The Vanagon Dictionary

Windshield wipers designed for reduced noise and improved performance at high speeds

• wipers
• windshield

Universal cover for all Vanagon models, including high roof and campers

• vanagon
• cover
• accessories

Adventurewagen was a Fort Bragg, California conversion builder, not a Volkswagen model or Transporter generation. In a December 1998 Gerry thread about camper conversions, a contributor describes its high-roof conversion as common on the U.S. West Coast and distinguishes that fixed high roof from pop-top layouts. A 2001 thread also identifies Adventurewagen as a maker of Vanagon high-top conversions. Roof, interior, and equipment vary by build and vehicle year.

• camper
• conversion

a type of corrosion that occurs in radiators due to high-lead solder

• corrosion
• radiator

Component that directs the high voltage from the ignition coil to the correct cylinder

• ignition
• engine

High-quality shift knob made from a solid piece of material

• shift
• knob

A device that measures various electrical parameters with high precision

• tool
• measurement
• digital

Wires that carry the high-voltage spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs

• ignition
• wiring

A corrosion inhibitor that provides protection similar to MBT, but is more durable at higher temperatures

• corrosion
• inhibitor

Coil that generates the high voltage needed to create a spark in the engine's cylinders

• ignition
• electrical

A heavy-duty constant velocity joint designed for high-stress applications

• driveshaft
• joint

A type of driving condition characterized by normal engine temperature, highway speeds, and a clean environment.

• oil
• service

System responsible for generating the high voltage needed to create a spark in the engine's cylinders

• ignition
• engine

A model of early buses that had the highest level of interior features and trim levels. Usually with the small sight-seeing windows in the roof and either 21 or 23 side windows. Also a HUGE fabric sunroof was available as an option.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation. One of the emission control techniques, in which gases are sucked from the exhaust pipes (before the muffler) and re-circulated through the intake manifold (to be 'burned' again). the high heat associated with exhaust gases required expensive metals ... so replacing/repairing this system can be costly.

Wolfsburg Editions are models with a higher level of trim, and are probably intended to stimulate sales late in the model year. In addition trim upgrades, they usually include some options without any extra charge (power mirrors, power door locks, and power windows, etc.) The true Weekender is usually also offered as a Wolfsburg Ed. (It's believed that the Westy Weekender only came as a Wolfsburg Edition.)

A camper roof section that lifts above the body, usually with a flexible fabric enclosure when raised, adding standing room while keeping a lower profile when closed. Gerry’s 1998 camper-conversion discussion contrasts pop-top layouts with the fixed high-roof Adventurewagen conversion; they are different body configurations, not interchangeable names. Roof design and interior details vary by builder and model year.

• pop-top
• canvas

A type of rear axle that is 'fixed' at the wheel (that is, it is not able to flex up or down), but is able to move up and down at the transmission end. It required the rear wheels to move in an arc, rather than vertically, when hitting bumps. in some cars (beetles and corvairs and some early porsches), it could cause the wheel to tuck under the car during high speed cornering.

Dehler was a German conversion company whose VW Transporter campers and business-van layouts appear in Gerry’s preserved terminology FAQ. Archive discussions make the model distinction clearer: a 1999 thread concerns a Dehler Profi conversion sighting, while a 2005 thread describes a rare Dehler Profi high-roof camper. “Dehler” therefore identifies the converter; Profi is a particular conversion line, not a separate Transporter generation. Confirm the exact build and year for parts or fitment.

• camper
• conversion