It's time to move on... Goodbye Westfalia

We're selling our Westfalia camper van and saying our final goodbye to Van Life. This is the end of an era! What should we do next?
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[@heynadine]

I hope you all enjoyed watching our adventures with Clifford our 1987 Westfalia. What do you think we should get next? Have any suggestions and what you'd like to see?

[@Jiddy12345]

Most certainly.

[@garyp.7501]

I bought my '82 van in '96. still have it. It is a great family car. We used it to go to prom! It's a great weekend van. You have snacks already in it, you can make hot chocolate at the park if it's raining. It still fits in most garages (although with the lift kit and 15" rims it's 6'9"ft clearance). I have recently put a drawer under the rear table (Van Cafe) which would have been great for the kids to store their books etc in it. I installed the shoulder strap seat belts for the back seats, easy peasy, one just bolts in place the other you have cut a small hole (tape it so that the surface doesn't crack). I also installed a third lap belt on the bench seat for those rare, need to carry 3 kids and two adults. I bought a rear facing jump seat out of another van, and had that installed, put in a shoulder seat belt for it. I have a Yakama bar rack on top, which I have used to bring a canoe for camping. I installed the lift kit so it goes down dirt roads better. I put the top lift struts on so that I can have a box up top and still pop the tent. I added a console from VanagonLife for secure storage. Then I installed the underseat drawers from Van Cafe. I have the hitch, which I use to tow a 16ft dory, but not with a full camping load or over high hills. The Trailer and boat weigh ~500lbs. When camping, I brought a basic tent for the kids so that we had more room when they became teenagers. I now have an awning which makes it even better for camping. I moved the spare to the back, and put a gowesty storage box underneath the front for more space. As for the cold weather, add sweaters and a blanket for the kids in the back. You can get a propex heater if you want to camp in the cold. For the first few years, you can put the kids up top on the upper bunk. Remember the Iniut had babies in igloos! They are seriously ok in a "cool" environment. The inside fits a twin mattress. I used the van to take all three of the kids to college (one at a time) with all their stuff. It all fit! Since you have a water cooled version, when the motor needs replacing, go with a Subaru replacement. More power for those hills. If you maintain it, it won't break down on your trips. Yes have towing insurance "just in case" but really these vans make for great family vehicles. Sprinters, way more money. Can't be used as a second vehicle, as they don't fit in most parking garages. Do you really want a van you only drive 3 or at best 4 weeks out of a year? With these vans you can just keep modifying them to fit your current needs relatively inexpensively vs buying a kitted out Sprinter. Down here in SoCal, they run $80K to beyond! You can do a heck of a lot of mods to your van for that kind of change.

[@brandonw189]

Just bought a 1991 VW Westfalia on Saturday and currently taking it from Manitoba to PEI so this video is timely! Loved watching your guys videos! Major inspiration for me. All the best on your next adventure

[@MyraHart1943]

That's so exciting! I enjoyed watching your Clifford adventures and am happy that you are sorting out what you need for the future!

[@dannydanny9875]

Thanks for the Memories!

[@abbasmotlagh5117]

I drove my 85 Westy for 300000. Miles , no that is not a typo , we went to Alaska , crossed Canada and US a few times , only had to be towed twice. Lots of brakes one transmission 2 heads a set of shocks that is it. Bought it for $15000 and 37 years later sold it for $15000.

[@smurfettmm999]

You should definitely consider a travel trailer over another van/class c. There's no really good spot for car seats in either of those options so a truck will be much safer to have the kids ride in. Plus you have the truck to drive around in while you're on a trip so you can leave the trailer parked at the campground.

[@mattofstie9298]

Fully agree with everything 👍

[@travellingbeautifully8394]

We loveeee our Rockwood Geopro Bunkhouse and have a SUV that we drive daily which can pull it!

[@advisorsguide9767]

I used to work for a major RV dealership and the price of drivable campers almost NEVER make sense right now. Not only is the initial price of them astronomical but there are higher ongoing costs for maintenance. Travel trailers or 5th wheels offer more space & flexibility for your money.

[@mohamedabdelkader8665]

Awesome to watch this channel.

[@scottman895]

It seemed like it was just yesterday that you first bought the Westfalia. It's hard to believe that the time has come for Clifford to head out on his own for a new adventure. I look forward to what you decide to get next!

[@piplup10203854]

Goodbye Clifford! Onward and upward to better things :D can't wait to see what is next.

[@rainyinspainy]

I saw a nice small camper out on Cape Lookout, North Carolina this summer. As long as it fits on the vehicle ferry over there so you can go look for shells and visit the light house and explore the island, I'm all for it.

[@mattofstie9298]

I like the idea of a small trailer. Easy to pull, park and maintain.

[@vonwesty3544]

I've really been enjoying the Westy adventures. Hard to see Clifford go, but I know you'll find him a great home! Many of us are using window a/c units placed in the top luggage rack with a fabric tunnel to cool off the van. Diesel heaters are great for heating these vans. I switched to an all-in-one diesel heater kept outside the van. Route heat through a dryer vent tube, a panel in the sliding window on the kitchen, and it does a great job heating the cabin. I camped in 17 degree F temps this Winter and maintained 70 degrees F inside the cabin.

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job Nadine thumb up

[@manr7186]

Just learning to drive my 1985 GL sunroof! It’s been in the family since it was bought new in 1985. It’s gone through 2 engines and currently has a Subaru EJ25. I hope I have many great trips in this van!

[@blyhigh4199]

Bummer. I have an '89 Westy and enjoyed your vids. Good luck.

[@BasicMemory]

Great video.

[@davidwalter8553]

Nooooo !!....... Sorry to see your saying goodbye to 'Clifford the Westy' Having followed your videos on the Do's & Don'ts on owning a VW Vanagon Westfalia, I too went out and bought a '89 Vw Vanagon California Westfalia and my partner and I have been loving the experience. Huge thanks to you both on helping us make the right decission and we are looking forward to happy times in our VW. Although I know you will be missing the VW Life and all the fun that goes with driving a Westy Vanagon. Good luck with the next move in finding a new Van, RV or ??? - Looking forward to your next adventure David & Jojo (UK)

[@BKiste]

Makes totally sense. It was a good run, Mr. Clifford.

[@rebecaj6045]

I’m going to miss Clifford but am excited for your next project! I think a Class C would be good to have (easy access to a bathroom for when your baby grows).

[@amandar6387]

Hi Nadine! We have a one year old and did a new truck (with power boost so it has a genie that works off grid so we can camp anywhere) and we bought a 2006 24ft trailer that we Reno’d. We have taken it all northwestern Ontario this summer and it has been amazing and very comfortable for our daughter.. it also has three bunks so we can grow into it. Lots of space in the cab this way and can easily pull into provincial parks with the size and can fit two kayaks in the box of the truck. Would recommend a trailer.

[@vclamp]

I hope Clifford will be adopted to a new home that will keep him busy. As fo a new van... why not go with a full sized concert tour bus! 😂

[@heynadine]

haha that might be a bit much!

[@Uziboozie]

Sprinter Van definitely!

[@trinifirst6702]

Sounds like you need an extended length Mercedes Sprinter for sure! ;-) I wish I could adopt Clifford, but in my country we drive on the right

[@paulevans3522]

Hi guys nice to see you again always enjoy your trips in your van always great videos , myself I would go for a four to five birth RV If I was you they are great loads of room plenty of head room bathroom on board etc. anyway up to you take care see you soon guys

[@Ranger7Studios]

Goodbye Clifford! We hardly knew ye! I know a lot of people are going the RV life right now, as my sister works in an RV park. It's becoming much more popular due to covid. Either way, can't wait to see what you get.

[@heynadine]

yes, I've heard that! it's very practical atm!

[@SpencerHogg]

Sprinter can would be so cool , truck + trailer would also be awesome

[@eliotvancil]

Love the video! I'm an overlander also. I own a Vanagon Syncro and a Jeep with a Patriot Camper trailer. I've looked at many different larger Sprinter style vans. Surprisingly, the Vanagon (while smaller) is typically much more functional. The Sprinters with a pop top, like the Sportsmobile are interesting. Like you, the Vanagon has let me down mechanically many times. That's why I have the Jeep now.. Trailer camping changes everything, and limits your abilities dramatically. If you do go the trailer route, do one that you could sleep in while at a truck stop or Cracker Barrel. This is a frustration point for me in the Jeep on long trips. Good luck!

[@trinifirst6702]

The Sprinter's quite a tall van, why would you need a pop-top? As a Syncro owner, I find the extended Sprinters would be the perfect camper.

[@don-dspid2404]

Farewell Clifford! I guess being a parent kinda caught up with you two. Oh well, it happens. I would think about 2 children at least for the next touring vehicle. A van, even a build out, is never going to last space wise. Plus there are only two seats that have buckles. I don't know if you already have a truck or not. If you do, get a trailer. The advantage is it is stand alone and you can use the truck independently. However the cost of fuel will be less with a Class C, I think. I may be wrong on that. However the vehicle is not independent. Those are my thoughts. Curious what you decide.

[@heynadine]

indeed, all good pros and cons to each. lots of deciding ...

[@garyp.7501]

Trailers suck. They limit the number of back roads you can drive down. They are hard to park in town when you stop for groceries. They sit unused for most of the year. If you live in a wet climate, they mold and mildew. It's one more set of tires to maintain.

[@don-dspid2404]

@@garyp.7501 Some seriously good points.

[@TSLDame-Crafts]

Sad to see the Westy go. But I get it. can't wait to see when you all get, but I would think a bit bigger for if and when you have another child. 😊

[@user-wn4ow1zq7c]

😇Hi, thank you for sharing your video. I'm glad to be here. Hoping to watch more videos from you, keep on sharing and always have a great day ! - greetings from our family Kapiso mo Vlog

[@johncrisp6683]

I own an 87 Westy just like yours. However our kids are wonderful adults now. It looks in great shape. Keep your adventures up. Small children will not impede what you want to do and have fun in many environments. The one issue you brought up in temperature. Heating can be done in almost any vehicle but AC is a challenge. On the other hand you can just adapt. As a Westy owner size is a challenge! I have found and seen that if you get to large it really starts to limit where you can go. Stay nimble, simple and flexible.

[@BrendenPragasam]

You should think about a ford maverick hybrid with a trailer! You would be able to travel ALOT with that and they are really economical

[@Torsee]

C Class all the way!

[@dannydanny9875]

Sprinter Van!

[@take5newstv]

Goodbye Clifford. Stella is nervous but I told her not to worry… yet. I like the airstream trailers.

[@danmackellar]

If you have the budget: trailer + truck is a good combo because it gives the amenities you need, and the flexibility of having a vehicle you can drive around day to day without burning as much gas

[@VickiCopland]

I'd chat with Eric and Alison from the Endless Adventure about their experience with their Class C Clementine. Granted, they did buy an older vehicle, but would still be worth getting their thoughts.

[@Ben-cy5hg]

In Taiwan, we need to remove all of the wardrobe, sink, wooden frame and so on to pass the car annual inspection. Everytime I go to car inspection, I have to remove a lot of things. We can't cut car's roof and install another one. How is the car inspection in Canada?

[@ChungScholes18]

Farewell Clifford. Well, things change when your family grow bigger, I would like to think a Van or Trailer would be cool, bigger space and also I guess if you guys are planning for more children in the future, then trailer maybe better fit as Van can only have 2 seat. Little human they grow so fast. Curious to see what you decide and see your next adventure.

[@cindyreddeer]

I think a C Class might be your best bet, especially if you have a tow package to take a car so you aren't stuck. I think it would let you grow with it for a few years. My family got one in 1974, and I have some great memories of travelling with my parents and brother in it until well after I graduated high school in 1983. It made long trips really fun and not confining. :D We didn't tow a car with it, but we did bring all 4 bikes with us.

[@heynadine]

gotta bring the bikes!! perfect for camping

[@MagicalKae1717]

Would love to see a west coast road trip all the way down to California!

[@mattofstie9298]

I would actually love to do that trip! So many amazing places along the coast 👌

[@terrycline8689]

ahhh! I am on the West Coast - have driven from San Diego to Washington (though still need to explore more of that area). The California coast, at least from about Morro Bay to as far north as Hwy 1 will take you - is spectacular at every twist and turn. You won't be disappointed! And Oregon...'nuff said. Just amazing.

[@mirandaalexis]

i think the sprinter van would be good for yall

[@danielpadilla1537]

Do you guys already have a buyer? I would love to take Clifford off your hands if that’s even an option. Also, I think a sprinter van would be a good fit for the things y’all are looking to have with a growing family!

[@chancesareshewears]

TBH having owned 3 Vangons over 2 decades. I would recommend the Toyota Chinook, more room better mpg, far more reliable and cheap to fix.

[@federicopersia]

You should go for an airstream!

[@heynadine]

haha I'll have to get an opinion from Kristen Sarah!

[@kikzb643]

how much u sold the westy (clifford) ? em trying to look for one please help.

[@RicardoRoams]

Many years ago, I owned a '71 Westfalia and it took me over most of North America. So it was a little sad to see Clifford having to go. I always enjoyed watching you do upgrades and repairs to Clifford. Brought back a lot of nice memories for me. But I get it. It was time for you folks. While the Sprinter Van will park in a normal parking space, I think they are overpriced, especially now. And you may outgrow the interior rather quickly. Plus, if the van does have a bathroom, it will be very small. The class C has more room, but requires more parking space and unless you tow a small car, you'll have to haul your home around with you everywhere. Personally, I don't like to tow. But for your needs with a growing family the trailer might be the best choice. Obviously, you'll also have to purchase a tow vehicle, so you'll have to register and insure 2 vehicles. But it does gives you versatility. You can park your trailer and drive the tow vehicle when it's convenient like in a National Park. This might also come in handy when you need to go to town to resupply, etc. Another factor is if you have a van or the class C, and you have a mechanical breakdown, your home goes right along to the shop. How are you going to live while repairs are being made? With the trailer being separate from the tow vehicle, that's not an issue.

[@garyp.7501]

"How are you going to live while repairs are being made?" Seriously? Uber and a hotel room. If you ever needed that, and I haven't, it's going to be a lot less expensive than paying for a class C van. Or having a pick-um-up truck. Granted, if you need a Pickup for regular life, ie you live on a farm, or whatevr, then the incremental cost of a trailer might not be so bad. But you are going to need a place to store that trailer when you are not using it.

[@LtNduati]

Makes complete sense, we'll miss Clifford - but I think either a sprinter van (where it can be more trip focused since most travel youtubers now van-lifers are using sprinters), or a trailer that's closer to the Clifford style of content. Class C seems too big, but that's just me.

[@heynadine]

thanks for the input, there are some small and large c class so definitely options there

[@greycaribou]

Great video and decision. If I was you I might...might... consider a school bus, not sure if you want another older vehicle with more renovations, but, you could make it how you want, and they are huge! So many travel trailers are not made well. Just my thoughts.

[@heynadine]

great advice, never thought of a school bus!

[@greycaribou]

@@heynadine :) looking forward to see what your next adventure brings.

[@habibkhan5427]

I want to work in Canada.

[@Kitpu917]

Hi..do you already have a buyer for Clifford ? Also curious how much ? R you going to do a trade in with a dealer van/rv/trailer. I already have a 1985 VW westfalia. I get it it would be nice to have more space,AC/heat an insulated rig, a bathroom and something you know that will go across country etc etc and not worry that it is going to break down. I love my westy but I don’t think I could live in it full time. I’d need something else

[@sbaugh2000]

Any reason you didn’t want to do longer distance trips with Clifford?

[@muhammedafsalk684]

We use auto riksha in india for family travel

[@opasurya2015]

💖

[@BakedBanana]

oh?

[@alireza_adventure]

sprinter van

[@oldfarmshow]

👍

[@tanyasoroka3314]

Class C

[@wilsondavenport6939]

For the sake of the next owner I hope you include the original fridge Can’t say I am not sad to see the van go

[@garyp.7501]

ugh, no. Those original fridges are garbage. They don't keep anything cold, they take up a huge amount of space. You can install a 12V in that same cabinet, but it's better to rig a second 100AH battery and use a stand alone fridge. That way you can put it in the bear boxes at campgrounds, and remove it from the van for your regular driving.

[@sarahmckenzie3929]

Tiny house that you can tow!

[@karlamaynor5544]

I think a small rv or a trailer would be better than a van. Sprinter vans are cool, but I imagine families with kids grow out of them pretty quickly.

[@karlamaynor5544]

Also if you plan on having it for 5+ years, make sure it has a decent size bathroom so it will make traveling and potty training easier.

[@ricusserfontein1086]

The market on converted vans is heading for a huge crash as more and more people give up vanlife every day.

[@davwht9]

Why not get a schooly. 🚖

[@habibkhan5427]

Help me

[@Nuclear_Rabbit]

Could always bring back the warcraft vids....

[@mcmahon31619]

Ohhhh nooooo Clifford 😢

[@krath043]

Convert a school bus to RV

[@Pexzee]

A skoolie would be charming. I mean charming for us and "charming" for you.

[@heynadine]

indeed!

[@ashleiwade]

Van build out for sure

[@pawepiechocki1792]

Your boyfriend is "influencer" On Linkedin.Sad guy.

[@alanbstard4]

baby too young to travel, Give up the road for a few years

[@trail70brent]

Say it isn’t so😱 you can’t sell Clifford he’s part of the family😊 so if you do sell Clifford you should only sell him to another KZbinr who will continue Clifford’s journey so all of us can follow

[@heynadine]

I know, I wish we could keep him but wouldn't make sense.

[@s.a.stewart2743]

Go ahead and refurbish a C-class like the Mindless adventure. You will have tons of video content. lol

[@heynadine]

haha maybe not quite like that!

[@timomorrison9845]

Don't sell Clifford! Haven't you been at every campground and heard from every former Westy owner rueing the day they sold their beloved Westy.? I've had mine for 22 years and raised my family and many large golden retrievers in it. You will not find a better suited vehicle on the road. Why do you think they are so popular? Ask any owner of a large modern van and they will tell The most overrated things about modern RVs are bathrooms and kitchens. It's wasted space. Unless you go to a clunky c class, you will never have the room(floor space) in a b class sprinter type van, that you do in the Westy. So many reasons to keep the Westy. As a side note, last month I spent 3 weeks in a brand new $110k Mercedes westfalia Marco Polo van. I could not wait to get back to my 1991 Westy. Nothing beats the Westy.. Period. Don't do it! 😭😉

[@garyp.7501]

100% agree. I have an '82 westy that I bought in '96. No plans to ever sell her. I just keep upgrading and maintaining it, and it gets nicer and nicer to drive.

[@hunterluxton5976]

Your both mad.

[@HD-uq4tn]

We have spent the last 15 years camping with our 2 ❤️ and are on the 4th or 5th new configuration although we have always had a tent as part of our set up as we didn’t have a pulling truck. If you are willing to have a big truck then I would recommend a trailer which is what our friends did and they have really enjoyed it ! Enjoy which ever way you choose as it is the time together that counts 🤗🇨🇦🏕

[@alireza_adventure]