Camping in a VW Bus – A VW T3 Westfalia Joker from 1984

I think I can say that I made a very good decision more than 10 years ago. Because my first own car was not an ordinary car, but our Günter, with which we now do our camping tours. During the last years, it was rather quiet around camping because of studies, foreign countries and Co., but our Günter was always cared for and is still in good shape.

A short stop with our VW bus on the farm

Our VW bus is not only very cult, it is also the perfect size for us. We can use it for occasional everyday shopping as well as for a longer camping trip because it fits into most normal parking spaces and has no other restrictions that another van would not have.

Of course with a T3 like this, you have to be aware that you are driving an old car. The car is older than we are and needs regular inspections and also maintenance. Here a small repair, there a part exchange. „Oh, what’s that strange sound again?“ – You get used to little surprises when it squeaks and rattles. Because you can do many things yourself, because the technology is not so complicated. And even if you have to spend a little money on repairs, it’s worth it, because the aging and cult factor of the car actually only increases its value.

Also, such an old Bulli is certainly not as comfortable as today’s vehicles. Our Günter, for example, has neither power steering nor air conditioning, no central locking system or other knick-knacks. The car is guaranteed not to be quiet either ^^.

Relaxing under the additional awning, which we have attached to the Bulli

Functions and equipment

Such an old Bulli has (almost) everything you need for the camper life. The two-burner gas stove allows me to cook more elaborate dishes, even though I am always a bit lazy on vacation.
The still original absorber refrigerator can be operated with 12 volts (while driving), shore power (i.e. 230 volts) and also gas. Especially the latter is practical for us because we have less to worry about the living room battery and can simply fill up the gas at the gas station. Such a tank filling lasts forever anyway and gives us more freedom. 

Update 24.07.20: Meanwhile we bought a compressor cooler* as an addition, which we connected to the living room battery or to an additional solar bag* (we have a similar one from a German brand, and it seems you can´t get it in other countries). So we are a little bit more self-sufficient and the new fridge cools more reliable.

Dometic CoolFreeze CDF 11, tragbare elektrische...

Beleuchteter Kühlraum (LED-Innenbeleuchtung); Maße (B x H...

VW T3 Westfalia interior equipment

In addition, our VW bus in the Westfalia equipment with some organizational talent has surprisingly much storage space. Actually, more than we actually need. Jackets and shirts are stored in the large closet, which can also hold shoes. In addition, there are several cupboards in which we can store our clothes, towels, etc. In addition, there is some storage space for technical equipment and of course space for food, cooking utensils, etc. 
In addition, we bought a backseat organizer, in which we organize small stuff, books and Co.

NIANPU Auto-Rücksitz-Organizer,...

Schneller Versand aus unserem Lager, 12 Stunden schnelle...

Kitchen in our VW T3 Westfalia

You can cook inside and outside of the van

Especially in the last weeks, I put a lot of effort and love into the further development of the Bullis. Our Günter now has a Thule Omnistor 5200 awning, which makes our small mobile home feel twice as big. The retracted battery-operated LED light strip provides illumination in the evening darkness. In addition, a 12V USB socket* is now installed in the living room to charge smartphones and co.

VW Bus with awning and LED lighting

The same socket can be used to charge our battery-operated beamer*, which in combination with the homemade screen made from a tablecloth can even provide a little cinema feeling in the van in the evening. Great for bad weather days.

On the plan are now a self-built camping compost toilet and a foldable solar system, so that we can stand completely self-sufficient for several days in the future (both installed in July 2020). 

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Washing dishes in the Van kitchen

Traveling in the VW Bus

„In peace lies strength“. „If you want to take safe steps, you must do them slowly“. I could mention here now many more quotations that describe the speed of traveling with the VW bus.
Deceleration is the magic word because on a road trip with an old VW bus you simply have time. Whether you want to or not.

Henrik drives relaxed in the VW T3

The maximum speed is 115 km/h, which is rarely reached. Most of the time we travel with our Günter at a speed of 80-100 Km/h when we are on country roads or the highway. And even if the traffic jam is mostly behind us, there is almost nothing better than to let the landscape pass by while the 50 HP engine in the rear is tugging along.

It is always said that the way is the goal. And in this way, we stop more often, get into conversation with other people. Because such an old bus is naturally conspicuous and often interested people ask for our Bulli or just want to look. In this way, we have already received great tips for beautiful spots and destinations.

Pragya and Henrik in the Van

Sleeping in the VW Bus

Sure, such a VW bus is not big, but nevertheless often a surprising space miracle, in which one actually finds room for everything. You just have to organize something and improvise from time to time.

Nevertheless, such nights have something cozy and romantic, sometimes something adventurous but somehow always something very calming for me. As soon as I am in the van, I switch off from everyday life and the car has become something like a little oasis of relaxation.

For me personally, both the mattress of the folded back seat and the upper mattress in the elevating roof are a bit too hard. That’s why we recently bought a 4cm mattress topper*, which you know from box spring beds and the like. We can store such a topper in the elevating roof to save space while driving and at night it simply provides more comfort.

Interior of our VW T3

A little relaxation is a must

Camping in a VW Bus – Our Conclusion

Well, what else can I say great? Of course, our conclusion about camping in a van is positive, because we simply have an emotional connection with this car. Objectively considered there are certainly more comfortable possibilities to be on the way and surely also more favorable, if one thinks of the current prices, which such a VW bus costs nowadays.

For us the car is perfect and I also enjoy improving small things on the van. All small projects, trips and camping tips you will find here on the blog.

• Selfmade camping toilet -The toilet without chemicals
• Camping & Co – Our experiences around traveling in a van
• Camping tips and hacks for your van life