Are you happy with your grand california?

[jeannie]

Hi all. Now the Grand California has been out there for a few years I’m wondering if anyone here has one, is happy/unhappy with their choice?/ any recurring problems? Many thanks

 

[RachelD]

I’ve had my GC680 4mo (2021) for 10 months and done maybe 5 shorter trips and I reckon it suits me almost perfectly but everything is a compromise

It’s a bit narrow compared to other vans but while that’s okay because I’m solo, it’s an advantage when parking. The bed is a bit high and the cut out is annoying but a £5 step and a bit of plywood sorted those. The bed needs a topper

I’ve had a few issues despite the previous owner being keen on accessories and maintenance. The brake light and rood seal recalls have been done, VW caught an oil pressure issue and fixed under extended warranty.

Overall I’m really pleased with my choice, I love rocking up at places and watching the jealousy in the eye of most other campervanners and motorhomers as the cool kid rolls in.

If I were to change it for some reason I have no idea if I’d buy another, or go bigger like an A Class.

 

[DMC]

We have had ours from new and is nearly two years old. It’s taken us to Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, France, Spain etc. It has been absolutely fantastic. The only issues we have had have been with the Truma diesel heater/boiler (on two occasions). The first was dealt with by Truma and the second by our dealer. Great vehicle.

 

[Razor Crest]

Had ours for 10 months and love it. Previously had a selection of California Oceans, last one was a 204 4m which we hung to for while to make sure the GC was what we wanted. Definitely the right decision for us.

 

[Topsy]

Love my 680. Had my first new one on a 21 plate and had the usual niggles with the early build but to be fair once we got through those then no more problems. Changed for a new 24 plate one and had no problems in 12 months. It is a great camper van and I can't think of any other van I would consider.

 

[Paddy GC680]

Had my Grand Cal 680 for 4 years now. Had a number of issues, but its been fabulous visiting Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Wales and most major cities in the UK.

For the record here is the list of issues I had fixed on warranty:-

1. Fridge locked close. Had to break fridge to open and it was down to a screw not glued in and becoming loose so fridge bolt would not operate. New fridge provided and fitted incorrectly. Would not close correctly. VW Garage should have just changed the fridge door and not the whole unit. Fixed it 1 year later by altering the rails.
2. Step stopped working in the 1st year. Fixed
3. Rear light cracked - replaced - cracked again - incorrect clearance to van. Not major issue.
4. Overloaded 12v socket at front of van. Blown fuse. Eventually found fuse under the passenger seat. VW fixed it. Kept it for 1 month.
5. Tap in the sink started leaking year 3. New tap fitted.
6. A few latches failed on the back cupboards. Replaced by VW

Latest issue (July 2025) now its not under warranty. Small diesel fuel line to Truman heater has somehow broken so no heating / water using diesel. This is underneath the vehicle. Need to order a length of 1.5mm clear tubing and outer rubber tube. Anybody know where to buy this?

Updates I have completed.
Bought 8 x life PO4 310 Ah battery's from China with Ionica 2000 watt 24 V inverter.
Fabulous and gives me power for weeks. I know have 2 battery packs. One in each cupboard at the back of the van. (so 16 batteries). Just connect cable to outside 240V connection when I require 240 volts. I then re-charge batteries when at home or on a camp site.

Love my campervan and cannot believe it will be 5 years old July 2026.

 

[Paddy GC680]

Just one final issue to add, and its just caused me a clean up in the fridge. A can of coke exploded in the fridge. The fridge freezes items on the lowest cold setting. Terrible fridge and never behaves as it should. This would stop me buying another VW G680. Someone said add a 12v fan. Not sure how easy this is to complete. Why was the fridge not fully tested before they used this manufacturer.

 

[Paddy GC680]

Just one final issue to add, and its just caused me a clean up in the fridge. A can of coke exploded in the fridge. The fridge freezes items on the lowest cold setting. Terrible fridge and never behaves as it should. This would stop me buying another VW G680. Someone said add a 12v fan. Not sure how easy this is to complete. Why was the fridge not fully tested before they used this manufacturer.

 

[Californication69]

Had my Grand Cal 680 for 4 years now. Had a number of issues, but its been fabulous visiting Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Wales and most major cities in the UK.

For the record here is the list of issues I had fixed on warranty:-

1. Fridge locked close. Had to break fridge to open and it was down to a screw not glued in and becoming loose so fridge bolt would not operate. New fridge provided and fitted incorrectly. Would not close correctly. VW Garage should have just changed the fridge door and not the whole unit. Fixed it 1 year later by altering the rails.
2. Step stopped working in the 1st year. Fixed
3. Rear light cracked - replaced - cracked again - incorrect clearance to van. Not major issue.
4. Overloaded 12v socket at front of van. Blown fuse. Eventually found fuse under the passenger seat. VW fixed it. Kept it for 1 month.
5. Tap in the sink started leaking year 3. New tap fitted.
6. A few latches failed on the back cupboards. Replaced by VW

Latest issue (July 2025) now its not under warranty. Small diesel fuel line to Truman heater has somehow broken so no heating / water using diesel. This is underneath the vehicle. Need to order a length of 1.5mm clear tubing and outer rubber tube. Anybody know where to buy this?

Updates I have completed.
Bought 8 x life PO4 310 Ah battery's from China with Ionica 2000 watt 24 V inverter.
Fabulous and gives me power for weeks. I know have 2 battery packs. One in each cupboard at the back of the van. (so 16 batteries). Just connect cable to outside 240V connection when I require 240 volts. I then re-charge batteries when at home or on a camp site.

Love my campervan and cannot believe it will be 5 years old July 2026.

You have 16x 310Ah battery’s ?
Giving you 5k Ah usage ?
That is some hefty weight in the rear !
Each battery is 25kg.
So 400Kg in weight ?

 

[Paddy GC680]

First set was 210Ah weighing about 8 x 5kg. Heavy , but i can carry out of van if required. Second set i bought is more like 8 x 5.5 kg. Split into 2 battery boxes. Fitted a Daly BMS, works a treat.

 

[Rikmac]

Had our GC600 15 months...It replaced aT.61 Ocean

Absolutely love it... different ball game from a camping perspective than the Ocean.

Issues
1.Wireless charger under table doesn't work even though it's been replaced once
2 Broken latches on cupboards ...replaced under warranty
3.Shower head leaking...replaced it with one from Amazon will get Vw to replace when in for next service.

 

[Winston Rumfoord]

This is interesting to read as I’ve just got back from looking at a vw approved used 4 berth 600. Initial impressions:
- the catches on the cabin lockers are awful.
- the fridge felt clunky
- liked the fixed beds and the double isofix anchors
- I worry that my kids will become too long for the upstairs bed in a few years
- it’s really tall - I know this is stating the obvious!

The salesperson was really honest saying he thinks they’re “a bit odd” and he’s never been sure of the target demographic. I am tempted though.

(He was even more critical of the T7 California.)

 

[Californication69]

What brand are they, if no named brand then I’d be really cautious.
I’ve got a EF delta2, and seen the strip down of the batteries inside and it’s like carrying a potential firebomb.
I’d most likely go for a renogy or Fogstar branded as they have the electronic thermal management systems that are more reliable.

 

[Black.Sheep.Cali]

We have had our GC680 MY25 5weeks and it’s all very new to us. Our first campervan ever and we have been away every weekend so far. We have only ever rented and tried a variety of different vans but we think it’s ideal for us as a couple at this time of life.

Choosing wild camps over campsites 90% of the time. But being on a site and having hook up last weekend definitely gets rid of battery anxiety.

Future upgrade will definitely be the battery change to lipo4. Not impressed so far.

New dashboard is great for Apple CarPlay. Electronic handbrake helps for chair turns. Space is ok for a van base, top cupboards are awkward to fill without losing stuff when you open them. We have diesel heater but not used it yet.

Would like an extract fan to install in a skylight for night time. Maybe look for 3d print ideas next year.

Best mod, our wolfbox permanent front and rear camera. Having a rear view when driving is great.

 

[Razor Crest]

We have had our GC680 MY25 5weeks and it’s all very new to us. Our first campervan ever and we have been away every weekend so far. We have only ever rented and tried a variety of different vans but we think it’s ideal for us as a couple at this time of life.

Choosing wild camps over campsites 90% of the time. But being on a site and having hook up last weekend definitely gets rid of battery anxiety.

Future upgrade will definitely be the battery change to lipo4. Not impressed so far.

New dashboard is great for Apple CarPlay. Electronic handbrake helps for chair turns. Space is ok for a van base, top cupboards are awkward to fill without losing stuff when you open them. We have diesel heater but not used it yet.

Would like an extract fan to install in a skylight for night time. Maybe look for 3d print ideas next year.

Best mod, our wolfbox permanent front and rear camera. Having a rear view when driving is great.

How did you get the cable to the rear, and where did you place the camera please?

 

[NickParks]

I've had my GC600 for around a year now, very happy coming from a converted T6.1 - loving the extra space and having a fixed bed, along with a toilet/washroom
No issues so far, hopefully the previous owner addressed them all -
Only change I've made is a Fogstar 628ah LiPo battery fitted in the rear cupboard with an uprated 90amp split charger and they replaced the Solar PMMT with a Victron one, which seems to work better and also has a handy Bluetooth App....

Only other mod planned is a Mule Rear Wheel Carrier/Ladder as I don't like the thought of going around Europe without a spare.....

 

[Californication69]

I've had my GC600 for around a year now, very happy coming from a converted T6.1 - loving the extra space and having a fixed bed, along with a toilet/washroom
No issues so far, hopefully the previous owner addressed them all -
Only change I've made is a Fogstar 628ah LiPo battery fitted in the rear cupboard with an uprated 90amp split charger and they replaced the Solar PMMT with a Victron one, which seems to work better and also has a handy Bluetooth App....

Only other mod planned is a Mule Rear Wheel Carrier/Ladder as I don't like the thought of going around Europe without a spare.....

I’d love a Grand for the standup space and shower n hot water.
Just wish VW would do 4.9% and the 5 year sausage promise on a grand and the residuals were the same as a new t7.
but I also want 4Motion, and they don’t do one in the UK.