Thanks, good info.
The reason I’m looking is because we want something newer and we really want a full width bed, the 3/4 width just isn’t cutting it for us. I’m also a keen diver so the ability to use the inside space for carrying dive kit, and still being able to sleep in is very appealing.
I will be honest though, the small leisure battery is something I wanted to improve on with my next van, especially as lithium batteries are really good now and the lead acid need replacing quite frequently, I also currently use fold out solar panels into an MPPT to keep my battery topped up, which often means I can stay away for longer periods and we’re looking for a van to start doing long holidays in.
Also the cost of retrofitting a diesel heater in a beach is about £5k which is crazy.
But the beach does have the basics of what I want, where as that seems to be harder to find in coach builds. A lot to think about really.
The full width bed in a Beach is fantastic and yes it adds greatly to the sleeping experience when there are two people sleeping down stairs (or multiple kids) , there is no issues as far as own space in bed, unlike the 3/4 beds.
Lithium batteries upgrade can be done at a cost. ( Use search function top right spy glass )
Solar panels on roof are adequate for most situations. see Solar Camper Solutions (no drill fitting of upto three solar panels ) Roger is a member here . Use search function.
I have 100w solar on roof and original LB no issues fridge plugged in for days whilst camping. Obviously the amount of solar determines how long you can go for without hook up, in general one panel is good enough during summer to keep one LB topped up daily
The night Heater Is a factory option so it's entirely possible you will get a Beach with one fitted. Study the photos in the ads very carefully, you'd be suprised how many adds do not list the full spec. Tell tale signs are the control panel by the rear view mirror and the vent in the drivers step and B pillar.
If on hook up you can use an electrical heater in the three pin socket located on the passenger B pillar (u.k. spec) just keep under 800w fan heater! (Same with electric Kettle)
I have a very very high spec Beach, there were several available via the same dealer at the time when I bought mine new from Dealer stock in 2018. Mine was pretty much the highest spec you could get by ticking almost all the option boxes, but that came with a corresponding price tag !
There is a misnomer that the Beach was / is a poor man's Cali, mainly perpetuated by those who have no experience of the Beach model and have only seen what is commonly referred to by nay sayers as "poverty spec ". There is nothing poverty about a well speced Beach, and yes they do exist.
Additional storage can be achieved easily = Vanessa window bags x 2 in the rear side windows (as well as under the Bench seat draws x3 )
Food and drink storage = cfx 35 compressor fridge freezer.
The Beach is a great vehicle for camping & leisure activities there is very little that can't be done in a Beach that you can do in other models.
If you want any specific info, photos etc or if you are Near Hertfordshire j8 M1 any time and want to see a high spec (7 seat) T6 Beach in the flesh, let me know and I'll do my best to assist. (Note 7 seats only come out for special occasions )
I wish you the best of luck on your search.
Edit: there are the original sales brochures and specs available in the resources section of the Forum ( you need to become a member to access them , membership allows you to PM other members and edit posts ).
