New VW camper van?

September 21, 2007 6:17 AM

What is today's equivalent of a VW Westfalia camper?

I think VW discontinued the Weekender and Camper models. What is a good equivalent for weekend camping that you can buy new?

posted by toastchee to travel & transportation (12 comments total)

The California is the direct replacement, at least in the UK, but I've not been able to find it in the US for you.
posted by dowcrag at 6:32 AM on September 21, 2007 [1 favorite]

The Microbus replacement concept didn't get built (too expensive).

Chrysler will build a new minivan for Volkswagen -- but it won't be here until August 2008.

You could always get a JetVan.....
posted by dhartung at 6:52 AM on September 21, 2007 [1 favorite]

There was that Pontiac Aztec a few years ago...
posted by Reggie Digest at 7:20 AM on September 21, 2007

What you're looking for is called a Class B RV, and may be built on a variety of stock van platforms.
posted by jjg at 8:32 AM on September 21, 2007 [1 favorite]

Not really, jjg. Class C is the smaller one, and that's close, but I'd be interested in something that doesn't scream 'RV'...
posted by toastchee at 8:40 AM on September 21, 2007

i've seen several mitsubishi and toyota vans around that have been directly imported from japan (right drive). they're 4wd, but the configuration is as close as i've seen to the old VW, plus they're probably tougher and more reliable.

maybe talk to an importer?
posted by klanawa at 8:55 AM on September 21, 2007

Class B's are smaller than the Class C's. The order from largest to smallest is A-C-B. Kind of screwy.

Suddenly my wife and I started aging and started researching stuff like this.
posted by codswallop at 9:17 AM on September 21, 2007

As codswallop said, Class Bs are the smallest ones, and as you can see from any of the sites on my link, are modified vans, not full-blown RVs.
posted by jjg at 10:10 AM on September 21, 2007

Ironically, a successor is being buily by Mercedes.
posted by exphysicist345 at 1:00 PM on September 21, 2007

It isn't small but converted Sprinters are the closest you can buy right now I think. The shorty RBs are quite small though still a full size van. Several companies are making both B and C class Sprinter conversions.
posted by Mitheral at 7:21 PM on September 21, 2007

the eurovan is great. have to find a used one though. VW offeres certified preowned.
posted by brevator at 5:07 AM on September 22, 2007

not sure if this will ever make it to market (~$70k), but it's worth admiring still...
posted by jethrographic at 7:46 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]