Beach vs Ocean

[Jonathan Duke]

We're a couple in our late'30s.... We decided on the Beach, as it's normally just the two of us, plus small dog.

This article, struck a chord during our decision making process.... Maybe worth a peep.

http://campfiremag.co.uk/vw-california/

As we're from Northern Ireland, it was pretty much impossible to rent both options beforehand, so had to make a decision without any hands-on experience of either.

Firstly, both vehicles are excellent.... Both will fulfil your expectations, I expect.... You just need to determine your use-case/requirements, then see if it justifies the extra cost of the Ocean.

As per above article, we also enjoy eating-out when on holidays and on weekends etc. So, cooking wasn't a priority. However, since receiving our Cali Beach, having spend over 40 nights away in it, we have found we actually eat in it quite often. This is accomplished easily with a gas-cartridge camping stove, water supply is from 2l bottles. We've had no issues wth this arrangement, and the faff of water and gas storage/replenishment is very much mitigated.

We added the overnight heater to our Beach, which is a must IMO. We also added insulation windows and a small Weaco CF11 fridge between the front seats.... And some VanEssa Window storage bags (cupboards.) All-in, this still equated to a saving of approx £8000 over the Ocean.

We are happy with the decision, and the saving.... We would order a Beach again, if replacing tomorrow. However, we would not completely rule out purchasing a California Coast, in the future, if it ever becomes available in the UK.

All the best!

 

[kave]

Only reasonable choice is Beach
When me and the wife are older sans kids we will most likely get an Ocean (in fact i somewhat look forward to the more cozier interior).
You cant go wrong either way, you actually have three choices, Beach with sofa for two or three or an Ocean.

 

[Digger]

The answer

 

[Steve39]

cdjpb - like a few others I've been through the same decision. The most important thing is to understand 2 things.

First, how you think you will use the van. Be honest with yourself about this.

Second, you need to be clear how the different versions meet those intended uses. Kave is right, don't forget there are 3 versions (4 if you include the Coast). The two Beaches are very different, with the two seat version sitting in the middle. This is where the forum will help as there is loads of info on what these things can, and can't, do.

There are some deal breakers in this as well. You want a bigger bed: get a Beach. You want integrated kit: get an Ocean. You need to carry 5: get a Beach...and so on.

Beyond that, there is no right or wrong answer because they are all flavours of the same thing - a pop top camper van. The actual differences are pretty small (including in price now).

Really it's just the stuff down the left handside. The Ocean has a fridge, you can put a fridge in the beach. You can store your clothes in a Beach, the Ocean has clothes storage built in etc. This gives one more convenience and the other more flexibility. IMO the only mistake you can make is getting a Cali if the Cali isn't right for you.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[WelshGas]

LOL! Yes, I do like building stuff/solving problems/fitting my ideal set-up rather than maybe VW's. All part of the fun of owning a camper though and my spare time is free of course. My pod stays in - the cookers go outside. And my Beach fridge sits just where the Ocean one does.

When the kids have grown and we retire and we can set off on some proper three month + tours we will go full-fat too.

All great vehicles and hope this topic can stay light-hearted and with the tongue in cheek comments not taken too seriously! :

So you have an awning, for cooking, in inclement weather?

You see, I wouldn't want that for 1 night stops. Staying longer maybe, and definitely not for wildcamping.

 

[soulstyledevon]

NO SUCH THING AS THE PERFECT CAMPING VEHICLE...!!!

They all have pros and cons. Beach, Ocean, High Top and Motorhome.
It's all down to how you use it.

Check out my link from last year
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/volkswagen-california-camping-with-babies.15687/

Btw, you can camp in a Beach for just as long as an Ocean. You don't always need need to cook outside either
Plenty of stuff on the market to meet your needs. Personally I never cook in the van. Can't stand it when the vehicle stinks of stale cooking smells.
Plus who wants to go away and cook all the time...??? We like to get away and try local foods cooked by local people.

 

[Chriswoody]

Whilst I have an older T4 Cali, it's the equivalent of a modern ocean. I also have two kids, 4 and 6. They were 2 and 4 when I bought the van.

Because we're both teachers, we have the luxury of long summer holidays so each year we spend 4 weeks traveling across the continent. Given the fact that we travel for so long we can't afford to be eating out all the time so we regularly cook in the van. We also have a Khyam awning to spill into. We've always slept in the bottom and the kids up top.

I really find the vehicle perfect for our needs and personally wouldn't want or need a beach, even if I could afford one.

Another benefit of our van is that we can go out for the day, any time of the year, get back to the van and put a cuppa on. Many a time we've gone out in sub zero temperatures with the kids, got back to the van, popped the heater on and then had a hot drink and picnic. Having all the kitchen facilities there all the time is a real positive for us.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Another benefit of our van is that we can go out for the day, any time of the year, get back to the van and put a cuppa on. Many a time we've gone out in sub zero temperatures with the kids, got back to the van, popped the heater on and then had a hot drink and picnic. Having all the kitchen facilities there all the time is a real positive for us.

No different to most seasoned Beach owners.
I head back and whack the Jet-boil on.

I wonder who brews a cup of tea faster...???
Hmm

 

[RedCali]

I would think very very long and hard about why you want a Cali and what you will use it for. With two small children on a wet day it will be cramped and steamed up and unless you are superman or woman your patience will be sorely tried. Four bodies in there with the door shut is a squash. A motorhome or a big tent are both cheaper and bigger and you can rent a lot of holiday cottages for much less than the price of a Cali. Lots of people on here do manage with small children and will be rushing to disagree with me......but l suspect they mostly camp in the south of England or go abroad. For me a wet week in Scotland or the Lake District with 4 in the van would be a step too far.

 

[sidepod]

I really don't know where you lot get the energy to debate this issue every time a newbie drags it out.

Same people saying the same things.

Just accept it. Ocean goers will never change their mind and likewise Beach dwellers thing they have the best option.

Both sides - you've more chance of radicalising the pope.

 

[Jonathan Duke]

Both sides - you've more chance of radicalising the pope.

One could argue, that the Pope is pretty radicalised already.

 

[WelshGas]

NO SUCH THING AS THE PERFECT CAMPING VEHICLE...!!!

They all have pros and cons. Beach, Ocean, High Top and Motorhome.
It's all down to how you use it.

Check out my link from last year
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/volkswagen-california-camping-with-babies.15687/

Btw, you can camp in a Beach for just as long as an Ocean. You don't always need need to cook outside either
Plenty of stuff on the market to meet your needs. Personally I never cook in the van. Can't stand it when the vehicle stinks of stale cooking smells.
Plus who wants to go away and cook all the time...??? We like to get away and try local foods cooked by local people.

Cook on the Patio at home, I presume then. Wouldn't want the house smelling.

 

[j3ggo]

I have had an SE for 3 years amazing vehicle now for sales, swapping for a Beach, so will be able to advise better after owning it for a few months.

Our reason for changing was 3 growing children and using the Cali more as a day van to support shorter trips. With 5 in the family we wanted a bit more space to store bikes in the van.... however I know we will miss the ready accessible cupboards, and organised storage, the fridge we have ordered separately and cooking we have a couple of stoves depending on cooking a meal or just boiling water.

The Cali se was perfect for our younger family and we will be gutted when it goes.

I have had an SE for 3 years amazing vehicle now for sales, swapping for a Beach, so will be able to advise better after owning it for a few months.

Our reason for changing was 3 growing children and using the Cali more as a day van to support shorter trips. With 5 in the family we wanted a bit more space to store bikes in the van.... however I know we will miss the ready accessible cupboards, and organised storage, the fridge we have ordered separately and cooking we have a couple of stoves depending on cooking a meal or just boiling water.

The Cali se was perfect for our younger family and we will be gutted when it goes.

Hi,

I'm after a SE Cali, can you pm me details? Thanks Scott

 

[Chriswoody]

No different to most seasoned Beach owners.
I head back and whack the Jet-boil on.

I wonder who brews a cup of tea faster...???
Hmm

Ok, you've got me there! No way my stove will beat a jet-boil.

As sidepod has said, each to there own. I really do see and understand where were people are coming from with a Beach, it's just not my cup of tea personally.

I would think very very long and hard about why you want a Cali and what you will use it for. With two small children on a wet day it will be cramped and steamed up and unless you are superman or woman your patience will be sorely tried. Four bodies in there with the door shut is a squash. A motorhome or a big tent are both cheaper and bigger and you can rent a lot of holiday cottages for much less than the price of a Cali. Lots of people on here do manage with small children and will be rushing to disagree with me......but l suspect they mostly camp in the south of England or go abroad. For me a wet week in Scotland or the Lake District with 4 in the van would be a step too far.

We managed a wet week in the lakes last year, but we swore never again and have gone and bought a Khyam awning. Totally transformed our wet weather camping.

 

[MKRW]

Hi,

I'm after a SE Cali, can you pm me details? Thanks Scott

Hi to on the calis for sale last one at the bottom...

 

[MKRW]

To should read it's....

It is advertised under the calis for sale. Last one at the botttom of the page.

 

[rippers]

I've had both a Beach and a SE

Both had their merits, both had their downfalls. Highly personal vehicle to own.

Pick up my Ocean next week

 

[soulstyledevon]

Cook on the Patio at home, I presume then. Wouldn't want the house smelling.

Usually switch the extractor on.
Hmm, that could be an interesting mod for the Ocean-liners

O/P don't read too much into what's been said. We all love the Beach vs Ocean debate round here.

Absolutely try and hire one before parting with your hard earned cash.
At the end of the day, only you can answer this question for yourself sensibly

 

[sidepod]

Cook on the Patio at home, I presume then. Wouldn't want the house smelling.

30-Love. Soulstyldevon to serve......

 

[Esandar#1]

Hi all,

I'm trying to decide between the Beach and the Ocean. We are a family of 3 (with an 18 month old) with Baby #2 on the way (eeek)!

I'm not convinced by the narrow width bed in the Ocean (if used by adults) or by cooking inside the van with toddlers around so I'm leaning towards the Beach. But having a fridge and cooker built in seems very convenient but then saying that I'm more than happy to cook outside.

Which do you think is better for a family of four; a Beach or an Ocean?

Thanks!

This is my first contribution to the 'Beach v Ocean' debate and most of the points raised in the thread (the pros and cons of each) are very valid according to your specific needs. We are a family of 4, two boys aged 10 and 12. Our only regret is not buying a Cali earlier, though you could argue that with very young children it will be a tougher existence than with slightly older children.

We bought the Beach because it offers us greater flexibility. It can be switched into 'Caravelle mode' (7 seats) in minutes - which opens up a whole heap of extra possibilities for days trips / school runs etc. We can take friends camping (and have done). The lower bed is big enough for three easily and four at a push - if you needed to sleep on a really weather-battered night without popping the top. I'd read / heard of many people never cooking in their Ocean that I concluded there was little point FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR of being limited to a four seater (though you can add an extra single seat) and carrying around a gas cylinder, hob, sink and a fridge when using it as an every day vehicle.

I can live without being able to make a cuppa tea from my bed, but I can see why couples might prefer the cosiness of the Ocean, the storage cupboards etc. Indeed, I'm sure the wife and I would love having an Ocean and touring Europe (without the kids) but the Beach's flexibility seemed to offer more benefits for our intended usage. Once you've had a Cali Beach or Ocean (or T-anything conversion) going back to 'Tent-life' would be very hard, as Cali life just encourages you to try new places all the time, even moving every night sometimes.

Cooking outside is not a problem. Cooking inside a Beach is easy enough too. You can buy a fridge or coolbox and have bottled water and a washing up bowl.

You will still need to buy a driveaway awning if you want to do a pre-booked week at May half term or in the summer hols in the UK (as the weather could be awful at any time) but your bigger decision, in my humble opinion, is will you get most benefit from a Cali (or T conversion) now or when your children are a little older?

Good luck!