A new Adventure Mobile

[SWbySWesty]

I do not use the Dometic. It doesn't work and from everything I've also read, it's worse than a bad cooler. I already had my Engle so it was "free". I'm planning to pull the fridge out and create storage space.

I have two Optima Yellowtops under the rear seat for house power. The van came with a dual battery system so I couldn't tell you what "brand" it is but it charges quickly and works just fine. I'm planning to add solar power to extend the length of time I can stay put.

 

[SWbySWesty]

We cruised down to the dirt road of the hot springs and began our descent. The first thing we noticed was how smooth the road was! It became apparent that a grader had recently run the road. I wasn't going to complain in the Westy! That is until we came to the ROAD CLOSED gate halfway down the trail….

 

[SWbySWesty]

The latest installment from our Santa Barbara trip!

Camptastic Times at Refugio State Beach

 

[SWbySWesty]

We drove out to Dockweiler again last night. This time more prepared. Chairs, wine, garlic jack cheese, jalepeno cheese bread. Followed by a pitcher of Hefweizen and a Shack Burger down the street.

Also, with the new stereo, we played Jack Johnson and danced. Yea, I got points...and I got a cheeseburger with a hotlink on top, too. Imagine that!

As for the van, I still love it. I fixed a water leak after fitting a new filler hose from the outside to the water tank, but I'm trying to leave it largely untouched. I still love the chrome hubcaps I put on it...such a throwback making it known that it's still a bus. I've not had any big problems with the van so really, I have no updates. It's starting to need a new tent top as there have been many repairs already to it (it's the original one), but it's beginning to come apart at a top corner where it can't be fixed. Just gotta be gentle and it'll last a while longer.

We're heading up for three days in Big Bear in two weeks but we will mostly be using it as a base camp since my brother wants to explore in his Jeep. So right now, we're in a sweet spot where we are just enjoying the van fully without worries.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Let's see: A trip to Big Bear for 4 days, a trip to Tajiguas beach for 3 days. I'm still waiting on pics from the gf who is super busy, but she's the official photographer with a nice DSLR...

As far as mods? I installed a foot pedal to operate the sink faucet. Much better than fussing with it with soapy hands and wasting water as I struggle to turn it off!

I also did what Fergie mentioned: Jack Bombay pop top shocks. Basically it opens the top automatically like the rear cargo hatch of a SUV. Sweeeet - VW should have designed it stock! I love it! I had to "fab" up a piece of wire with a hook on the end to hold it down when closing so I can walk around tucking in the canvas, but once a solar panel and surfboards get up there, it'll be fine.

Lovin' life. Got a new job!!! Planning a 6-7 day trip in August to really figure out what we do and don't need in the van. We are slooooowly planning for our 1 year trip.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Sweet! We had a great 4th of July and hope you did too!

Check out the VIDEO on the blog of the trip. It's the first one, so don't be TOO critical! Wink

THE ADVENTURE BRIGADE'S INDEPENDENCE DAY ADOPT-a-TRAIL RUN

I'm off to Baja for the weekend, see ya!

 

[SWbySWesty]

... just went solar. Hope to install it by my 7-day August trip.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Gettin' deliveries.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Billie Jean goes SOLAR!

Check it out: Click Here for Blog Post

 

[SWbySWesty]

We went scuba diving last night! Check it out: Scuba diving with an awesome photographer

 

[SWbySWesty]

Day 6 of our secret spot in Mammoth. Solar panel is the best investment; I haven't started the van since being here while running fridge, lights, chargers and laptop at night for movies before bed. Yup...glamping.

Solar shower is essential! Keeps the 'magic' alive...giggity. Plus awesome after a six hour hike to have a hot shower in the woods!

More reviews coming! We're off to Mono Lake today, then over Tioga Pass for a night at the beach! Video log coming next week!

 

[SWbySWesty]

The Adventure Brigade just finished the video from last week's 8 day trip!

Check it out​

 

[Herbie]

The Adventure Brigade just finished the video from last week's 8 day trip!

Check it out​

Looks like you had a lot of fun. Great job!

 

[SWbySWesty]

We cruised out to Johnson Valley over the weekend. Was a great time!

CLICK ME TO READ!

 

[SWbySWesty]

I got asked over at Samba about how my solar panel is working out and I thought I would share the same insight here since many van people want solar:

The solar set up is fantastic. Everyone that sees it loves the portability aspect. I love that part as well. I can leave it out all day and move it for maximum exposure (the desert got me 14.5V charging power), or I can just face it in a general direction and go hiking/riding all day. Also, it's very easy to park in shade and run it out to the sun.

So far, for my uses of camping up to 3 days, I can run the radio (w/ amp, woofer etc) or a laptop playing a movie with surround sound until bedtime or quiet time; run the fridge all the time; and charge phones, batteries, etc. It won't drop under 11.5V by morning.

edit: Keep in mind that I have two deep cycles under the backseat for 110AH storage (Optima Yellowtops left over from the Jeep setup).