All New T7 California

[Raraman]

Hi, all
I, too, am planning to buy/lease a T7 California PHEV Coast whenever it is available in the UK. However, I have a few issues with the new layout. I currently own a T5 Bilbos Celex High Top which I bought in 2006. In the galley, I have a compression fridge with freezer compartment and a microwave oven which replaced the original gas oven. Neither of these items are available in the T7. In fact the old style galley has been replaced with an entirely new design that will take some getting used to. It is strange that there is now only one hob and that a gas one. What a pity the opportunity to include an electric hob has been missed. Nor has room been made for a port a potty, surely an essential component for emergencies. Strange, too, that California Chris hasn’t mentioned the changes in his videos. I wonder if Volkswagen intend to introduce aT7 upgrade sometime soon to address the aforementioned items?

 

[Georgeo]

Hi, all
I, too, am planning to buy/lease a T7 California PHEV Coast whenever it is available in the UK. However, I have a few issues with the new layout. I currently own a T5 Bilbos Celex High Top which I bought in 2006. In the galley, I have a compression fridge with freezer compartment and a microwave oven which replaced the original gas oven. Neither of these items are available in the T7. In fact the old style galley has been replaced with an entirely new design that will take some getting used to. It is strange that there is now only one hob and that a gas one. What a pity the opportunity to include an electric hob has been missed. Nor has room been made for a port a potty, surely an essential component for emergencies. Strange, too, that California Chris hasn’t mentioned the changes in his videos. I wonder if Volkswagen intend to introduce aT7 upgrade sometime soon to address the aforementioned items?

The reason for these items missing is it’s a smaller van inside. There will not be upgrades. The Cali is now based on the multivan not a T7 commercial vehicle.

 

[Raraman]

The reason for these items missing is it’s a smaller van inside. There will not be upgrades. The Cali is now based on the multivan not a T7 commercial vehicle.

Hi, Georgeo. I am aware that the Multivan is smaller than the Transporter. Even so, the freezer section of the fridge would hardly require a great deal of room. It doesn’t make sense for the fridge in the T7 California not to include a freezer. Where else could you put your Magnums? A potty is essential equipment for any camper van, isn’t it?

 

[WelshGas]

Hi, Georgeo. I am aware that the Multivan is smaller than the Transporter. Even so, the freezer section of the fridge would hardly require a great deal of room. It doesn’t make sense for the fridge in the T7 California not to include a freezer. Where else could you put your Magnums? A potty is essential equipment for any camper van, isn’t it?

The VW California from the T5 to the Multivan California has never had a Fridge with a freezer compartment. Nor has it ever had a toilet provided , although some owners do carry one. This has been the case for the last 20 yrs or so.

 

[66tim99]

Nor has room been made for a port a potty, surely an essential component for emergencies. Strange, too, that California Chris hasn’t mentioned the changes in his videos.

I remember Chris saying he THOUGHT there would be room between bed and seat for a porta potty. There isn’t room for one in the kitchen cupboard, but there’s space in the larger boot area.

 

[Duff.]

Hello, I have a T7 Coast on courtesy loan for a couple of months, if you need any photos to help etc ask away

 

[Duff.]

From what I can determine, its easier to use porta potty with the bed made up in the T7 than my Cali 6.1. There is more room between doors and bed to front seats. (see revision to this below)

 

[66tim99]

Hello, I have a T7 Coast on courtesy loan for a couple of months, if you need any photos to help etc ask away

Great to hear from a T6 owner.
What are your first impressions compared to your van?
Have you camped in it yet?

 

[KevH]

Hi, Georgeo. I am aware that the Multivan is smaller than the Transporter. Even so, the freezer section of the fridge would hardly require a great deal of room. It doesn’t make sense for the fridge in the T7 California not to include a freezer. Where else could you put your Magnums? A potty is essential equipment for any camper van, isn’t it?

Your comparison of your existing T5 Transporter based conversion to aT7 Cali Coast is bound to throw up massive differences as they are different vehicles developed by different designers for, dare I suggest, different target markets.
It raises some interesting points of difference that perhaps indicate that you might want to wait for a conversion based on the forthcoming Ford/VW van.
I suspect many of us will go through the same thought process when we next trade in.

 

[Duff.]

Great to hear from a T6 owner.
What are your first impressions compared to your van?
Have you camped in it yet?

Just picked up yesterday (50miles)

First impressions:

Good…

Very car like in cab.
Comfortable drive
Quiet
Some standard features in this coast were extras on the 6.1
Spoiler looks nice
Sound system / nice sound
Handles better than my 6.1(lower to ground) less roll
Sport mode
Electric deployable tow bar ( optional extra on this van)
Reversing camera view and guidelines.
Rear seats ability to position (one in front of other) creates more room for rear passengers.
Very comfortable for passengers front and rear.
Plenty Dash storage.
Footwells capacious.
Puddle lights
Washing wiper jets in blade holders



Jury still out..

Windscreen rake & small windows in A pillar
Gear shift located on dash ( can't find in dark as not lit)
LED headlights seem bit dim compared to LED lights on my Ocean (my21)
Feels very narrow although longer
Won’t fit in garage
Overhangs parking space
Buttons / switches a bit of a faff
Does not seem much about in after market ( seat covers / windscreen covers / floor mats etc)
Seems very low compared to 6.1 no grab handles on entry? (these are needed in my opinion)
Power latch doors start to close unless locked in to position (this may be normal on all power latch doors)
Interior colour ( doors to dash) brown/beige/coffee no colour alternatives as I can see? Looks very cheap finish?
No room to manoeuvre on porta potty when bed down.
Over done with digital faff.
Narrow storage space / boot (approx 6” narrower)
Seems more car than van / no soul.
Door bins - no comment
Steering wheel finish poor / cost cut here / cheap.

 

[Archie]

From what I can determine, its easier to use porta potty with the bed made up in the T7 than my Cali 6.1. There is more room between doors and bed to front seats.

Would you mind posting a photo with the bed down and the porta potty in place please?
When I looked at a T7 Ocean in the showroom it looked tight but obviously had no toilet to check.

 

[Duff.]

Would you mind posting a photo with the bed down and the porta potty in place please?
When I looked at a T7 Ocean in the showroom it looked tight but obviously had no toilet to check

Tried to sit on it - Unfortunately whichever approach “no can do” no roomfor manouvers, although my initial thoughts were that as the van is longer, there must be enough room between end of bed and front seats as far forward to fit? Alas no!

More room in 6.1 can do adequate manoeuvres with bed in position, I would guestemate an additional 8”” in 6.1 between end of bed and front seats?

 

[Hedley Wright]

Tried to sit on it - Unfortunately whichever approach “no can do” no roomfor manouvers, although my initial thoughts were that as the van is longer, there must be enough room between end of bed and front seats as far forward to fit? Alas no!

More room in 6.1 can do adequate manoeuvres with bed in position, I would guestemate an additional 8”” in 6.1 between end of bed and front seats?

View attachment 132626

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This one thing rules out the new California for me and, I suspect, many others. A significantly longer vehicle with less room inside and nowhere to use a portapotti.

 

[Boatman]

At the NEC Motorhome show I had a good look at the new T7 California.
Overall very disappointed.
Positive:

• It looks good from the outside

Negative

• Narrower bed - in a wider van
• lower ceiling means the van is only usable with the roof up. It feels like a slightly large MPV inside rather than a camper
• No wide rear seat to relax on for picnics etc, replaced by 2 separate formed seats
• large under seat storage drawer replaced by 2 very small storage bins not really much use
• single hob with less hob space
• Sliding floor level fridge is very accessible but if anything is on the floor it can't open
• No ability to fit a bike rack on the tailgate. If you want a bike rack it has to be tow bracket mounted

By this stage I decided the T7 is not for me, the T6 / 6.1 california is much better.

Looking at the van conversion section some of the layouts were better than the California and perhaps that will be the way forward.
I was told the restriction on the VW T7 base van is that the bodywork pillar at the rear of the sliding doors is very thick. this is why the van is restricted in width inside despite being a wider van overall. This makes it a challenge to convert.

Conclusion
Keep your T5 / T6 / T6.1
If you are looking at a new T7, seriously consider the van conversions for the best layout for you
Philip

 

[Steve_D]

I'm literally just in the market for a new van - decided on a used T6.1 4motion over a brand new T7. I see the market they're aiming at, one do it all family vehicle, but the limited space, less storage, one burner and low ride make it a massive compromise for those used to T6/6.1 Calis.. Looking swish and all the digital tech is one thing, but the T7 appears soulless to me and call me a dinosaur, but it's just not the great California camper that we all know and love.

 

[Duff.]

I'm literally just in the market for a new van - decided on a used T6.1 4motion over a brand new T7. I see the market they're aiming at, one do it all family vehicle, but the limited space, less storage, one burner and low ride make it a massive compromise for those used to T6/6.1 Calis.. Looking swish and all the digital tech is one thing, but the T7 appears soulless to me and call me a dinosaur, but it's just not the great California camper that we all know and love.

I’m two weeks with a T7 Coast courtesy car. I can’t wait to get my 6.1 back.

I have come to this conclusion….

“IF” i was pressed to have a T7 i would go for the Beach and spec it up a little!

 

[66tim99]

He doesn’t rate it generally, and would stick with a T6, though the following is improved in his view:
2 sliding doors
Lighting operation
Air con without ignition (is that true?)
Access to gas bottle
Choose which side the awning is on
Window blinds
Cockpit
Smoother drive

 

[Steve_D]

Interesting watch.. having owned both an Ocean 6.1 and a Coast 6.1 previously, I was back in the market for a new Cali earlier this year and looked at the T7. In my view it’s a big car trying to be a camper and there’s just too many compromises associated with having a lot less space. In the end I managed to pick up a low mileage 6.1 4motion Ocean and so glad I did. And whilst I’m all for progress, I’m not sure the T7 is at all, and the 6.1 could well be the last of the proper Cali campers we all know and love.

 

[Kev56]

I’ve looked, tried to like it, ummed and ahhed but a definite no for me. Makes me love my 6.1 Ocean even more.

 

[DelB53]

At the NEC Motorhome show I had a good look at the new T7 California.
Overall very disappointed.
Positive:

• It looks good from the outside

Negative

• Narrower bed - in a wider van
• lower ceiling means the van is only usable with the roof up. It feels like a slightly large MPV inside rather than a camper
• No wide rear seat to relax on for picnics etc, replaced by 2 separate formed seats
• large under seat storage drawer replaced by 2 very small storage bins not really much use
• single hob with less hob space
• Sliding floor level fridge is very accessible but if anything is on the floor it can't open
• No ability to fit a bike rack on the tailgate. If you want a bike rack it has to be tow bracket mounted

By this stage I decided the T7 is not for me, the T6 / 6.1 california is much better.

Looking at the van conversion section some of the layouts were better than the California and perhaps that will be the way forward.
I was told the restriction on the VW T7 base van is that the bodywork pillar at the rear of the sliding doors is very thick. this is why the van is restricted in width inside despite being a wider van overall. This makes it a challenge to convert.

Conclusion
Keep your T5 / T6 / T6.1
If you are looking at a new T7, seriously consider the van conversions for the best layout for you
Philip

At the NEC Motorhome show I had a good look at the new T7 California.
Overall very disappointed.
Positive:

• It looks good from the outside

Negative

• Narrower bed - in a wider van
• lower ceiling means the van is only usable with the roof up. It feels like a slightly large MPV inside rather than a camper
• No wide rear seat to relax on for picnics etc, replaced by 2 separate formed seats
• large under seat storage drawer replaced by 2 very small storage bins not really much use
• single hob with less hob space
• Sliding floor level fridge is very accessible but if anything is on the floor it can't open
• No ability to fit a bike rack on the tailgate. If you want a bike rack it has to be tow bracket mounted

By this stage I decided the T7 is not for me, the T6 / 6.1 california is much better.

Looking at the van conversion section some of the layouts were better than the California and perhaps that will be the way forward.
I was told the restriction on the VW T7 base van is that the bodywork pillar at the rear of the sliding doors is very thick. this is why the van is restricted in width inside despite being a wider van overall. This makes it a challenge to convert.

Conclusion
Keep your T5 / T6 / T6.1
If you are looking at a new T7, seriously consider the van conversions for the best layout for you
Philip

I totally agree Philip.

We checked out the T7 against the T6 at the Campervantastic stand at the Motorhome show and were very disappointed.

Although I'm sure it will give a better driving experience than my T5 the downsides seemed considerable.

I had the same negatives as you plus a few others:

1. No slide-out, single leg table - you have to use the 4 legged table inside the van where the legs get in the way and the height looks wrong. Replaced by a small plate, which can be used in different positions for food prep but no use for dining.

2. The single table is stored in the boot area, not the brilliant clip-in in the sliding door on previous models This limits storage space.

3. The downstairs mattress takes up much more space in the rear boot area than my existing mattress topper, again limiting storage.

4. Water filler is now inside the boot area. Fiddly to fill without dripping water inside the vehicle. It seems perfectly serviceable on the outside on mine.

For me it looks much more like a day van than a solid camper for extended stays. After seeing the T7 we decided it wasn't for us and I then searched for the last of the new 6.1 models under VW's March offer of interest free credit, 5 years service and roadside assistance, plus 3 MOTs, but my contact couldn't locate any

VW have launched a new Transporter and I would love to see a California Classic based on this in their future launch plans.

You might be interested in Peter Vaughn's T6/T7 comparison on the MMM video channel.

Cheers - Del

 

[soulstyledevon]

I remember my old T6 Ocean.
Like many California owners, we struggled with too much space. It seemed a waste.
I guess that why Volkswagen decided to re-design the space inside the new T7 Multivan and make it even smaller and more compact.


Nice move Volkswagen…

 

[Californication69]

Tried to sit on it - Unfortunately whichever approach “no can do” no roomfor manouvers, although my initial thoughts were that as the van is longer, there must be enough room between end of bed and front seats as far forward to fit? Alas no!

More room in 6.1 can do adequate manoeuvres with bed in position, I would guestemate an additional 8”” in 6.1 between end of bed and front seats?

View attachment 132626

View attachment 132627

View attachment 132628

I think there is just enough space for a sit down wee.
Looking forward to sending updated pictures of me sitting on porta potti in a couple of months time
Maybe angle the potti more towards the front by 15 / 25° and then keep the legs closed it can work.
Or maybe push the middle row seats back more? Or is the headrest already turned around and under the back shelf ?
Or last option, put Potti on pass seat and squat on top like a yoga position ?
Might need to book in with my chiropractor first

 

[dripster]

I think there is just enough space for a sit down wee.
Looking forward to sending updated pictures of me sitting on porta potti in a couple of months time
Maybe angle the potti more towards the front by 15 / 25° and then keep the legs closed it can work.
Or maybe push the middle row seats back more? Or is the headrest already turned around and under the back shelf ?
Or last option, put Potti on pass seat and squat on top like a yoga position ?
Might need to book in with my chiropractor first

You could always open the door and stand outside to pee into the van...

 

[sticky1]

Hi, Georgeo. I am aware that the Multivan is smaller than the Transporter. Even so, the freezer section of the fridge would hardly require a great deal of room. It doesn’t make sense for the fridge in the T7 California not to include a freezer. Where else could you put your Magnums? A potty is essential equipment for any camper van, isn’t it?

It’s perhaps worth noting the fridge can be used in freezer mode - ask me how I know!

Unfortunately it’s either a fridge or freezer.

Level 3 is 5 degrees in mine.

 

[sticky1]

I totally agree Philip.

We checked out the T7 against the T6 at the Campervantastic stand at the Motorhome show and were very disappointed.

Although I'm sure it will give a better driving experience than my T5 the downsides seemed considerable.

I had the same negatives as you plus a few others:

1. No slide-out, single leg table - you have to use the 4 legged table inside the van where the legs get in the way and the height looks wrong. Replaced by a small plate, which can be used in different positions for food prep but no use for dining.

2. The single table is stored in the boot area, not the brilliant clip-in in the sliding door on previous models This limits storage space.

3. The downstairs mattress takes up much more space in the rear boot area than my existing mattress topper, again limiting storage.

4. Water filler is now inside the boot area. Fiddly to fill without dripping water inside the vehicle. It seems perfectly serviceable on the outside on mine.

For me it looks much more like a day van than a solid camper for extended stays. After seeing the T7 we decided it wasn't for us and I then searched for the last of the new 6.1 models under VW's March offer of interest free credit, 5 years service and roadside assistance, plus 3 MOTs, but my contact couldn't locate any

VW have launched a new Transporter and I would love to see a California Classic based on this in their future launch plans.

You might be interested in Peter Vaughn's T6/T7 comparison on the MMM video channel.

Cheers - Del

I rate many of Peter Vaughn’s reviews, however this one felt a little biased.

He kept hitting his head on the aircraft style locker - perhaps if you shuffle down right to the top of the bed and sit up you can hit your head. I’m 6’2” and so far not managed to do the same.

He reviews the space in the rear as smaller than a T6 - which it isn’t. It’s about 25% larger.
With his comparison of the space in the rear he forgot to mention that VW now gives you a mattress topper. I haven’t met many people that don’t use one in their older vans and the VW mattress now has a hard board base which makes it a completely flat surface.

As a previous owner of a T6 California I thought I’d miss the big drawer under the rear seat, however the seats move so easily that is possible to store twice the capacity behind the seats with very little intrusion into the cab.

I also thought I’d miss the table and in fairness there are times I do, however we use the small table (on the outside of the kitchen) which for two people is fine and of course you can now use the passenger seat (right hand drive) to get close to this table.

I don’t tend to cook full meals in the van, so the single burner is fine for making hot drinks etc. I do use the outside kitchen table and do use a second portable hob on it if I’m heating up anything smelly like a curry, I also use the electric socket there to plug in appliances and have a small air fryer which we use. I know it’s somewhat weather dependent but it’s working for me.

My advice for the water filler is to use the California App, it is nearly real time, I estimate that it is no more than a litre behind the fill stage. I prop the phone facing me as I fill up and slow down as we near capacity. I also use the HEOSolution water attachment rather than supplied funnel, so that I can use a hose.

It’s a surprisingly different vehicle. It doesn’t drive like a car but it also doesn’t feel like a van, my wife is happier driving this than previous van based campers we have owned.