Recommendations for outfitting our new Westfalia

[Davidant]

We just purchased a 1983 Westfalia. We have had 2 previously but never really used it for extended camping. We are now retired and would appreciate any recommendations for items to equip our van with for camping. Things you love or don't. Everything from dishes to showers would be appreciated. If you have found something particularly useful we would appreciate knowing. Thanks for your time and input.

[WestfaliaMike]

Welcome to The Samba. There are so many people on here with different opinions. I would suggest take your new rig out for a weekend, and see what works, what are you missing. Lots of questions to ask before you can really get good answers. Is your Vanagon aire or water cooled? When going out how long will your trips be? Good luck, this website is the best ever for help.

Again... welcome!
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1981 Vanagon Westfalia
1983 Vanagon Passanger (Parts Vehicle)
2016 Passat TSI

[Davidant]

Water cooled with Suburu 2.5 liter. Don’t know how long our trips might be yet. Flying to Portland to pick it up this week and drive back to Michigan. Thought we would start picked up essentials along the way as we make our list. Thanks for your response.

[WestfaliaMike]

Haveing the swap.. you can make some nice trtps. Good luck on your trip
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1981 Vanagon Westfalia
1983 Vanagon Passanger (Parts Vehicle)
2016 Passat TSI

[Ahwahnee]

As with any travel - take half the clothes and twice the money you think you will need.

A road trip to get it home should be a great adventure - one in which you are sure to learn a lot about the van and your own preferences.

[stwesty]

Here are a few things I remember making note of after my first trip or two. I've done a lot of backpacking and car camping, but having a Westfalia brings a whole new level of luxury and allows for a much more complete kit.

- good quality pot and pan, no need for thin walled camping style ones
- decent silverware in a divided tray
- large serving bowl and serving spoon
- hand broom
- mat for outside sliding door
- bug netting and magnets for sliding and rear door
- thermacell mosquito repellant device
- folding table for outside
- large awning attached to side of bus (I have the gowesty one but given how bulky it is I'd look at lighter/more modern alternatives)
- a few small USB battery packs and LED light bulbs (I like these: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Pro-DC-5V-5W-Portable-LED-...589368959)
- usb powered fans (something like this: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Summer-Mini-Desktop-Plasti...119905016)
- large battery pack
- backup stove/burner, I use one of my old backpacking ones
- fire extinguisher
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1974 Westfalia, automatic, dual-carb

[kamzcab86]

Congrats!

[Paulbeard]

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798 — scroll all the way down to the section on outfitting your camper. Might be some good ideas there.
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Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs

[Steve M.]

Essential for any roadtrip irregardless of the vehicle:

AAA 200 MILE TOWING Service ☺
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[weswsimpson]

Don't spend any money on "extras" now.... The van will tell you what it "needs" sooner than later. Learn to do the work yourself as it will be cheaper in the long run. If you don't like wet and soggy food, get a fridge of some sort.

[jimf909]

[SamboSamba22]

It looks like retirement is going to be a beautiful thing, congrats guys!
Have fun, start with smaller trips, you’ll discover as mentioned, what you and the bus want out and about at camp.
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The Bus Barn Ltd. Co.

Oct. ’67 Double Cab (’68 Crew Cab)
[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-44412.png]Click to view image[/URL]
March '69 Delivery (Panel Bus)
[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-44414.png]Click to view image[/URL]