1987 VW Westfalia ”Arabelle” User Guide
Welcome aboard! This guide will walk you through operating the key features of your vintage Westy safely and enjoyably.
🛠️ BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Fuel: Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane) with a tank capacity of ~60L (16 US gallons). ***The fuel gauge in Arabelle can be finicky so please re-set ( push the stick in lightly ) the odometer when you re-fuel and to be safe refill at 300km.***
Automatic Transmission: Never drive or coast in neutral.
Parking Brake: Always ensure handbrake is released before driving and use handbrake when parked, especially on hills
🧭 DASHBOARD & DRIVING CONTROLS
Ignition: Insert key and turn clockwise to start. (No need to pump gas.)
Lights: switch is on the left
Push knob fully = headlights
Pull turn signal stalk = high beams pull again to go back to low beams
Wipers:
Pull stalk to spray ( right side)
Move up or down to turn wiper on off
Heat & Ventilation:
Levers on Center of dash control airflow and temperature
Blue = cool air; Red = warm air
Heat takes time to build on older models
🏕️ CAMPER FEATURES
🛏️ Pop-Top Roof
Unlatch in Center of roof just behind the front seats
Push up gently, then switch to “H” bar using two hands on bar until fully extended forward
To close: Pull back on the “H” bar pulling in the canvas evenly. Please careful not to pinch it in the latch or the H bar.
⚠️ Always ensure roof is dry before lowering to prevent mold. It helps to have the skylight vent opened slightly
🔥 Stove (2-Burner Propane)
Turn the main propane valve ON (This valve is located under the van on the drivers side, mid-way between the front and rear of the van). Do not touch yellow or black valves. Only use the silver knob that looks similar to a hose bib valve) (Twist all the way to the left to open it and all the way to the right to close it (Remember: Lefty loosey righty tighty)
Open stove cover fully
Locate long lighter in cutlery drawer
Turn the knob (on stove face) corresponding to the burner you want to use to right hold to release a little propane and using lighter, immediately light the burner
If the burner does not light within a few seconds of you releasing a little propane, turn off the stove knob back off (to the left) and wait a few minutes for the air to clear before attempting to re-light
Once lit adjust flame height as needed (turning the knob left for lower and right for higher, if you turn the knob too far left you will turn the stove off and have to re-light)
You may keep the main propane valve on while you camp but please shut off the main valve under the van before you drive
🔥 Never leave the stove unattended. Always turn knobs fully off after use. If by chance you smell propane (rotten eggs) turn the main valve off on the tank
💧 Sink & Water System
Water pump turns on with the faucet
Use like a normal faucet — cold water only (Please note that the water is fresh and clean but it is a old van with old tubing so we would not recommend drinking in large quantities without boiling first)
Freshwater tank fill: located on side of van
No grey water tank, Grey water just drains under the van. Unless you use the provide catch jug
❄️ Fridge Operation
This fridge may run on:
12V only
If you plug in the van the aux battery will charge
It does not take long but pre-chill food if possible
🛋️ Bed Setups
Lower Bed:
Remove head rests (simply pull the up)
Pull knob located under seat towards you and pull seat using handle located on bottom seat edge up and forward
Push backrest down flat
To pack away, lift front edge of bed using handle till you hear a click and then push down and ensure seat seems locked in place (if the seat seems loose make sure there is nothing under the seat blocking the locking mechanism)
Upper Bed (Pop-Top)
Flip mattress platform forward.
Unfold bedding
🔌 Power Hookup
Plug extension cord into external port ( driver’s side
Lights and water pump run off 12V auxiliary battery regardless of hookup.
🧼 CLEAN-UP & RETURN
Empty fridge and trash
Wipe down surfaces and sweep floor
Ensure propane and water valves are turned off
Return with a full tank of fuel
⚠️ SAFETY & TIPS
Max recommended cruising speed: 90–100 km/h (55–60 mph) obviously follow posted speed limits and consider conditions
Avoid steep grades with heavy loads ( the slower you are going at the start the easier it will be to keep speed down and brake without experiencing brake fade
Watch overhead clearance the van is 6’10”
Treat all equipment gently — it’s vintage!
Enjoy your trip! 🚌✨