Hello,
We had a T6 Ocean for about 4 years. We drove about 40 000 km during these years. During this time we had 2x issues which were sorted by the VW dealer quickly and efficiently.
The reason for the change was that I started really to get problems sleeping downstairs and my wife started to get problems to climb up (old age caught up with us). There were a few other issues which than made us decide to get a bigger camper.
The idea to change started in June 2021, in a time that there were no campervans in Ireland available at all. And we all know delivery can take up to 18 months (depending on the manufacturer, model, and configuration).
We didn't like to wait that long and my wife came up with the idea to visit our VW dealer to see if they have a Grand California.
We went there and had a good look at the GC 600 (at the time there was only one 680 available in Ireland but with left hand drive, which I didn't want). But my wife much more preferred the GC600. It might be high, but not as long as the GC 680.
We quickly decided to get our GC 600 with standard configuration, but plus solar panel and LED lights. On the 07/07/2021 we already collected the camper.
We had significant technical problems (I put up many posts about this), but kept going and now we are very happy with the camper. Only a few weeks ago we came back from our trip through Europe which was brilliant.
@mbenne I think a change only makes sense when you feel ready for it. There are pros and cons for everything and of course the GC 600 has cons i.e. the height (which is a problem), the length is ok, but if possible I check the place where I want to go if it is ok for the GC. It is a big vehicle.
Have I said that, as mentioned before, it still drives wonderfully and I love to drive it on short errands or on long trips. Even after a year I still can't get my head around that where ever we go we have everything with us (bed, kitchen, shower, toilet), that is what my wife and I love with the GC. And yes we use everything the shower, toilet and kitchen. Sleeping is brilliant and so much more comfortable.
Driving license wise we have no problem, because it has 3.5 t, but with extras which my wife would like to add the 3.5 t might not be enough. To bring it to 3.88t would be better, but I don't fancy the restrictions that come with it.
The best might be to hire a GC for a few days and see how do you feel moving around in it, how the camping setup fits your needs and how practical it is for you and your family (parking, driving license).
Enjoy the decision finding journey.
Happy Grand California,
Eberhard