Eurovan Camper Articles

Beginning of Volkswagen Vanagon Campers

Interiors of the pop top vanagons remained the same for several years (i.e. 1980-1991). Cabinets of this type of camper were made of wood-grain and seats had funky design and ceiling had a thin paper like material that can fall easily. Beginning with 1984 Wolfsburg Edition campers, and all 85 and newer campers, cabinet color changed to a soft tan color and the ceiling was replaced with a durable material. Again in 1987, the interior color changed to gray color. From 1987-1991, interiors of full camper vans were gray in color. But in 1989, the closet door was shortened so that it could be opened with the rear table in the stowed position. During 1990, the refrigerator became electrically enabled, and late 1990 and 91 models had an inside release for the rear hatch, but that’s about it. In 1985, 1986 and 1987, Westfalia Wolfsburg Weekender was offered. This weekender had the same pop-top as the full camper. These models did not have fridge, stove or sink but a flip up table and one rear facing seat and a small electric cooler behind the passenger seat. During 1985 and 86, the interior color was tan. 1987 model was available in either tan or blue and gray color. Another similar model was introduced in 1990 and 1991 which was named as Westfalia Multivan. The interior color of MV models was gray in color.  In 1990-91 Multivans, 7 passengers can sit comfortably at a time. It has a pop-top roof and is considered the most sought after and valuable two wheel drive Vanagons ever made.

Vanagon gained importance in 1980 which had 2000cc EFI engine. 2000cc Air cooled Vanagons during this time was considered worst because it was not upto the mark as they were bigger and heavier box. The engine life is about 90,000 miles. This air cooled Vanagons was considered a complete failure, so the company came up with the gasoline water cooled model in late 1983. An air cooled Vanagon ranges between $2500 and $5000.

The Vanagon was introduced in 1983 with a water-cooled Waterboxer engine in North America. These First Water boxer engines were 1900cc. VW had with the horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine design. Waterboxer has the same dimensions as VW Type 1 engine with the internal replacement and no. 1 main bearing design of the Type 4 engine, and water cooled.

In the year 1986-1991, there were best Vanagons. They are easily identified by their rectangular headlights. The 86 and 87’s had smaller thin steel bumpers and 88-91’s had larger fiberglass bumpers and an added ventilation duct at the rear of each of the rear side windows. The most important changes that were made are as follows: improved exhaust, ignition, fuel injection, brakes and cooling systems. The cooling system was completely re-worked for 1986 and stayed basically unchanged through the end of 1991 production.

1986-1991 Syncro (4WD) Vanagon: VW offered the Vanagon in a full time all wheel drive version called the Syncro. It was offered in passenger van, weekender and full camper versions

 

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