John and Elaine’s Van

 
 

Our 1999 GTRV Westy Camper Van now has a new home.

This Ford Econoline-based camper is not extended and may be parked in a standard stall in front of your hotel room, restaurant, or store. When camping the top pops up so that even a six-footer can stand upright. It is equipped for full hookups, but we usually have connected only the electric since we do not stay long. We did not camp to save money, but usually  to enjoy the scenery of National or State parks which rarely have hotel accommodations in the park. If the weather is unfavorable or there are no handy campgrounds, we headed for the nearest Comfort Inn or Best Western Hotel.

This is in contrast to typical big-RV people, who are obliged by high fuel consumption and parking problems to camp in a crowded private resort-type campground and explore the surrounding area on day trips in their truck or towed car. In the Westy, in contrast we go touring without a fixed daily destination. As you can see from the camping photos, we usually camp in public campgrounds where the campsites are widely spaced and often seperated by vegitation. Thus we are able always to enjoy our trips.

It is a big vehicle to travel in, compared to a car, but it is more roomy and there are always cold drinks in the fridge, which can be reached by the seated passenger. The fridge quite often holds leftovers from lunch which we eat for dinner.

There is no rust since it has always been parked in Southern California east of the coastal zone.. The title is clear.

It legally seats five with ample legroom, or two with the queen-size bed made up. The front passenger seat rotates to face the back while camped. Two tables are provided for eating inside.

It is also useful for hauling big things such a furniture and 4’ x 8’ plywood sheets.

It has always been maintained rigorously per the Ford Maintenance Schedule since we do not want trouble on the road, which is often remote. At each service we also buy the most comprehensive inspection package offered. All of the service papers are in the van.

It has been from San Diego, CA to Prince Rupert, BC, Louisbourg, NS, Nags Head, NC, Corpus Christi,TX, and through 37 states and 8 provinces in between.  During 27 trips of up to 54 days and 10,400 miles there has been no accidents, tows, or even a roadside service call. This spring it was serviced, smogged and given a new Sears Platinum battery for a planned trip to Vermont.

But John fell so we are ending our camping days and we had to sell it even though it is still in prime condition. Our misfortune could be many adventures throughout this great land fot its new owners since Econolines typically last over 200,000 miles.