Upgrading to an Exclusive?

[berg86]

Hi all.

I am still loving my California, however the cold up here makes it quite difficult to put the kids upstairs for sleep and I would like to extend the camping season year around.
So, I am searching for a hightop and found an Exclusive, it's pretty nice! (Almost to nice...?)

My question however, for now I am driving my California Biker as my main car.
Would that be asking to much for an Exclusive, is it to big to haul around?
I live in a small city and don't really go into the city center to often, so that isn't really an issue but it still a fair bit of car to lump around.

And what mileage does the 75kw TDI manual get?

Regards
Fredrik

 

[sidepod]

I'm sure our resident Hi Top guru will be along shortly. Can you not "duct" some of the downstairs heat to the upstairs? Seems excessive to change the van for a heating issue?

 

[chriskiely]

I have moved to an exclusive and love it.

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[berg86]

I'm sure our resident Hi Top guru will be along shortly. Can you not "duct" some of the downstairs heat to the upstairs? Seems excessive to change the van for a heating issue?

Well, I also like the thought of having constant headroom and some extra space for the 9 and 12 year old.
That said, it is now 29th of October, the ground is already white and it is -6C. I expect green grass again in end of may, so cold is a factor

 

[mrcheesbrough]

There’s no denying the Exclusive is a great van but I wouldn’t fancy using one as a as daily driver. Westfalia did do other T4 SWB conversions that had a compact high roof but with a similar layout to the pop top. It could be worth hunting one of those down.

It’s worth noting all the Westys only have permanent head room when the upper bed is packed away. Personally I’d be tempted to look into some insulation for the pop top and as @sidepod suggests see if you can’t get the heat ducted up to the roof on the coldest nights.

Regarding the 75kw engine, like anything, if it’s looked after it’ll go forever - my garage has looked after one with over 500k Miles on the clock.


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[2into1]

I've swapped between the two. The Exclusive is fab but (as you anticipate) is right on the dotted line between usable as a 1st/2nd car and something to be kept waiting for high days and holidays.

It clearly CAN be used as an everyday vehicle, but doing so never felt right to me. Fortunately at that time (mid divorce) it suited my circumstances to have a cheap car as well, but once my living situation returned to 'conventional' I found a pop top (and specifically a t5/6 Cali) a better all rounder.
I jump in it exactly as I would with a Ford focus sized vehicle for everyday tasks and accept its compromised (vs the exclusive) for UK weather camping.

In the summer in good weather, the exclusive doesn't beat a pop top by much (downstairs bed is awkward to make for eg, and 'bedroom gymnastics' in the roof bed needs practice!), but come the rain and cold, it was a dream. It was literally 'spin the seats' and that was the set up complete. No awnings to errect, no toppers to fit to try and insulate the canvas.

Mpg in the very high 30s was possible driven at 60ish on a run. I've not really a feel for consistent town use.

The T4s with their long gear sticks, and heavier steering, less sophisticated suspension are a more physical drive than the T5s. The weight distribution of the exclusive seemed to compound that feeling.

 

[berg86]

I've swapped between the two. The Exclusive is fab but (as you anticipate) is right on the dotted line between usable as a 1st/2nd car and something to be kept waiting for high days and holidays.

It clearly CAN be used as an everyday vehicle, but doing so never felt right to me. Fortunately at that time (mid divorce) it suited my circumstances to have a cheap car as well, but once my living situation returned to 'conventional' I found a pop top (and specifically a t5/6 Cali) a better all rounder.
I jump in it exactly as I would with a Ford focus sized vehicle for everyday tasks and accept its compromised (vs the exclusive) for UK weather camping.

In the summer in good weather, the exclusive doesn't beat a pop top by much (downstairs bed is awkward to make for eg, and 'bedroom gymnastics' in the roof bed needs practice!), but come the rain and cold, it was a dream. It was literally 'spin the seats' and that was the set up complete. No awnings to errect, no toppers to fit to try and insulate the canvas.

Mpg in the very high 30s was possible driven at 60ish on a run. I've not really a feel for consistent town use.

The T4s with their long gear sticks, and heavier steering, less sophisticated suspension are a more physical drive than the T5s. The weight distribution of the exclusive seemed to compound that feeling.

Thank you for the elaborate answer.
I think, as you say, I will go back to my original plan to wait and find a SWB hightop instead.

 

[mrcheesbrough]

There’s no denying the Exclusive is a great van but I wouldn’t fancy using one as a as daily driver. Westfalia did do other T4 SWB conversions that had a compact high roof but with a similar layout to the pop top. It could be worth hunting one of those down.

It’s worth noting all the Westys only have permanent head room when the upper bed is packed away. Personally I’d be tempted to look into some insulation for the pop top and as @sidepod suggests see if you can’t get the heat ducted up to the roof on the coldest nights.

Regarding the 75kw engine, like anything, if it’s looked after it’ll go forever - my garage has looked after one with over 500k Miles on the clock.


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[berg86]

I have moved to an exclusive and love it.

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Sure looks nice!

 

[berg86]

There’s no denying the Exclusive is a great van but I wouldn’t fancy using one as a as daily driver. Westfalia did do other T4 SWB conversions that had a compact high roof but with a similar layout to the pop top. It could be worth hunting one of those down.

It’s worth noting all the Westys only have permanent head room when the upper bed is packed away. Personally I’d be tempted to look into some insulation for the pop top and as @sidepod suggests see if you can’t get the heat ducted up to the roof on the coldest nights.

Regarding the 75kw engine, like anything, if it’s looked after it’ll go forever - my garage has looked after one with over 500k Miles on the clock.


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Yes, they seem quite hard to find, but I will be on the lookout.
But on the Exclusive you have full standing height back in the "kitchen"?

 

[andyinluton]

Could you do a high top conversion on the van you’ve got?

 

[2into1]

It’s worth noting all the Westys only have permanent head room when the upper bed is packed away.

Perhaps just for future readers finding this thread.... I'd add that whilst this statement is true, putting the bed away in an exclusive is a 30 second job (and all the bedding is stored in the 'smurf' section of the roof). Also, that the kitchen and bathroom areas are both full hight with the upper bed deployed

 

[chriskiely]

Yes, they seem quite hard to find, but I will be on the lookout.
But on the Exclusive you have full standing height back in the "kitchen"?

Yes you do. However, it does take a bit of co-ordinated effort when the van is loaded with people when trying to move around.

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[mrcheesbrough]

Yes, they seem quite hard to find, but I will be on the lookout.
But on the Exclusive you have full standing height back in the "kitchen"?

They definitely are, however I’ve seen one on eBay UK for a little while now. Don’t know why it’s not sold. Just waiting for the right buyer I guess.

Yep. The kitchen has full headroom permanently. Which is a real bonus for preparing drinks and food even after younger family have taken to the upstairs bed.


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[2into1]

However, it does take a bit of co-ordinated effort when the van is loaded with people when trying to move around.

Yes, moving around in an exclusive is like a game of 'tetris', but beats 'twister' in a SWB poptop.

 

[berg86]

Could you do a high top conversion on the van you’ve got?

I think I would loose to much money on it when I would like to change it.
It would be better to sell as is and change to a ready-made I think.

To add a bit of why I consider the Exclusive is that I spend almost as much time in the car as in the home, I sometimes use it for home instead of hotels when of on work projects, and for extended climbing trips.

And I would like to make a longer europe trip this summer with the kids.

 

[2into1]

To add a bit of why I consider the Exclusive is that I spend almost as much time in the car as in the home, I sometimes use it for home instead of hotels when of on work projects, and for extended climbing trips.

It would excel in that role.

 

[chriskiely]

They definitely are, however I’ve seen one on eBay UK for a little while now. Don’t know why it’s not sold. Just waiting for the right buyer I guess.

Yep. The kitchen has full headroom permanently. Which is a real bonus for preparing drinks and food even after younger family have taken to the upstairs bed.


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Is this one with lpg conversion? Also, there is a green one that pops up now and again and is based in Scotland; that is a scam advert


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[chriskiely]

I think I would loose to much money on it when I would like to change it.
It would be better to sell as is and change to a ready-made I think.

To add a bit of why I consider the Exclusive is that I spend almost as much time in the car as in the home, I sometimes use it for home instead of hotels when of on work projects, and for extended climbing trips.

And I would like to make a longer europe trip this summer with the kids.

Seems like it would be ideal then


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[berg86]

How do you Exclusive owners find the storage capabilities of other equipment than kitchen and living stuff?
Say hiking and sport equipment?

Seems there are loads of drawers but no real garage for backpacks and grimey things?
I have seen a lot of pictures of people having boxes on the back either on the bike-carry or towing bar suggesting bulky stuff can be difficult?

 

[chriskiely]

Loads of space to use as u wish. Also van close the door over on toilet and lock the stuff away behind there too


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[pureinla]

FIrst off, I use my Exclusive as a daily driver. I had a lifted T4 MV SWB Syncro before. I've never noticed it being an issue. It drives quite well. Mind you I'm in Northern Canada, mostly parking outside etc. The only issue I find could be a problem would be the height if you're in a more urban center.

Gear storage is an issue. We have converted the closet to all shelves and can fit all of our clothes and food (we shop often) for a three week trip (two adults and a nine year old). Under the rear bench we store camp chairs, bike helmets but there isn't room for much more. We definitely need to get a rear box for wetsuits and side rack for surfboards etc. The usual camping/cooking stuff all stows away nicely.

 

[larrylamb]

Don't forget the Exclusive also has a dedicated toilet and basin at the rear. Another plus for many people.

 

[ArcticMatt]

You'll love the extra space the Exclusive offers. Compared to my SWB syncro tin-top in the UK, the smurf is huge! It's still a little tricky with two kids and the beds folded out but you can manage with ease. Storage inside seems ok to begin with but we quickly run out of space for bits and rely on the external box on the bike rack.

The other advantage of the smurf-top is its "winterisation" which makes it great for use all year round. I've seen the insulation within the roof when I was changing the skylight. I use mine a lot in the winter to watch the aurora where we are and it's proper cozy! You'll find that a big step up from the pop-top.

I hope you find a good one

PP Smurf & The Beiarfjellet Nordlys by Matt Wilde, on Flickr