The Vanagon Synchro: Proving You're Never Too Old to Overland
We like new, modern, and rigged up as much as the next guy. We value technology and innovative design. If it weren't for both, Rollercam® cam straps wouldn't exist. But there's also room for vintage. There's room for old in the overlanding lifestyle. Need proof? Look no further than the Vanagon Synchro.
If you consider yourself a hard-core overlander, you've probably seen at least one Vanagon Synchro in your lifetime. The Vanagon hasn't been manufactured in two decades. But it is not all that uncommon to see overlanders with Vanagons dating back to the 80s and 90s. The vans are workforce vehicles that get the job done. They prove that you are never too old to overland.
Just Putting on the Miles
Expedition Portal ran a fantastic piece in late October about a couple planning to ship their 1980s-era Vanagon to Europe after having completed a 40,000 mile journey from South America to Alaska and back again. But alas, the pandemic stopped them in their tracks.
Two years later they are ready to get back at it. The only difference is that they changed their minds about shipping their vehicle. Instead, they bought a 1990 Vanagon Westfalia Synchro in Amsterdam. They plan to start their European journey there and see what the road brings them.
What is clear is that this couple loves the Vanagon. Like our cam straps and Roperollers, the Volkswagen Vanagon is built to last. It is a sturdy, 4WD vehicle that takes even the most rugged terrain with ease. It also has plenty of room to accommodate all the most important overlanding stuff – and a comfortable bed to boot!
A Vehicle for Every Need
Volkswagen began making the Vanagon, also known as the Transporter, Caravelle, and Microbus in 1979. It was intended to be a vehicle for every need. Different models could come off the assembly line as passenger vans, cargo vans, utility trucks, and even military vehicles. The Synchro model was the most rugged of them all.
The Synchro was produced in Germany until 1991. It was always intended to be a 4WD vehicle, though a small number of 2WD units were produced after Volkswagen pulled production from Germany in 1991.
We all know how impressive German engineering is in the automotive world. So it shouldn't be a surprise that some 30 years after German production was halted, the Synchro is still on the road and serving overlanders everywhere.
Just Make It Work
The lesson in all of this is that even old stuff is fine if you are willing to just make it work. Sure, a modern 4x4 or the AEV Prospector like we have for the Rollercam® HQ is nice to have when you are overlanding in unfamiliar places. But you can have just as much fun in a 30-year-old, well-maintained rig. Modern isn't a requirement to get the most out of overlanding.
It is really about the equipment you have and knowing how to use it. It's also about learning to be your own mechanic and repair technician. If something breaks in the middle of nowhere, help will be hard to come by. But if you can learn to fix things yourself, just about anything goes.
You're Never Too Old, Either
In closing, there is one other thing to remember: you are never too old to overland, either. Go find yourself a reliable vehicle, load up on the cam straps and Roperollers, and start putting together an inventory of overlanding equipment and supplies. Then just go. And always remember that overlanding is not about the destination. It is about everything your experience on the journey.
