TheSamba.com :: View topic - Racks/ Boxes on Air cooled Vanagon Camper

Fri Mar 28, 2014 4:33 pm

Hi Folks....new member here and I'm looking to tap into some expertise.
I am considering storage options for a long road trip. I have an 83 air cooled with a newly rebuilt motor that i am going to take coast to coast in June. Id like to get a thule or yakima storage box or maybe some racking or a basket to free up some space inside the van. Id also like to make use of the luggage area.
What is the concensus on that sort of thing with an air cooled van. Will it throw off the cooling, kill mileage, etc? Or am I just worrying too much? What has worked for you folks?

Thx! Awesome site by the way! Im learning a ton.

Fri Mar 28, 2014 5:38 pm

I highly suggest you do everything to pare down the weight of your van to an absolute minimum and not add anything to the roof. The air cooled van is anemic enough as it is. If you must add exterior storage I would do it with rear hatch mounted carrier such as this sweet Gary Lee unit…

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

Not cheap but I understand they are extremely well made and you can see how versatile they are.

I'm not sure if you are a new owner but if you are:

I also suggest you get a cylinder head temperature gauge, keep stock sized tyres, and never, ever floor the van, especially when climbing hills, just downshift and putt. Do not be surprised if you end up in second gear on some major grades. Plan ahead and stay in the slow lane when major grades are coming, you may even get passed by semi trailers, but you will get there.

Have a great trip…

Neil2

Fri Mar 28, 2014 8:00 pm

keep the RPMS up and don't lug the motor going uphill.
make sure that the engine tin is sealed 100%.. coolant leaks (air) are really bad for these motors. as they'll suck in HOT engine/exhaust air when stuck in traffic.
I'd say a rear hatch rack like a gary lee or paulchen hatch rack
https://www.google.com/search?q=paulchen+bike+rack...mp;bih=709

here's some good pics and reading
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4659560

Sat Mar 29, 2014 7:49 am

Just out of curiosity - should the same precautions be taken with a waterbox also?

Sat Mar 29, 2014 7:49 am

I have an 82 Vanagon Westfalia aircooled... and on top of that, I have a yakima box, and yakima bicycle rack..

No issues...

Sat Mar 29, 2014 7:56 am

one thing to caution you about is the weight you put on top... the pop top will not open easy with any kind of weight.... you may strain your neck..

The way I have mine set up... You could still have your bikes on the rack while raising the roof...

Sat Mar 29, 2014 8:55 am

I have an 81 Westy. I carry a canoe on top. I will be purchasing this trailer this summer. As was mentioned; correct cooling tin and 'high' rpms going up hill you will not have any problems. Also a cylinder head temp. sensor (Dakota digital) will give you peace of mind. :D

Sat Mar 29, 2014 8:55 am

oops forgot the link for the trailer...

http://www.trailmasterinc.com/cargo/backpack.html

Sat Mar 29, 2014 1:17 pm

RocketBox wrote: Just out of curiosity - should the same precautions be taken with a waterbox also?

These are big vans with small OLD engines made of aluminum alloy.

Yes, common sense tells us to be modest in adding weight and reducing aerodynamics.

Can it be done? Absolutely. I was just making suggestions.

Neil2

Sun Mar 30, 2014 10:33 am

Thanks, folks! I appreciate the input!