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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).

A sealed or low-maintenance lead-acid battery design intended to reduce routine electrolyte checks; its condition, terminals, and charge may still need inspection.

Any Volkswagen Transporter . Since the Beetle was the first car produced by VW, it became known within the company as the Type 1. The bus or transporter was the second type of vehicle produced, so it became known as the Type 2. The Squareback/Fastback was the Type 3, and the 411/412 was the Type 4 (which had the same engine as the 1972-1982 Type 2's ( buses ).

In a Syncro drivetrain, a driveshaft decoupler disconnects the prop shaft so the front axle is no longer driven through it; it is not the front differential lock. A Gerry discussion on 16 May 2004 compares the original non-viscous-coupling layout, which used a driveshaft decoupler, with viscous-coupling Syncros while debating front-lock behavior. The thread is historical community discussion, not a retrofit procedure; identify the drivetrain configuration before interpreting parts or controls.

The first generation of Transporters , from 1949-1967. Note that this is not Type 1, but just T1 (for Transporter 1 ). Strictly speaking, it should be Type 2 , T1 . Known as the Station Wagon or Microbus .

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.

Air Flow Meter. the silver box next to the air cleaner box on the fuel injection model buses . it measured the volume of air entering the intake system, and allowed the computer to adjust the amount of gasoline required.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The pressurized tank in the water-cooled Vanagon cooling circuit that accommodates coolant expansion and provides a fill and bleed point. It is separate from the low-pressure coolant refill reservoir; the names are sometimes confused in parts listings.

The 12-volt battery supply used for camper electrical loads such as interior lighting, the water pump, and controls on the documented Vanagon Westfalia. Whether a particular vehicle has a separate auxiliary battery depends on its model and later modifications.

Westfalia is a camper-conversion brand, not a Transporter generation. Gerry’s preserved FAQ describes Westfalia as one of several companies that converted VW Transporters and says it was generally the camper version imported and sold through Volkswagen dealers in the United States at that time. Roof, interior, and equipment depend on the specific vehicle and year.

Wolfsburg Editions are models with a higher level of trim, and are probably intended to stimulate sales late in the model year. In addition trim upgrades, they usually include some options without any extra charge (power mirrors, power door locks, and power windows, etc.) The true Weekender is usually also offered as a Wolfsburg Ed. (It's believed that the Westy Weekender only came as a Wolfsburg Edition.)

Vehicle Identification Number. This is a number that uniquely identifies your vehicle. It is usually located in several locations on the vehicle, the most common being under the windscreen just forward of the driver (and intended to be viewed from the outside of the bus.) You'll also find the VIN on the frame rail under the van near the front edge of the sliding door. Also see: Table for interpretting the Vanagon VIN

Adventurewagen was a Fort Bragg, California conversion builder, not a Volkswagen model or Transporter generation. In a December 1998 Gerry thread about camper conversions, a contributor describes its high-roof conversion as common on the U.S. West Coast and distinguishes that fixed high roof from pop-top layouts. A 2001 thread also identifies Adventurewagen as a maker of Vanagon high-top conversions. Roof, interior, and equipment vary by build and vehicle year.