AMAZING RETRO | Volkswagen T3 Vanagon Syncro 4x4 Westfalia Pop Top Camper Van Tour

In this video we feature Steve who owns a 1990 Volkswagen Syncro Westfalia campervan. He has owned this for over 26 years and has traveled with his kids from when they were children. This VW camper has roof top solar, sleeping for up to 4, refrigerator, furnace, outside shower and much more.
Follow Steve on KZbin:
/ syncroorg
Steve's Website
www.syncro.org
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#campervan
#vwwestfalia
#campertour

[@zynnotzen]

Thats my dad! Some of my most cherished memories were in this van. Forever thankful for my childhood

[@SYNCROORG]

Ah, Sam Sam, how sweet. So were mine, with you. Love you.

[@aairsick]

I loved your dad talking about his kids! Maybe more than the van. You are a lucky young man!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Your dad rocks!

[@JonniesJourney]

You can tell that you guys are his world. what a smart man. such a cool van.

[@tracymorgan5386]

I can tell your father is such a kind and sweet man. You are very lucky to have him.

[@knitterscheidt]

this guy must have been a great Dad, so smart but so down to earth and joyful to share

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ASLLOVE]

I love the added touch of family photos to this video.

[@SYNCROORG]

Me, too! Patrick did such a great job of editing this video (and filming it, too). Here are some more photos you might enjoy from one of our favorite trips, Yosemite to Yellowstone via dirt roads. Patrick used a few of these. facebook.com/photo/?fbid=108165701089267

[@ASLLOVE]

@@SYNCROORG thank you for sharing!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for sharing the album.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

I had a lot of fun doing this one.

[@karjurassic8364]

This man is smart - resourceful. And I love that he took his kids on adventures in nature! My Dad was similar. Piled us kids in the station wagon, threw in a tent and….wonderful memories were made. Awesome interview/tour. Thanks, Patrick! 💕💕💕

[@r.c.7762]

Wow, this gentleman kept this van in great shape. Thank you.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Our pleasure!

[@cigarmann]

Well, what a well-built and thought-out unit. the fact that he still is able to use it as a testament to Volkswagens engineering

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you buddy checking this out

[@ianham]

Just watched this again, Steve, as I map out lighting and other improvements to Kermit, our 87 Westy. I took my son to Salt Lake City to pick it up and bring it back to Seattle. The lasting memories started immediately as we went to Bonnieville Salt Flats in 110 degree weather. It was rainy and cold as we skirted the Steens mountains in SE Oregon. It was sunny as we watched river surfers in Bend, then rainy again as we went up to Timberline Lodge (to see the exteriors of The Shining). An uneventful I-5 trip home to Seattle ended the journey. For anyone considering a Westy--Syncro or no--I'd say GO FOR IT!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for coming back

[@TheBossNitaRay]

I had a 1988 one and I didn't know what I was getting into but that van gave me, my children, and grandchildren so many wonderful memories. I don't regret it at all. It was worth all the problems that it gave me.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Oh wow, great memories

[@annesantisteban]

I Love this kind of dad ♥️

[@Foxys10]

The coolest time capsule I’ve ever seen and the pics of the kids are just priceless. ❤️

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Franci

[@donthonkpush9105]

Thanks for sharing your Syncro with us, Steve. Your upgrades are a testament to the care you've given to enhance the enjoyment in your Vanagon. The advice you offered about knowing what you're getting into before purchasing this type of older vehicle really sums it up. Those memories you shared with your children are priceless. Wishing you many more years of travel and exploration.

[@SYNCROORG]

Thank you! Happy Trials to You!

[@obsessive_doka_disorder]

A real humble grounded guy, awesome camper.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Peter.

[@bettyolis6228]

Amazing that this camper still runs after 27 years, taking it off road. Quality does make a difference and caring properly for your vehicle. Nice, simple set up inside. Interesting to know of how to stay "in touch" even in isolated areas, devices i had never heard of before. Thanks Patrick ,i love to see your channel AND is one of the first to watch as i find it is always informative and unique!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you very much

[@JonniesJourney]

you're so awesome Ms. Betty

[@krippleinacaravanxxx707]

Wonderful! What a lovely man family orientated and a free spirit!❤️❤️💜💜❤️

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

We agree!

[@mbbuckeyes8386]

This gentlemen is awesome as well as his van. Thanks to him for sharing his story with you. Another great find Patrick!!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TerryW5379]

What a nice vintage van, it’s so useable. Being able to stand up adds a lot to the comfort. In my Ford extended van I had a couch like his that pulled out into a queen size bed, we slept better on it than we did on our bed at home. They should use them more often in camper vans. What great memories he and his children must have. Thanks Patrick you really have an eye for unique campers.

[@The_Joy_Finder]

How lovely that he had it all this time and still enjoys it so much. Thoroughly enjoyed this interview.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Us too!

[@kiltedoverland4551]

What an amazing father! Cudos for all you did for your children and building those memories.

[@karenvoorhees5229]

What a great video! Steve has done incredible and useful upgrades to that Syncro. It's still beautiful and reliable after all these years, which is due to his love of the camper. Loved the story about taking his daughter at 5 months and 25 years old on the same camping trip. Priceless memories.

[@susanrussell1555]

Impressive 27 years. My cars have only lasted 5-6 years. Thanks for the tour.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Susan

[@tonvanderreijken4380]

Thanks Steve for all the smart features and for showing. You did a great job as every modification almost seems to be factory quality !! love the shower. Wish we could chat with a cold beer and exchange stories and experiences with both our T3s. Next year the VW factory in Hanover, Germany will celebrate its 75 anniversary in the making T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6. Thousands of vans will arrive from all over the world to celebrate. I will join them as I did during the 60 year anniversary almost 15 years ago.

[@kristinritter9962]

So cool! He has taken impeccable care of his van!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Yes, I was very impressed

[@lesliegranowski2683]

You find the most unique vans Awesome van Interesting guy Thanks again Patrick

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks again!

[@joec4871]

Nice set up and the fact that he still has it after all these years. So everytime he uses it he has the memories of when he and his kids used it. Keep it coming Patrick you do a good job of bringing this lifestyle to people that never enjoyed it or are thinking of trying it.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you for the support Joe

[@stephenhill2404]

Absolutely fantastic! Love that Steve has kept it so original but with very sympathetic upgrades over the years. The rear shower is amazing! That's what you get when you look after a VW carefully - it lasts you for life!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Couldn't agree more!

[@laberbla6466]

This van is so small and still feels so spacious inside. Amazing!

[@amyshomesteadanimals]

Thank you for the tour and the information. Such a lovely man.

[@patriciatwalsh4479]

I love that camper. I had one along time ago. I bought it used had work done on it. But one day on a trip the belt broke and my husband said no more money in this thing. I still love them.glad yours is in good condition to enjoy.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Oh no!

[@tjtampa214]

Quality....nothin' like it! 👍 Great run down. Always nice to hear about the enjoyment had by the family. 😊

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

You got that right!

[@Avangardphotography]

Cool camper and a great proud owner 😀👍

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you. I love his passion

[@lillypatience]

Love it! I know that racetrack! My grandpa used to go frequently when I was a child.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Oh wow, cool

[@n1k1george]

Love those Vanagons and your is totally awesome! Cheers from a T4 owner.

[@scottanson7524]

Rare beast - 2 wheel drive is also a great ride … thanks for the look !! Keep rolling man 🇺🇸

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

You bet

[@sitansusekharpanda3431]

He's a grt dad ❣️n amazing build for sure ♥️love from India ♥️

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you very much

[@retro000]

Thank you....live your van! VW have always been cool and strong and you have cared for this with genuine quality and thought. 😉 Happy,safe travels

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed the tour

[@cookoutdoor881]

Great dad and great van. I think the most well preserved from what I have seen. Congratulations for your life!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you! You too!

[@AndrewJoey2]

Damn..the Rocket Scientist of Westfalias. Makes want to upgrade a few things on mine. The easy stuff lol.

[@Carchaeology]

Fantastic and very inspirational. Ive just struck a deal on one for myself and pick it up in a couple days...this video has me VERY excited about it!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Best of luck!

[@angelamelville67]

What a great van. My VW T4 Vision camper isn't quite that old (1993) yet it doesn't have some of those great features. Lovely to see his children are still enjoying all those years travelling around with Dad 😊

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

We agree!

[@padraicsteininger9920]

This! This is an amazing campervan! What this guy has created is truly inspiring to those of us that are just on the onset of our camper adventures. I just bought my first westfalia and it’s truly a blank canvas. A well preserved 1984 Vanagon that need a little maintenance but has never been camping so it’s my starter. Thanks for sharing your awesome rig with us and your creative design and engineering is truly inspiring for what a camper van can actually become. Thank You!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed the tour

[@byfunkyoid2917]

What an awesome man and his van! So cool.

[@dianeeichenberg9616]

Another great rig and owner. It’s always a pleasure to see the pride that some put into their campers, etc. Good find, Patrick! I love it! 😎✌️🤙🤘😎

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Diane.

[@tonvanderreijken4380]

Thanks so much Steve and New Jersey Outdoor Adventures. Really great to see your camper with all the modifications Steve made. I share the same thoughts and experience with my 40 year old T3 (2WD) which is still in good shape driving in Europe. I agree that VW made a wonderful quality car. Thanks for sharing !!!

[@kimhorton6109]

I have to agree about how well these move air. My ‘83 didn’t have window screens when I picked it up and for my first two short trips. It was a little stifled because it had been raining. With the screens on rain was not a big problem and the cross breeze made a huge difference

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Good information, thank you.

[@sammic974]

What an interesting man, very capable and talented. Amazing retro van with modern upgrades, which is the best of both worlds. So many Westphalias out there for a good reason! Glad Steve's enjoyment of camping has never diminished. Am dead jealous of this wonderful vehicle too! Thank you, Patrick.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you very much Sammi.

[@MissEmmyluv]

Great camper enjoy your travels !! Love your camper

[@rikmathias9415]

Awesome setup this guy has. I miss my Vanagon . . . I hope one day to get a rig like this and enjoy cruising again.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

I hope so too!

[@MagicNomadic]

Most ergonomic set up in all of vanlife! I love Westies! I just wish I could afford one! They're flat out awesome!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

We agree!

[@johncrisp6683]

Beautiful van. Well kept and maintained. I own an 87 Auto 2.1. 2W. BC Canada.

[@bioharz9625]

Best van ever designed! Thanks man!

[@magdaindiaan4235]

Amazing, nice setting, I like the rooftop and awning. I also use the back door the same way. My voxy is my everything. Thanks for sharing, enjoy your trip and all the best from the tropical rain forest of Suriname🇸🇷👍

[@SYNCROORG]

Thank you!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Awesome, thank you!

[@SusansRoadLessTraveled]

Love a vintage VW! Mine’s going on 50 years!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Oh wow, awesome Susan.

[@8wheeledassassins.]

My T2 is still going strong at 42 years old! He has lived in Canada, Oregon, Washington and spent the last 11 years here on the East Coast (NJ). If nothing else the pandemic gave me time to give him the attention he needed. Here is to hoping he last long enough for my 2 yo to inherit 😁

[@SusansRoadLessTraveled]

@@8wheeledassassins. I just put a new engine in mine so praying for another 50. As long as I can drive a stick I’ll drive it. I’m almost 60. 😀

[@8wheeledassassins.]

@@SusansRoadLessTraveled I had a fire in the engine a few years back and had to wait for the time or money to rebuild. It was always one or the other. Finally got the time so I sold what I could to make money for parts. Great learning experience and my son could not be more happy to have his very own BUS 😎

[@SusansRoadLessTraveled]

@@8wheeledassassins. ❤️❤️

[@buickinvicta288]

Great van Steve! Patrick- as always another wonderful interview. 👍👍 You find the best content. Always interesting.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Awesome, thank you!

[@drummerzuki]

Absolute legend, brilliant mods for a great van. 👍

[@MacgyverSharon]

Very Nice! Classic & Modern all in one! Thanks for sharing! ☮️❤️🕉️

[@zaheers123]

Great van and really cool guy, seem like he has many a story to tell From Birmingham England

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you very much. He provided so much extra footage to really tell the story well.

[@tttboyy]

Fantastic van and tour of it. Enjoy the ride!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

That's the plan!

[@hdrvman]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO PATRICK!!! WE USED TO CROSS PATHS... I USED TO WORK FOR GERMAINE'S RV,SUNBIRD AND C.W. LAKEWOOD!!! MOST RECENTLY GARICK RV...JUST RETIRED!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Very cool! Congratulations.

[@hdrvman]

@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures I KNOW STEVE S.,JOE G.,JIMMY L. AND GARY W. FROM COLONIAL A.S.!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Steve, Joe and Gary all retired

[@hdrvman]

@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures I KNEW ABOUT JOE AND GARY..NOT STEVE. MY GUESS JIMMY L.STILL THERE

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you so very much for sharing! Love it I am appreciate that.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you very much Maryinn

[@ILLWESTY309]

The various electrical systems he has are awesome.

[@daviemacphoto]

Great tour of your fabulous Westy ..... T3 Tunning Germay have the replacement fog lights.......

[@SYNCROORG]

Thank you. T3 Tuning won't ship to the US since covid. Just tried them earlier this week.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for the information David.

[@pete3816]

Great van. I have an early T4 Westfalia. But I’d love the synchro T3 - just looks amazing. Great to see all the modifications you’ve carried out. All the best

[@pete3816]

@@SYNCROORG done. 😊

[@SYNCROORG]

@@pete3816 Thanks!!

[@TallColdGlass]

Great video. Steve seems like a good dude. Modest, smart, and capable. I'd like to sit under that awning and have a beer and bullsession with him about VW's and the boonies.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Right on!

[@mowattlavern62]

Fascinating van, great job he did on it

[@kevindrane2919]

Love it. Thanks for the share/tour. I bet he was / is the best dad!!! Peace

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

No doubt!

[@howardcox2918]

I lived in Lopatcong NJ for years. I want a Vanagon so bad

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Go for it

[@zelda401]

Nice.i had an 84 westfalia which i sold to buy a vanagon Riviera 84 converted turbo diesel both manual. Really really enjoyed my years going all over I loved driving it. Happy trails and safe travels

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Very cool!

[@wagontheroad]

Buen vídeo amigo Nosotros también tenemos una T3 Saludos desde España 👋🏻

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Luvpig]

Really nice and very practical mods.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Yes they are!

[@lusasilva4643]

Great modifications, congrats!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you like them!

[@deastover898]

I love this van!!! I have been looking for just the right one for years so hard to find in pa😭 the best mini camper ever made❤️

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

I love this too

[@saz7555]

he is a great man 👍👍👍👍👍

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Yes, agreed

[@philoupc2239]

Wow !! such a smart set up !

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Appreciate it

[@markmclean4897]

Awesome is the correct description, good work sir

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ИгорьКулаженко-з8д]

ОТЛИЧНЫЙ ФОЛЬКСВАГЕН! СОСТОЯНИЕ СУПЕР!

[@ceegee2676]

The mods are superb! Fellow Westy fan. 🚌

[@rrhopewell]

This was an awesome guy

[@archangel5627]

This is a really nice Westfalia Vanagon. I love all of the modifications he did to the vehicle. The outdoor shower, curtain and additional water hose is a boss move! I also really like his awning and all of the additional window screens. The interior modes are all very well done and extremely useful. The biggest thing I noticed is that his Westfalia is a 4x4. I always assumed they were all 2 wheel drive. Is the 4x4 factory or was that an added modification? But overall this Vanagon looks extremely comfortable and very well utilized. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@SYNCROORG]

Arch, VW produced a 4WD version of the T3 Vanagon from 1986 through 1991, designated the "Syncro." (2WD Vanagons were made from 1980 through 1991.) VW made a 14" version of the Syncro with 14" stock wheels and a 16" version with 16" wheels, some additional body reinforcements, longer trailing arms in the rear, heavier duty CV joints and some other minor changes. Very few of the 16" model were made and they were not sold in the US. Steyer Puch made the 4 WD components and Syncro Vanagons were shipped from the VW factory in Germany to Austria for final assembly of the 4WD system. Very few Syncros were sold in the US relative to the number of Vanagons that were sold. There are no official figures available, but estimates are in the neighborhood of a only a couple / few thousand. Some even claim it was only 1,200. Here is an article called "The Syncro Story" by Simon Holloway from a Syncro club in the UK that provides a more detailed history of the VW T3 Syncro. syncronauts.org.uk/syncro-technical/syncro-history/the-syncro-story/

[@aaronwoods6717]

This van is soo mint, Syncro envy 👌

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Yes, very good condition.

[@kungfumaster8171]

What a beautiful camper.

[@jadandsheree855]

Love the Setup !

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Jad.

[@gramoukdoom]

Very nice setup. I'm currently restoring my 1.6TD west from 1990, it was in a dire shape when I got it, some people should really abstain from owning these. I'm doing the electricity atm, yours is very well thought out ;) Have a nice trip! Cheers from europe

[@peterblomst1653]

Awesome, I mean really really great , so cool and so miss my vw t3 1989 ! Why oh why did I sell it

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter

[@moniquerossmccoy1314]

Cool camper van

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you very much

[@nurburgflip1188]

Dirt roads from Yosemite to Yellowstone? Now that's what I'm talking about! I sure would like to know the route he took.

[@Waterman872]

Rear hatch shower is outstanding Do you have details or plans also pre heat the water?

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you very much. The guests website information is in the description

[@captainjimmy7626]

The kettle is cool man

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank Jim

[@mnsignr]

Really liked Steve; soft spoken, really knows his stuff…I didn’t hear anything about a toilet (?)

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you very much Paul.

[@charliechan578]

i put a porta potty with a cover that includes a cushion on top behind the passenger seat. works great, can be set outside easily when stopping to cook or used as a seat. i have one of these and a 1984 2WD version. many folks are putting inline subaru 6cyl conversions in them- $8k game changer.

[@PetexZen]

Steve you are my hero. Sick van! Those VW vans are the perfect tiny zombie apocalypse-mobiles. Great video 🤘

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Pete. Rock on 🤘🏼

[@SYNCROORG]

Thank you, Pete. Loved your van tour!

[@frankl643]

I personally like this mini Volkswagen motorhome very much. It is very classic and has a high utilization of internal space. It has good preservation value on used vehicle market. The only drawback is that this vehicle is too old. They are more than 30 years old. If buy it, it will cost a lot of money to maintain and repair.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Frank I really love it too.

[@sheiladawson1648]

I have an ‘88. Have had it a decade now…it does not cost a lot to maintain….having a garage to store it is most important for keeping it in good shape. All motor homes, boats etc are money pits too some degree. Westphalia’s are so well built you really have to neglect them.

[@robertd4468]

If Sportsmobile could make as much use of their larger interior space as this van does. VW definitely figured out how to get as much real estate out of a very small area . Nice van and nice owner.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Good point!

[@champagnerose999]

Classic van love it

[@abrahambensaad505]

That makes me think that at some point, carmakers gave up on building lasting products. This Westfalia is remarcable.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

I am super impressed with this van

[@RalphSaints]

Awesome camper... awesome job...

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you liked it!

[@kimkrebs451]

Cool camper!!!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks Kim

[@kimkrebs451]

@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures you’re welcome

[@kitkat3501]

Amazing van

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you

[@kikujiro499]

Lovely man and nice van.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks!

[@TL50-r9f]

That is an awesome camper, you modified it great. How do you sanitize the 13 gallon water tank do you use bleach, iodine or StarSan?

[@Skypager_TFTC]

Where can I get those front window magnet screens? :) Awesome van. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@SYNCROORG]

From Abel Longoria in Texas. But it took me over two years to get my set! texasvanagons.com/ Thanks!

[@garyp.7501]

There is alternative version at gowesty.com if you can't wait.

[@2Uahoj]

It's not just about caring for these vehicles - it's a lot of luck. I have cared meticulously for mine and have had nothing but trouble. So, you it pays to have a lucky motor and electrical system at the outset, like this vehicle apparently.