So, I'm getting obsessed with this. I'm looking at getting one of the two above vehicles for road tripping including climbing and BC skiing destinations. I've considered a small RV but they're just a little too burly for my taste. Hard to store. Big pain in the ass, gas guzzler, poor stealth etc.
So I've decided on one of the two types above. I've not had much time in a Eurovan, but as an older climber I've put a little time as a passenger in the Westy. I've checked multiple online sites and priced several. I'm actively searching and becoming familiar with the models and their particular problems and advantages.
My fiance said she wanted to take a climbing road trip, and I thought this would be the way to go. FYI, I knew I was going to marry her when she brought that up out of the blue. She's not much of a climber but said one day after a hike. "We should get an RV and go on a climbing road trip."
Schwing!!!!!
I immediately thought: "I wonder what kind of engagement ring would she like?"
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I'd like to know if you've had any personal experience (good or bad) as an owner or operator of these vans.
I voted for the Eurovan, even though as a working vehicle I like the Westy better.
But thats the thing, ain't it? The Westy is only slightly better, and why deal with the caveat of "working", eh? Its a climbing trip, not a lets-drive-to-some-out-of-the-way-spot-and-perform-back-country-mechanical-intervention trip.
Westy's have gotten way more reliable, but they just aren't quite there as compared to the Eurovan. If its any indication (which it probably isn't) the first dozen or so hits for "vw westy" on google were people trying to find spare parts
The other thing that just put the Eurovan over the Westy is the stealth factor. While neither will grab 0 attention from the Man, the Eurovan screams "soccer mom" equally as much "climbing bum"; this is a luxury you won't find with the Westy.....its "dirty hippy" all the way
I voted neither as the westy will break down somewhere or will be temperamental at best. I had a 86 Westy for a few years here on the eastside and it was great for climbing trips but the engine light was always on and there were always signs of impending doom. The newer eurovans are sweet but outrageously priced, GO westy is the place to look for them though. I would recommend you look at the dodge sprinters, you can get the smaller diesel and it will get good mileage, and it looks like a delivery van so stealthy ness is big.
I voted neither as the westy will break down somewhere or will be temperamental at best. I had a 86 Westy for a few years here on the eastside and it was great for climbing trips but the engine light was always on and there were always signs of impending doom. The newer eurovans are sweet but outrageously priced, GO westy is the place to look for them though. I would recommend you look at the dodge sprinters, you can get the smaller diesel and it will get good mileage, and it looks like a delivery van so stealthy ness is big.
+1
I had a kayaking buddy who did this. Ripped out all the back seats save the front bench. With some basic woodwork had plenty of room for 2-3 boats, a hanging rack for wetsuits etc., sleeping room for 2-3, eating/cooking space, etc. And totally stealthy, totally reliable.