Hi everyone,

I've been registered to this forum ages ago. Since there's new travels on the horizon, I'd like to get some opinions from you guys. So here's the deal: We (that is me, my partner and our currently 2.5 year old daughther) are considering a half year to year long trip in 2018. So there's still some time left for planning and of course accumulating money for the trip. Our initial idea is to go east from Germany through SE Europe, Iran, the Stans (we backpacked through Kyrgyzstan in 2009, loved it), maybe even all the way to Mongolia, but that plan might change a lot since we can't predict how the political situation in tose countries is going to develop. We already have some experience in long-term traveling as a family: We spent half a year traveling NZ with our baby in a campervan in 2013/14.

So, my question right now is on the choice of vehicle, i.e. keeping our current one or going for something else. We own a 1987 VW T3 Westfalia (water cooled petrol) in a, well, improvable state: Everything works, but there's a bit of rust and the engine has done over 190k kms, which seems to be close to the life expectancy on this type of engine (I've never seen an un-rebuilt one with >200k kms on the clock). Given our experience in NZ we're pretty sure that size wise it would work. So I'm thinking back and forth whether we should start to invest substantial work and money into our current van or get something more reliable.

One thing that draws me towards keeping the VW is, there is a HUGE scene of knowlegeable enthusiasts who are happy to share their knowledge. And parts are relatively cheap and easy to come by. Also, it seems that given the simplicity, it shoud be relatively easy for me (non-mechanic) to familiarize myself with the mechanics of the vehicle, given some guidance. And did I mention that I've yet to see a camper with a similarly thought-out interior?

But nevertheless, there are definitely more reliable options out there. (e.g. Mercedes campers of the same era tend to be cheaper, bigger and have a really good reputation, except for the usual rust).

What are your thoughts?

Johannes

there's a lot to be said for sticking with what you know, even if it will need major work. get any major work, especially a replacement/rebuilt engine done early so you have plenty of time to iron out any problems.

I would suspect east of germany this type of vehicle is virtually unknown, so simplicity is a bonus, ant mechanic should be able to work on it.

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1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014

I'm biased having owned 3 Mercedes Benz Westfalia James Cook models based on the T1 chassis. Simple mechanical fuel injection pump diesel engine, can be fixed anywhere, plenty of spares around - especially in Germany. Great fitout by Westfalia with 4 beds, shower/toilet, hot air heating, gas fridge, etc.


I lived and toured Europe in mine for 9 months and an earlier trip for 3 months, numerous trips in Australia.


Have a look on mobile.de as there are usually plenty of campervans for sale there.


There's a German website James Cook Forum • Forum anzeigen - James Cook 1978-1995 full of anoraks who love the marque.

I actually owned one of those, albeit not a Westfalia, but with a simple DIY camper interior. It gave me very few troubles indeed. Thing about these is, they've become rare and hard to find in a reasoble state for reasonable money. If I were to go for a Mercedes, it would probably be one one of these. They require a truck license in Germany, but that seems to be keeping the prices down.

Anyway, the more I think about it, the more convinced I become to stick with what I have. Sure, there's a lot of work to do, but at least I already went through that phase of fixing all the hidden stuff that only becomes visible after purchase.

I owned a 608 D for years it was very reliable, very slow, but for its size very good on fuel. No power steering was a problem when parking. They do rust. Parts are available in Turkey and Iran (or they were...maybe someone else can confirm)

Graeme

Good choice. Stick with that T3.

Get yourself the right DIY-workshop manual (i.e. "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst") and start improving your bus step by step. Maybe get a cheap used engine too and rebuild it yourself. By the start of your trip in 2018, you´ll have seen and done every critical spot and know the bus like the back of your hand. Nothing is more relaxing while on tour, than cursing every little screw by name.

BTW: I´d always prefer a pre-90ies, mechanically governed, Diesel powered vehicle, just because it´s easier to get Diesel from truckers, farmers or substitute it by veggie oil, if in desperate need and fixing them is no rocket science for every farm or truck vehicle mechanic.

Keep rovering.

Thanks guys for sharing your thoughts!

What sensible modifications would you recommend? I'd maybe get stronger springs, replace the fridge for a compressor box and possibly install a heater. Anything else?

My 1994 Renault trafic camper van has the Iveco engine. very simple. No electronics, mechanical fuel pump and no turbo. It does have power steering though which makes life easier.

Being aHymer integral it has good insulation which makes it a three season camper not a two. (This gem from a French neighbour).

I'd say if your VW can pass safety inspection in Germany, then take it. Our friends recently completed a trip though the Americas, from Malaysia to Pakistan, and Turkey west through Europe in theirs. [url=http://www.drivenachodrive.com/2015/03/keeping-nacho-alive/]Drive Nacho Drive

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Tucson, Arizona, USA
http://wearesane.wix.com/wearesane

Never sell the t3. I sold mine and regret it so, so much. I had the same wbx 1.9 engine and every mechanic with a decent toolbox can fix it. Parts are quite easy to get and indeed, the knowledge base is limetless.

Size wise I thought of buying a 608 mb but the t3 was so roomy I never regretted it. My neighbour bought a 608 and the t3 looked like a dwarf next to it. I was happy that I didn't had to drive this 'huge' 608.

Fuel consumption isn't the best, but don't be in a hurry and it should be reasonable.

Also, I sold my car but still have the Haynes guide to the t3. Always brought it with me. If something starts leaking, makes a funny noise or whatever, you can check it in the book, post questions online and call ahead for parts. I really liked the book. Kept it dreaming I one day will own a t3 again

Happy travels!

Alex

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