Overall the Vanagon really little in required preventive maintenance. Beyond fluids the rest is affected by a lot of variables including environment, how it is used, and for many parts, the quality of the part it self and method of installation. Don't forget the ability of bad parts to destroy other parts.

From both my industrial and automotive experience the goal is to maintain some level of reliability at the most reasonable cost point. There all sorts of approaches, planned maintenance, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, Schedule maintenance and of course Emergency maintenance.   Supporting equipment at work approaching 40 years of age I have come up with a different approach, "Condition Based Maintenance".

This approach relies on regular, frequent inspections and operational observation. The tracking history will allow for tuning maintenance frequencies to optimize cost and reliability. Fluid analysis is also helpful. Is there a benefit to 3,000 mile oil changes? Driving through construction zones or salted and sanded winter roads that may not be enough. Wheel bearings, how often to service? A single downhill brake overheating event can ruin the grease in the front wheel bearings. So can driving or parking in deep maybe contaminated water. (Inspection, observation).

Records and spread sheets are great for putting things in one place and tracking costs. Labels put everything in your face every time you look and also help when you need to hand things over to someone else. There is room for a lot of labels driver's door jam, brakes and suspension work.  License plate door great for oil and belt changes etc.

Many of the repairs we've done are beyond normal maintenance. Hopefully some are once only but we know better.

Dennis