Archive for January, 2008

The Vw California

January 23, 2008 at 2:28 pm · Filed under General

Good afternoon from The Vw California. This is my first post to the new blog on Vw Camper Crazy (or any blog for that matter). I bought a new Vw California last year and became such an enthusiast of them that I set up a website relating to it. When I was buying mine I found very little information on the web relating to The Vw California. Everything, (apart from Vw’s sales pitches) was about the classic V dub campers. Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of these, however, we needed a van to act as an everyday family run about, aswell as for camping trips and family ‘away days’. We’ve been dreaming about owning a camper for years, however, I have no mechanical expertise and didn’t want to risk owning a van that could potentially leave my wife stranded with the kids (or me for that matter), and so when we stumbled accross the new factory built california in a showroom, we got completely carried away and signed on the dotted line, as they say! I’ve got no regrets, I think they’re a superbly well designed and practical vehicle, with all the safety features and reliability expected of a modern vehicle. The Vw California is a future classic i’m sure. I think it bridges the gap for the Vw fans who like the idea of a camper, but can’t take the risk on a classic. The Vw California site is still very much under construction, feel free to visit and leave feedback, questions or advice relating to the The Vw California. In the mean time I hope to be a regular contributor here, fighting the corner for the new breed of Vw owners and sharing my experiences of owning one. Vw campers, whatever model, offer a unique experience for owners from all walks of life. If we share our experiences and advice, i’m sure we can all benefit, so forget your package holidays and keep camping!!

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OMG. What have I done?

January 23, 2008 at 8:45 am · Filed under General

So it seems fitting that my first post on VW Camper Crazy should be about buying a new van. Well, not a new van actually, a 26 year old van. But new to me. As it was at one point to 10 people before me. I have been looking for a new T25 for some time and have visited sites like camper crazy almost daily, sometimes more, for the last six months, just to see what’s new. I’ve owned two T25s before (because they are newer and more reliable – what?) and pretty much know what to expect. So I’ve become rather blase about checking them out. It was the same with all the others: kick the tyres, check the fridge works, have a look in the back section where the noise comes from, kick the tyres again and then hand over my cash. I know, I know! But let’s face it, you’re going to have to introduce it to your mechanic at some point aren’t you? So why not drive it straight there?

And that’s the drive where the fear gets you. First there’s a rattle, then there’s a squeak, then a slight misfire, a sloppy gear change and the whole lot comes back to haunt you. All you remember is the faces of the AA men, the MOT bills, the hours at the side of the road. You’ve just shelled out a bunch of fifties and you’re feeling vulnerable. OMG. What have I done?

But you know, you are going to spend a few hours by the side of the road, you will meet a few breakdown trucks and you will fork out a load of wedge just to keep her on the road. But you will also get to wake up in the most beautiful spot on earth, or by the racetrack on finals day, or at the beach when the surf is pumping. You’ll be right there, with a cup of tea and a bacon buttie, absolutely loving it. And on cold winter days you can drive out to the hills, pop the roof up, stick the propex on and sit there in your pants, just enjoying the day, whilst everyone else sits in their steamed up cars with their cold flask of tea in their coats and hats.

So the new van has got a few rattles? Of course she has, she’s a T25 and she’s just about reaching her prime. Stick the kettle on and go with it. You’re VW Camper Crazy! Anyone for a cuppa?

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Welcome Everybody

January 7, 2008 at 4:15 pm · Filed under General

Well the site is finally here. Something VW Camper Crazy has been thinking about for a while, a dedicated VW Camper blog. We are looking for regular contributors so if you are passionate about VW Campers and have something to say that you think other like minded people would like to read about then please get in touch via the www.vwcampercrazy.co.uk web site.

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