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Home > Tom and Kris Camping Podcast, RVing and Tent Camping > 15. Why America Loved the VW Camper Bus
Podcast: Tom and Kris Camping Podcast, RVing and Tent Camping
Episode:

15. Why America Loved the VW Camper Bus
Category: Society & Culture
Duration: 00:48:45
Publish Date: 2016-01-11 14:23:08
Description:

VW camper busVW camper bus. You’ve got to be hiding under a rock if you don’t have an instant mental image when you hear those words. Commonly referred to as the Volkswagen Type 2, those air cooled, rear engine novelties were everywhere. And my favorite, the Westfalia camper van was the top of the line.

The VW van continued on with other names. The Vanagon and others continued, but that old bus of the 60s and 70s still captures the minds and hearts of campers everywhere. The van still has a cult-like following with clubs and on-line communities.

Our VW Camper Bus Experience

I’ve owned a total of 8 Volkswagen vehicles in my life. 6 were air cooled. 4 were busses. Of those busses, 2 were campers. Kris and I loved the both of them. Everywhere we went, people had stories about those busses. Childhood memories, family experiences, or that relative that owned one. I’m betting you’re thinking of  VW type 2 story right now. This leads us to the question, and the obvious answers.

Why Did America Love The VW Camper Bus?

  1. Low purchase price. These camper vans were affordable to the average new car buyer. Fuel economy was pretty good too.
  2. Great Daily Driver. The VW camper functioned well as a commuter car, grocery getter and family truxter. The VW camper bus set the standard for dual purpose class B vehicles.
  3. A blast to drive. Never has so little horsepower been so much fun.
  4. An abundance of interior room. The pan frame made for a lower floor. That air-cooled flat 4 cylinder engine and trans-axle was compact.
  5. A great camper floor plan. The Westfalia camper package was basic and brilliant. Sportsmobile says it’s still the most requested floor plan in their custom class B motor homes.
  6. Accessories abound. Everything from roof racks, optional heaters, swamp coolers and performance engine parts were and are still available for the VW bus.

I’ve always said, everything’s a compromise when you choose an RV. Never before has the compromise been so much fun.

Should You Buy a Diesel Powered Tow Vehicle

I’m in the studio without Kris today, so I thought I’d give you my thoughts on owning a diesel powered vehicle. Having owned several, I can give you the pros and cons of diesel ownership.

 

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