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Huxmobile Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2008 Posts: 141 Location: SF Bay area
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:05 am Post subject: |
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BD,
Do you think this will fit over a Fiamma bike rack (empty) and still reach ground?
DJ _________________ 87 Westy 2.1L, manual (sold) |
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Busdepot Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004 Posts: 1309
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:15 am Post subject: |
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danfromsyr wrote: |
hey now you all, your going to drive up the price with all yoru added ammenities.. |
Very true. Anything can be done for a price ... but that price isn't $69, or even $79...
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my only question/concern is w/o corner poles how it handles wind and possibly a hatch closing midle of the night with aging struts. |
It is nylon so it doesn't add much weight to the hatch. (We considered a canvas one as well but the weight/bulk/cost made it prohibitive.) If your hatch sags when you add those few ounces of extra weight, it's time for new struts anyway. (They're not expensive, and I know of a supplier. ) As for wind, in my experience with fairly strong and gusty summer thunderstorms it did just fine. Corner poles would be redundant because your rear hatch is already much stronger than any tent poles. If the wind is so strong that even your rear hatch can't handle it, you probably have bigger problems!
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Do you think this will fit over a Fiamma bike rack (empty) and still reach ground? |
Probably not. I couldn't make it too tall or it would be too baggy at the ground. There is a little bit of extra height to accommodate Syncros with slightly taller suspensions, but I doubt enough for a bike rack. _________________ - Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com |
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SteveVanB Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2008 Posts: 1645 Location: This side of Daytona
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:16 pm Post subject: |
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Might have to hem in a space/void along the bottom edge to fill with sand as opposed to using stakes......Or I guess a few rocks would do the trick..... _________________ 91 CARAT |
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DAIZEE Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010 Posts: 7552 Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:19 pm Post subject: |
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I was going to ask re fitting over a full length Paulchen. One could stitch a foot or so around the bottom and also make a simple cover to go over the rear bumper down to the ground. These would be simple improvements/adjustments that a buyer could do to customize it for their van or their needs. If wind is a factor then 4 simple net pegs would help.
Those asking for windows, don't forget there is a screen door I think.
I hope you will still have a grey one at the end of the month _________________ '09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold) |
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Busdepot Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004 Posts: 1309
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:24 pm Post subject: |
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DAIZEE wrote: |
Those asking for windows, don't forget there is a screen door I think. |
Correct. _________________ - Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com |
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devesvws Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2004 Posts: 1540 Location: madison va
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DubNuts Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2009 Posts: 194
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 4:27 pm Post subject: |
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Got Mine today.. Haven't had a chance to use it yet. But it appears that it will suit my needs.
Guys some seem to be over thinking this, stop trying to re-invent the item.. I'm sure Ron will improve upon this item if he see fit, but it's a wonderful inexpensive extention of your Vanagon as built. Reguardless it's just right as is.. Trust me for the price you can't go wrong. Better get yours before threre Gone-Zo
Oh.. and Yes, it has both a Screen, and a Canvas door... I beleive that the thought behind this was that campers already have the rear Hatch Bug screen and the screen on the Hatch Shelter helps to get ventlation to flow between the Hatch Cover and Vanagon if needed. Hell you could pay this much for one of those little phonebooth shower / pottie tents. and those don't extend your Vanagon useable space.. Fabulous Product at a killer introductory Price.. Just do it.....
Bottom Line I'm Happy.
Here's the Info again. Just thought I'd save you a trip to the 1st Page of the topic..
http://www.busdepot.com/ahg
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MidWesty79 Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2011 Posts: 485 Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin, US
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 11:39 am Post subject: |
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Thought I'd see what people are thinking of these shelters now that they've been out awhile. I'm interested in picking one of these up, but haven't seen many pics. Anyone have any additional pictures or comments as people have gotten around to using these more? My main question is, how long is it? It it really 6 feet long, or is it just as long as the hatch when it's open (which is what it looks like.)
Thanks everyone! _________________ 1979 Westfalia, 1975 BMW 2002, 1996 Mazda Miata, 1979 Jeep CJ5, 2006 325 XI Wagon, 2021 M240i (all manual transmission... as god intended.) |
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childofthewind Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2010 Posts: 763 Location: Eastern Sierra
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 1:29 pm Post subject: |
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This looks sweet and sure beats my moldy tarp set-up for the hatch. I also like the idea of having a loo in there (I don't just piss in bottles and sh*t in holes, okay??) as well as the shower. So, yeah.. if anyone has used it, please share your thoughts on it. _________________ 1987.5 wolfsburg hardtop; 2.1
“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote." - Melville |
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bjrogers86auto Samba Member
Joined: March 26, 2009 Posts: 1375 Location: Halifax, N.S.
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 2:34 pm Post subject: shelter |
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Totally ruins my image of her...
I did use my homemade tarp shelter on the hatch one night and it worked great!
B _________________ 86 Vanagon GL Westfalia 2.1
18 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X
19 Honda Civic Hatchback
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day. Calvin and Hobbes. |
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debbiej Samba Member
Joined: December 14, 2008 Posts: 1553 Location: las cruces, nm
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 2:53 pm Post subject: |
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Got mine and although haven't used it yet, it is well made and fits great. Should be great for our beach camping trip coming up. |
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Timwhy Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2009 Posts: 4002 Location: Maine
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Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 6:57 pm Post subject: Re: shelter |
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bjrogers86auto wrote: |
Totally ruins my image of her...
I did use my homemade tarp shelter on the hatch one night and it worked great!
B |
My image is of Vermontgirl is not the same as B's, actually I thought that her comment was quite funny!
Love It!! After spending a week at a SP where they rationed the water, I am glad we brought a shower
room and a couple od solar showers. I even brought a Lugable Lou, 5 gallon pale with a closeable toilet
seat. We didn't need it, as the outhouses were across from our camp site. But the solar showers came in handy!
Even with overcast days, heat up water and pour it in and go take a shower! This addition from BD will
be on my list of next purchases! _________________ '15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary
http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee |
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avwa Samba Member
Joined: March 14, 2005 Posts: 217
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Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 4:46 am Post subject: |
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Bought 2 and went camping @ Indian Boundary in TN the following weekend. Big rains & wind one night and several showers after that, not a problem.
Use it for storage, shower or whatever else & it'll stay put & stay dry.
Very well made, light & packs away nicely in the bag provided.
I have made similar ones but can't do it for the Bus Depot price. Materials to do it would cost more than their selling price and would not look as nice.
Ordered beige with brown piping and they really looked nice on our Westys.
I can see how tintop owners could really make use of this item.
Note for those with awnings, I have a Catalina 2500 (A&E) 9' 6" awning and there was no interference. |
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valleywestys Samba Member
Joined: June 17, 2009 Posts: 71 Location: Staunton, Virginia
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 12:28 pm Post subject: Bus Depot rear hatch "tent" |
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It arrived yesterday, and we set it up today, in the parking lot.
Very simple. East to use. Looks much better than the on-line picture- all beige. No black top as shown on the website.
Should be especially useful to "hardtop" campers. Convenient stand-up space
adjacent to the van. Has us thinking about adding a hardtop Weekender (that we have in stock) to the rental fleet...... |
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photogdave Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004 Posts: 3048 Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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squeegee_boy Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2008 Posts: 762 Location: Langley, BC, Canada
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 7:08 pm Post subject: |
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Mine arrived a few days ago. We're currently on our way to Burning Man, so I'll give a review on the dust-tight-ness when we return
Robyn _________________ 1984 FrankenSyncro Westy. EJ25 RMW kit
1971 Super Beetle with an EJ22. Oh yes. Daily driver |
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childofthewind Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2010 Posts: 763 Location: Eastern Sierra
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 3:56 pm Post subject: |
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Being a minimalist, I've been on the fence with this one. But the truth is, it's damn brilliant, practical, and beats my awkward ramshackle tarp setup. I'll be using it a lot in the coming months and will share my experience! _________________ 1987.5 wolfsburg hardtop; 2.1
“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote." - Melville |
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dubbified Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010 Posts: 1406 Location: Redmond, WA
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 6:35 pm Post subject: |
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Ahwahnee wrote: |
Well, it would let you work on the engine in a pouring rain. |
Multiple use idea right there..
I can see that comin in real useful. |
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CaptTurbo Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2012 Posts: 93 Location: SW Florida
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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Well, I just ordered the add-a-room and the hatch enclosure. I'm thinking I can take my dogs along and not have to be sleeping in a pile of dogs.
I think they would be very happy sleeping in the side room being so close to "dad" though I might have to close the slider 'cause they both snore.
Having an '87 Syncro GL that I bought new, I'm always jealous of the Westy crowd. I did a nation wide search for a Syncro Westy when I was buying mine and not one was to be found. This side tent thing might ease my pain of not having as comfortable of a camping rig as you Westy folks. |
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childofthewind Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2010 Posts: 763 Location: Eastern Sierra
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Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:02 pm Post subject: |
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here it is. i liked having it although i really didn't need it... there aren't many people camping in late fall and it was too chilly at night to keep the hatch open. i can see it being very handy in busy campgrounds when you need some privacy but still want airflow from the back. (there's a screen door, too.)
the showering idea back there is fine but i'd rather just pay the $2 at a campground/town (or find a free one) and do that a couple times a week as it's kind of a hassle to get everything set up back there. _________________ 1987.5 wolfsburg hardtop; 2.1
“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote." - Melville |
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