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Happy Camper in the Transporter

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sail

sail

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I’ve wanted a VW camper forever so a couple of months ago I bought a 99 VW Eurovan. It was time for our first family outing with it so over the holidays my wife Lisa, our 9 month old springer Mury and I took it for a 2500 mile trip south to Grand Isle, LA , New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast. All new territory for me.

A success.
Lisa liked the camper and it’s furnace since it was chilly. Huge.
Mury after a 4000 mile trip in the fall is already a seasoned road warrior.
The VW ran great, cruises at 80 if you want, has many nice features. Not as cool as a split window but being more modern makes it much more practical.
So I am a very happy camper. After a couple weeks in the VW our house and especially our bed feel enormous. That will wear off, filled the fuel tank before putting it away. It’s good to go.
Hope your holidays went as well. Best to all in the new year.

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Very nice, a civilized way to travel.
 
Congratulations! Gives me reinforcement for my own big trip later this year.

Did you run into any mechanical problems at all?

Any worries when you left it parked somewhere?

Thanks.
Tom
 
Very neat!
 
NutmegCT said:
Congratulations! Gives me reinforcement for my own big trip later this year.
Did you run into any mechanical problems at all?
Any worries when you left it parked somewhere?
Thanks.
Tom
Click to expand...

What sort of trip are you planning?

No mechanical problems since picking it up in North Carolina. The guy I bought it from owned it since 2003 and took great care of it. Left everything in it. Tools, hoses, electrical hook ups, pots and pans, every little thing but sheets and food. It has VW VR6 engine and 4 speed automatic which is my only concern. The manual says it is sealed for life. Not even a dip stick! I see kits to add one and change out the fluid and need to check into that. The original blew at 50k and this one now has 70k on it but shifts fine. Gladly take input on that. I do see leaks around the compressor for the air, that could be $, I will try to just top off at first. Accustomed to leaks, you know.

Parking security is a concern, I leave Mury in his crate so he just sleeps and can't be seen, although to most folks it probably looks like a soccer mom van. My wife wants mags but nope, plain is good. Careful where I park, in New Orleans for instance I parked next to tourist info booth. In campgrounds the only problem I have ever had is people stealing firewood.
 
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sail said:
What sort of trip are you planning?
Click to expand...

A few more miles than your trip ... but also a few more years on the clock (mine and the 1960 car).

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Boy, you must have relatives in Spokane.
can't think any other reason to go there than Seattle & Vancouver
 
Tom that looks like a great trip. I gotta get my wife to quit work before we take the big loop at a more leisurely pace than this trip. Coming home blasted from Mississippi Gulf to Iowa same day, missed a lot in between. Here are a few shots.

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NutmegCT said:
A few more miles than your trip ... but also a few more years on the clock (mine and the 1960 car).

map1.png
Click to expand...

You need to move the leg between Dallas and Tucson a bit further north. Lots to see across central NM and AZ (besides me I mean).
 
Change the route? Nothing is written in stone!

I think I should open a new thread on this.

T.
 
I took a look at "Mac & Phyllis Take a Trip." Good for you, love the Mercedes, that will be a great ride. I have a friend who has said "most people spend all their time planning to go. I just go." My last trip to Montana to visit we decided to take his motorhome to Canada, pulled the cover off, hit the tires with a bat, grabbed some stuff out of the fridge and within 30 minutes we were gone. Hope progress on Rolling Wreck is coming along well. I would however suggest a tire gauge rather than a bat. A thread on suggested route changes/additions might be helpful to work in with your planned visits, as will new acquaintances along the way. In Mississippi we met a couple who just had been thru Florida and gave me parks and even preferred campsite numbers for next trip. I have been thru most of Minnesota and Wisconsin and would have some suggestions. Get under that car.
 
Richard, those things are awesome. I've been trying to talk my wife into one for a couple of years now.

Tom, I agree with Bas if you move your trip just a bit north on the lower leg, you'll go right by me.
 
Very neat. I too have been lusting after a VW camper for years. I'm actually going to look at one here soon. mid-70s air-cooled. of the bay window, pop top, Westfailia type.
 
'fraid the camper is not my bag, however a single or double cab pickup now that's a different matter.
 
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