This program will familiarize you with the many special features of the Volkswagen Vanagon
Camper. Since 1948, Volkswagen has been making Vanagon-type vehicles. And for the majority
of those years, the Westphalia plant has been responsible for the camper modifications.
In that time, Westphalia has produced over 300,000 Volkswagen campers. The Westphalia
plant in Wiedenbrück, West Germany is fully licensed by Volkswagen AG to perform this
additional manufacturing. In fact, they're the only plant with such authorization. Westphalia
receives the Vanagon from Hanover fully assembled. The camper features are installed and the
Vanagon is packed with fiberglass batting insulation. All camping equipment is approved by underwriter
laboratories and all fittings are U.S. standard. The entire vehicle must meet stringent, high-quality
Volkswagen standards. In addition, Volkswagen backs the Vanagon camper with a two-year unlimited
mileage protection plan, which covers everything except the tires. And there's a six-year unlimited
mileage corrosion perforation protection plan for the body. Unlike most domestic van conversions,
the Volkswagen Vanagon camper is serviced by nearly 900 authorized Volkswagen dealers.
Volkswagen is able to back the Vanagon camper with such service and warranty because Volkswagen is
the only major automobile manufacturer in the world which produces a factory camper. The age-old
tradition of quality German engineering and craftsmanship at Volkswagen, plus the extensive
30-year relationship with the Westphalia plant, add up to an innovative camper. A camper that
functions equally as well in city driving as it does in the country and possibly beyond with the
optional four-wheel drive Syncro Vanagon. One of the first things you notice when you step up into
the Vanagon is the excellent road visibility. Because you sit slightly higher than most other
vehicles, you maintain excellent front, side, and rear road vision. The Vanagon camper contains many
convenient utility features and still retains a spacious cabin. The exterior dimensions remain
virtually unchanged. The Vanagon camper comes equipped with a heavy-duty injection molded fiberglass
pop-up top. The front roof-mounted luggage rack comes equipped with eight tie-down rings. Water
drainage holes help prevent water from accumulating in the luggage rack. The roof vent, which may
be left open while in transit, should be closed before raising the top. To raise the top, simply
squeeze the two latches simultaneously. Push up the front, then use the aluminum crossbar to raise
it up to full height. Note the ample headroom. The luggage rack is easily accessible through the
large opening in the front of the pop-up top. Windows with screens provide lots of fresh air.
Throughout the Vanagon camper are a variety of storage cabinets. All cabinet doors,
including the refrigerator door, are easily removed. They're all countersunk to help eliminate
rattle while in transit. A computerized cutting process ensures a perfect fit, even in the event
of replacement. The cabinet doors consist of seven layers of plywood, held together with marine
grade glue, providing a solid core. Both sides of the doors are laminated with a resilient plastic.
The rubber edge is tapped into place by hand. This extra step is taken to ensure the molding is
not stretched, as stretching the rubber can cause it to constrict later, leaving gaps. The
several storage areas maximize holding space while minimizing the loss of living space.
Volkswagen's water boxer engine provides plenty of hot coolant to supply not one,
but two separate heaters. The fan speed control for both heaters is located up front, providing
central heating control for the entire Vanagon. The first of the two heaters is in the driver's
compartment. The second is located under the bench seat and comes with its own separate
temperature control. The jack is also located under the bench seat along with additional storage
space, as is the Vanagon's exterior power cord. To operate the Vanagon's electrical
features using an outside power source, run the power cord from the supply source to the outside
Vanagon hookup. The other exterior hookups are for water. The one toward the front provides
direct access to an outside water source and features a standard connection. The rear hookup
is for refilling the Vanagon's onboard water supply. Located underneath the Vanagon, below
the exterior hookups, is a liquid petroleum or LP gas system. The LP gas tank may be filled
by any authorized LP gas service station. To use the LP gas, simply turn the main valve
on. The sink operates on a demand system powered by the 12 volt vehicle battery. Located on
the sink cabinet are two columns of indicator lights. The right column indicates battery
condition and the left column indicates the level in the water tank. As long as there's
water in the system and power for the pump, no other special operation is required. The
stainless steel drain board is handy when allowing dishes to dry. The water drains directly
into the sink and out of the Vanagon behind the left front tire. The drain board also
acts to protect the area behind the stove when cooking. The two burner propane stove
has no pilot light to help avoid hazards while in transit, so the burners must be manually
lit. The refrigerator operates on either LP gas, 12 volt direct current, or 110 alternating
current. However, before you operate the refrigerator, be sure the flue vent cover has been removed.
Don't throw it away. The flue vent cover prevents water from entering the refrigerator system
when the Vanagon is washed. This switch allows you to alternate between the three power sources.
To run the refrigerator on gas, first move the power switch to the gas mode. Make sure
the main valve is on. Set the thermostat to maximum. Now, press the flame failure button
for 20 seconds to fill the pipe system with gas. Pump 20 to 30 times to provide fresh
air in the system. Press the flame failure button once again, while pumping four to
five times to ignite the gas. Hold the flame failure button for an additional 10 seconds
to ensure the flame remains. The refrigerator has no moving parts. The result? A very quiet,
reliable unit. The Vanagon Camper comes with two fully retractable tables. One for the
back bench seat, the other for the two front seats. Both tables lock firmly into place.
The adjustable front seats pivot to face the forward table. There are two standard household
electrical outlets. One is located next to the bench seat, and the other is inside the
pantry. The Vanagon Camper comes with two double beds, enough room to sleep four people. The
bottom bed functions much like a household sofa bed. To open the top bed, be sure to
pull it forward slightly, then lift and flip it back. Several screens keep unwanted insects
out and fresh air in. The curtains provide plenty of privacy. The Volkswagen Vanagon Camper
has many convenient, easy-to-use features, smartly packaged into a standard Vanagon.
The additional stove, sink, refrigerator, beds and tables make the Vanagon Camper a perfect
family vacation vehicle. Yet its modest size means it can still function as an everyday
working means of transportation. Now that you've seen how to operate the many Vanagon
Camper features, be sure to use the Volkswagen owner's manual when you try these operations.
Convenient, practical, simple, a Volkswagen value.
