Van #1 - Gretel

5

Excellent

8

Offers delivery

21+

Sleeps 4

15 ft. long

This is a fully restored, lifted and re-powered standard transmission 1983.5 VW Vanagon Westfalia. Vanagon Westys were already the world's most exquisitely designed camper vans, but with suspension and engine upgrades (Ford Zetec Dohc), we've done all we could think of to make ours even better. Simply put, there is no better vehicle for traveling and exploring the wilds of the Pacific Northwest. Gretel is a compact, nimble, aesthetic camper that parks and drives more like a car than an RV, but can sleep 4 adults comfortably and sports a fully functioning, propane-powered kitchenette.
1983 Volkswagen Vanagon

Length

15 ft

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Sleeps

4

Seatbelts

4

Sleeping arrangements

2 beds

Cozy RV rental camper van interior featuring a raised pop-top bed, map headliner, striped bench, and storage.. Volkswagen Vanagon 1983
View inside an RV rental pop-top camper, featuring light fabric walls, support poles, a zippered opening, and overhead vent.. Volkswagen Vanagon 1983

Twin beds

2

Host add-ons

Auxiliary heater

$3.00 per day

See details

Awning

$12.00 per day

See details

Bike rack

$10.00 per day

See details

Camp chairs

$5.00 per day

See details

Camp grill

$6.00 per day

See details

Camp stove

$6.00 per day

See details
Van #1 - Gretel

Dates

Guest reviews
5

Excellent

8 reviews

Overall rating

5

4

3

2

1

Communication

-

Cleanliness

-

Maintenance

-

Value

-

Listing accuracy

-

W
Wendell M.

September 2025

5

We had a great time with our vintage Westy Gretel. Mike stepped the vehicle very well for our needs on a simple 4 day rental. There are a few spots where the van is showing its age yet everything we needed worked just fine. Thank you for a fun, easy rental.

L
Larry D.

August 2024

5

My wife and I rented a 1983 Westfalia for 5 days. The reservation process was smooth and efficient and when we arrived at the designated time and place the van was ready to go, and Mike was there to help us get oriented and make sure we understood how everything worked. There were no surprises, the van was well equipped, and everything worked as it was supposed to. We would highly recommend this company for anyone wanting to experience the Westfalia.

M
Marcel B.

September 2021

5

We had an amazing time, the van fully capable to go to all the camping spots we wanted to go to; the van drover very well and the camping layout is fantastic. We had a minor mechanical problem on the road but were able to work through it on the phone with the owner and were on our way again to fun places. Great experience

M
Meredith P.

April 2021

5

Mike was wonderful - very helpful. Great people, sweet vans, good times.

S
Sarah O.

August 2020

5

Great experience working with Mike and taking Gretel camping! Such a memorable family trip.

Features
1983 Volkswagen Vanagon
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 seatbelts
  • Fresh water: 13 gal
  • Propane capacity: 3 lbs
Amenities
  • Audio inputs
  • Radio
  • CD player
  • Stove
  • Kitchen sink
  • Dining table
  • Heater
  • Extra storage
Nearby places to stay
Rules and policies
Vehicle Use: There are innumerable unimproved forest roads that lead to wonderful places in this region, and though a degree of exploration of this type is absolutely permitted, please understand that we do not condone aggressive off-road travel. Things to avoid are any trail rated 4-wheel drive only, tight or heavily overgrown roads that could cause scratched paint, getting stuck, or difficulty turning around, long stretches of washboard, or any encounter with salt water. Renters are completely responsible for the consequences of getting stranded or damage caused by pushing things too far. Please use common sense. In general it’s best to treat the vans like the classics they are. Drive relaxed (60-65 cruising) and remember that you have slipped back to the 1980’s; no airbags, no rear view camera, and no ABS braking. But all BFW vans are mechanically solid and dependable, and they will treat you right if you do the same to them. Breakdowns: BFW vans are maintained to the highest order and spontaneous breakdowns are unlikely. But, as we all know, stuff happens. Should you experience a breakdown we will first attempt to resolve the issue over the phone or, if we are available to do so, we will come out to the van. If that is not possible, and if you accepted roadside assistance when you made the reservation, the next call should be to Coach-Net[phone number removed] If the issue is deemed to not be the fault of the renter, BFW will pay for repairs and refund lost trip time. If the issue is deemed to not be the fault of the renter and it is not resolvable in the field, we will attempt to swap vehicles to continue the trip and refund lost trip time. If the issue is not resolvable in the field and no swap vehicle is available, the remaining trip days will be refunded in full. Under no conditions will BFW be responsible for additional costs associated to adjusting your plans. BFW is the sole determinant of non-approved roads or other unapproved use of vehicle resulting in damage or breakdown. Pick Up/Drop Off: Renters renting through our main location in Fall City will have the option of picking the van up themselves (30525 SE 44th St, Fall City WA, 98199) or having the van delivered to them within 30 miles north, south, or east of Seattle. Renters renting through our North Seattle location (Dutch) are required to pick the van up at and return it to 1221 NW 126th Street, Seattle, WA 99177. Alternative pick up/drop off situations are possible if previously agreed. Insurance: Full collision and comprehensive coverage ($75K) as well as 3rd party liability insurance ($1M) is provided through our partners, Wheelbase Pro. The standard deductible is $1,000, and the cost to you is 10% of the total rental rate. Black Forest Westfalias receives no profit on this service. Miscellany: As much as we love pets, pets are not allowed in our vans. Smoking is also prohibited.
  • Not pet friendly
  • No music festivals
  • No tailgating
  • No smoking
  • Mileage: 150 free miles / day
Meet your host, Mike

Member since 2016 • Dealer

For the better part of a decade I’ve been a documentary photographer based in Seattle. In the early days as a freelancer I needed a vehicle that I could live in for indeterminate lengths of time, work out of comfortably, and go just about anywhere. The van was always been a trusty companion, affording me high levels of comfort and security while I worked. Later, around the time my son turned 2, it became just as important to get our family out camping as it was for me to travel for my job, and the van sort of became another family member. The beauty of a Westfalia is you don't need to plan as much. We've been on countless spontaneous trips that we otherwise wouldn't have taken, and the memories of course are invaluable. So many of our friends that we've camped and traveled with have thought of owning a Westfalia, but affordable vans in reliable condition aren't easy to come by. As I began doing more and more mechanical work, pushing myself to do bigger and bigger jobs, I realized I had an opportunity. I could share this thing that I enjoy so much, and in turn expand my own knowledge and interest. From there all I needed was a name (and a few more vans).

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