Camp Westfalia

Archive for Travel Electronics

Essential Apps for Van-Travel

Navigation and travel apps for your mobile device help you find campsites, points of interest, and the routes to get there, or even to make reservations while you’re still en route.

Here are some of the Camp Westfalia crew’s favorites …

Camping

VanAlert

Among all the other great features of VanAlert is a directory of user-submitted favorite camping spots to help you find a place to call home for the night. You can even find other VW Vanagon/Bus owners who have volunteered the temporary use of their driveway for short stays while traveling.

https://vanalert.com

Kampnik

Kampnik is built on the venerable USCAmpgrounds.info database of more than 13,000 campgrounds in the United States and Canada with a focus on public car-accessible campgrounds whose existence and location has been verified by a human. With Kampnik, you can find public campgrounds in National Parks, National Forests, Provincial Parks, State Parks, City and County Parks, and more on federal, state, provincial, and local lands. From beaches to mountains and rivers to deserts, Kampnik will help you find campgrounds for the places you want to go.

http://kampnik.com/

iOverlander

iOverlander is a free site (and phone apps) created to help overlanders on the road find their next destination. Please help us make this site great by updating our information and adding places you have been.

http://ioverlander.com/

Allstays

The number one camping app for iPhone, iPads and iPods. From resorts to hike-in spots. Amenities, maps, truck stops, rest areas, Wal-mart and casino parking, RV dealers, sporting goods stores and much more. Two modes: one uses GPS and maps that you can filter. One is an offline manual lookup mode for when you don’t have service.

https://www.allstays.com/

WikiCamps

Plan your next adventure using the WikiCamps Trip Planner. Create unlimited trips, add multiple locations, notes, and custom map pins. The ultimate camping companion for your smart phone, tablet and Windows 10 PC. USA’s largest database of campgrounds, RV parks, backpacker hostels, points of interest, dump stations, visitor information centers, water taps, toilets, showers, and more.

https://usa.wikicamps.co/

KOA (Kampgrounds of America)

Search KOA’s huge selection of campgrounds to find your perfect fit. Search by city, state or attractions. Or find a nearby KOA campground based on your current location. Get detailed campground descriptions, hot deals, driving directions, as well as descriptions of local attractions and local and campground activities.

https://koa.com/get-the-koa-app/

Roadtrippers

Enter where you want to start and finish your road trip, and then discover the coolest “off the beaten path” places along the way. Our database includes millions of the world’s most fascinating places, making planning the unexpected easier than you thought. Road trip planning can be tedious… and what do you get from it? Most of what you find online will funnel you into the same places, filled with other travelers. It can feel like you need a local guide to get an authentic experience on your trip, but Roadtrippers helps you escape the tourist bubble and find the coolest stops.

https://roadtrippers.com/

Ultimate Campgrounds

Thousands and thousands of public camping sites across the US and Canada – free, dispersed and formal campsites

http://www.ultimatecampgrounds.com/

Freecampsites

Freecampsites.net is the primary source for information on free campgrounds and boondocking locations. We believe that free camping sites are often the most beautiful and peaceful camp sites. There are many free camp sites, but they can be difficult to locate. Here, we provide a simple, map-based search engine for free and cheap camping locations. It is also a platform for sharing locations you have discovered with others.

https://freecampsites.net

Hipcamp

Book unique camping experiences on over 300,000 campsites, cabins, RV parks, public parks and more. Hipcamp is everywhere you want to camp. Search, discover and book ranches, farms, vineyards, nature preserves & public sites for camping across the U.S.
From public parks to private land, we’re the most comprehensive guide to camping in the nation.

https://www.hipcamp.com/

Park4Night

Perhaps the most wide ranging of all the camping apps, Park4Night helps you find camping and parking spots from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

Search user-submitted parking & camping spots on your smartphone or car GPS unit, enjoy your camp, then leave your new comments or updates for future travelers.

One intrepid Camp Westfalia reader reports having wild camped all over Europe using this app.

https://park4night.com/

Other

Waze

Waze helps riders and drivers get where they’re going—faster, smoother, safer, and happier—while working to beat traffic. Traffic starts with us, but it can end with us, too. Waze develops practical solutions that empower people to make better choices, from taking the fastest route, to leaving at the right time, to sharing daily commutes.

https://www.waze.com/

GasBuddy

Over the last 15 years, GasBuddy has saved users over $2.9 billion dollars. Download our easy-to-use app to start saving at the pump, complete fun challenges and win free gas today

https://www.gasbuddy.com/App

Chimani

Chimani is the leading national park mobile app. Our intuitive app draws on the power of GPS-enabled interactive mapping technology to guide your national park adventures. Chimani’s national park guides include descriptions of points of interest, trails, amenities, and more. “No service” when you’re out in the wilderness? No problem. Chimani’s app works with or without WiFi or data signal. Chimani’s app is free to download from the Apple Appstore and Google Play.

https://www.chimani.com/

Dark Sky

Dark Sky is the most accurate source of hyperlocal weather information. With down-to-the-minute forecasts, you’ll know exactly when the rain will start or stop, right where you’re standing. It’s almost like magic.
Powered by our own homegrown weather service, Dark Sky is the best source of accurate weather forecasts to help you plan your life.

https://darksky.net/app

Star Walk

Star Walk 2 is an exquisite stargazing tool that combines astronomical data with premium technology to deliver an effortless journey through thousands of stars, comets, and constellations. All you have to do is point your phone or tablet at the sky.

http://www.vitotechnology.com/star-walk-2-guide-sky-night-day.html

Product Review: ASUS Eee Pad Transformer 10.1-Inch Tablet

A compact, lightweight, unlocked 10.1 inch tablet great for van-camping and other travel

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-B1 32GB 10.1-Inch Tablet

Specifications

  • 10.1-inch WSVGA IPS capacitive pressure-sensing multi touch display for brilliant HD entertainment and intuitive navigation. 178° viewing angle (1280 x 800)
  • Powered by NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor for best web experience with up to two times faster browsing, hardware accelerated Flash, and console-quality gaming
  • Front (1.2 MP) and rear (5 MP) cameras for face-to-face video chats and on-the-go video and picture capturing
  • Mini HDMI port to supersize your entertainment to compatible HDTVs and external displays
  • Optional Docking station with QWERTY keyboard adds additional 6.5 hours of battery life, to instantly turn the Transformer into PC mode with up to 16 hours of battery life.

Staying organized and connected while on extended road trips can be difficult. So, we continually put a number of compact mobile digital devices to the test while travelling. How does the ASUS Transformer measure up?

First Impressions

The ASUS Transformer is an attractive little tablet. This is a 10-inch tablet, with Tegra power, great viewing angles and it has good sound. The device feels very solid in hand, not too light, not too heavy, with enough memory for lots of apps and it functions very well. The optional keyboard docking station adds even greater usability and versatility. Battery life is excellent too!

On The Road or In Camp

I purchased the ASUS Transformer based on the excellent reviews it was getting and it does not disappoint. In addition to the tablet, I decided to get the keyboard docking station, which is really an amazing accessory. The tablet itself is super responsive, has a decent amount of memory and is light enough to use for long periods.

For travel, it is more durable than some of my other devices and with the optional keyboard it is like having a mini laptop. It streams media such as Netflix, HULU, HBOGo, etc. without any lag and runs nicely. The 10.1 inch screen is great, but I actually like a bit smaller screen, so my 9.7 is the go-to tablet for travel. Nonetheless, I really do think this tablet is an excellent value, and highly recommend it.

The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 Mobile Docking station keyboard is made for the Transformer TF101 and is a great accessory. The docking station not only extends the tablet’s battery life up to 16 hours, but also features added functionalities which include a near full-sized QWERTY keyboard, a multi-touch touchpad, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and a 4-in-1 SD card reader.

You can also use any wireless mouse with the docking station, which is great if you are not a big fan of just the touchpad or touch screen. I prefer a smaller mouse so I am using the Ckeyin Bluetooth Optical Mini Mouse for Computers and Android Tablets, Smartphones.

There is also a wide selection of cases for it too, like the PadFolio Smart Cover Stand Alone Case. Its soft interior protects from bumps and scratches, offers easy access to all ports, the secured velcro locks in your tablet in to place, the cover has flip capability to transform the case into a horizontal viewing stand, and it has a magnetic closure. Available in a variety of colors.

In The Long Run

The ASUS Transformer is a pretty slick tablet for travel. The docking station adds even more features and capabilities. Even with the docking station, when folded together it is compact and stows in all those small Westy spaces. It also provides me the flexibility to work on the road if I need to. It has plenty of internal data storage and two options for expandable storage, a micro SD slot in the table and a full SD slot in the docking station, for other media, like videos. The display is bright, colorful crisp screen is great for watching movies. For the price, I would definitely recommend this tablet.

Hits: long battery life (without the keyboard dock’s extra power source), lightweight, Well made, sturdy construction quality and capabilities for the price

Misses: bottom speakers can get blocked during handheld use, would be nice if it included a longer charging cord.

Get the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-B1 32GB 10.1-Inch Tablet here

Product Review: Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 4G LTE Tablet, 12.2-Inch 32GB

A versatile tablet well suited to travel: compact, durable, lightweight, with an elegant flip-hinge design.

Features

  • 12.2-inch 2560×1600 WQXGA Display
  • Android 4.4 Kit Kat OS, 1.9GHz Samsung Exynos 5 Octa processor
  • 32 GB Flash Memory, 3 GB RAM
  • MicroSD slot which allows up to 64GB of additional storage
  • Includes Hancom Office, Multi Window (up to 4), Magazine UX, Remote PC, Sidesync

Get the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 4G LTE 12.2″ Tablet here


If you need to mix pleasure with work while you travel, this is the tablet for you. The Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2″ is designed with business people in mind, and it comes with a lot of productivity software; Samsung Meeting, Samsung Know, and Samsung E-Meeting software installed. Because this is the Note Pro version of the tablet, it comes with a decent S-Pen stylus and software. That said, it is great for pleasure viewing and gaming during down time.

First Impressions

This a large tablet, eliminating the need for a bulky and heavy laptop while van-camping and travelling. The performance is outstanding with all kinds of use. The 12.2 inch screen is just gorgeous, with a very high 2560 x 1600 resolution, it’s beautiful. Watching streaming video like Netflix, HULU or HBOGO on the Note Pro is a truly pleasurable experience.

The display is easily viewed from almost any angle, so more than one person can watch and still enjoy the view. It has dual stereo speakers, which have good sound quality. It also comes with Android OS Kit Kat 4.4. This is a great tablet, powerful and well-built, with a ton of power, and with the Samsung Touch Wiz, you have a lot of options with this device.

Offering brilliant color on the crystal-clear 12.2″ HD display with over 4 million pixels packed inside, it’s also astonishingly lightweight at just 1.7 pounds, yet delivers an unrivaled reading, editing and viewing experience and incredible responsiveness—all powered by the 1.9 Ghz Samsung Exynos Octa processor. Intuitive S Pen and enhanced multitasking, which allows you to use up to four different applications side-by-side.

On The Road or In Camp

When I purchase any tablet, I want to make sure I can just put my SIM card in it for connectivity. Since this is a GSM LTE tablet, I can easily take my SIM card from my phone and get connected to the web. This is a huge money saver in the long run, as there’s no need to pay for tethering or an extra data plan. Use the one you have.

This is a big tablet, but if you are looking for something as powerful as a PC, that allows for multitasking, video and gaming capability, this is a great option.

The battery life for a tablet this size is excellent, so no need to keep it charging all the time during use. It also comes with a non-removable 9,500mAh battery. I get about 12 hours of steady usage out of it, about 8 hours with video viewing. It can take a long time to charge because of the battery size. I suggest purchasing a matching USB 3.0 car charger, for road trips and charging while driving to new destinations.

You can also use a Bluetooth mouse with the tablet, which is great if you want to get some work done and are not a big fan of touchpads. You can use it pretty much like any mouse on a conventional PC.  I’m using a Bluetooth optical mini wireless mouse for Android tablets.

You can also pair a keyboard with the device. The Logitech Pro protective case with keyboard for Samsung Galaxy Note Pro works well, is very compact and protects the tablet when stored or charging.

In the Long Run

The Samsung Galaxy Note Pro is a fantastic tablet for van travel and camping, and provides me the flexibility to work on the road and to enjoy media in my down time. It can take photos, but is a bit large to use for photos regularly. It allows for multitasking, email and social media.

The large bright colorful crisp screen is great for watching movies, and it has dual speakers for superior sound. I would highly recommend this tablet.

If you’re unsure which device to bring along on your trip, this tablet strikes a good balance between a heavy, bulky laptop and a too-small phone, and does everything you need it to do and then some!

Hits: huge 12.2 screen, Micro SD slot for extra storage, long battery life, front and rear cameras, easy multi-tasking

Misses: charging is fairly slow, a bit pricey

Get the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 4G LTE 12.2″ Tablet here

What do you think? Leave a question or comment below, and use the social links to share with friends!

10 Great Van Camping Accessories

Any day spent on the road is better than a day spent at work, and a good piece of travel gear can make it even better.


gazetteerDeLorme Atlas & Gazetteers

Vanagon campers tend to take the road less traveled, beyond the borderlands of Wi-Fi, cell service, and flush toilets. The DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteers will help you find your way there and back again.

These large-format topographic atlases offer comprehensive details: back roads, backwater lakes and streams, boat ramps, forests, wetlands, trailheads, campgrounds, public lands, prime hunting and fishing spots, and countless landmarks and points of interest. Available for all 50 U.S. states.

Get the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteers here.

outdoor-products-mammoth-duffel-bag Outdoor Products Deluxe Duffle, Mammoth Size

This large-capacity duffle bag fits perfectly in the Westfalia’s overhead luggage rack, and carries loads of outdoor camping gear. The round barrel shape (18 x 18 x 41 inches) organizes your camp furniture, tarps or flies for rain or shade, small coolers, and other camp gear, freeing up space inside your Vanagon. The water-resistant oxford nylon fabric will protect your gear, and the 2″ web handles make for easy carrying.bungee-net

Get the Outdoor Products Deluxe Duffle here.

Keep the duffle bag and other gear securely in place with this elastic bungee net.

 

gsi-salt-pepper-shakerGSI Outdoors Salt & Pepper Shaker

This compact, lightweight, dual-compartment shaker holds your salt and pepper, or any other spices you use in your camp kitchen. The waterproof screw caps keep spices dry, and the dispensing screens and caps are easily removed for cleaning and refilling.

This shaker neatly fits in the small Westfalia silverware drawer, so it’s always ready to lend some seasoning to your campsite meals.

Get the GSI Outdoors Salt & Pepper Shaker here.

kampnikKampnik Campground-Finder app

This smartphone app helps you quickly and easily find a great campground while on the road.

Built on the venerable USCAmpgrounds.info database of more than 13,000 campgrounds in the United States and Canada, Kampnik allows you to find public campgrounds in National Parks, National Forests, Provincial Parks, State Parks, City and County Parks, and more on federal, state, provincial, and local lands. Find campgrounds by browsing a map, or search by name, park, or forest name.

Kampnik should be in the pocket of every Vanagon traveler!

Get the Kampnik Campground-Finder app here

Stack the interlocking blocks to create a solid 'ramp' on which to park.Tri-Lynx RV Levelers

RV leveling blocks keep your Westy interior more comfortably ‘on the level’, and help prevent permanent damage to your Dometic fridge.  The Tri-Lynx “Lynx Levelers” include ten sturdy interlocking blocks, packed in their own zipper pouch. The whole pack fits nicely under the Vanagon rear bench seat, and are a smart solution to a common problem.

Get the Tri-Lynx RV Levelers here.

GearWrench 12-piece Metric Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set

The wise traveler will always carry at least a few tools when rolling in a vintage van, but storage space is always at a premium. These combination wrenches include standard open-end jaws plus ratcheting box ends, all in one slim tool great for fitting into confined spaces.
Includes 12 metric sizes: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 mm.

Get the GearWrench Metric Ratcheting Wrench Set here.

tool-rollTool Roll Pouch

Keep your wrenches, sockets, and other important fix-it stuff organized and ready. This compact tool roll includes a variety of pocket sizes for all kinds of tools. The adjustable quick-release buckle fastens the pouch when not in use, and the carrying handle makes for easy transport.

Get the Tool Roll Pouch here.

jiffy-popJiffy Pop Butter-Flavored Popcorn

Imagine my recent gustatorial elation when I spied a pack of Jiffy-Pop popcorn on a grocer’s shelf while on a road trip far from home. That night back in our campsite, this classic blast from the past tasted every bit as good as my childhood memories …

The Jiffy-Pop self-contained easy-pop foil baskets include all the popcorn and oil you’ll need, so just heat it up on the Westy stovetop or campfire (shake vigorously), and you’ll have a quick and easy snack in just minutes. The magical self-rising foil dome provides a bit of much-needed entertainment value for the bored kiddies, making it almost as much fun to watch as it is to eat!

Available in regular and butter-flavored.

Get Jiffy Pop Butter-Flavored Popcorn here.

gasbuddyGasBuddy Mobile Fuel-Finder app

GasBuddy is the world’s largest community-based fuel app, with over 60 million downloads worldwide. Using information provided by users, you can easily find nearby fuel stops, and save money and time.

Get the GasBuddy Mobile Fuel-Finder app here.

GSI Outdoors Bugaboo folding fry panGSI Outdoors Bugaboo Folding Camp Fry Pan

A lightweight, compact non-stick frying pan with folding handle for van-camping and travel. Featuring quality construction, a durable non-stick coating, easy cleaning, even heating, and compact folding design.

The 10-inch Bugaboo pan fits nicely on the Westfalia stove top without crowding out other pots on the adjacent burners, and easily folds up and is stowed with the other pots and pans in the lower kitchen cabinet.

Read the full review here.
Get the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Frypan here.


Camp Westfalia is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Product Review: Pioneer MVH-X580BS Digital Media Receiver

This affordable easy-to-use car stereo is a direct fit for the VW Vanagon, and offers several modern features to update your classic van.

NOTE: This original review of the Pioneer MVH-X560BT Digital Media Receiver was updated to reflect the functions of the newer MVH-X580BS, which was eventually superseded by an even newer model. Pioneer continues to roll out new compact Digital Media Receivers, with all the same great features as previous models but typically adding SiriusXM-readiness, a dedicated Spotify app, and other extras.
Aside from these new features, this review offers a good overview of Pioneer Digital Media Receivers to help you choose one for your own Vanagon.

Features

  • New Compact Chassis Design
  • 3 RCA Preouts (2V) for System Expansion
  • Built-In MOSFET 50W x 4 Amplifier
  • Detachable Faceplate
  • Front USB Port and AUX Inputs
  • Wired Remote Input
  • Included Remote Control
  • Large, Multi-Line, Multi-Segmented LCD Display with LED Backlight
  • 13-Band Graphic Equalizer
  • Access and Control Music from iPhone or Android™ Device
  • AM/FM digital receiver
  • MP3/WMA/WAV Playback
  • Spotify, Works with Pandora, SiriusXM- Ready

The Vanagon is an old vehicle with an old audio system. Since our van’s build date in 1983, we’ve seen cassettes replaced by compact discs, and CD’s replaced by MP3 format. Soon enough, even MP3’s may be entirely replaced by on-demand music streaming services. So, when it was time to replace our old VW Design stereo recently (yes, we still had a cassette player …), we looked for a unit that would musically power our Vanagon another decade or more into the future.

We use our Westfalia for travel and long-distance roadtripping, and without a decent stereo the endless miles of lonesome highways can be mind-numbing, so the ability to listen to music, audio books, or local radio helps to pass the time and stay alert.

I should mention here that we are no audiophiles. We’re cheap. And without some fairly significant modifications, the boxy Vanagon has all the acoustic qualities of a Chinese shipping container. Our goal was only to replace the unremarkable and aging original stereo system with something functional, offering modern connectivity and features, and which would leave some money in our wallets for fuel.

The Pioneer MVH-X580BS appeared on paper to meet all these simple requirements, and offered some new features we’ve unexpectedly come to appreciate.

Rockford-Fosgate-R14X2We also took this opportunity to replace the original Blaupunkt speakers and all the related wiring. I chose four Rockford-Fosgate R14X2 4” 2-way full-range speakers, rated at 30 watts RMS, mainly because these came highly recommended, are affordable, and easily fit into the original Vanagon locations with almost no modifications. For better sound, and a bit of protection from dirt and water intrusion, I slipped a pair of closed-cell baffles behind the speakers when installing.

The Pioneer easily powers these 30-watt speakers, and while perhaps no great improvement over the original speakers when new, these were suitable replacements for the worn out factory speakers.

Key features we sought:

  • AM/FM digital receiver
  • Connectivity to popular external media (smartphone, flash drive, etc.) via AUX jack, USB, Bluetooth wireless
  • Single 1 DIN size for easy installation into the factory Vanagon dash slot

See more Pioneer Car Audio Receivers here

First Impressions

Pioneer MVH-X560BT-InstallationOut of the box, the Pioneer MVH-X580BS is a compact lightweight device. Lacking cassette or CD drive decks, it’s barely half the weight and depth of most earlier head units, leaving lots of air space behind the head unit for wiring and ventilation.

Unlike too many modern car audio head units, seemingly intended to appeal primarily to 14-year-old boys, the front panel of the MVH-X580BS is a fairly subdued design which does not visually clash with the square and spartan Vanagon interior.

Pioneer MVH-X560BT-whats-in-boxAlso included in the box:

  • Remote Control
  • External microphone with visor clip
  • AUX & USB input cables
  • Primary multi-pin harness/connector for power input and speaker outputs
  • Additional mounting hardware and extraction keys
  • Owner’s Manual

Follow the Owners Manual’s simple directions for installation, final hookup, and initial setup: setting stations, lighting & display features, etc..

On The Road or In Camp

Basic operation of the Pioneer MVH-X580BS is fairly straightforward, and the large front display is bright and generally easy to read, though the glossy reflective faceplate can sometimes be hard to read in very bright sunlight conditions. A dimmer toggle allowing quick Bright/Dim adjustments helps with this.

The colors of the front panel illumination can be be custom tailored to suit your tastes, or even set to an ever-changing kaleidoscopic effect. The settings for these custom colors are buried a few levels within the menus and can be a chore to get just the way you like, but you’ll likely never have to do it again.

The Vanagon ignition switch lacks an ACC (Accessory) position, so like most modern car stereos the MVH-X580BS will not automatically turn On/Off with the key unless you add a custom cutout relay or switch. To turn off the front panel and prevent battery drain while parked, simply press and hold the upper-left SRC/OFF button; press again to turn it On. Optionally, you can remove the detachable faceplate.

Even while driving, one can easily adjust volume, station presets, scan/search, even change input sources. Beyond these primary controls are myriad additional adjustments (balance, fader, 5-band graphic equalizer, etc.). Like all modern car stereos, most of these secondary controls are buried within successively deeper menus rather than using dedicated control knobs, making adjustment while driving nearly impossible. For the most part though, common menu functions are straightforward and user-friendly, eliminating the need to frequently refer to the manual.

Music

The main use for a car stereo, of course, is music, and this unit offers excellent AM/FM radio reception, crisply pulling in music or talk radio stations from sometimes far-flung cities along the route. In addition to AM/FM reception the Pioneer MVH-X580BS plays tunes from a variety of external input devices: USB flash drive, music players, and iPhone & Android smartphones.

The MVH-X580BS can read MP3/WMA/WAV music files from a small USB flash drive when connected via the included cable. The MVH-X580BS’s USB and AUX inputs are conveniently located on the front faceplate.

Pioneer MVH-X560BT-phone-illuminationBy far our favorite input device is a smartphone. Both Android and Apple iPhones can be paired to the stereo via Bluetooth for wireless streaming, and the unit can store pairing data for up to three phones with the ability to quickly pair/add a new phone using Pioneer’s Guest Mode feature.

When paired to a phone via Bluetooth, the stereo automatically pauses and resumes your playlist upon parking and continuing. When connected to an iPhone, iPod, and portable USB drives and Android devices via the USB port, users can use basic controls (Play/Pause/FF/Rev/Random/Repeat) and display track, artist and album information.

Wireless music streaming via Bluetooth sounds excellent on the MVH-X580BS, offering more robust audio quality than many other Bluetooth-enabled stereos.

In addition to playing music from an external storage device, the MVH-X580BS is also able to stream music via a number of music apps. Usings Pioneer’s ControlApp, the unit can play and control music from iHeartRadio, Pandora, Aupeo, gMusic, Rdio, and others. Play, pause, next and back commands, if enabled by the connected app, are available on the receiver when used with an iPhone (via USB connection) or Android (via Bluetooth) devices.

Moki Dugway, Mexican HatFor the full sensory-overload experience, the MVH-X580BS offers MIXTRAX, a “virtual DJ technology … transforming a music library into a nonstop playlist that delivers a unique DJ-infused listening experience.” We’ve never used this feature, but evidently it provides enhanced audio transitions between songs plus entertaining “visual effects” on the front panel. Not wishing to suffer a seizure while traversing a treacherous road such as the Moki Dugway, we heeded the advice of the MVH-X580BS’s owner’s manual: “Turn MIXTRAX off if the visual effects it produces have adverse effects on driving”.

Phone

In addition to music, the Pioneer MVH-X580BS optionally integrates your smartphone into the audio system so you can make & receive hands-free phone calls while underway. The included hands-free microphone, like the USB and AUX inputs, connects to the rear of the MVH-X580BS head unit and the small cable can be routed behind the Vanagon dashboard to a suitable mounting location, like visor or dashboard. The contacts stored in your phone can be sent to the stereo unit and searched alphabetically for easy calling (not while driving, please).

When a call comes in the music is automatically muted and you can answer the call, the caller’s voice being piped through the audio speakers and your voice picked up by the hands-free mic. This feature generally works well, the mic and speakers allowing clear conversations, with no complaints from the other end. But much depends on ambient conditions like vehicle speed and road or wind conditions, and it can sometimes be difficult to use while, say, driving a diesel Vanagon on a gravel road.

Using Bluetooth for either music streaming or hands-free phone, the MVH-X580BS is able to connect at a pretty good distance in and around the campervan. In fact, we often run the entire stereo via our smartphones while sitting around the nearby campfire.

In short, Bluetooth is awesome …

Navigation Apps

Another especially useful feature, particularly when traveling in unfamiliar whereabouts, is the ability to integrate your favorite navigational app with the car audio system. Google Maps, CoPilot GPS, HERE Maps, or any number of other nav apps all integrate well with the MVH-X580BS via Bluetooth, helpfully cutting into the music to provide turn-by-turn prompts via the stereo speakers, then returning you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Remote Control

The small handheld remote allows us to control most head unit functions from anywhere within the Westfalia, and even from some distance outside the van: volume, mute, tuning, phone calling, display, pause & playback, and more.

A clever accessory, perhaps helpful to the average user, the remote control is especially useful in the camper van, whether enjoying dinner on the bench seat, a nightcap around the campfire, or sleeping in late in the upper bunk.

Detachable Faceplate

Pioneer MVH-X560BT-detachable-faceplateThe Pioneer MVH-X580BS includes a nice feature typically found on more expensive car stereos; the removable front panel. With a simple press of a button the faceplate can be removed from the head unit and hidden someplace away from prying eyes or even taken out of the vehicle entirely.

Though a full-featured car stereo, the MVH-X580BS is not an expensive unit, and an opportunistic thief may happily smash your front window worth a few hundred dollars in order to grab your stereo worth less than half that.

The detachable faceplate can help prevent such ironic travesties …

See more Pioneer Car Audio Receivers here

In The Long Run

We’ve been using the Pioneer MVH-X580BS for over a year now, and couldn’t be happier. From weekend camping jaunts to month-long cross-country road trips, this head unit has really upgraded our traveling listening experience.

The AM/FM digital receiver pulls in and holds stations, and accepts music or audio books from a variety of smartphones, MP3 players, USB flash drives, streaming sources and more, using the included input cables or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Turn-by-turn navigation from Google Maps and other apps makes traveling easy, as we tend to get off the beaten path, so GPS voice prompts via the speakers lets us enjoy the scenery without getting lost in it. The ability to make and receive hands-free phone calls lets us contact local restaurants, lodging, or other sites, and keep in touch with family and friends back home.

The MVH-X580BS installs easily in the Vanagon dash slot, and the remote control allows us to handily control most music and other functions from within or near the van. With storage space at a premium while traveling and camping in the Westfalia, the MVH-X580BS eliminates the need to fumble and store bulky CD’s. Since we keep all our favorite tunes on our phones, we can just pull up a playlist appropriate to the mood and rock on down the highway. In fact, after enjoying the MVH-X580BS for a full summer in our Westy, we purchased an identical unit to replace the factory stereo in our other car.

In short, the Pioneer MVH-X580BS has succeeded in bringing our ‘classic’ campervan well into this century, for many more years and miles of happy camping.

Hits: affordable, easy to install and use, modern connectivity (USB, Bluetooth, etc.), lots of features, turn-by-turn GPS via car speakers, hands-free phone calling, remote control, removable faceplate

Misses: shiny faceplate sometimes hard to read in bright sunlight, custom front panel colors tedious to set, head unit should be manually turned On/Off in vehicles lacking ACC ignition switch

See more Pioneer Car Audio Receivers here

What do you think? Leave a question or comment below, and use the social links to share with friends!

Replace the Vanagon Cigarette Lighter with a USB Port

Update your loose lighter socket (and optional DIN socket) with modern 12-volt power and USB ports

Many early-1980s Vanagon dashboard cigarette lighter sockets are slightly larger than North American plugs, making for a sloppy fit when using modern 12-volt phone chargers, lights, dashboard fans and other accessories.

In addition, some Vanagons are also equipped with a DIN receptacle, a small enigmatic electrical ‘silver socket’ similarly mounted to the dashboard near the glovebox, and commonly used in Europe for 12-volt accessories. Sadly, accessories which can utilize this DIN plug are nearly impossible to find in North America, so the socket typically goes unused here.

Fortunately, both these power sockets can be rather easily updated with better fitting and more useful modern sockets; I opted for one standard cigarette-lighter socket, plus a modern dual-USB port for charging digital devices. Both sockets are close enough to the glovebox that charging cords can easily be routed to your electronic toys even when safely tucked away inside the glovebox.

We’ll start by removing the original sockets, enlarging the mounting holes in the dashboard, adding new connectors to the existing wiring, then finish by mounting the new sockets.

PARTS & MATERIALS

TOOLS

  • flat-bladed screwdriver, very small
  • electrical wire cutter/stripper/crimper

Optional Tools:

Such power sockets can see heavy usage in a Camper, requiring extra durability, so I selected a matched pair of heavy-duty marine outlets designed for use in boats. These outlets included optional heavy-duty mounting plates and snap-in water-resistant rubber covers, both of which I found to be unnecessary.

Step 1: Remove old cigarette lighter socket

As always, when working on a vehicle’s electrical system, disconnect the battery to prevent shorts and shocks. If your Vanagon is equipped with a second (auxiliary) battery, disconnect this, too.

It will be helpful to completely remove the glovebox from the van, so empty it out and unclip the two plastic retaining straps located in the front corners; pivot the glovebox completely downward until it can be disengaged from the hinge bracket and removed.


Reach up beneath the dashboard and wriggle loose the plastic wiring connector from the back of the cigarette-lighter socket.

To remove the original cigarette lighter from the dashboard, insert a very small screwdriver into the socket and carefully pry loose the two metal tabs locking the metal inner portion of the socket to the plastic outer surround. The metal socket must be removed first, allowing the plastic ring to follow.

Step 2: Enlarge mounting hole

Try fitting the new cigarette-lighter socket into the mounting hole; if it fits, you’re good to proceed. Mine was too large so I needed to enlarge the hole in my dash using a small handheld Dremel motor tool and a grinding bit. I recommend covering the seats and floor with plastic sheeting to catch the inevitable metal chips while grinding or drilling.

Step 3: Connect wires to new power socket

Fish the wiring connector out through the mounting hole and carefully cut the connector from the wires.

Depending on the model year of your Vanagon, you may have a variety of wiring configurations; in general, there should be two Brown ground wires, one or two Red Positive wires, and possibly a Blue wire for the optional green illuminated surround.

When rewiring the new cigarette-lighter socket, keep the Brown ground wires together, and utilize the same Red wire(s) for the power supply. If your new socket includes an illumination feature, utilize the Blue wire for this; if not, be sure to securely cap off this wire with a wire nut or electrical tape.

Strip the wire ends, insert them in their respective fully-insulated female spade connectors, and crimp securely.

Step 4: Mount new power socket

Prepare to mount the new socket by reaching within the dash and slipping the locking retaining ring over all the power wires.

Draw the wires back out through the mounting hole and connect all the wires to their respective spade terminals on the back of the new socket: Red to (+) Positive, Brown grounds to (-) Negative, and Blue to optional illumination terminal.

Insert the new socket into the mounting hole, be sure it is oriented straight, then thread the retaining ring onto the back of the socket from behind the dash; tighten securely.

If only replacing the cigarette-lighter socket, reconnect the vehicle batteries and test the new power socket.

Your van may also have an unused European DIN socket, or you may simply wish to install an additional power or USB socket; leave the batteries disconnected and continue below:

Step 5: Replace DIN power socket

The European DIN socket utilizes its own independent power supply, but replacing it is nearly identical to the cigarette-lighter socket above except for a few notable differences:

a. The DIN socket is mounted to the dash using a retaining nut which must be removed using a 22mm deep socket from behind the dash
b. The DIN socket’s mounting hole is only about .75″ (19mm), so you’ll need to enlarge the mounting hole quite a bit to fit a new socket.
c. Originally, the DIN socket is grounded via the metal dash structure, so you will find only a single (+) Positive power supply wire. When replacing it with a new power socket, I suggest improving this by running a dedicated ground wire to one of the crown-shaped grounding points mounted to the vehicle chassis, located behind the dash near the driver’s left knee.

As mentioned above, this space can accept a second conventional cigarette-lighter socket, or a modern USB port; I chose a slick double-USB port for maximum charging capabilities.


I used a step bit designed for neatly drilling large holes in sheet metal, which worked quite well. First, measure the outside diameter of the shank of your new USB socket (in my case, approx. 1.125″ or 29-30mm), then find the corresponding ‘step’ on the drill bit. Wrap a section of tape around the bit to mark the proper depth to avoid drilling too deep/wide. When done drilling, smooth the hole edges using the Dremel grinding bit or emery cloth.

Install the second new socket as outlined above, utilizing the original wiring, then reconnect the vehicle batteries and test the new power sockets.


After a few camping trips with our new power sockets, we couldn’t be happier. Cigarette-lighter-type power plugs now remain firmly connected and no longer rattle loose, and the double USB power socket keeps all our electronic devices powered up while travelling.

This simple, affordable project is an easy way to modernize the ill-fitting or outdated power sockets of your classic Vanagon!

What do you think? Leave a question or comment below, and use the buttons to share with your friends!

Product Review: ZeroLemon SolarJuice Dual-USB Portable Charger

A compact, rugged solar USB charger for maintaining portable electronics & digital devices while on the go

Modern road-trippers now travel with more and more digital devices: smartphones, handheld GPS units, tablets and laptop computers, and more.

And all these devices require frequent charging to provide their valuable functions and features. But if your travels often take you off the beaten path, it can be hard to find convenient power sources for charging.

Does the ZeroLemon USB Solar Charger provide an easy, portable, off-the-grid solution to keep all your travel electronics topped up?

Specifications

  • Content: 20000mAh Battery Pack / Clip
  • MicroUSB charging cable
  • The world’s largest capacity rain resistant & shockproof portable solar charger on the planet
  • Shock-proof design for rough handling and drops.LED flashlight
  • Top Grade A cell, Built-in 20000mAh Lithium Polymer battery which charges via a powerful 1.2W mono-crystalline solar panel
  • Dual 2.1A & 1A output allows for simultaneous charging of your devices at high speed
  • 1000+ recharge cycles over the life of the battery.
  • 36 month Guarantee

ZeroLemon-Solar-Charger-portsWhen you are taking the road less traveled, this is the charger you are going to want on board. It is small, durable, compact, and powerful.

Get the ZeroLemon SolarJuice Charger here

First Impressions

This is a nicely built battery: solid and durable, admittedly a bit heavy, but so compact that it matters little when car- or van-camping.

The case is well made, and doesn’t flex at all. It has two USB ports and one mini USB port for charging, so you can charge two devices at once. The power LEDs light up if you are charging via the USB.  There are four power level LEDs. They are labeled 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% to show how much charge it has left. A nice feature so you know when you are running low on juice.

On The Road or In Camp

ZeroLemon-Solar-Charger-backThe ZeroLemon SolarJuice works great. It charged my husband’s Samsung Note 2 and my LG Optimus in less than 2 hours. It is very rugged, so if you drop it you don’t have to worry about damaging it—I know from experience! You can charge it via solar, but this will take several hours in full sunlight. We have plugged in our phones and other devices and left the unit in the sun to charge for a few hours, and it worked well. (I recommend covering the phones and other devices with a towel, etc. so they are not in direct sunlight.)

We often charge the ZeroLemon SolarJuice via the USB cable powered by our dashboard power ports <link>, but we generally leave the unit laying on the Vanagon dashboard to take advantage of free solar charging. Or utilize the solar-charging feature by leaving it on the dashboard or campsite table in full sunlight while we go for a hike, walk the beach, visit a museum, etc..

In The Long Run

ZeroLemon-Solar-Charger-water-resistantAfter using the ZeroLemon a few times, I have to say we have been impressed with its charging ability. We easily charged our devices using both ports pretty fast. You will need to turn the battery on for it to charge, or else it won’t charge. To turn the battery on, you have to hold the button for three seconds. To turn the battery off, you hold the button for three seconds. It charges from the sun, meaning you can recharge it anywhere. It is easy to use and does the job. For the price, this is great device.

The durable rugged ‘outdoors’ design, and dual-charging capability of the ZeroLemon SolarJuice make it a versatile device for van-campers and other road-trippers!

Hits:
Large capacity battery
Compact design
Good Construction, built to take it
Continued, simultaneous device charge cycles while on the go
Flashlight

Misses:
Heavy (but to be expected for a large capacity battery)
Flashlight minimally useful
Long solar charging times

Get the ZeroLemon SolarJuice Charger here

What do you think? Leave a question or comment below, and use the social links to share with friends!

Staying Cool On Summer Road Trips in Your Camper Van

Tips and advice for keeping yourself, your children, pets, and other companions cool while travelling

The summer travelling season is upon us, and we’ll all be putting on some miles in our camper vans. For many of us, road-tripping is the best part of owning a VW Westfalia!

Every VW Vanagon or Bus owner knows how cool it is; you can tell by all the waves, thumbs-up, and friendly honks you get! But the simple challenge of travelling and living in a confined space for a week or two at peak heat season, combined with a few inherent design characteristics of the Vanagon, can get you hot under the collar.

The Vanagon’s large untinted windows offer panoramic scenic views, but can also collect a lot of solar energy, and these campers come from a bygone era before automotive air conditioning was ubiquitous. The engine’s in the back, with the radiator just a few inches ahead of your Birkenstocks, which can lead to a condition known as Vanagon Hot Foot Syndrome. Not as bad as Athlete’s Foot, perhaps, but almost as uncomfortable … So, we’ll offer some suggestions specific to the Vanagon.

These recommendations for staying comfortable while driving or camped are grouped into easy, basic habits you can adopt, affordable products you can purchase, and helpful modifications you can make to your Vanagon, listed in order of ease, practicality, and cost.

Behavior — Things you can change about you

While Driving:

  • Beat the heat. Start driving earlier in the day to take advantage of cooler temperatures, and pull off when the day begins to heat up. Rack up some bonus miles by resuming your drive in the late afternoon or evening when things cool off a bit.
  • Take a break. Occasionally get off the hot highway and step into a restaurant, retail store, museum, or other air-conditioned refuge to cool off and stretch your legs. Such breaks are especially important for the comfort and health of children and pets.
  • Laugh it up. In the summer heat, as passengers become fatigued, uncomfortable, and irritated, things can heat up in the Vanagon too. Keep your sense of humor and maintain a positive attitude, especially in regards to your travelling companions.

vanagon-lakeside-campsiteWhile Camped:

  • Catch a breeze. Choose a campsite in an open clearing or near a lake to take advantage of cooler breezes.
  • Get some shade. Find a spot in the shadow of trees, and park your Vanagon with the rear oriented toward the afternoon sun to benefit from the protective shade of the popup roof.


Van & Accessories — Features & products to help you stay cool

While Driving:

  • Chong-bandannaDress appropriately. Lighter summer wear like shorts and T-shirts are obvious choices, but wicking synthetics made for sports and fitness will help shed the heat. A “Cooling Towel” worn around your neck will help cool your shoulders and upper torso. Or for a classic hippie vibe, wear a wetted bandanna to chill out, man.
  • Wing windows, the original air-conditioner. Along with full-size spare tires, manual transmissions, and ashtrays, most modern cars no longer offer wing windows, those small triangular moveable sections of glass near the side mirrors. Thankfully, your Vanagon still has these hot-weather lifesavers, and they can really help keep a breeze going while travelling.
  • During one of the above-mentioned restaurant breaks, get a large insulated cup of ice water or other cold beverage for the road. This will not only help lower your body temperature but also keep you properly hydrated (avoid caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you).
  • Spritz yourself (or your travelling mates!) with cool water from a spray bottle to aid in evaporative cooling.
  • Toss a Coolmax or microfiber towel over your seats to help wick moisture and perspiration away
  • Circulate air in the cab or passenger area of your Vanagon using 12-volt DC fans, ranging from the simple dashboard variety to more permanent versions.
  • Your Uber driver may enjoy his swanky wooden-beaded seat cover, but you can do better than that; consider a ventilated seat cover with integrated 12-volt DC fan which forces air from near the floor through internal channels to keep your bum and back cool.
  • Children or pets will appreciate a little extra ventilation, too; use The Noggle to extend fresh air to the rear passenger area or anywhere else you need it.

The Van — Things you can change about your van

While Driving:

  • gowesty-wind-deflectorsWind deflectors. These accessories are easily installed and besides allowing more fresh air (even in the rain or when parked), also reduce wind noise.
  • Combat Vanagon Hot Foot Syndrome. Keep hot air from the radiator out of the cab by replacing your old and faulty heater control valve and/or adding an auxiliary shutoff valve in the heater hose circuit. Reseal the small exterior accelerator-pedal housing, and install foil-faced insulation on the firewall behind the radiator.
  • Rear window vents. Vanagons built after 1988 featured additional vents in the rearmost side windows, to aid in drawing stuffy air from the interior. Though no small task, these windows and vents can be installed in your early-model Vanagon for better flow-through ventilation.

While Camped:

  • Once you’ve reached your campsite for the afternoon, draw the curtains on the sunny side of the van to prevent solar gain, or install reflective foil automotive sun shades.
  • Purchase or make your own front window screens to allow a cross-breeze while keeping bugs out.
  • Build your own portable camping evaporative air conditioner. Sometimes known as a ‘swamp cooler,’ these work best when camped in hot, dry environments.
  • Install a 12-volt thermostat-controlled ceiling vent fan in your Westfalia popup roof to help draw warm air out.
  • Some inventive Westfalia owners even carry compact 120-volt home air conditioner units for use in campsites offering electrical hookups. This will require a custom panel to mount the unit in your front window, or a shroud attached with Velcro to your Westfalia tent.


With a bit of planning, a slight attitude adjustment, and maybe a few dollars, you and your family can keep your cool this summer!

What do you think? How do you keep cool in your camper van? Leave a question or comment below, and use the buttons to share with your friends!

Product Review: Pioneer MVH-X560BT Digital Media Receiver

This affordable easy-to-use car stereo is a direct fit for the VW Vanagon, and offers several modern features to update your classic van.

Features

  • New Compact Chassis Design
  • 3 RCA Preouts (2V) for System Expansion
  • Built-In MOSFET 50W x 4 Amplifier
  • Detachable Faceplate
  • Rear USB Port and AUX Inputs
  • Wired Remote Input
  • Included Remote Control
  • Large, Multi-Line, Multi-Segmented LCD Display with LED Backlight
  • 5-Band Graphic Equalizer
  • Access and Control Music from iPhone or Android™ Device
  • AM/FM digital receiver
  • MP3/WMA/WAV Playback
  • Pandora® Station Creation from Multiple Sources

Get the Pioneer MVH-X560BT here.

NOTE: In the short time since this review was published, the Pioneer MVH-X560BT Digital Media Receiver has been superseded by their new MVH-X580BS, with all the same great features but also adding SiriusXM-readiness, a dedicated Spotify app, and a few other minor extras. Check it out here >>


The Vanagon is an old vehicle with an old audio system. Since our van’s build date in 1983, we’ve seen cassettes replaced by compact discs, and CD’s replaced by MP3 format. Soon enough, even MP3’s may be entirely replaced by on-demand music streaming services. So, when it was time to replace our old VW Design stereo recently (yes, we still had a cassette player …), we looked for a unit that would musically power our Vanagon another decade or more into the future.

We use our Westfalia for travel and long-distance roadtripping, and without a decent stereo the endless miles of lonesome highways can be mind-numbing, so the ability to listen to music, audio books, or local radio helps to pass the time and stay alert.

I should mention here that we are no audiophiles. We’re cheap. And without some fairly significant modifications the boxy Vanagon has all the acoustic qualities of a Chinese shipping container. Our goal was only to replace the unremarkable and aging original stereo system with something functional, offering modern connectivity and features, and which would leave some money in our wallets for fuel.

The Pioneer MVH-X560BT appeared on paper to meet all these simple requirements, and offered some new features we’ve unexpectedly come to appreciate.

Rockford-Fosgate-R14X2We also took this opportunity to replace the original Blaupunkt speakers and all the related wiring. I chose four Rockford-Fosgate R14X2 4” 2-way full-range speakers, rated at 30 watts RMS, mainly because these came highly recommended, are affordable, and easily fit into the original Vanagon locations with almost no modifications. The Pioneer easily powers these 30-watt speakers, and while perhaps no great improvement over the original speakers when new, these were suitable replacements for the worn out factory speakers.

Key features we sought:

  • AM/FM digital receiver
  • Connectivity to popular external media (smartphone, flash drive, etc.) via AUX jack, USB, Bluetooth wireless
  • Single 1 DIN size for easy installation into the factory Vanagon dash slot

Get the Pioneer MVH-X560BT here, or check out the newer MVH-X580BS here >>

First Impressions

Pioneer MVH-X560BT-InstallationOut of the box, the Pioneer MVH-X560BT is a compact lightweight device. Lacking cassette or CD drive decks, it’s barely half the weight and depth of most earlier head units, leaving lots of air space behind the head unit for wiring and ventilation.

Unlike too many modern car audio head units, seemingly intended to appeal primarily to 14-year-old boys, the front panel of the MVH-X560BT is a fairly subdued design which does not visually clash with the square and spartan Vanagon interior, perhaps the only minor exception being the Klingon-inspired angular levers on the large chrome multi-control knob.

Pioneer MVH-X560BT-whats-in-boxAlso included in the box:

  • Remote Control
  • External microphone with visor clip
  • AUX & USB input cables
  • Primary multi-pin connector for power input and speaker outputs
  • Additional mounting hardware and extraction keys
  • Owner’s Manual Pioneer MVH-X560BT (download here)

Follow the Owners Manual’s simple directions for installation, final hookup, and initial setup: setting stations, lighting & display features, etc..

On The Road or In Camp

Basic operation of the Pioneer MVH-X560BT is fairly straightforward, and the large front display is bright and generally easy to read, though the glossy reflective faceplate can sometimes be hard to read in very bright sunlight conditions. A dimmer toggle allowing quick Bright/Dim adjustments helps with this.

Pioneer MVH-X560BT-front-panelThe colors of the front panel illumination can be be custom tailored to suit your tastes, or even set to an ever-changing kaleidoscopic effect. The settings for these custom colors are buried a few levels within the menus and can be a chore to get just the way you like, but you’ll likely never have to do it again.

The Vanagon ignition switch lacks an ACC (Accessory) position, so like most modern car stereos the MVH-X560BT will not automatically turn On/Off with the key unless you add a custom cutout relay or switch. To turn off the front panel and prevent battery drain while parked, simply press and hold the upper-left SRC/OFF button; press again to turn it On. Optionally, you can remove the detachable faceplate.

Even while driving, one can easily adjust volume, station presets, scan/search, even change input sources. Beyond these primary controls are myriad additional adjustments (balance, fader, 5-band graphic equalizer, etc.). Like all modern car stereos, most of these secondary controls are buried within successively deeper menus rather than using dedicated control knobs, making adjustment while driving nearly impossible. For the most part though, common menu functions are straightforward and user-friendly, eliminating the need to frequently refer to the manual.

Music

The main use for a car stereo, of course, is music, and this unit offers excellent AM/FM radio reception, crisply pulling in music or talk radio stations from sometimes far-flung cities along the route. In addition to AM/FM reception the Pioneer MVH-X560BT plays tunes from a variety of external input devices: USB flash drive, music players, and iPhone & Android smartphones.

The MVH-X560BT can read MP3/WMA/WAV music files from a small USB flash drive when connected via the included cable. The MVH-X560BT’s USB and AUX outputs are located on the rear of the head unit, making them difficult to access in normal use. So on installation we routed the USB and AUX input cables behind the Vanagon dash and into the glovebox, so flash drives, smartphones, and other input devices can be discreetly connected with no visible cable clutter.

Pioneer MVH-X560BT-phone-illuminationBy far our favorite input device is a smartphone. Both Android and Apple iPhones can be paired to the stereo via Bluetooth for wireless streaming, and the unit can store pairing data for up to three phones with the ability to quickly pair/add a new phone using Pioneer’s Guest Mode feature.

When paired to a phone via Bluetooth, the stereo automatically pauses and resumes your playlist upon parking and continuing. When connected to an iPhone, iPod, and portable USB drives and Android devices via the USB port, users can use basic controls (Play/Pause/FF/Rev/Random/Repeat) and display track, artist and album information.

Wireless music streaming via Bluetooth sounds excellent on the MVH-X560BT, offering more robust audio quality than many other Bluetooth-enabled stereos.

In addition to playing music from an external storage device, the MVH-X560BT is also able to stream music via a number of music apps. Usings Pioneer’s ControlApp, the unit can play and control music from iHeartRadio, Pandora, Aupeo, gMusic, Rdio, and others. Play, pause, next and back commands, if enabled by the connected app, are available on the receiver when used with an iPhone (via USB connection) or Android (via Bluetooth) devices.

Moki Dugway, Mexican HatFor the full sensory-overload experience, the MVH-X560BT offers MIXTRAX, a “virtual DJ technology … transforming a music library into a nonstop playlist that delivers a unique DJ-infused listening experience.” We’ve never used this feature, but evidently it provides enhanced audio transitions between songs plus entertaining “visual effects” on the front panel. Not wishing to suffer a seizure while traversing a treacherous road such as the Moki Dugway, we heeded the advice of the MVH-X560BT’s owner’s manual: “Turn MIXTRAX off if the visual effects it produces have adverse effects on driving”.

Phone

In addition to music, the Pioneer MVH-X560BT optionally integrates your smartphone into the audio system so you can make & receive hands-free phone calls while underway. The included hands-free microphone, like the USB and AUX inputs, connects to the rear of the MVH-X560BT head unit and the small cable can be routed behind the Vanagon dashboard to a suitable mounting location, like visor or dashboard. The contacts stored in your phone can be sent to the  stereo unit and searched alphabetically for easy calling (not while driving, please).

When a call comes in the music is automatically muted and you can answer the call, the caller’s voice being piped through the audio speakers and your voice picked up by the hands-free mic. This feature generally works well, the mic and speakers allowing clear conversations, with no complaints from the other end. But much depends on ambient conditions like vehicle speed and road or wind conditions, and it can sometimes be difficult to use while, say, driving a diesel Vanagon on a gravel road.

Using Bluetooth for either music streaming or hands-free phone, the MVH-X560BT is able to connect at a pretty good distance in and around the campervan. In fact, we often run the entire stereo via our smartphones while sitting around the nearby campfire.

In short, Bluetooth is awesome …

Navigation Apps

Another especially useful feature, particularly when traveling in unfamiliar whereabouts, is the ability to integrate your favorite navigational app with the car audio system. Google Maps, CoPilot GPS, HERE Maps, or any number of other nav apps all integrate well with the MVH-X560BT via Bluetooth, helpfully cutting into the music to provide turn-by-turn prompts via the stereo speakers, then returning you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Remote Control

The small handheld remote allows us to control most head unit functions from anywhere within the Westfalia, and even from some distance outside the van: volume, mute, tuning, phone calling, display, pause & playback, and more.

A clever accessory, perhaps helpful to the average user, the remote control is especially useful in the camper van, whether enjoying dinner on the bench seat, a nightcap around the campfire, or sleeping in late in the upper bunk.

Detachable Faceplate

Pioneer MVH-X560BT-detachable-faceplateThe Pioneer MVH-X560BT includes a nice feature typically found on more expensive car stereos; the removable front panel. With a simple press of a button the faceplate can be removed from the head unit and hidden someplace away from prying eyes or even taken out of the vehicle entirely.

Though a full-featured car stereo, the MVH-X560BT is not an expensive unit, and an opportunistic thief may happily smash your front window worth a few hundred dollars in order to grab your stereo worth less than half that.

The detachable faceplate can help prevent such ironic travesties …

Get the Pioneer MVH-X560BT here, or check out the newer MVH-X580BS here >>

In The Long Run

We’ve been using the Pioneer MVH-X560BT for over a year now, and couldn’t be happier. From weekend camping jaunts to month-long cross-country road trips, this head unit has really upgraded our traveling listening experience.

The AM/FM digital receiver pulls in and holds stations, and accepts music or audio books from a variety of smartphones, MP3 players, USB flash drives, streaming sources and more, using the included input cables or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Turn-by-turn navigation from Google Maps and other apps makes traveling easy, as we tend to get off the beaten path, so GPS voice prompts via the speakers lets us enjoy the scenery without getting lost in it. The ability to make and receive hands-free phone calls lets us contact local restaurants, lodging, or other sites, and keep in touch with family and friends back home.

The MVH-X560BT installs easily in the Vanagon dash slot, and the remote control allows us to handily control most music and other functions from within or near the van. With storage space at a premium while traveling and camping in the Westfalia, the MVH-X560BT eliminates the need to fumble and store bulky CD’s. Since we keep all our favorite tunes on our phones, we can just pull up a playlist appropriate to the mood and rock on down the highway. In fact, after enjoying the MVH-X560BT for a full summer in our Westy, we purchased an identical unit to replace the factory stereo in our other car.

In short, the Pioneer MVH-X560BT has succeeded in bringing our ‘classic’ campervan well into this century, for many more years and miles of happy camping.

Hits: affordable, easy to install and use, modern connectivity (USB, Bluetooth, etc.), lots of features, turn-by-turn GPS via car speakers, hands-free phone calling, remote control, removable faceplate

Misses: shiny faceplate sometimes hard to read in bright sunlight, custom front panel colors tedious to set, head unit should be manually turned On/Off in vehicles lacking ACC ignition switch

Get the Pioneer MVH-X560BT here, or check out the newer MVH-X580BS here >>

What do you think? Leave a question or comment below, and use the social links to share with friends!