What would one need in order to drive across the country in a VW bus or Vanagon?

I mean are there recommended books or anything? I obviously haven't done this, but it is a goal of mine... At least to drive from Colorado to California and possibly farther.



Is this feasible? Can someone help me plan to make this a reality?



What kind of bus should I buy?

What years should I look into?

What kind of automotive education or knowledge would I need?What would one need in order to drive across the country in a VW bus or Vanagon?What kind of bus should I buy? westfalia conversion

What years should I look into? 73-78

What kind of automotive education or knowledge would I need? the idiots guide and AAA plus



The westy because it has a bed up top and is livable inside

73-78 because they didn't have many problems and can do 75 down the highway without dropping the #3 exhaust valve.

AAA just in case! The plus gives you the option to have it towed to where you want it fixed!

Also you may want to join the AIRS Air-cooled interstate rescue squad-- there is usually someone near you that can help if you do run into problems http://www.type2.com/What would one need in order to drive across the country in a VW bus or Vanagon?
GasWhat would one need in order to drive across the country in a VW bus or Vanagon?well in regards to a VW bus you will need a good amount of mechanical knowledge about the transmission and such. Often they break down like many older model vehicles, they are simply not a Great choice to drive cross country. I am a big Volkswagen fan and love the shows. Try a place called the samba, search it on google and you will find a treasure trove of smart VW owners that have air-cooled dubs (v-dubs)



First off you will need to know how to drive a stick (manual/standard)



you will also need to understand simple things that go along with the manual tranny.



I would personally say you should get a R32 and go cross country, here is a nice story about that:



http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/v鈥?/a>



and the second part:



http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/v鈥?/a>
Be sure and bring plenty of ganja, would not want to run out halfway though your trip.What would one need in order to drive across the country in a VW bus or Vanagon?A drivers license would be helpful for starters and maybe a few bucks or a credit card for gas. Maps and an auto club membership. Are you sleeping in it or at hotels? Lots of plans needed and money too. Have fun though it is worth it. As for type and year of vehicle, the newer the better and a diesel engine even better . Air conditioning and really good tires and brakes. for sure. check with AAA for travel ideas and lodgings and restaurants. They will help you figure out distances for the trip. Don't drive too far in one day and always have plenty of rest in between destinations that you set for yourself. Good luck! Bon Voyage! And don't drink and drive. Arrive Alive!!!What would one need in order to drive across the country in a VW bus or Vanagon?
I've driven two VW vans west from Georgia - California.

and a VW Squareback from Ca. - Ga.



the first van quit running about 9:00 at night in Texas.

Small part overheated, after an hour ran fine.



Second trip different van, in horrible shape, made it

all the way.

Over one set of mountains heading west towards San Diego

the only vehicle I had enough power to pass was a

semi hauling a load of drywall.



Suggested accessories:

drinking water

jumper cables

small toolbox, pliers, screwdrivers, socket set, hammer

triple AAA road service card.

the book entitled The Idiots Guide to VW's by John Muir

{if you can find it)

other books to read -

A Fine and Private Place

The Last Unicorn

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

anything by

Carlos Castaneda
Yes i! Your checklist be complete now. Ganja da only ting da Knatty need!What would one need in order to drive across the country in a VW bus or Vanagon?
faith and a sense of humor
For a VW trip specifically, I would suggest



- the robert bentley official VW service manual and the john muir idiot guide

- a toolbox with a complete set of screwdrivers, metric sockets, deep sockets and wrenches.

- an SUV jack with a couple of jackstands and wheel chocks. Don't use the factory jack if it's an old van, the body around the jackpoints may be rusted out.

- a spare fuel pump (these go bad all the time from rust in the lines/tank. 25-30 dollars), fuel filters, and spare fuel hoses and clamps.

- a case of 20w50

- a good spare and an air compressor.
鈥?spare parts (fan belt, fuel pump, fuses, etc.)

鈥?tools

鈥?jack/jack stand

鈥?drinking water and power bars

鈥?drive it around town thoroughly for a complete 'shakedown' test before you go

鈥?patience

鈥?keep it at 55-60, don't overheat your heads



鈥?Leave the ganja at home. Not all Bus drivers smoke and the stereotype needs to be left in the 60's where it belongs.
if your doing that in an older bus that is air cooled..take your time,,,better off in an newer water cooled vanagen
plenty of faith and have fun on your trip.