Our 2002 VW Eurovan Weekender: Celebrating one year as van owners
Last week, we celebrated our one-year vaniversary with our new-to-us 2002 VW Eurovan Weekender. This time last year, we took the plunge, swore to be with our van for better or worse, exchanged nervous glances, handed over a hefty $15K cashier’s check, and walked our way down the proverbial aisle—in our case, New Hampshire’s Route 16, as we drove our new love home from the White Mountains to the seacoast.
In the past year, we’ve certainly had our share of ups, downs, expenses, and—most and best of all—memories. We spent 18* nights sleeping in the van this past summer/fall, and we’re hoping to at least double that number next year (G doesn’t know this yet, so shhh). To say we’ve learned a lot would be an understatement. Here’s just a sampling, as I’m sure we’ll forever be adding to the list:
G learned how to replace two batteries—the main one (starter battery) and the alternate battery.
We learned that buying one of those code clearing devices was a great purchase—but we also learned that clearing the codes also resets the emissions, thus keeping us from being able to pass the state inspection. Thus began our go-round(s) of clearing codes, driving 150+ miles to reset emissions, and crossing our fingers that the check engine light would stay off just long enough.
A new engine control module (ECM) is damn expensive—and when you put a new one in, apparently BOTH keys need to be paired to the new one. Or the vehicle won’t start. Yup, would have been nice to know AHEAD OF TIME.
Having AAA is a beautiful thing.
You know that scene in The Money Pit when all hell breaks loose and Tom Hanks just laughs? Yeah, we know that laugh.
It’s easy to take modern vehicle technology for granted—built-in navigation systems, cruise control, back-up mirrors. But at least we have power doors and windows!
Since our check engine light seems to love to surprise us, we’ve learned a ton of new codes. Who knew there were so many things to go wrong??!!
Having a father-in-law who knows cars—like, really knows cars—is a beautiful thing. And G learned that his dad’s knowledge and skills didn’t necessarily get genetically passed down to him.
When you’re scared of heights (G) and driving the winding roads of the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, having the brake sensor engine light go off is not a good feeling.** In that moment, I learned to keep my mouth shut.
G learned that tt’s okay to not shower for a few days. For the record, I was always knew this.
G is INTENSE about keeping the van clean. I mean, INTENSE. I guess one of us has to be.
11a. My husband is a very, very organized man. His Ph.D. might as well be in packing skills and not education; seriously, this man can pack and organize like nobody’s business.
G learned that he could drive 3000 without cruise control without his foot falling asleep. For the record, that wasn’t 3000 miles non-stop, but still—
The simplest meals are the best meals. Mmm, campfire nachos and s’mores. Need I say more?
13a. Everything tastes better when cooked outside.
Few things compare to sitting outside next to a campfire—said campfire is even better when it overlooks the water.
I will never tire of taking photographs of the van (see Exhibit A, below). Yes, it’s excessive, but hey, I don’t have kids or pets, so give a girl a break!
Camping is so much better when a) I can go inside if it rains and b) I can go inside if’s it’s too cold out. (Full disclaimer: I do not pretend to be hard-core. I am well aware of my limitations.)
16a. And camping is even better when set-up involves just moving a latch, pushing up on the interior, and voila!
Shopping for fun van gear (games, blankets, doo-dads we didn’t think we needed) could be my full-time job (spoiler: stay tuned for a “our favorite van gear” post coming soon!)
Having a van—and definitely one with a Westfalia pop-top—is an easy way to make conversation with complete strangers.
Having separate sleeping compartments is KEY. Sure, the idea of snuggling up next to each other in side-by-side sleeping bags sounds oh-so-romantic, but after 20 years of marriage and a primal need (mine) to get a good night’s sleep, nothing beats heading “upstairs” to my own “room” in the pop top. G can get up as many times as he needs to during the night, and I’m (for the most part) oblivious. Ah, sweet dreams indeed.
The most important lesson we learned? We should have done this sooner (see, G, you should have listened to me years ago!!!!).
*If we’re really counting, I spent 19 nights in the van and G spent 18—upon our return to the States after our trip through the Maritimes, I hightailed over to surprise my fam and had an overnight adventure with my younger sister’s kiddos.
**We had put in new brake pads and rotors before the trip, but the combination of being on the Cabot Trail and heading toward Meat Cove (i.e., the place that feels like the literal end of the world) and the brake light going off was not a good one!