The Vanagon Dictionary

English · machine-assisted draft

A flat, round plate that rotates with the wheel and is squeezed by the brake pads to slow the vehicle

• brakes
• disc

English · source definition

Special model of the bus , based on the Standard bus , first available in 1951. The most notable feature was the smaller engine lid than the previous Barndoors , and a rear hatch hinged at the bottom, which allowed stretchers to be loaded into the interior of the bus . The gas tank and spare tire were moved in order to accomodate the rear hatch.

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of sealant used to fill gaps between the rubber gasket and the body

• sealant
• adhesive

English · machine-assisted draft

Original type of tire used on VWs through the mid 1960s, with plies that run diagonally from one bead to the other.

• tire
• engine

English · source definition

( Automotive Services Inc. ) A U.S.-based camper conversion company out of Washington state. Manufactured a Vanagon camper conversion called the Riviera with a straight-up pop-top.

English · machine-assisted draft

Volkswagen’s electronic fuel-injection and engine-management system used in North American Vanagons from 1986 onward according to Gerry’s terminology FAQ. The archived FAQ distinguishes it from Digijet, which it associates with 1983.5–1985 Vanagons; Gerry’s technical bulletin index also lists Digifant topics for 1986–1991 models. Verify year, engine, and market before using system-specific parts or procedures.

• engine
• management

English · source definition

A form of fuel injection found on VW Vanagon / Transporters from 1983.5 to 1985. characterized by a digital 'map' of the 'proper' fuel quantity vs engine rpm and temperature.

English · machine-assisted draft

A sealed or low-maintenance lead-acid battery design intended to reduce routine electrolyte checks; its condition, terminals, and charge may still need inspection.

• battery
• design

English · machine-assisted draft

A vehicle produced in Australia from 1965 to 1968, using the Beetle engine and floor pan with Bus trailing arms and reduction boxes.

• australia
• beetle
• bus

English · machine-assisted draft

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

English · source definition

An RV manufacturer chosen by VW to convert basic EuroVans into full camper units for sale within the United States. Winnebago also manufactures the Rialta from the standard EuroVan body.

English · source definition

The engine used in the water-cooled Vanagon. The term 'Wasser' is german for 'water'. 'boxer' refers to the flat opposing piston structure of the engine (i.e., the pistons are boxing with each other.)

English · source definition

A camper's rear bench seat that folds or rearranges to form the lower sleeping surface. The conversion mechanism and dimensions depend on the interior layout.

• camper
• bed
• interior

English · source definition

A model of bus that had a flat load bed with no fixed roof over the rear half of the vehicle. Optional canvas tents were available to cover the rear flat bed area. (See Single-cab and Double-cab .)

English · source definition

Any Volkswagen Transporter of any model and any year. Specifically those VW Transporters from 1968 to 1979, distinquished by a large one-piece windshield and rounded body contours. all had double-jointed independent rear suspension. also called T2 Transporter .

English · source definition

A form of fuel injection found on VW Vanagons / Transporters from 1986 and later. A later variation of Digijet . Also reported to be a slightly less complicated version of the Bosch Motronic fuel injection used on BMW's and Porsches.

English · source definition

A removable or swiveling table fitted to a camper dining area. The 1983 Vanagon Westfalia manual describes separate passenger-compartment and cab tables; mountings and storage differ across camper layouts.

• camper
• interior
• furniture

English · source definition

Any of the Volkswagen Transporters from 1992 to present. some were sold in Europe in 1991. generally characterized by their engine located in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels, and their very rounded shape and huge rear hatch.

English · source definition

A small radiator that transfers heat from engine coolant to air for the cabin heating system. Vanagons may have front and additional rear heat exchangers, depending on equipment and market.

• engine
• water-cooled
• heating

English · source definition

The front-mounted heat exchanger in a water-cooled Vanagon's engine-coolant circuit. It releases heat from circulating coolant to outside air. Air-cooled Type 2 buses do not use an engine-coolant radiator.

• engine
• water-cooled
• cooling

English · source definition

Cold Cranking Amps. a bogus number printed on the sides of automobile batteries to confuse the buyers. generally, the bigger this number is, the easier the battery will crank your car when everything is frozen. assuming everything is in perfect operating condition, of course.

English · source definition

The small electric pump that moves water from an onboard camper tank to the sink faucet when the tank-water mode is selected. It is separate from the engine's coolant-circulation pump.

• camper
• water-system
• electrical

English · source definition

A fuel container and supply connection serving propane appliances fitted to some camper conversions. Tank location, capacity, regulator, lines, and supported appliances are installation-specific; use the vehicle and appliance documentation for operation or service.

• camper
• appliance
• fuel-system

English · source definition

An exterior hose inlet that connects a camper's water system to a pressurized campsite supply. The fitting and plumbing arrangement vary; the vehicle manual distinguishes this mode from drawing water with the onboard pump.

• camper
• water-system
• exterior