We are about to embark on a long trip with our 1999 VW Winnie Camper.
62,000 miles excellent condition, brakes and cooling system flushed
(with correct replacement antifreeze) when we got it 30 months ago.
Per information we got from the seller, it had 'all services' done to
it for the warranty period and beyond to about 40,000 miles. THe
warranty book supported this. We got it at 49,000 miles.

We are about to go on a long trip through the western mid-west to
include about 2500 miles in total over 2 weeks, mostly the first and
last two days. But some of this trip will be in emphatically remote
areas far from VW dealers.

Do I shotgun the hoses and serpentine belt, or do I take my (very
good) mechanic's word for "they look and feel fine"?

As an aside, we get 20+mpg with the thing on long trips - it can get
out of its own way on the highway and has all the 'modern
conveniences' such as airbags, anti-lock, traction control and AC that
works. Add to that such things as a working refrigerator, stove,
heater, auxiliary power and so forth - it is a far cry from our old
Westie. Perhaps less 'romance' but the reliability quotient is off the
charts by comparison.

Thanks in advance!

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA