The Vanagon Dictionary

English · machine-assisted draft

Systems that control the temperature and air quality inside the vehicle

• vw
• comfort

English · source definition

Another name for camper versions of the VW Transporter . For whatever reasons, this term seems to have been dropped for the Vanagons , except in Canada.

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

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 · source definition

The German nickname for the original VW buses . loosely translated, it means "work horse" or "oxen" (some sort of strong animal used for pulling heavy loads).

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

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

The camper interior cabinet assembly built around the sink and its water fittings. In some Vanagon Westfalia layouts it also contains or adjoins the refrigerator, storage, and electrical controls.

• camper
• interior
• kitchen

English · source definition

A temperature-responsive valve in a water-cooled engine's coolant circuit. It regulates coolant flow as the engine warms; the correct part and installation are engine-specific.

• engine
• water-cooled
• cooling

English · source definition

The exterior electrical inlet used to connect an equipped camper to campsite alternating-current power. Wiring, voltage, current rating, and supported appliances vary by market and model year.

• camper
• electrical
• exterior

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

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

A refrigerator installed as part of a camper interior. The documented Vanagon Westfalia appliance supports gas and electric operation; exact power sources and operating requirements depend on the refrigerator model and its manual.

• camper
• appliance
• electrical

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

The folding or sliding sleeping platform fitted beneath a camper pop-up roof on equipped models. It is stowed when the roof is lowered and is distinct from the lower rear bench bed.

• camper
• bed
• interior

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

The belt-driven pump that circulates engine coolant through the water-cooled Vanagon engine and cooling circuit. It is different from the small electric pump used to deliver water to a camper sink.

• engine
• water-cooled
• cooling

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

A heat exchanger that removes heat from engine oil. Air-cooled Type 2 engines use an oil cooler in the engine cooling assembly; design and mounting vary by engine. It is distinct from a Vanagon coolant radiator.

• engine
• air-cooled
• cooling

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

English · source definition

The flexible fabric enclosure between a raised camper roof and the fixed vehicle roof. Depending on the design, it may include screened or closable openings; it is an enclosure, not a roof support or fall-protection device.

• camper
• roof
• canvas

English · source definition

An onboard tank that stores water for a camper's sink supply. Capacity, location, filler, vent, and drain differ by conversion; it is not necessarily a potable-water-rated tank unless the specific installation is documented as such.

• camper
• water-system
• interior