I can poke my head up if necessary. Never had a hint of a problem.

Now they're 5 and 7 and they shoot up top like monkeys to unfold the bed, then bark out orders "I need a Sleeping bag, Another sleeping bag, a pillow" etc. So they sleep upstairs, and love it.

The kids are fully westy-fied. I can't imagine a bigger camper, how would you drive into the tight little westy camps, offroad, etc?

That's my story. No 70 lb dog though...I can see that would take some floorspace.

Tom

Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:17 pm

Here's a realistic thought.
Locate a poptop trailer/ Camper.

Load the kids and the dogs for the ride, at night pop the trailer and the Westy up, and The kids and the dogs can take their choice of either of the motels on wheels--momma and you can have some privacy whichever camper you choose.
I just picked up a pop top trailer camper for my boy who wanted to go to the NASCAR races for a weekend in Joliet Il. with 5 of his buddies.

Found an 8 place pop top / slide out trailer with sink, stove, pot, heat, AC for $400.00.

It's an 80 vintage with the pea green interior, but this kinda deal would be perfect for a guy in your cramped situation.

The guy that had it had it stored in his gargage for the last 15 years---perfect tow behind extra motel on wheels, and at the right price.

The Vanagon would pull this set up with ease.

Mon Jul 23, 2007 2:11 am

we did out grow the westy,and a way to solve that too

with 2 kids one is 12 year old boyand a 6 year old girl.2 daschunds(hot dog stle dogs) gear and gadges. :)

lets go back a bit in time ,we first started with a side tent from eurocampers,a Andria 3 , a 12' x 12' tent,that adds a lot of space once you are set up.and is very nice if it's rainning. :)

we very slowly added a small trailer, a 5' x 6' , to carry the "overflow" of gear. :oops:

as my son reached 10 he wanted a bit more space to sleep in,so we added a 4 man ground tent,but that didn't last long,a season only :(

so we started looking for a tent trailer.pop up, like a heilite style.
i found one on e-bay
a nimrod slide out with pop top canvas tent.this is the best investment i made i was able to get it for $300.00
it has a 2 slide outs which makes the bed platforms and a big canvas tent that incloses the entire thing.
now the kids each have thier own sleeping area and i have my westy back :D

Mon Jul 23, 2007 8:27 am

What about a Westy weekender and a teardrop trailer?

Tom

PS wonder if anyone has ever gutted a Beetle to make a camp trailer?

Mon Jul 23, 2007 8:42 am

CF wrote: daschunds(hot dog stle dogs) :D

a.K.a. Weenie buddies

Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:07 pm

We had the same problem. Outgrew the Vanagon westy. Got a popup trailer pulled by a Eurovan. Found it to be too much work popping and setting up the thing! Next we got a Scamp 13' fiberglass trailer. Perfect solution! Eurovan pulls it effortlessly and when we get to the LIMBO annual Buses By the Buoy campground late at night we just jump in the trailer and crash. No fuss!