studio_driver
Calgary, AB Canada
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Joined: 11/08/2007
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We (2 adults and a dog) travelled in a 94 Eurovan Westfalia for 14 years and it is a great vehicle. I hope the dogs are not too big because it can get really cramped in the van after a few days of cold rainy weather. Depending on when and how far North you intend to go, the bugs (mosquitoes and black flies) could be an issue with the dogs. You can protect yourself but it is more difficult for them and they get miserable.
Other responders have already provided good comments.
Alain
2007 PW Excel TS
2 adults and a collie-cross
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RespondingBack
Los Angeles, California, USA
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Joined: 01/23/2004
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1. If not already mentioned, have your dogs ID chipped, collars with tags with your cellphone number and another number (in case cell is out), and check the pet forum for additional info like locating emergency vets, campground issues with pets etc. There are also various new technologies like tracking devices on your pets, temperature info on vehicle to cellphone, etc--pet forum here will have more info.
2. Check Passport America for cheaper campgrounds. Also get Canada National Parks Pass and American Inter agency Pass--could be cheaper than paying separate entry fees to each park. Also seniors get special rates on camping with these passes.
3. Check commercial caravan tour catalogs for itineraries for ideas. Canadian and American Auto Clubs will also provide maps with scenic tours highlighted. Stop by Visitor Centers for rest break traffic road info, coupons, freebies etc
Have fun.
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senf
Nanaimo,BC,Canada
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Joined: 02/16/2002
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We have been doing the East to West trip every year since 1996. We try to vary the route, and stay off the busy roads whenever possible. We have set our daily limit at 400 km or 250 miles, many days are far less. Our route takes us into the USA in both directions (family). Plan to arrive at the border earlier rather than later in the morning, in case you are pulled over for a vehicle search. Any new electronics should be registered at Canadian Customs before you cross into the USA, therefore no grief coming back to Canada.
Cannot help you with the dogs.
We used to do all campgrounds, but we now fit in nights at freebie places, Walmarts, Casinos, Rest Areas, Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside, etc. We leave early June and return mid-October. We carry BCAA membership and have used it in the USA. We also have a 911-only cell phone, but carry a phone card from Telus, which I use a lot (all calls are billed to our home phone, which is paid automatically).
We normally carry American Express traveller's cheques (no fee from our bank), but last year I tried Visa, which was ok because the exchange rate was favourable, but Visa take its commission all the same. One point I nearly forgot to mention - we are Good Sam members and their Trailer Life Directory is worth its weight (not in gold these days) in saved money.
Have a great trip and you may see us on the road - another Silver Bullet but with extra lights front and back.
"Drive with Care, Life has no Spare!"
2008 Roadtrek C190V 6.0L Hella Fog, Nighthawk Driving, Halogen Reverse Lights, Fiamma Air Horn, Firestone Air Bags, TPMS, Custom Bed & Mattress, Custom O/Head Tray.
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NewsW
US
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Joined: 02/06/2012
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Key question.. what weather extremes... are you going in summer or winter...
How are you dealing with hot weather (in south) and cold weather?
Both extremes have its own challenges.
Posts are for entertainment purposes and may not be constituted as scientific, technical, engineering, or practical advice. Information is believed to be true but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed / or deemed fit for any purpose.
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gerrym51
unknown
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Joined: 07/31/2007
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think of the dogs. this is not doing them any favors
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NewsW
US
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Joined: 02/06/2012
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Marathon10 wrote:My vehicle is a 1992 VW Westfalia Eurovan
spare parts I should carry;
should I invest in a CB Radio?
Is there a rule of thumb or should I just take each day as it comes?
A vehicle that old must be in top condition, with all key rubber parts like hoses, belts, tires, and things like thermostats, ignition parts like points and condenser (if it uses that), distributor cap, ignition wires, etc. all brand new.
Fuel tank and lines must be all inspected for rust and cracking and replaced.
As with all brakes need to be checked for age related faults like rusted lines, cracking of rubber, and overheating --- brand new / reman calipers and rotors with new pads and brake shoes is a great idea.... and while doing that... new wheel bearings... check all front end for wear.. complete grease job.
Tires should be less than 5 years old! Rims not bent... not rusted.
No holes or places in body for exhaust gas to enter. Exhaust system checked for rust / holes and replaced as needed
Alternator checked for output --- wiring for battery positive terminal checked for cracked or old insulation, replaced as needed.
All battery terminals cleaned, battery replaced if it is more than 2 years old (out of warranty).
Interior cabin checked for any water leakage, shorts in electrical system, especially kludged or bypassed fuses.
All lighting in top condition, everything works.
Get AAA or like auto club membership to pay for emergency towing, as most cities now have vultures who tow your car for a ripoff price if you do not have a motor club.
Don't bother with CB radio, get cell phone with both digital and old style analog capability to get maximum coverage.
Do not rely on GPS -- more than one person been killed by bad directions.
Rely on paper maps.
Get a GPRS radio (cheap) for emergency communications.
Let me know if you want my ideas as to what goes in a emergency kit.
Rule of thumb for driving.
Always stop in a safe place (Roadside, high volume Gas station / rest stop / truck stop) at the first sign of tiredness.
Never push.
Try not to drive at dusk (1 hour before sunset and immediately after sunset), or at dawn 1 hour before sunrise and right after) for several reasons.
Visibility is awful, and if it coincides with rush hour traffic, real bad drivers share road with you.
Ideal hours for driving is out of rush hour, 9:30amish to 4:30pmish.. with rest in between as you need.
If you stop mid day, find shade in warm areas to avoid overheating yourself and dogs...
Make sure someone in stop (restaurant employee, etc.) can see you... prefer places under surveillance camera view --- that deters a lot of things.
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Pang
Honolulu, HI
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Joined: 10/19/2004
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Print out all the VW service locations for Canada.
I found that west of Ottawa province, the Provincial CG prices were cheaper.
Also many small towns have free or contribution CG's available. Also many of the libraries have open wifi.
The Walmarts were safe for me, also any 24 hr restaurant might suffice. Use your common sense.
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