Eurovan - Camper Van - Honda Elements

V W future camper

2012-01-14T04:40:00.000-08:00

Caravan in Future

2012-01-12T00:54:00.000-08:00

VW Campervan / Surfbus for sale - VW T4 Transporter camper

2010-08-05T03:26:00.000-07:00

The Devon VW camper conversion company was based in Sidmouth - in Devon. The Devon Company was established in 1956 and by 1971 had 55% of the UK market. This 1979 VW Devon Moonraker Doubletop Brochure has all the feel of the time, complete with brown and orange - and flares. It gives all the detailed specs of the campervan, with a packed range of pictures of the interior, plus happy 70’s family pics - very much shot on location around Sidmouth. Very helpful if you have a similar campervan, or are looking to buy a bay window VW campervan.

Business Signs

VW Camper Van Front Wheel Arches

2010-05-18T04:27:00.000-07:00

Major areas for concern on all VW Campers are the front wheel arches and inside the front wheel arch itself.

The Front arches are extremely prone to rotting away. A huge problem with this is that over the years these get budged up and people end up either filling them or sticking a cheap outer repair panel on them. These are awful and very simply hide the rust and rot underneath.

If you are considering buy a Camper van make sure it has had complete front wheel arches fitted. If your van need front arches there are two choices.

1. A replacement entire front arch

2. A Genuine VW entire front arch

If you want to spend a couple of days to fitting the arch then buy the replacement. If you need it to fit and be of a decent quality buy the genuine arch. These are a bit more expensive but will save you hour and hours of labor guaranteed.

Buying an Imported VW Camper Van From Europe.

2010-04-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

This seems to be latest trend. Particularly with VW T25 models (1980-1990). Buying a 'GOOD' UK can sometimes be quite difficult to find as there are now numerous 'so called' dealers buying them, painting them and selling them on for £££.

I have found that if your interested in buying a VW Camper particularly the T25 version, buying one from Europe will not only save you £ but you a lot more likely to get a much better van for your money. Or if you don't fancy importing one yourself (which is a lot less hassle than it seems) buy a van that has newly imported and NOT messed with.

If you want to buy a Camper van in Europe yourself either try the relative eBay site i.e. ebay.de for Germany or much better start searching Google for VW Transporters for sale in Munich ETC you'll be amazed at how many there are. Flights are now so cheap with companies like ryanair and easy jet it will probably only cost around £50 mark to get there. You will find the majority Europeans will be happy to meet your at the airport.

Then have an unhurried drive back. Clearly that's a very simplistic look at it but it is very easily done. There are now 3+ businesses set up specially doing this so if you don't fancy driving seek ones of these out and buy a readily imported one.

VW Campervan - Rust

2009-12-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

VW Camper Van Hire

2009-12-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

Hiring is an excellent way of getting the feel of a VW campervan, particularly the VW bay window camper, as they’re the model most often available.

You could rent one near where you live to go touring in, or as an extra comfortable way of doing festivals. If you're planning a trip to another area of the country or abroad and like the plan of your own camper van for at least part of your trip, there are hire bases in a large number of countries.

You can hire VW camper vans in Hawaii, Australia, Germany and South Africa - the internet is a key tool here.

Watch for extras such as insurance, find out what the local campsite provision is like, where to get provisions, and plan your route. Check out the rental company - are they organised and efficient? How do they maintain their vans - is very ad hoc or can they show you records? Some companies are just a couple of individuals with a camper or three (which may be fine if they look after their campervans properly); others have modern controlled inventory and tracking systems.

Vacation Rentals

How To Buy Rv’s & Pop-up Camper

2009-12-09T01:41:00.000-08:00

Honda Element's special features are for the dogs

2009-12-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

Honda Motor Co. says its Honda Element sport utility vehicle, assembled in East Liberty, will offer dog-friendly features starting this fall.

Honda said that the vehicle will likely contain a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform; pet restraint systems; a rear ventilation fan; and a spill-resistant water bowl.

Executive Vice President of American Honda John Mendel says the components are intended to transform the Honda Elements into the "ultimate dog car."

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Inc., 39 percent of all households own at least one dog, with an estimated total United States dog population of 74.8 million.

Volkswagen Multivan

2009-08-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Persons who drive a Volkswagen Multivan be grateful for space, console and the variable functionality of the vehicle. An all-rounder, intended for which Volkswagen Accessories offers all-rounder original accessories because an eye-catcher, on the go and for comforting spontaneous camping in the Volkswagen Multivan.
The entity combines interactive multimedia journey guide information as well as audio guides in the form of audible tourist items jointly with the conventional properties of a navigation unit.

Plasma Cutters

Vanagon Performance Chip

2009-08-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Gets your Volvo moving through new original Xc90 Vanagon performance chips. We carry the maximum grade for Xc90 performance chip upgrades on top of the marketplace. It's significant to have every one of market components in sync and functioning with all other right and that's accurately what our Xc90 chip install kits do. Vanagon Performance chips through one stop supermarket for Xc90 chips. We recognize it's significant to get the majority out of your engine. We offer the simplest method to gain horsepower, save gas along with improve on the complete engine performance.

Volkswagen camper vans

2009-08-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen camper vans, used vans and kombis contain unique style icons more than the years and to have a good time heritage, Volkwagen has launched a new website dedicated to platform the Caravelle people transporter, Transporter kombi along with California camper vans for sale.

The original website also offers users the chance to win their own Volkswagen run away in a California, plus a great deal more. Where Volkswagen is hopeful you will split with people how you run away to your reality.

Campervan inside features

2009-08-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here some Features of Campervan:

Cooling, gas, electrical systems all gone from side to side thoroughly

Super duper specially major maintenance service

All maintenance stuff back to zero miles

Collapsible extra tire and transportable compressor for emergency use

Luxurious series scheme

Nice tape player advance with iPOD interface

CB telephone system system

High motorized headlight system

VW Westfalia Camper tremendous Condition

2009-08-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Complete camper, 142k, enhanced MPG than SUV's (18 /25), totally rebuilt manual tranny with 5k on it, new cylinder heads, new water pump, pretty new light truck tires, new deep cycle series that runs all appliances with no draining main battery with plug by the back seat for computer, heater etc, new muffler, everything mechanism and runs great.
It has all ended, upholstery in excellent condition, no mildew on upper limit, and new CD player with remote. Comes with a few extra parts seal, sunroof seal, utility covers, second front curtain while everything works fine as they are. Recent tune up, valve alteration, o2 sensor with new intake manifold. She set for a trip. There is a sliht dent on each side on the underneath panel. She's a west-coast gal starting Seattle via Portland and we hate to let her go, but we bought her for our extensive honeymoon and haven't used her great deal since. She wants a good home.

Motorhome Hire, Campervan Conversion

2009-08-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Westfalia Club Camper Van

2009-08-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

VW Volkswagen unique Westfalia Club Joker campervan with the cult repair history, every service was finished directly at Volkswagen (last service before 1000 km Club Joker-modell original Westfalia with extremely nice ISRI-front seats, 1.6 Turbodiesel engine by 70 bhp, power navigation, full Westfalia fittings sink, fresh and grey water tanks - fridge (12V/230V/Gas) - bottom LPG tank - gas cooker - webasto heater sytsen- 4 places to sit down and sleep - ISRI-Seats with armreststs in the frontage, aluminium bike rack, FIAMMA sunblind,etc.
The van is in a very good condition through only 133km (83Tmiles), it was always serviced. The van has absolute no rust and has 100% unique paintwork, no way repaint!! The van was only old in sommer. The van has also a new TÜV (german vehicle experiment, like MOT in the UK) and production test. The van is very clean inside (looks almost newand outside, only one minute dent at the right back side (please look at the pictures), it drives extremely nice..... you can sit in and drive, it drives perfect!!....if you look for a original Westfalia campervan you will find no better one !

Vanagon adaptation Kits

2009-08-04T05:36:00.000-07:00

The whole thing you will need to convert your tired old 1.9L or 2.1L factory Vanagon engine to a modern powerful fuel efficient diesel.

Specialty oils pans accessible:

The steam engine support bar included in the above kit requires the installation of a exact oil pan for clearance. But your engine was mounted initially in a longitudinal model car, the oil pan must lucid the support bar.

Every 2 wheel drive Vanagon conversions need the use of a new, raised rear deck . This is desirable to accommodate the vertical mounting structure used on our kits, which allows intended for the use of hydraulic engine mounts, therefore preventing unpleasant and troublesome vibration and noise. Parts required be integrated.

VW Eurovan Camper 1995

2009-08-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Overall excellent condition, 143,615 miles. 4-speed, A/C, travel control, control windows and locks; very simple to drive. Sleeps 4 with pop-up, stove, frig (missing a shelf), sink, outside shower. Includes 3rd row seat to can easily be taken in or out - is currently away for camping.

Comes through back and side door screens. And frontage window privacy curtain. Also included are a 2 bike transporter and awning. Has new battery, planetary panel to trickle charge auxillary battery and new restore manuals ; I get about 19 mpg average; will contain new inspection and oil change next week.

camper pop replacement top up

2009-07-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Our dealer Camper & Recreation manufactures pop up camper canvas by OEM patterns and material on most new tops.
The 10.38 ounce canvas meets or exceeds business standards. Whenever probable we use material made in the USA.
The windows are complete of tinted 12-mil vinyl to help keep away excess sun and heat. Screening on the windows is a tight 18x16 mesh to help keep insects out.
A durable 13-once vinyl material more than the bed wings helps ensure a dry with enjoyable camping trip.

Canvas color choices be taupe (standard) gray or gem gray. On tops we don't have patterns for you maybe asked to send in the old canvas.
Replacing the old popup camper canvas is similar to hanging curtains two people can do the job in about 2 hr.
Remove the fasteners next to the roof and body and the old canvas will come off, reverse the method to install.

Location de Volkswagen California Westfalia T4 T5

2009-07-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

2003 Volkswagen Weekender Eurovan

2009-07-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Summary:
My initial VW in 40 years of driving, and I'm sorry I waited so long. The manufacturing is precise and tight. The 2003 is the end of the line, and is an on the spot classic. It fulfills a variety of needs, including solid travel vehicle, contented passenger van, good investment worth, and flexible camper that sleeps at least four. The front seats are relaxed on long trips, though not quite as peaceful as captain's chairs. The backside bench is more comfortable than minivan benches, and the back-facing seats are rich. We're planning a month-long trip to Alaska to shake the "love-buggy" down. I wouldn't go up present in any other vehicle.

Strengths:
Superior engineering, good control on the highway, smooth and quiet ride with windows up, cold a/c, excellent ventilation, roomy for all passengers, great weekender travels, classic VW styling.

Weaknesses:
Normal sound system, lacks cd player. A little loud with windows down. steam engine could use an overdrive. Needs a center console between driver and passenger seats. Back-facing seats are also close to the front seats. Encompass to scratch my head to come up with any major weaknesses.

Similar Products Used:
Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager. Eurovan is better-quality on many levels.

The Thought that brought the Volkswagen Camper

2009-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

This German vehicle is as common today as it was when it be launched at the end of World War II with lots of versions of the >VW camper being restored.

During WW2 the Wolfsberg factory was in use over by the British, to ensure the German engineers might no longer manufacture weapons and vehicles for their armed forces. The Volkswagen factory ran extremely well previous to and after the conflict, however it had a glitch which meant manufacture suffered in the early years. The German car plant wanted to transport parts from one side of the factory to the extra anightmare for engineers and mechanics,however this was solved by stripping behind a couple of Beetle cars and loading them and ferrying the parts beginning one side to the other, essentially rotary them into transporters.

In 1947 an importer starting the Netherlands Ben Pon an importer sketched a picture bearing a striking similarity to the Beetle based van from Wolfsberg. Two years later a related vehicle to the sketch was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, public were amazed and in essence were seeing an before time version of the camper, they immediately drew the finish it was a horse and cart with mechanics.

The initial VW camper van was born from this concept. This idea in progress life as a box on wheels, a170 cubic ft box built over a four wheeled framework. Above five years 90 versions were released all from delivery to ice cream vans, approximately 50 were purely for delivery purposes ranging from mobile milking machinery to milk floats & mobile veterinaries.

The urgent situation services even jumped on the band wagon Police, fire, ambulances all camper based.

As soon as these unique vehicles were released in the USA around the mid 1950's, they flew. The camper was a real home from home it came through a sink & large living space. By 1963 US people had bought well over 150,000 campers.

Pop up camper manufacturer

2009-07-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

There are various pop up camper manufacturers that contain quality tent pop up trailers and truck pop up trailers.

Present is Lance Camper, Alpenlite truck campers, Bigfoot Industries and Fleetwood truck campers. This is just a couple of them; there are so many manufacturers in the world that I can’t yet think of all of them.

Apache, Jayco, Starcraft, Palomino, Viking, Coleman and Rockwood are very fashionable names in the pop up camper manufacturer’s world. They recognize what the customer wants and builds high quality campers for your pleasure and enjoyment.

But you are looking for a pop up camper manufacturers that have accessories such as ac for pop up camper and popup camper screen rooms, these are the ones to seem at. They appear with most campers and if not can be added for a small price. You will desire to also check out the other accessories that these pop up camper manufactures contain to offer.

Water-resistant pop up tent areas are very significant also. These companies make sure that all there canvas tops and screen rooms are waterproof and ready to use in any environment conditions. You may desire to check out the warranties as well. The pop up camper manufactures have different warranty plans available at the time of purchase. This is forever something to look at when buying a pop up camper starting any manufacture.

Every pop up camper manufacturers are extremely unique in offering different styles and lengths. The most popular is the campers that approach with accessories already included. Yet if you find a manufacturer that you are comfortable with, they may not contain every thing you want. That is wherever looking at used campers can be more accommodating.

Used campers are able to be just as elegant and freshly decorated as the new ones. When you find a camper actually wants, it may be a used tent pop up trailer. Pop up camper manufacturers recognize this and are stability updating the newer models to try and keep a hold on the market. This doesn’t mean the upgrades are fitting for everyone.

How to paint your own car

2009-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Brake and Traction Control Parts in vanagon

2009-07-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the boxer nestled tightly in the Vanagon bay. It fits properly, just like it was complete to go there. There is still plenty of area for servicing equipment like spark plugs and filters.

Viewing the clearance to the ground. The skid plate and the engine crossbar are at the store height so no position clearance is lost. Metric sized steel was used to enlarge the skid plate approximately seven inches. The sizeable muffler support is integrated into the rear engine accumulate and moves with the motor rather than the chassis.

If you're departing to make it go, you've got to build it! Vented, larger width rotors with bigger calipers in the front and SmallCar planned vented disc brakes return the original drum brakes in the rear. 16" wheels and show tires complete the grip package.

volkswagen camper van hire

2009-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

These VW campervans are some of the very last to subsist built with established, air-cooled engines - charitable with the intention of nostalgic drone sound of the VW camper originals.

The campers be able to sleep up to four people; with two double or king size beds, one converting simply from the rear seating, and further in the pop-up roof. Awnings are available to supply extra sleeping and living space.

Features include:

11 retro-style & latest VW campers
Trendily finished with retro furnishings
Pop-up roofs
Storeroom cupboards
UK insurance integrated for one named driver
Electric connect facility
Audio scheme to play iPods
CD/Radio
Gas hob and grill with Camping Gaz bottle included
Fridge/coolbox
Sink among electrically pumped cold water
Crockery, dishes and coking utensils included
Self-regulating heating system
Foil screen shields and curtains
Traditional three-point seatbelts

Also on-board:
o Fire Extinguisher
o Road Map
o Scratch
o Playing cards
o Tea light candles

Every camper van comes with an easy to follow manual, an AA membership card and a Camping and Caravanning Club Privilege Pack charitable the hirer favourable members’ rates at few of the excellent club sites right through the UK.

Van buyers obtain access to CO2 figures

2009-07-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

A van buyer’s direct that gives details of CO2 emissions is way to be published shortly, according to the public of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

SMMT has been functioning with the Department for Transport (DfT) in rising the guide to help fleet managers decide and operate the right kind of vehicle for their business.

The guide is the initial stage of a larger plan, run in conjunction with the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), which should observe the launch of a van CO2 database at next year’s Commercial Vehicle explain, at the end of April 2009.

In the meantime, SMMT is support the Vehicle Certification Agency to build up an online database detailing CO2 emissions beginning vans by model type, to supply data for those concerned in the van buying process, said John Procter, media director at the SMMT.

In sort for this data to be important, SMMT, DfT and the VCA will shortly be deciding on the necessary search criteria.

Once this has been determined, the vehicle manufacturers will provide the necessary data to the VCA.

Once peopled, the database will be then subjected to testing in training for its launch at the profitable Vehicle Show, in Birmingham.

Speaking at the Fleet Van discussion, Mr Procter added: “The SMMT wants to give confidence van buyers to choose the right vehicle for the job.

We too want to prove the link between CO2 emissions and running costs.

The news comes after the BVRLA launched its own online CO2 tool to evaluate the emissions of different vans.

While van makers include now agreed to issue data in 2009, the BVRLA had to work in combination with consultants at Clifford Thames to create its own guide.

“We expect this online tool will fill few information vacuum faced by UK van buyers,” said Jay Parmar, the BVRLA’s head of legal services.

Since emissions data for LCVs is not publically accessible in the UK, the BVRLA in order has been sourced from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority.

VW Vanagon History

2009-07-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

The community got a first glimpse of the "Vanagon" in an article in a trendy German car magazine, November 1978. The article heralded the opening of the vanagon. The VW bus, built for more than 25 years, and tenderly called ”Bulli“, (German for little bull) by the public, will be replaced this year by a contemporary successor. The customized and stylized mini-transporter will take delivery of a newly designed body with stronger lines and more interior space. VW continues the proven idea of the rear-engine bus. Air-cooled and water-cooled engines will be accessible, and many different versions will be available.

The initial vanagon left the Hannover factory in the spring of 1979. The new design integrated much improved passive safety. Crash tests helped with the design of crumple zones, which in the case of a frontage or side impact, absorb energy. The driver and passenger are secluded by an impact protection beam at knee height inside the front passenger section. Included in the doors are side impact beams.

Management has been much improved, and the vanagon is less side wind responsive than its predecessor. The initial engines: 1.6 liter 50 Hp, and a 2.0 liter 70 Hp, air-cooled. VW sell the mini-bus, multi-van, and campers. 1981, beginning of the 1.6 liter diesel, 50 hp.1982, beginning of the water wrestler motor, with 60 and 78 hp.1985, VW significantly modifies the engines. Newly introduced, the 70 hp turbo-diesel and 2.1 liter fuel-injected description 95 hp water boxer.

Overview of Dutchmen Campers

2009-07-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

This deal is for a 1999 Dutchmen Classic 27RK 27’ 5th-Wheel camper. The outside front has a few glow dings in the sheet metal up top starting hail and down under from rocks. There is a hollow on both sides of the important edge. The left face is in huge shape with no damage.

The backside is also in good outline with no damage. The right side has widespread hail dings and dents spotted the full length. The entry door has a couple of beforehand repaired cracks. This thing is equipped with a large awning, control slide, power jacks and good tires. The control slide and jacks both work well. The rubber roof and glide roof are both in good outline.

The two front vents are broken. The fridge vent has a gap in it and the A/C cooling fins have a few dings in them. The interior front has a big bedroom with a nightstand; closet, storage space and TV stand. The mattress is gone. The entry has a huge closet and the restroom is on the other side and has a nice shower, vanity and stool.

The livelihood area has a TV stand, reclining sofa and a built in CD player. There is a good large dinning area converts to a bed. The kitchen has a fridge, freezer, twice sink, stove, hood and microwave. The linoleum has a petite stain in the corner of the kitchen. This element is prepared with ducted heat and A/C. high-quality bidding on this nice Dutchmen that is useable seeing with the purpose.

Hardside Pop Up Camper

2009-07-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

We contain the pop-up camper system this weekend if you desire to take a look. We're situated in Lake Wylie, Steele stream area on hwy 49 more than on the SC side of the Buster Boyd bridge. It's just a small ride starting Carowinds, Tega Cay, Belmount, Gastonia, or South Charlotte.

You be able to see the detailed add counting price and lots of pictures of this 2005 Fleetwood Niagara Pop Up / Folding Camper anywhere can also find RV Ads that contain Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels, journey Trailers, Toy Haulers, Folding Campers and Truck Campers. If You copy the title of this ad, the look for function on RV2Buy.com will build it simple to find the ad one time you are there.

vw van jump

2009-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

WESTFALIA TRAILER

2009-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

The record of WESTFALIA goes reverse far into the last century. In 1844 Johan Bernard Knoebel urbanized and built in his possess forge his first horse cart.

Manufacture and development was always improved so that in 1921 the weekly making was 25 coaches.

During 1922 the name WESTFALIA was registered with the German branch for business and industry.

Through the motorisation of Germany the name for coaches declined quickly. Franz Knoebel, son of the rigid grounder orientated himself in original business fields.

1927 was the year to WESTFALIA built its first trailer. A critical step for the further victory of the company.

Since manufacture grew so did the number of employees. 20 offices extend all over Germany increased the sales of box trailers and camper vans.

Once a further adjust of owner in 2005 the company WESTFALIA Trailer Systems GmbH was founded and continues to construct trailers from its base in Obergoseln in the condition of Saxonia. Manufacture and development was always improved so that in 1921 the weekly making was 25 coaches.

Van Garage sliding and back door opened

2009-07-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

If a dealer has already applied rustproofing, paint sealant, or fabric protection, you will have to pay for these treatments, but they often are overpriced. When dealers have outside vendors come to the dealership to apply these treatments on cars, the total cost to the dealer is usually less than $50 per car. If a dealer tries to charge you more than that, you can regard the cost simply as an extra markup. It’s better to buy from a dealer that applies these treatments to cars only after a customer requests them.

With regard to rustproofing, there are special problems. Many manufacturers recommend against dealer-installed rustproofing. Most say such rustproofing is unnecessary, and some are concerned that it will block weepholes and actually contribute to rust. Burglar alarm systems, wheel locks, and other add-ons may be worthwhile, but find out what other dealers and independent shops will charge for these items, if you want them, before you go to the dealer where you plan to buy. You can use the other firms’ prices as a negotiating standard or you can simply buy the add-ons from the other firms.

Car Engine Parts

2009-07-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Change the engine oil and filter according to the manufacturer's service intervals and specifications. The service technician should also check the coolant, brake, automatic transmission, windshield wiper and power steering fluids
Replace ragged wiper blades.
Check the air pressure in all tires, including the spare, to make sure they are properly inflated. Uneven or excessive treadwear are signs that it may be time for rotation or even replacement.
Test your car's interior and exterior lights, including turn signals and high beams, to make sure they work. This is also a good time to clean the lenses to get maximum visibility.
Change your car's air filters according to the manufacturer's service intervals and specifications. A dirty air filter lowers gas mileage and reduces engine performance.
A service professional should inspect the radiator, pressure cap, belts and hoses. Flush and refill the cooling system according to the manufacturer's service intervals and specifications.
Check engine light. Never leave on a long trip with your car's "check engine light" or "malfunction indicator light" lit up. This light alerts you to a malfunction if it's on while driving your car. If this light is on, have the problem diagnosed by a qualified technician before you leave.

VANAGON POWER

2009-07-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Westfalia Camper Canvas Top

2009-07-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Shaped Bay Window Westfalias are more plentiful in the United States. Other than let's face it... the previous model came out of the German factory a part of a century ago; as a result a few of the specific camper equipment can appear rather scruffy.

Point in case, Westfalia purchased through our good friend previous fall. He placed it in a local newspaper and paid a mere $600 for the non-running but rust-free vehicle. moreover the dents covering the green body, one cosmetic area that needed notice was the pop-top canvas.

Westfalia shaped two types of canvas and pop-top combos. The models are hinged in the front, while presently versions received scissors-style hinges in the support. We placed brand new canvases from Wolfsburg Westfalia a sound company specializing in VW restoration harvest.

Car-Sharing Business Grows Quickly in U.S. Cities

2009-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

For many city dwellers, owning a car is both a blessing and a curse. Some urbanites get around mostly by public transportation, but occasionally need a car for shopping or for trips out of town. Maintaining a car is expensive, and finding parking on crowded city streets can be a nightmare.

Two women looked at this problem and saw a business opportunity, as well as a way to help the planet. In 1999, they wrote a business plan for Zipcar Inc., and in 2000, incorporated and began service in Boston. Since then, the company has grown rapidly to become the world’s largest car-sharing business.

Traditional car rental companies rent cars by the day. Car-sharing allows drivers to rent by the hour, and without having to wait in line at a car rental counter. Instead, cars are left at reserved places all over urban areas. Many customers have to walk only a few blocks to pick one up.

Zipcar’s founders, Robin Chase and Antje Danielson, got the idea after seeing it in Berlin. “We wanted to take what was a co-op, environmental movement in Europe and brand it as something cool and hip,” Chase told America.gov.

Chase said she knew the business would require a sizable investment to develop wireless technology that could automatically keep track of vehicles. The aim was to make reserving a car online almost effortless for users, and cost-free for the company. After coming up with a business plan in January 2000, she spent countless hours trying to find investors interested in this novel idea.

“The biggest challenge was persuading people to finance it,” she said. “We didn’t fit into an established category. Venture capitalists would always ask me: ‘Are you a technology company or a consumer company?’”

Zipcar opened for business in Boston in June 2000, with the slogan, “Wheels when you want them.” Analysts say the company did many things brilliantly, from creating new wireless technology to marketing that emphasized the environmental benefits of car-sharing.

But the company had chronic difficulties raising cash, and in 2003 its board decided to replace Chase as chief executive. (By then, she had sold her controlling interest.) In her place, the board hired Scott Griffith, a former executive with the aircraft maker Boeing Company.

Griffith attracted more investments and helped solve one of the company’s biggest challenges: the low use of cars during the business day, when many members are at work. He did this by making deals to provide vehicles to companies, universities and even some city offices.

n the fall of 2007, Zipcar acquired its largest American competitor, Flexcar. With the two companies merged, Zipcar now has 5,500 cars in more than 50 cities in the United States, Canada and England. Griffith said the company plans an aggressive expansion into new cities in the United States and Europe.

The merged company does $100 million in annual business. “Our biggest goal,” he said in a recent interview with the Boston Globe, is “to become a billion-dollar company” in about five years.

Unlike the traditional business model for car rental companies, Zipcar’s operations are automated. Its vehicles are equipped with a wireless device that not only tells the company where the car is, but also sends such information as the car’s fuel level and the number of miles driven.

Renting A Car

2009-07-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

Many people purchase insurance at the car rental counter without knowing that their existing auto policies or credit card benefits probably already cover their needs. Here are tips from the Insurance Commissioner's Office to find out whether you need the insurance that is offered to you when you rent a car.

Ask your insurance agent or insurance company if there are any situations in which your existing auto policy would not cover a rental car.

If your current auto policy doesn’t offer coverage for a rental car, see if an insurance rider can be added for a small fee.

Ask your credit card company if it provides rental car coverage and, if so, what the limits are. Many credit cards include some level of collision and theft protection. In most cases, these benefits are secondary to your personal auto insurance or the car rental company’s insurance, meaning the credit card company will only pay claims after other insurance coverage has been exhausted.

If you lack personal auto insurance and your credit card does not provide benefits, then it might be wise to purchase the liability insurance and collision damage waiver at the car rental counter.

Keep in mind that if it is a longer-term rental (e.g., a week, a month or more), there might be limitations on the coverage your existing auto insurance policy provides. Check with your insurance company or agent for details.

When traveling on business, a personal auto policy will generally not apply, so check with your employer for guidance.

A national survey of 632 consumers, conducted in September 2007 by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, found:

Approximately 42 percent of respondents said they were either thoroughly confused or had only a rough idea about insurance coverage when renting a car.

34 percent of respondents said they purchased the rental company’s insurance just to make sure they were covered.

24 percent of consumers were not sure whether their credit card provided insurance coverage when renting a car.

Vanagon fuel pump

2009-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Argonne researchers have developed a new device that could bring electric cars closer to practical use for daily driving.

The device, called an "on-board methanol reformer," releases the hydrogen bound up in methanol (methyl alcohol). Because it is more compact than other reformers, it could enable fuel cells to power electric cars.

Fuel cells are like a batteries with fuel tanks. Unlike batteries, they produce electricity as long as they have fuel, and they never need recharging. The Department of Energy is currently investigating them as possible electric-vehicle power sources.

"Fuel cells are much more efficient and much less polluting than internal combustion engines," said Romesh Kumar (CMT). The device was developed by Kumar, Shabbir Ahmed and Michael Krumpelt (all CMT).
A major problem in using fuel cells to power electric cars, Kumar said, is that they are fueled by hydrogen, a very light gas that is difficult to store. Currently available hydrogen-storage technologies are so heavy and bulky that they would limit the driving range of any car that used them.

"But an on-board reformer like ours," he said, "could solve this problem by reforming methanol from the gas tank and feeding the hydrogen into a fuel cell."

The Argonne device takes up less volume than a seven-gallon container, Kumar said. This makes it the first fuel reformer small enough to fit under the hood of a compact car beside a 50-kilowatt polymer-electrolyte-membrane (PEM) fuel cell, DOE's top candidate for an electric-vehicle fuel cell.

Argonne's reformer would combine methanol with oxygen from the air to produce a hydrogen-rich mixture of gases that would be injected into the fuel cell.

Compared to other reformers, Argonne's is light-weight, compact and energy-efficient. In addition, Kumar said, it is flexible enough to respond well to frequent startups and shutdowns and to the rapidly changing engine demands of daily stop-and-go driving.

The design is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, Kumar said. It consists of a cylinder packed with a common and inexpensive catalyst. A nozzle sprays liquid methanol into the cylinder, and an ignition source starts it.

In addition to hydrogen, the reformer produces carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. A small on-board chemical reactor would convert the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide.

Eurovan propane tank

2009-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

National offers discounted rates for U.S. Government and Department of Defense travelers cars on official business with authorized travel orders. Benefits include full Loss Damage Waiver, and no fee for additional drivers or underage drivers (the minimum age is 18 on official military business). Special off-duty leisure travel rates are also available, but do not include these benefits.
Package of Benefits

When traveling on official business or tour-of-duty orders, our benefits include:

* No additional driver fees.
* No underage driver fees (The minimum age for on-duty military rental is 18 years old.)
* Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) included.
* Frequent Traveler benefits with National's major airline partners.
* Over 550 participating locations worldwide to accommodate on-duty travel needs.

A government-issued credit card or official travel orders will be required for reservations. A military or government-issued ID may be required at time of pick up. Please request Contract ID: "GOVBIZ" to receive the military business rate.

When traveling on leisure or without official orders, we offer:

* Discounted rates for federal government employees and military personnel.
* Frequent traveler benefits with National's major airline partners.
* Over 550 participating locations worldwide.
* Family members with dependent identification are also eligible for leisure rates.

A military or Government-issued ID may be required at time of pick up. The minimum age for off-duty military rental is 21 years old, but rates may be higher for renters under age 25. To receive the government leisure rate, request Contract ID "GOVRNR" when making your reservation. Discount rate is valid for off-duty travelers and retired military personnel.

vandwellers network eurovan

2009-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Benefits of car pooling

2009-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Car Pooling

The New South Wales Government is pursuing a range of initiatives to reduce car dependency and improve air quality in accordance with the NSW State Plan. Car pooling or ride sharing, particularly for journeys to work and where public transport is limited, is a great way to reduce single occupant vehicle travel.

Car pooling is the sharing of rides in a private vehicle among two or more individuals. It involves the use of one person's private or company vehicle to carry one or more fellow passengers, either by using one car or rotating cars.

Benefits of car pooling

For individuals:

* Reduced travelling expenses and need for second car.
* Improved travel times through use of transit lanes.

For the community:

* Reductions in vehicle emissions.
* Reductions in traffic volumes and congestion.
* Provides an alternative, cost effective travel choice.
* Improving the environment.

For companies that arrange car pooling:

* Maximising use of employee parking.
* Encouraging sociability between your employees.
* Reducing stress in driving to work.
* Improving company image.
* Can be included in staff benefits package.

Potential options for car pooling

1. With your friends and neighbours.
2. With your work colleagues. Talk to your employer about commencing a car pool scheme for your workplace. Maybe there are other work places around you that may also wish to join your scheme.
3. Through your University of TAFE - Talk to your university administration or student union about commencing a scheme for students.
4. Park and Ride. This has potential for car commuters who travel long distances to their workplace each day within Sydney metropolitan area to park and ride together, ie. Central Coast, Wollongong and Blue Mountains.

Carsharing

Carsharing is a model of car rental where people can rent cars for short periods of time, often by the hour. The organisation renting the car can be a commercial organisation or a cooperative of individuals and is practiced in over 600 cities worldwide. The RTA recognises that car share parking offers an alternative transport facility that conforms to government transport and environment strategies.

The RTA has produced a technical direction that specifically offers guidance on the provision of on-street car share parking that is located on local roads.

Camper conversion mini Vans

2009-06-30T00:12:00.001-07:00

To create a system that will provide payments only for eligible transactions under the CARS program.
Under the law, NHTSA will make electronic funds transfers only to a registered dealer that has submitted the required proof of a completely eligible transaction.
We will develop a registration system to identify licensed, franchised new vehicle dealers and to obtain the banking and tax identification information necessary for making secure electronic transfers. Only registered dealers will have access to the payment system.

As noted above, at the time of the transaction at the dealer, the consumer who is trading in the “trade-in vehicle” will need to provide evidence of ownership of the vehicle and proof that the vehicle has been continuously registered and insured to the same person throughout the last 12 months.
To prevent repeated use of the program by the same person, we anticipate that the consumer will need to provide evidence of identity, such as a driver’s license, and permit that information to become part of the documentation of the transaction.

The dealer will have every reason to avoid entering into a transaction for which the dealer cannot be reimbursed under this program.
The dealer will be expected to verify that the vehicle being traded in and the vehicle being purchased or leased are both eligible under the program.
This will entail, with regard to the trade-in, making sure that the registration and insurance information is accurate and that the vehicle is in drivable condition.
For both vehicles, the dealer will need to verify their combined fuel economy.

How to Drive Clean

2009-06-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

The concept of driving a clean technology vehicle to some people may sound a bit "granola" at first. But with the technological of our advancements and substantial market interest in recent years, auto manufacturers are offering a very large variety of clean technology vehicle makes and models that provide the same power, style, luxury and features as traditional gasoline vehicles Not only can car buyers easily find a vehicle model that suits their lifestyle, but clean technology vehicles often offer more – better warranties, greater efficiency, and can help solve the serious air pollution, global warming, and energy security problems facing California.

Why Drive Clean:

Californians drive 825 million miles every day – producing 5.4 million tons of smog forming pollutants daily. Since more than 50% of California's total smog pollution and 60% greenhouse gas pollution comes from motor vehicles - your car is a good place to start cleaning things up.

If that’s not bad enough, more than 95% of Californians live in areas that fail to meet federal or state air quality standards - a rapidly increasing health hazard to you, your children, their children, and so on. Also, impacts of global warming are already being felt in California.

Sure, all new cars are cleaner than they used to be, but there are a lot more of them on the road today driving more miles than ever. So our pollution of problem continues to worsen. It's simple – we have to drive less or we have to drive cleaner if we want to solve our pollution problem.

MINI Clubman

2009-06-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

Westfalia Pop-Up Roof Rack

2009-06-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Westfalia Roof rack attach together the fiberglass pop top and it has rainfall drain clamps. It only fits the Vanagon Westfalia, see this page for traveler van roof racks. We came among this rack system because I had concern about putting everything more than the lightest load on the fiberglass roof of my Westfalia.

So, don't think the pop top was initially planned to carry things. You can use gutter build up roof racks but that way you have to take away the rack and everything on it to elevate the roof. With this rack structure you just have to eliminate the lower clamps, the rack (and your cargo) stays attach to the pop top.

Racks have the power of channel mounts advantage you can still raise the pop top exclusive taking the racks off

You can utilize only the rain drain clamps, you do not include to bolt to the pop top if you don't want to.
For utmost power you can connect to both the pop top and use the drain clamps. The clamps will counter any lifting
force on the pop top caused by wind next to your cargo, canoes for example.
The Safari basket is sized to fit the westfalia, it clamps on top of the roof rack bars. One quantity welded formation is stronger than bolt
jointly aluminum carriers. Weight is light at 18 lbs. Interior dimension is 44" wide X 31" long (front to back).
All fastener are included and are stainless steel, nuts are stainless nylock type.
Black Powder Coated finish
Regular Westfalia roof racks will craft your van about 3" higher. I can make individual low profile racks which will formulate your van 2" higher.

Final Rule and Resolution of Key Issues

2009-06-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

A. Summary

The final rule establishes a new class of 4-wheeled vehicles, called LSVs, and excludes them from passenger car class. LSVs are 4-wheeled vehicles, other than trucks, whose maximum speed exceeds 20 but is not greater than 25 miles per hour.

By removing them from the passenger car class, the rule relieves manufacturers of LSVs of the need they would otherwise have of complying with the full range of FMVSSs for those classes and substitutes Standard No. 500 as the only applicable FMVSS.

With the exception of the warning label, which was not adopted, LSVs are required to have all the safety features and equipment proposed in the NPRM, including seat belts, plus two additional items added in response to comments: a VIN, and a reflex reflector on the rear.

However, as an alternative to an AS-1 windshield, an AS-5 plastic windshield may be used.

B. Authority and Safety Need for this Final Rule

NHTSA was presented with a variety of arguments regarding its authority to regulate low-speed vehicles. WLF raised questions whether the vehicles covered by the agency's proposal are motor vehicles.

That organization also argued that issuing the final rule would not promote safety because there is no safety problem to be addressed. Conversely, Advocates and CFA argued that excluding small vehicles from the FMVSSs will create a safety problem.

AIA and Advocates stated that the agency had not adequately gathered and considered relevant data prior to issuing the proposal, citing agency statements about the dearth of data on LSV crashes and about the foreign experiences with small vehicles.

Regulations and Guidance in vehicles

2009-06-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Notice of Upcoming Joint Rulemaking to Establish Vehicle GHG Emissions and CAFE
There is a critically important need for our country to address global climate change and to reduce oil consumption. In this context, EPA and DOT currently intend to work in coordination to propose standards for control of emissions of greenhouse gases and for fuel economy, respectively.

Corporate Average Fuel Economy (C A F E )
First enacted by Congress in 1975, the purpose of CAFE is to reduce energy consumption by increasing the fuel economy of cars and light trucks. Regulating CAFE is the responsibility of NHTSA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NHTSA sets fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks sold in the U.S.; EPA calculates the average fuel economy for each manufacturer. This site contains an immense amount of information about the CAFE program, including a program overview, related rulemaking activities, research, fleet characteristics and summaries of manufacturers’ fuel economy performance since 1978.

Average Fuel Economy Standards, Passenger Cars and Light Trucks, Model Year 2011
NHTSA estimates that the MY 2011 standards will raise the industry-wide combined average to 27.3 mpg, save 887 million gallons of fuel over the lifetime of the MY 2011 cars and light trucks, and reduce CO2 emissions by 8.3 million metric tons during that period.

CAFE Request for Product Plan Info for Passenger Cars and Trucks through MY 2020
The purpose of this request for comments is to acquire new and updated information regarding vehicle manufacturers’ future product plans to assist the agency in assessing what corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards should be established for model years 2012 through 2016 passenger cars and light trucks. The establishment of those standards is required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, P.L. 110-140.

Notice of Intent to Prepare EIS and Scoping Notice, Model Years 2012-2016
The purpose of this notice is to announce that NHTSA plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address the potential environmental impacts of the agency’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program for passenger cars and light trucks. The EIS will consider the potential environmental impacts of new fuel economy standards for model year 2012-2016 passenger cars and light trucks that NHTSA will be proposing pursuant to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. To this end, this notice initiates the NEPA scoping process to identify the environmental issues and reasonable alternatives to be examined in the EIS, and requests comments regarding those and others matters related to the scope of NHTSA’s NEPA analysis for the new standards.

Average Fuel Economy Standards, Passenger Cars and Light Trucks, MY 2011-2015
Proposes substantial increases in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks that would enhance energy security by improving fuel economy. Since the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from the tailpipes of new motor vehicles is the natural by-product of the combustion of fuel, the increased standards would also address climate change by reducing tailpipe emissions of CO2. Those emissions represent 97 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. Implementation of the new standards would dramatically add to the billions of barrels of fuel already saved since the beginning of the CAFE program in 1975.

CAFE Request for Product Plan Info for Passenger Cars and Trucks through MY 2017
The purpose of this request for comments is to acquire new and updated information regarding vehicle manufacturers’ future product plans to aid in implementing the President’s plan for reforming and increasing corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and further increasing the already reformed light truck standards. The agency is seeking information in anticipation of obtaining statutory authority to reform the passenger car CAFE program and to set standards under that structure for MY 2010 – 2017 passenger cars. The agency is also seeking this information in anticipation of setting standards for MY 2012-2017 light trucks.

Light Truck Fuel Economy Standard Rulemaking (Model Years 2008-2011)
This final rule reforms the structure of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program for light trucks and establishes higher CAFE standards for model year (MY) 2008-2011 light trucks. Manufacturers may comply with CAFE standards established under the reformed structure (Reformed CAFE) or with standards established in the traditional way (Unreformed CAFE) during a transition period of MYs 2008-2010. In MY 2011, all manufacturers will be required to comply with a Reformed CAFE standard. Under Reformed CAFE, fuel economy standards are restructured so that they are based on a measure of vehicle size called "footprint," the product of multiplying a vehicle's wheelbase by its track width. A target level of fuel economy is established for each increment in footprint. Smaller footprint light trucks have higher targets and larger ones, lower targets.

Summary of Fuel Economy Performance
Fleet fuel economy performances, by manufacturers, since 1978, including both imported and domestic passenger cars and light trucks. Also available are the overall fleet fuel economy performance and sales volume data.

Automotive Fuel Economy Program Reports
These annual reports summarize the fuel economy performance of the current vehicle fleet and highlights the activities of NHTSA during the calendar year. Reports also include a section summarizing rulemaking activities

How To Get A Great Deal On A New Car

2009-06-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you think of your car as an object of love or view it merely as a way to get somewhere, having a brand new one is bound to give you a lift. But that pleasure can be tainted by thoughts about the cost—both the thousands of dollars you must pay for the vehicle and the emotional cost of coping with the hassles of making the purchase.

Fortunately, there’s a way to avoid the hassles and get a great price. The key is competition. Get new car dealers to bid competitively for your business.

The Center for the Study of Services, an independent nonprofit consumer group, operates a service used by many thousands of customers each year to get great prices on new cars. See the “Money-Saving Help” list on the back of this pamphlet for more information. You can use the same general approach and get a very good price on your own. What follows is advice that comes out of the experience of this service.

You may have had friends tell you about sitting eyeball to eyeball for hours with new car dealers. It’s nonsense. They wasted their time. The only leverage any customer has with a new car dealer is the possibility that he or she will walk out—and either buy a car from another dealer or not buy one at all.

To get a good price, you need simply set up a competitive bidding process. You have to be careful, thorough, and persistent, but you don’t have to know all the intricacies of the car business.

You can start the bidding process after you’ve decided on the make, model, and style of car you want (Toyota Camry, 4-door sedan LE V6, for example). You don’t have to know the exact options you want.

It’s best to conduct the bidding process by phone. If you try to do it in person, you’ll waste many hours and you’ll have difficulty persuading salespersons that you’re really serious about leaving and getting other dealers’ prices.

Get each dealer to bid an amount above or below the "factory invoice price." The factory invoice price is the same for all dealers. So if one dealer bids $500 above invoice and a second bids $500 below invoice, you'll know the second is $1,000 lower priced than the first. The "Money-Saving Help" list on the back of this pamphlet tells you how you can get information on factory invoice prices.

But you don't really have to have the invoice price information in advance; just explain to each dealer that you will expect to be shown the actual factory invoice for any car you consider buying. Get bids from at least five dealers. Talk only to a sales manager or fleet manager.

Fuel Economy Benefit:

2009-06-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Driving More Efficiently:

Drive Sensibly:

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Observe the Speed Limit

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Remove Excess Weight

Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Avoid Excessive Idling:

Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

Use Cruise Control

Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Syncro 16" Westfalia Hightop

2009-06-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Special Tax Break on New Car Purchases Available in States With No Sales Tax

2009-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department today announced that a tax break for the purchase of new motor vehicles is available in states that do not have a state sales tax. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, taxpayers who buy a new motor vehicle this year are entitled to deduct state or local sales or excise taxes paid on the purchase.

The IRS and Treasury have determined that purchases made in states without a sales tax — such as Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon — can also qualify for the deduction.

The IRS said today that taxpayers who purchase a new motor vehicle in states that do not have state sales taxes are entitled to deduct other fees or taxes imposed by the state or local government. The fees or taxes that qualify must be assessed on the purchase of the vehicle and must be based on the vehicle’s sales price or as a per unit fee. According to the IRS, Congress intended for these fees or taxes to qualify for this special tax deduction.

“This special tax break is available for people purchasing a new car this year, and that can include people in states without a sales tax,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “This means that more people can take advantage of this deduction when they file their tax returns next year.”

To qualify for this deduction, the vehicle must be purchased after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010. Taxpayers can claim this special deduction only on their 2009 tax returns to be filed next year.

The deduction is limited to the fees or taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle.

The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.

The special deduction is available regardless of whether taxpayers itemize deductions on their returns. Taxpayers who do not itemize will add this additional amount to the standard deduction on their 2009 tax return. The IRS reminded taxpayers the deduction may not be taken on 2008 returns.

Buying A New Vanagons

2009-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

A new car is second only to a home as the most expensive purchase many consumers make. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price of a new car sold in the United States is $28,400. That’s why it’s important to know how to make a smart deal.

Buying Your New Car

Think about what car model and options you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Do some research. You’ll be less likely to feel pressured into making a hasty or expensive decision at the showroom and more likely to get a better deal.
Consider these suggestions:

* Check publications at a library or bookstore, or on the Internet, that discuss new car features and prices. These may provide information on the dealer’s costs for specific models and options.
* Shop around to get the best possible price by comparing models and prices in ads and at dealer showrooms. You also may want to contact car-buying services and broker-buying services to make comparisons.
* Plan to negotiate on price. Dealers may be willing to bargain on their profit margin, often between 10 and 20 percent. Usually, this is the difference between the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the invoice price.
Because the price is a factor in the dealer’s calculations regardless of whether you pay cash or finance your car — and also affects your monthly payments — negotiating the price can save you money.
* Consider ordering your new car if you don’t see what you want on the dealer’s lot. This may involve a delay, but cars on the lot may have options you don’t want — and that can raise the price. However, dealers often want to sell their current inventory quickly, so you may be able to negotiate a good deal if an in-stock car meets your needs.

Learning the Terms

Negotiations often have a vocabulary of their own. Here are some terms you may hear when you’re talking price.Invoice Price is the manufacturer’s initial charge to the dealer. This usually is higher than the dealer’s final cost because dealers receive rebates, allowances, discounts, and incentive awards. Generally, the invoice price should include freight (also known as destination and delivery). If you’re buying a car based on the invoice price (for example, “at invoice,” “$100 below invoice,” “two percent above invoice”) and if freight is already included, make sure freight isn’t added again to the sales contract.

* Base Price is the cost of the car without options, but includes standard equipment and factory warranty. This price is printed on the Monroney sticker.
* Monroney Sticker Price (MSRP) shows the base price, the manufacturer’s installed options with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, the manufac-turer’s transportation charge, and the fuel economy (mileage). Affixed to the car window, this label is required by federal law, and may be removed only by the purchaser.
* Dealer Sticker Price, usually on a supplemental sticker, is the Monroney sticker price plus the suggested retail price of dealer-installed options, such as additional dealer markup (ADM) or additional dealer profit (ADP), dealer preparation, and undercoating.

Financing Your New Car

If you decide to finance your car, be aware that the financing obtained by the dealer, even if the dealer contacts lenders on your behalf, may not be the best deal you can get. Contact lenders directly. Compare the financing they offer you with the financing the dealer offers you. Because offers vary, shop around for the best deal, comparing the annual percentage rate (APR) and the length of the loan. When negotiating to finance a car, be wary of focusing only on the monthly payment. The total amount you will pay depends on the price of the car you negotiate, the APR, and the length of the loan.

Sometimes, dealers offer very low financing rates for specific cars or models, but may not be willing to negotiate on the price of these cars. To qualify for the special rates, you may be required to make a large down payment. With these conditions, you may find that it’s sometimes more affordable to pay higher financing charges on a car that is lower in price or to buy a car that requires a smaller down payment.

Before you sign a contract to purchase or finance the car, consider the terms of the financing and evaluate whether it is affordable. Before you drive off the lot, be sure to have a copy of the contract that both you and the dealer have signed and be sure that all blanks are filled in.

Some dealers and lenders may ask you to buy credit insurance to pay off your loan if you should die or become disabled. Before you buy credit insurance, consider the cost, and whether it’s worthwhile. Check your existing policies to avoid duplicating benefits. Credit insurance is not required by federal law. If your dealer requires you to buy credit insurance for car financing, it must be included in the cost of credit. That is, it must be reflected in the APR. Your state Attorney General also may have requirements about credit insurance. Check with your state Insurance Commissioner or state consumer protection agency.

2003 Volkswagen Accessories GOLF GTI VR6

2009-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Vehicles with a Smog Score lower than 8 are provided for comparison purposes only and include only limited information. Select a vehicle you would like to rate by year, make or model. The rating feature is only available for vehicles with a smog score of 8 or better. Up to three vehicles may be rated per person per year.

Viewing of Volkswagen Multivan seats

2009-06-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

These vehicles clock up a lot of mileage, they are work horses and those who drive them for a living deserve the same level of protection as the occupants of other vehicles. Passenger cars are now consistently scoring four and five-star safety occupant protection ratings, and we encourage manufacturers to make commercial vehicles just as safe says Mr Gordon.

ANCAP has released a range of new and recent crash test ratings for light commercial vehicles through either ANCAP testing or EuroNCAP, the European New Car Assessment Program which incorporates the same crash-testing protocols as ANCAP. These include 4-star ratings for the Mercedes Vito, VW Caddy Van and VW Transporter, a three-star rating for the Toyota HiAce and a one-star rating for the Mitsubishi Express.

ANCAP is supported by all New Zealand and Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand government, all Australian State governments and the FIA Foundation. The AA and NZTA are both members of ANCAP.

For Drivers of Motor Homes, Truck Campers and House Trailers

2009-06-11T23:14:00.000-07:00

Overview

This document addresses only selected requirements for motor homes, truck campers, house trailers and trucks that tow house trailers operating on the highway and is not an exhaustive list of all the rules that may apply.

Actual Weight

For a single truck = the actual weight of the truck and load, if any,

For a truck towing a trailer = the actual weight of the truck and load, if any, and any weight transferred to the truck through the tongue or gooseneck of an attached trailer, including a house trailer.

House trailer

House trailer includes a fifth wheel house trailer, a ball hitch type house trailer, a travel trailer, a cabin trailer, a collapsible cabin trailer, a tent trailer and camping trailer, when being used for personal purposes.

Motor home

A motor vehicle that is used for personal purposes as a temporary or permanent residence and contains at least four of the following items: Cooking facilities, a refrigerator or an ice box, a self-contained toilet, a heating or air conditioning system, an independent electrical power supply or an independent gas supply or a potable water supply system with faucet and sink.Note: "a van camper" is essentially a car-plated passenger van and as such is subject to the same rules as a passenger van or a car.

Registered gross weights

The term "registered gross weight" (RGW) and "registered" are used throughout this document. The RGW determines the fee paid for a truck's licence plates.

For more information about RGW and to determine the appropriate amount of RGW for your truck or truck camper, please visit the following website: Determining Registered Gross Weights for Trucks.Motor homes are plated as passenger vehicles, [e.g. car plates] and do not have a RGW.

Truck camper

A truck carrying a self-contained dwelling unit that is designed, equipped and used exclusively for living accommodation.

Note: The truck portion of a truck camper is registered and licensed as a truck and has an RGW. A truck camper reverts back to a truck when the camper is not being carried and therefore must comply with any truck safety rules that may apply for the size and weight of the truck. Some of these rules are included in this document.

Camper van promotes Euro election to encourage turnout

2009-06-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

Euro election officials are using a camper van to encourage voter turnout in the election to the European Parliament on June 4.

Representatives of Renfrewshire Council's 'No Vote, No Voice' campaign are visiting communities across Renfrewshire in the run up to the election.

Having already visited Reid Kerr College, the University of the West of Scotland, Houston Square in Johnstone and Paisley town centre, the campaign team have confirmed another series of public information sessions.

Campaign staff will be taking the camper van to the following locations from 10am to 5pm on:

Monday June 01 Asda, Linwood
Tuesday June 02 County Square, Paisley

"We find people appreciate having easy access in their own communities to information about the Euro election," said a spokesperson for the 'No Vote, No Voice' campaign

"There's time for people to have all their questions answered about the European parliament and the important role it plays in our day to day lives.

"As the election draws nearer we're seeing an encouraging response in terms of people saying they are going to cast their vote and make their voice heard."

VW Camper Van Interiors

2009-06-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

Self build camper van project.

2009-06-02T01:35:00.000-07:00

About The Eurovan Weekender

2009-05-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Eurovan Weekender includes a list of basic camper features, like a refrigerator/cooler box built in to the base of one of the rear-facing seats. The rooftop pop-up area, a feature unique among these vans, allows a full seven feet of headroom in the van when the bed is removed, and with the van in place it still allows occupants to sit in the main cabin while the bed above is set up.

Extremely durable, tent-like, mesh-material flaps, along with sliding side screen windows down below allow for excellent ventilation. In 1999, VW™ installed a V6 engine rated at 140 HP, 2.8-liter VR6 was modified to yield more torque in the Eurovan Weekender than it does in other VW™ models.

A 3-speed automatic is the only transmission option. The Eurovan Weekender has a 4400-pound towing capacity (if equipped with brakes), and had a cargo capacity of 1/2 ton.

Low-speed traction control is standard, along with fully independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, antilock braking, a reinforced floor panel, a daytime running light option, as well as a child safety lock for the sliding door.

These versatile vans come standard with power windows, a pollen/dust filter, air conditioning, power locks, cruise control, 6-speaker cassette stereo, intermittent wipers, heated windshield-washer nozzles, rear wiper/washer, and power mirrors.

Eurovan specifications have been gathered from many sources, and to the best of our knowledge, they are correct. Some specifications do not apply to all models, but they will give you an education on most of the standard features for all Eurovan models.

Models of Roadtrek

2009-05-21T02:07:00.000-07:00

170-Popular

The Roadtrek 170 Popular seats 5 and sleeps 3 with ease. The rear L-shaped lounge converts easily to a 6' 2" double bed that is both spacious and comfortable. With across the rear storage below the bed, you have all kinds of room for the things you want to bring along. The front cloverleaf dining table stores neatly out of the way, creating even more room to stretch out and relax.

190-Popular

The Roadtrek 190 Popular really comes into its own when you watch dusk silhouette the road ahead, and you're seeking that perfect spot to spend the night. When it's time to turn in, the rear dinette converts to a sumptuous king-size bed (up to 6'4" long) or into 2 comfy twin beds (6'4" & 6'0" long) with a night table between. If you prefer, instead of the night table, you can get two more forward facing seatbelts at the rear as an added option.

190 Versatile

Roadtrek 190 Versatile is the secret is in its name. It is truly "Versatile". Whether "roughing it" at a campground or soaking up the rays at the beach, travelling takes on new meaning when you have all the comforts and conveniences of home combined with an economical and easy to drive van.When you're not off blazing new trails, the Roadtrek 190 Versatile is the perfect second family vehicle.

210-Popular

The Roadtrek 210 Popular models represent the ultimate fusion of design,length to 21' 11". We've retained the original Chevrolet side entry door and rear doors for easier loading, better air circulation, single door key and power locks.Inside there's more of everything: more headroom (74"), more aisle width (32"), more room in the bathroom, more storage space, more sleeping area, a larger refrigerator , a large Toast & Bake microwave oven, an optional built-in coffee maker and 10 halogen lights throughout.

210 Versatile

The new 210-Versatile will please those who want a longer or wider bed than the 190-Versatile but prefer not to lose seating for four at the front.Every cubic inch inside the 210-Versatile was carefully thought out by our designers and engineers. It's all in the details, like the slide-out can, jar and spice rack in the galley, built-in storage organizer in the wardrobe and an armrest with built-in storage.

Volkswagen

2009-05-14T23:43:00.000-07:00

The Volkswagen Transporter was the first front-engined van produced by German automaker Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and is the successor of the Volkswagen Type 2 van. It is built on the Volkswagen Group T platform.

The T4, released in 1990, was the first Transporter without a rear engine. This front-wheel drive model was available in two wheelbases, and being front-engined allowed a far greater diversity for special bodies - from wreckers to three-axled minibuses to large box-bodied ambulances, almost everything was possible. Transversely mounted engines with four, five and six cylinders, and especially the very popular TDI diesel engines with direct injection, brought the Transporter's performance back to state of the art, which couldn't really be said about either the T2 or T3.

CAMPER BUS

2009-05-02T03:43:00.000-07:00

Dedicated and specially configured (the rear seats have been removed to accommodate backpacks and bicycles), Camper Buses are used to transport visitors to campgrounds and/or backcountry units within the park.Camper buses can carry two bikes on a space available basis. Check at the Reservation Desk at the Wilderness Access Center (WAC) to reserve space for bikes. Remember, cycling is limited to the park road only; off-road biking or biking on trails is strictly prohibited.

Camper bus reservations for backcountry users: Available in person at the WAC after obtaining a backcountry permit at the Backcountry Information Center, adjacent to the WAC.

Camper bus reservations for campground users: Camper Bus Reservations may be made after campground sites are reserved.

RS-ADVENTUROUS

2009-04-24T04:04:00.000-07:00

2008 ROADTREK RS-ADVENTUROUS, 12129,SpecificationLength: 22' 9" / 6945 mmHeight - overall: 9' 7" / 2870 mmWidth - overall (w/o mirrors): 6' 8" / 2025 mmWheel base:170" / 4325 mm

Model:RS-ADVENTUROUS

Location:Lakeland,FL

Length:20

Fuel Type:DIESEL

vehicle weight: 7300 lbs / 3300 kgGross vehicle weight rating: 8550 lbs / 3878 kgGross combined weight rating: 13,550 lbs / 6146 kgTowing - tongue weight: 500 lbs / 227 kg

Black water tank: 10 gal / 40 LFresh water tank: 30 gal / 115 LGrey water tank: 24 gal / 90 LFuel capacity: 26 gal / 100 LEngine: Mercedes 3.0 L CRD V6 turbo dieselTorque: 280 lb ft / 380 N-mTires: LT225/75/R16E (black wall)Interior height: 75" / 1910 mmRear king bed (length): 78" / 1980 mm

Volkswagen Eurovan Specifications

2009-04-20T01:49:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Eurovan Engine Specifications :

2.0L displacement single overhead cam (SOHC)
inline 4 cylinder configuration gas engine
8 valves 115 hp @ 5200 rpm
122 ft-lbs. @ 2600 rpm regular unleaded fuel

Volkswagen Eurovan DriveTrain Specifications:

5-speed manual transmission front wheel drive
Suspension
four-wheel independent suspension front and rear stabilizer bar
Instrumentation
tachometer clock
low fuel level warning
Towing and Hauling
cargo tie downs

Exterior Features Volkswagen Eurovan:

Tires and Rims
steel rims 15 x 6 in. rims
P195/65HR15 tires all season tires
fullsize spare tire steel spare wheel
full wheel covers
variable intermittent wipers rear defogger
intermittent rear wiper

Safety Features and Ratings

ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes 4-wheel ABS
front side-mounted airbags front and rear head airbags
front seatbelt pretensioners child seat anchors
rear center 3-point belt 2 front headrests
3 rear headrests remote anti-theft alarm system
engine immobilizer daytime running lights
Comfort and Convenience Features

Volkswagen Eurovan - Front Seats

5 person total seating capacity bucket front seats
cloth upholstery

Volkswagen Eurovan - Rear Seats

bench rear seat split-folding
rear heating ducts

Volkswagen Eurovan - Power Features

remote power door locks power windows
2 one-touch power windows power mirrors
heated mirrors

Volkswagen Eurovan - Convenience

cruise control power steering
tilt and telescopic steering wheel front cupholders
remote trunk release front door pockets
front and cargo area 12v power outlet(s) manual easy entry rear seat access

Volkswagen Eurovan - Comfort

air conditioning interior air filtration
front and rear reading lights dual illuminating vanity mirrors
front and rear floor mats cargo area light

1950-1959 VW BUS

2009-04-16T02:03:00.000-07:00

The 1950-1959 Volkswagen Bus was basically a big box atop the VW Beetle chassis.

The 1950-1959 Volkswagen Bus borrowed its flat-four air-cooled engine from the Beetle. Early versions had 25 horsepower

Passenger versions of the 1950-1959 Volkswagen Bus could carry up to nine on three rows of seats, as this floor plan shows.

Eurovan Aux Battery Wiring Diagram

2009-04-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

Volkswagon Eurovan Accessories

2009-04-10T04:38:00.000-07:00

Volkswagon Eurovan Water Pump

Volkswagon Eurovan Clutch Kit

Volkswagon Eurovan Brake Kit

Volkswagon Eurovan Brake Caliper

Volkswagon Eurovan Gallery

2009-04-09T04:21:00.000-07:00

New & Used VW Parts & Diesel Engines

2009-03-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

Advice on Buying a Vehicle

2009-03-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

If you are buying a vehicle privately and it is later identified as having been stolen you may have no right to its ownership. You could lose both the vehicle and the money you paid for it. If you purchase a new pre-registered vehicle the dealer must return the Registration Certificate (V5C) immediately so that the vehicle can be registered in your name. The following points may help you avoid becoming a victim of vehicle crime.

Advertisements and viewing

beware of mobile phone numbers, they are virtually untraceable
advertisements specifying a time to call, could indicate a phone box - be suspicious
arrange to view the vehicle in daylight, preferably at the seller's home
do not agree to the seller bringing the vehicle to your home or to a public place such as a motorway service station
ensure that the owner is familiar with the vehicle and its controls

Documentation

never buy a vehicle without a registration document or certificate (referred to as 'registration certificate') even if the seller says it has been sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for changes
hold the registration certificate up to the light - the DVLA watermark should be contained within the layers of paper; reassure yourself that a fraudulent watermark has not been merely printed on to the surface of the paper
the registration certificate is not a document of title, the person recorded may not be the legal owner
assure yourself that the person selling the vehicle has the right to do so

Check the vehicle identity

decide what make and model you are interested in and find out where the vehicle's identification number (VIN) should be
check that the 17 character VIN, matches the VIN on the registration certificate
be suspicious if the VIN shows signs of having been tampered with
if the VIN has been removed, ask why
the VIN should be stamped in an even way somewhere on the vehicle, often under the bonnet or in the floor panel on the driver's side, check the surrounding area for signs of any alteration
a 'Q' registration number indicates that the age or identity of a vehicle is unknown. The vehicle may be rebuilt from parts, some or all of which may not be new. This also applies to vehicles imported without supporting evidence to identify the vehicles age
if a registration mark or part VIN is etched on the windows ensure it matches the registration certificate

What to look for on the vehicle

check carefully underneath stickers, where fitted - they can be used to conceal etching
does the engine number match the registration certificate?
has the engine been interfered with, altered or changed?
do the locks differ? (Thieves often change locks they have damaged)
are there any signs of forced entry?
has the locking petrol cap been forced and replaced?

Get the vehicle inspected by a professional

consider taking an independent qualified examiner with you to see the vehicle

and finally

never pay cash
be sure before you buy - if in doubt, walk away

Eurovan Weekender

2009-03-26T05:59:00.001-07:00

How To Sell Your Car

2009-03-25T06:00:00.001-07:00

Buying a Used Car

2009-03-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

Before you start shopping for a car, you'll need to do some homework. Spending time now may save you serious money later. Think about your driving habits, your needs, and your budget. You can learn about car models, options, and prices by reading newspaper ads, both display and classified. There is a wealth of information about used cars on the Internet: enter "used car" as the key words and you'll find additional information on how to buy a used car, detailed instructions for conducting a pre-purchase inspection, and ads for cars available for sale, among other information. Libraries and book stores also have publications that compare car models, options, and costs, and offer information about frequency-of-repair records, safety tests, and mileage. Many of these publications have details on the do's and don'ts of buying a used car.

Safety While Enjoying Your RV

2009-03-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

Check with local park, forest, or public lands agents to see what precautions need to be taken in regard to storing food away from wildlife
Do not feed the local wildlife
Take precautions against parking your RV / camping in an area that may be dangerous in the case of sudden flash floods. Check with local rangers to find a safe and legal parking / camping area
Remember to take along non-perishable food that won't make you ill if it spoils
Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with other RV'ers, campers and recreationists
Do not park your RV in unauthorized areas
Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio