RE: Westfalia Sprinter Fresh Water System
Took a hammer to it--a tiny little motor like the ones you use for kids' electronic toys. Although sealed, you can still see grime (dirt, greasy stuff, etc.) around the motor--presumably from wear and tear. Eventually the motor probably can't overcome the resistance of crud around the tiny little impeller and stuff inside the sealed motor area.
Compare this tiny motor to the relatively huge, heavy Shurflo one used in many American RVs--but at additional weight, noise, space, etc. So it's a trade-off.
It's basically the same setup as a water fountain submersible pump--with the same short longevity of 1 to 2 years. So look at the water pump as a maintenance item.
GoWesty.com is best place to get--they're efficient and will overnight (at your cost). I bought 2 last time around--one to replace and one as a spare. The JC Whitney one is slightly different and has lower capacity.
RE: On a B, take the bikes or not?
Some of the best times are to bike the bike trails in various places--a great speed to sightsee.
Better to take your own bikes. Although national parks often do have rental bikes, the rental bikes are often abused/not as nice.
Wherever you go, ask at the various Visitor Centers re bike maps of the good separate bike paths (separate from roads); whether paved or not, etc.
In your area, Acadia National Park is a great place to bike.
Out west, Yosemite National Park (valley) is a great place to bike.
Zion National Park closes off traffic except for the shuttle buses--you thus have the whole road (but you should pull over for the buses to pass as they're not allowed to pass you unless you stop and pull over).
In Washington State (Sequim area), they have the Olympic Discovery Trail--great bike path which goes through several towns, farm land, etc.
Also, bikes are a great way to get around the campground (you can do the various campground loops to looky-loo at other RVs).
You can get a cheap motorcyle cover from Walmart which should be big enough to cover two bikes on the hitch (but you may need to uncover when driving if they block the taillights). You will probably end up with a little bit of rust on the bikes after such a long trip.
I run a locking cable through the frames of the bikes and the receiver frame (so the bike hitch and bikes are all cable attached to receiver). If you have really nice quick-release bike seats, you can remove those and put them inside--makes bikes a little bit less attractive to steal.
You can also get an inexpensive 12 volt air compressor for both vehicle and bike tires (Costco has a nice one for under $50).
You can get nice bike/hydration packs ($20 at Costco) which have a water bladder, a mesh net for your helmet, etc.
RE: I hear you knockin' but you can't come in.
I like camping in U.S. national parks (e.g., Yosemite, Glacier, etc.) where the bears are trained not to break-into hard-sided RVs.
If you have a car, you have to empty out all food (unopened canned goods too), toiletries, water containers, anything scented, etc., and store them in bear-proof/resistant metal lockers. You're not allowed to have any food, toiletries, etc., in your tents. Bears can smell whatever you have in the car and will open the car up. There are videos/photos of bears ripping car doors off at the visitor centers.
But if you're camping in a hard-sided RV, you don't have to empty out your RV bec. the bears are trained not to break into hard-sided RVs.
Now Canadian bears are not as well trained, and some of the national parks in Canada have to put electric wires/fences around the entire campground.
RE: Wheels not reinvented
A VW Westfalia style sofa bed which folds out with the storage area in back? And to adjust height, how about raising the floor area in front of the trunk and mounting a sofa ontop of the raised floor (with raised floor extending a little forward for your feet)? You'd have additional underfloor storage. That new underfloor storage could be used for water tanks, batteries, etc. (And you could even cut an additional hole through the trunk into this space for long items.) If you're not walking in that area anyways, the raised floor wouldn't be a big deal and you'd still have head clearance.
Check the Sportsmobile.com site, the GoWesty.com site for VWs, etc.
RE: Spray foam interior in Sprinter cargo van
Check/search Yahoo Sprintervan group--lots of discussion re foam/insulation, etc.
Also check Sprinter-forum.com for more info as well (hard to get into this site, google "sprinter-forum.com" and click that way rather than typing in web address directly.
Sprinter is also used as a refrigerated van (search http://www.whnet.com/4x4/sprinter2.html for various links on Kerstner, Vanshield, etc.).
Please post what you do. Thanks.
RE: Dodge vs Freightliner Sprinter Roadtrek
BUT BUT BUT ---
although Dodge and Freightliner Sprinters may be the same other than badging, the way the vehicle is outfitted with OEM stuff before being delivered to Roadtrek may be different.
For example, on the prior Sprinter version of the Roadtreks, I believe I saw a Freightliner Roadtrek version with a step-on rear bumper while on the same lot the Dodge Roadtrek version had the no-step plastic bumper at the rear (not the Roadtrek ground effects package).
And who knows whether Roadtrek orders the exact same base vehicle from either Dodge or Freightliner (depending upon supply).
For example, the Airstream Westfalia with the same badged Dodge Sprinters through the lifecyle initially had OEM Sprinter heated seats which went away; later Westfalias had OEM alloy wheels instead of the OEM steel wheels, etc. So there may be variations in which OEM stuff comes with the Sprinter.
RE: California Coast
Yellowstone is huge and has several campgrounds scattered around--maybe you can break-up your one reservation and stay at several different campgrounds within or outside Yellowstone--otherwise, you'll be doing a lot of back and forth driving.
RE: California Coast
1. Stop by the Visitor Centers in every town, state, etc. and pick up brochures, discount passes, etc. Sometimes, they'll have free samples of local fare (food). Sometimes, they'll have discount coupons for shopping, eating, etc. in the area. Also, they'll have info. about traffic conditions as you're heading down, local attractions which you may want to see, etc.
2. For San Diego area, consider a CityPass http://www.citypass.com/attraction/sandiegozoo.html
While pricey, cheaper than buying individual tickets. Check Costco to see if it sells (California ones had them). Also, Balboa Park (has a bunch of museums, etc.)
3. Same CityPass info for Los Angeles/Orange County area (presumably your kids would want to see DisneyLand).
4. Las Vegas area. Don't forget Hoover Dam. Might be better to leave trailer in Vegas, but if you take trailer, call beforehand to make sure you can go (they'll want to poke their head into your trailer to look around--there's a separate parking area for RVs/trucks beyond the parking structure).
http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/
http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/crossingguide.pdf
Any vehicle may be fully inspected at
any time before it is allowed to pass through the
checkpoint and cross the dam. Certain types of
vehicles (RVs, rental trucks, etc.) will always be
inspected. If a motorist does not allow their
vehicle to be inspected, or if it cannot be fully
inspected, it will not be allowed through the
checkpoint.
Also, if you walk the Vegas strip, go into any major hotel and there'll be some free attraction indoors/outdoors (Bellagio water fountain show, pirates show, lions, fish, birds, gardens, etc.)--Check Vegas websites or search free attractions in Vegas. These free attractions are often better than the ones you pay for in Vegas or elsewhere.
http://www.vegas.com/attractions/freeattractions.html
Also, check the M&M Candy factory (for your kids--personalized M&Ms, weird colors, and amusement things inside). Free to see but you pay for the M&Ms.
You'll probably want a campground in Vegas if hot (so can run A/C). Circus Circus tends to be popular (right on strip). Or else go midweek and rent a hotel room (often 1/2 the price of weekend rates).
5. If heading up California coast, make slight detour north of SF and drive through Avenue of the Giants (parallels 101)--huge redwoods.
http://www.aveofthegiants.com/
http://www.avenueofthegiants.net/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=425
This really is a MUST-SEE--your kids will remember these trees forever. (The usual photos of the kids walking through the middle of a tree.) Also, consider camping there overnight.
Too bad you can't check Yosemite National Park.
6. Central Coast California
As you're driving up the central coast, make sure to stop by and see the elephant seals on the coast (assuming that they're still hanging around during the summer).
http://www.elephantseal.org/
Hearst Castle is a huge attraction (but maybe not so interesting for kids). Supposed to be one of the most seen attraction in Cal after Disneyland.
http://www.hearstcastle.org/
Before hitting that area, check Morro Bay State Park (there's a rookery with all types of large birds; ask the rangers), Montana de Oro (has some very nice tidepools), or Morro Strand (parking adjacent to beach)--if those are all full, you can try the county park (forgot the name).
Near Hearst Castle, bunch of nice campgrounds (state parks). San Simeon, etc.
http://www.slostateparks.com/thingstodo/camping.asp
On above link, Oceano beach camping has a blurb--4x4 reoommended.
7. Pacific Coast Highway/PCH 1
Might reconsider taking 1 north of Hearst Castle to SF--while very scenic and great views (Big Sur), the road is very curvy. Some folks have no problems taking big rigs, trailers, etc.--but search the web and see how you feel about doing it. At least you'll be hugging the inside as you go north rather than looking down the cliffs into the ocean.
Alternative is to go east slightly and pick up the 101. It parallels the coast into SF.
Around that area of the 101, could also detour to Bonafonte Gardens http://www.gilroygardens.org/ great for kids.
8. Wine Country
Check the various vinyards for attractions. Francis Ford Coppola has winery which has good stuff to entertain kids
http://www.atlasofwineries.com/wineries/coppola.html
9. National Park Pass
As you're hitting a bunch of national parks, presumably you know about buying a National Park Pass
https://pwrcms.nps.gov/pwr/fees_passes.htm
You can buy at whatever first national park you hit. Also good for other U.S. areas as well.
9. California State Parks Pass
If you're thinking about hitting a bunch of state parks during the day, you might consider buying a California State Parks pass (different types; one covers most beach parks, one doesn't). But if you're planning to stay overnight at the state parks anyways (and not visit them during the day), your camping receipt usually covers any day fee for the day/night of camping (and usually any state parks the next day after camping the previous night).
10. Jalama Park is a county park, very nice. The road to the park is very curvy.
http://www.sbparks.org/Docs/Jalama.html
11. Mt. Rushmore
Check Custer State Park to see more or less wild bison as you drive through the park. It's nearby Mt. Rushmore. Also, there's a Crazy Horse Memorial nearby--carving a huge Crazy Horse into the mountain. I don't remember but there's some road in that area that has a low bridge clearance--but you'll probably be okay in a trailer.
http://www.travelsd.com/placestogo/stateparks/custerstatepark.asp
12. AAA, National Scenic Byways
While planning your route, go by your Automobile Club office and ask for each state map, tourbooks, larger maps, campground books, etc. (It's worth the membership). For stuff they don't have, stop by an AAA office while traveling to pick up local maps, info. etc.
The state maps are useful bec. they'll have little dots alongside the most scenic routes. If you can try to hit those scenic drives, maybe you won't hear "Are we there yet" as much.
http://www.byways.org has a free national map with designated scenic byways across the country. Great for planning.
Also, Readers Digest lists various scenic drives.
http://www.rd.com/family/the-most-scenic-drives-in-america-all/article42071.html
http://www.amazon.com/Most-Scenic-Drives-America-Spectacular/dp/0895778629
13. Travel insurance/RV insurance
As this is a major trip, check for travel insurance and car/trailer breakdown insurance. You'll want an alternative to continue the trip even if you have a breakdown (maybe you'll get stuck waiting but rest of family should have way of finishing trip).
14. Sounds like fun. Some poster here or elsewhere had a recommendation about giving each kid a set amount of money per day or week as an allowance to spend on tourist junk--then they could decide what tourist junk to buy and maybe you'll get some quiet. Presumably kids have video games/etc.--for the long stretches.
Also, here or elsewhere, folks have posted about setting aside some money to taste the local food rather than cooking in your RV the entire time or eating fast food. Like bison meat/bison jerky. Authentic Mexican food in San Diego.
RE: Wind sway and sleeping 4 in Spinter B
I can't imagine lifting a 30 lb dog and a 40 lb dog up into the upper bunk of the Westfalia!
Ditto on earlier postings re Westy.
The upper bunk is more comfortable (has little plastic springs beneath the mattress). The lower bunk (fold-out sofa) doesn't have springs--just the sofa pads; also, the lower bunk is narrower.
With the skylight blinds open, feels a bit more spacious--but does feel closed in if blind is shut. Worst case scenario--sleep on lower bunk (which is better place to sleep when 60 mph winds are rocking the Westy back and forth at night).
The Westy is probably designed for more active type folks--getting into upper bunk, folding away top bunk, making lower sofa into bed, squeezing sideways into the kitchen, etc. Wouldn't work well for larger folks and folks who can't move about easily.
The Dodge Sprinter Westies haven't really hit the right market yet--so you could get a really great deal on one (figuring original price was $84-86k or so--with the first ones selling in the lower 70s; although one dealer wouldn't budge from full MSRP). Older VW Westies are selling for very good prices (check gowesty.com).
Handling for the Westy is great--except in windy conditions. But even the regular Sprinters can be difficult to drive in windy conditions (see Yahoo Sprintervan group, the first few postings on handling). It does have ESP (electronic stability program) and http://www.whnet.com/4x4/sprinter2.html has a link to the test showing the dynamic and crash handling tests (website has lots of great links to other Sprinter info.).
There are a bunch of aftermarket upgrades to help with the handling in windy conditions for the Sprinter (shocks, swaybar, airbags, extra leaf suspension, stiffer sidewall tires, etc.).
Westys are apparently all 2005 models on 2004 chassis (as far as folks can tell) although new ones were being delivered to U.S. through November 2006. Have seen ads for 2006 Westys (but may really be the same 2005 model on 2004 chassis).
First year, averaged 19 mpg overall. Now average 20 mpg overall.
RE: Sprucing Up My Camper Van - Advise Please!!
1. Notebook/Laptop
Don't bother with an inverter--just wasted energy being converted back and forth. Instead, go to RadioShack or any electronics store and look for IGO for Taugus adapters for your specific model notebook/laptop computer. These plug into your 12 volt and adjust the voltage/amps for your computer.
As most notebook/laptops are lower voltage anyways, if you bought an inverter (cheap or otherwise), you'd be doing this:
step 1. Inverter (12 volts to 120 volts)
step 2. Notebook Power Supply (120 volts down to proper voltage (less than 12 volts) for computer)
Be careful re wattage of your notebook/laptop. Cigarette lights may be limited to how many watts they can handle.
2. Avoid Propane
If you can avoid it, skip propane. It's a hassle. There are excellent 12 volt fridges out there which are far more efficient using 12 volts than 3 way fridges. (3 way fridges are good for camping in one spot a long time--running off propane, but need to be more level).
Also, with a 12 volt fridge, you won't need to cut outside vents in van body (more stealthy). The cheap portable 12 volt fridges are often energy hogs. Look for fridges with the 12 volt German made Danforth compressor--very efficient. Like NovaKool etc.
Other uses of propane would be for hot water, stove and heat. Hot water you can get just by parking in a warm climate. You prefer microwave over stove. Warmer sleeping bags (or small 120 volt electric heater if you're going to plug in anyways).
Check Sportsmobile.com for ideas on systems.
3. Microwave
Just about all microwaves will suck a minimum of power which would require a large inverter.
Search for 12 volt microwaves which have built-in inverters
http://www.roadtrucker.com/feature-12-volt-microwave.htmk
or for small microwaves like
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/09/iwave-cube-the-personal-portable-microwave/
which may be smaller wattage (but also may not nuke as well or as fast).
4. Coach Batteries, 12 volts and Solar (avoid generator)
You'll probably want to go solar rather than use generator. Solar is more stealthy, quiet, etc.
For coach batteries, gel or AGM ones are better. See below for more info re different types.
Inverters (12 volts to 120 volts) can be expensive for higher wattage ones (over 1000 watts like for microwave). Most stuff you can get in 12 volts (like notebook computer, lights, etc.) and other stuff with a small wattage cheapie inverter you plug in/out.
Check out rvsolarelectric.com
Check Phred's Poop sheets http://www.phrannie.org/phredex.html
Check Travelvans by John Speed http://www.travelvans.co.uk/
5. HVAC
If no coach A/C, less hassle. Get a FantasticVent instead--and avoid hot climates.
6. Check out Yahoo group Vandwellers for other ideas.
RE: Boondocking near Pahrump, Nevada
Not so much boondocking as asphalt parking, but there are a couple of casinos there where you can park overnight. http://casinocamper.com/Nevada.htm
RE: Remodel / Construction question - Interior door dimensions?
If you're going to all the bother of putting in a wall (and there's sufficient wall space), why not go ahead and make the wall a pocket door wall--Johnson pocket doors company makes pre-framed pocket door assemblies (you can supply the door) that are the width of a 2x4 wall. The pocket door is hidden away in the wall so you don't have a swing door occupying the space. If your wall is wide enough, you can put 2 pocket doors in for a larger opening (one on each side of the opening). For the door, you could use a paned door for light.
RE: Camping in Central Oregon
Contact the Oregon Visitors Center and get the free mile-by-mile coast drive magazine/booklet--tells you what there is to see each mile, the various state campgrounds along the coast, attractions (sea lions, lighthouses, gardens, cheese factories, glass blowing, whale watching, sand dunes), etc. There are more Oregon state parks along the coast than in the middle of Oregon.
Depending on when you go, the coast temperatures may be nicer (cooler) than inland.
RE: Bar Harbor & Acadia & RV Length
Don't know about the campgrounds in Acadia Natl Park--might check NPS.gov website or call them. The campgrounds there were pretty nice (and I think the main roads were okay to get there). Note that there are a couple of low height bridges in Acadia Natl Park (one lower than 11 feet)--so if you plan to tour the park in a tall RV, check the park map first.
RE: leaving tomorrow
California:
Quick note--before deciding to cut over to Hwy 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in Monterey, California, down to Hearst Castle, be sure you're comfortable driving on a really windy road a bit high up (cliffs) from the ocean. In a B, you won't have any problems but just keep your eyes on the road. (Going north, you hug the hills; going south, you hug the ocean.) Same issue in Northern California, aroud Ft. Bragg.
Second the recommendation on taking the road parallel to 101--Avenue of the Giants--is spectacular (Redwoods). Bring a tripod as the Redwoods are dark.
If you get down to the central coast area, there are great California state parks (FireDude from these forums camp hosts at one of them)--Montana de Oro (tidepools), Morro Bay (has estuary and bird nesting area), Morro Strand (right on beach) etc.
Before cutting over to Hwy 1, fuel up (not many stations between Monterey and Hearst Castle).
Oregon:
If weather is nice in Oregon, it's the off-season so state campground fees are cheaper. Lots of nice state parks down the coast (but probably really cool weather). Stop by the first Oregon visitor's center and get the mile by mile coast drive guide--whale watching, cheese factories, glass blowing, etc.
RE: Tire Recommendation Requested on Class B
1. Footprint/Size
245s have larger road contact footprint (wider tread) so may have greater stability. But may need to check to see if they fit when turned all the way.
2. Commercial Michelin XPS Ribs
Commercial XPS Ribs have stronger (steel) sidewalls so are stiffer than other tires without steel belts sidewalls. Thus, should have less tire squirm (so greater stability). Stiffer tires may also translate to stiffer ride (less tire cushioning).
The greater steel content in these tires means greater weight (about 100 lbs more for 4 tires than Michelin LTX AS M/S).
These tires are not all-weather but highway (so probably not as good in rain as other tires). That may or may not be an issue depending on where/when you drive.
I believe these are also speed-rated at a maximum of 75mph??? or so.
They last a long time and can be retreaded (but likely you'll replace them just from age rather than mileage).
The Michelin motorhome site recommended these tires for RVs.
3. Don't know anything about the other tires.
4. Check Tirerack.com for customer evaluations/comments of each tire--the folks post the vehicle the tires are used on, size, etc.
RE: Front door window shades for Sprinter
Does seem expensive--but figure two two-part door windows plus big windshield, custom fit--and what you might spend for nice custom blinds for a house???
Winnebage probably gets for a much cheaper price by buying in bulk--wonder if one could check out the prices from them or their dealer for a replacement (although dealers often mark up a lot).
RE: Question about Roadtrek warranty service
I had same problem with a Sprinter Westfalia--the wires at the rear of the sliding door had been mistakenly switched so the wrong signals were being transmitted (sliding door would unlock when other doors would lock and vice-versa). The service tech had called the Sprinter Helpline for dealers and they told him to check the wires (so apparently it was a known mistake).
Might want to double-check that if the problem seems consistent before replacing actuator (if works consistently in reverse, wouldn't seem to be actuator as defective?).
RE: Front door window shades for Sprinter
Can get from Eurocampers.com. They're probably Reimo shades (from Europe). I believe Winnebago also used on their prior Sprinter View/Navion version.
http://secure.mycart.net/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=5005761&showprevnext=1
RE: Looking for a way to mount 2 batteries under my Sprinter van
Contact UpscaleAuto.com in Tualatin (Portland), Oregon to see what they did. Owner has a Sprinter and mounted three large AGM batteries in front off the rear axle, 2 on one side of the driveshaft, and one on the other side. The only way to access the batteries is to put vehicle on a lift, unbolt the battery holding frame, and lower the batteries (still cabled)--not access from interior, no big holes in floor. There are also skidplate protection in front of the batteries. The batteries are not lower than than the rear axle differential. Idea is that AGM batteries will need servicing only 3 years or more, plus can be put on their side for reduced height. Installation for somebody else would not be cheap--figure on $1000 or so but contact the owner for more details.
