Date:         Tue, 25 May 1999 17:07:36 EDT
Reply-To:     Vantaztik@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roger&Zoe Ann Banker <Vantaztik@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Adventurwagon and Syncro info needed!
Comments: To: chiang1@usa.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi Cary, your questions cover a lot of ground.  For info on the
Adventurewagen I suggest you call the manufacturer, Ed Anderson, at (707)
964-4298.  Send me an email if you wish.  It isn't much like the Westy, so it
would take a long time to compare them thoroughly.  I've never owned a Westy,
but I have a Syncro Adventurewagen, so I've addressed some of your questions
below:

In a message dated 5/25/99 12:58:31 PM Pacific Daylight Time, chiang1@USA.NET
writes:

> I am familiar with vanagon Westys but am trying to get more knowledge on
>  the Adventurwagon(?) vanagon conversion from the late '80s.  From internet
>  info, photos, and the list archives I know it has a fixed fiberglass roof,
>  propane heat, solar shower, exotic wood interior, water filtration,
electric
>  only fridge, aux battery, storage above the engine cover, and a different
>  interior layout than a Westy, but that is all.  I am also almost clueless
>  about syncro mechanicals.  Since the Syncro Club website is down, I cannot
> get
>  info there.  Hopefully, list members can help me with the folowing
questions
>  or volunteer their e-mail addresses so I can converse with them directly:
>
>  1.  How does the interior layout differ from a Westy and what other
>  appliances, storage areas, or features are there?
Oh my, they have little in common, so the list would be long.  The
Adventurewagen has a larger, comfortable, one piece adjustable bed.  The sink
has a drain to a gray water tank, thermostat controlled heat, linoleum floor
for easy cleaning, the fridge (with tiny freezer) works at any angle since it
is a compressor type; the top has lots of storage, 2nd bed, lights,
insulation, great ventilation...  Ed Anderson makes 6 pages of comparisons in
his brochure, and he sells used ones on consignment.  Give him a ring.

>  2. What is the height of the fiberglass roof (perhaps measured from the
roof
>  rain gutters?) or the interior stand-up height?
The top adds 1 foot, 3 1/2 inches.  Inside you have about 6 foot, maybe an
inch or 2 more.

>  3. How much more does this conversion weigh over a regular westy or westy
>  syncro?
Who said it weighs more?  550 pounds more than a 7 passenger non-camper, I
don't know what a Westy weighs.  The weight is evenly distributed, mostly
down low, unlike a "Listy".

>  4. Are all Adventurwagons syncros?
No, Ed invented the raised top van camper in the early 1960's, and has kept
making them on VW's, then on Fords (the Eurovan was too small).  He built
them on whatever van you brought him.  But only the best are Syncros.    :)

>  5. What gas mileage (city/highway) can a 5spd. model achieve?
About the same as a Westy.  The top is higher, but it has good aerodynamics,
unlike a Westy, and it doesn't get worse with luggage, because you pack the
inside.

>  6. (Finally!) What reasonable/simple mechanical checks can I perform to
> verify the Syncro drivetrain (VC and diff. lock?) is operational(other than
driving
>  off-road)?
Lift all 4 wheels off the ground and rev the engine in any gear.  All 4
wheels should turn.  For the differential lock, select granny low, then
engage the differential lock (an optional feature, very desirable) on
pavement and turn SLOWLY.  Steering should become more difficult, and the
rear tires will scrub and hop.  Don't do this for long on pavement.

>  I see that Syncro cv joints, hoses, and exhaust are incredibly
>  expensive.  Any other warnings or words of wisdom on Syncros or
>  Adventurwagons?
There are lots of complications in the Syncro, but if you plan to go off
road, it is worth it.  Most parts are the same.  The exhaust is identical
except for the tail pipe, no big deal.  I think the Adventurewagen is way
better than the Westy, but it was much more expensive new.  The used prices
are much closer.  My Wasserleaker engine has been my biggest headache, that's
why I'm getting a 5 cylinder.  If I didn't think a Syncro Adventurewagen was
a great vehicle, I wouldn't be investing so much in something with over
200,000 miles!

Zoe Ann & Roger
1987 4x5 Syncro Adventurewagen