Bigger vans

CamperFam said:
We rarely find any height restricted areas and at only 50cm longer than an Ocean, the 600's length is immaterial.
Click to expand...
The GC600 is 1 metre longer than a Cali.
 
Without this becoming a Cali bashing thread. In the 5 years I owned the Beach and 4 years I owned the Ocean. I didn’t have a single issue with the camping side of the vans.
Blown turbo’s on the Ocean, the T5.1 140bhp Beach was faultless, only let down by roof corrosion. Probably the sweet spot of the T5/T6 range.
So all things considered, the camping side was reliable and robust and I have similar experience with the Hymer finish too, really impressed with the old vans build quality:thumb
 
Andya said:
I agree my T6 has been superb but a 6m van is what we need now but my Cali is just an amazing van I love it :)
Click to expand...
Do as much research as you can and then do some more. From Our experience and cost it’s worth doing the rounds.
 
Own an Ocean, hired a Grand and like both…big plus in the GC‘s favour is its usability all year round, especially with us having young kids. We hired the GC in late October and we wouldn’t have been comfortable doing that trip in the Ocean.

Am curious to see what they do with the ‘next gen’ GC but I suspect one avenue we might explore in the future is using the Ocean as our daily/bike transporter/day tripper/summer camper and tow a smallish 4 berth caravan with it during the autumn/winter for a bit more comfort.
 
Jimmylondon07 said:
Own an Ocean, hired a Grand and like both…big plus in the GC‘s favour is its usability all year round, especially with us having young kids. We hired the GC in late October and we wouldn’t have been comfortable doing that trip in the Ocean.

Am curious to see what they do with the ‘next gen’ GC but I suspect one avenue we might explore in the future is using the Ocean as our daily/bike transporter/day tripper/summer camper and tow a smallish 4 berth caravan with it during the autumn/winter for a bit more comfort.
Click to expand...
That's exactly the same position as to where we've gotten to. We did a fresh test drive of a Grand California last week and whilst the drive was great (as vans go) and I doubt the height or length would ever truly be a major problem. But the Ocean just does everything else too well in terms of daily usability etc.

When we upsize, it'll likely be the same setup but with a caravan for when we want to 'go big', rather than a bigger van. That way it gives us complete versatility still.
 
soulstyledevon said:
There’s some nice touches on that van. But i wonder what the residual value will be in 3 years?
We were convinced about a conversion, but the final build cost and future value put us off.
At least with Hymer, Knaus or Grand Cali, there should be a decent residual.
Not sure, I personally would ever buy a used self build or small time converter van…
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2nd hand Grand calis are getting cheaper
 
CamperFam said:
That's exactly the same position as to where we've gotten to. We did a fresh test drive of a Grand California last week and whilst the drive was great (as vans go) and I doubt the height or length would ever truly be a major problem. But the Ocean just does everything else too well in terms of daily usability etc.

When we upsize, it'll likely be the same setup but with a caravan for when we want to 'go big', rather than a bigger van. That way it gives us complete versatility still.
Click to expand...
It’s all a comprise, ie bigger no daily drive as you say, so change to car and caravan the you have both. Easy and versatile.
 
The Blue Merle said:
2nd hand Grand calis are getting cheaper
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Actually a year old unit can be had for way less than a year old Ocean... Much less.

I had a GC on a watch list for 49k € here in Germany with 60k km, had no solar roof but it did have LED lights which to me, if it's not on the van I walk away.

I drove a regular Crafter with halogens once and I kept checking if the lights have been on.. Same goes for a Ducato.

For the price some people pay for Hymers, Adrias, La Stradas it's mind boggling why you are stuck with Model T lights.

Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk
 
Looks like a nice option………..until you see the price!!!!!!!

www.redtailoverland.com

Redtail Overland

Introducing the Skyloft Van by Redtail Overland - the only van in the world with a climate-controlled, fully four-season and secure master suite upstairs. By moving the master bedroom upstairs we are able to outfit the interior below to comfortably accommodate a family of four without...
www.redtailoverland.com www.redtailoverland.com
 
Billylou said:
Looks like a nice option………..until you see the price!!!!!!!

www.redtailoverland.com

Redtail Overland

Introducing the Skyloft Van by Redtail Overland - the only van in the world with a climate-controlled, fully four-season and secure master suite upstairs. By moving the master bedroom upstairs we are able to outfit the interior below to comfortably accommodate a family of four without...
www.redtailoverland.com www.redtailoverland.com
Click to expand...
That's just silly.
 
Billylou said:
Looks like a nice option………..until you see the price!!!!!!!

www.redtailoverland.com

Redtail Overland

Introducing the Skyloft Van by Redtail Overland - the only van in the world with a climate-controlled, fully four-season and secure master suite upstairs. By moving the master bedroom upstairs we are able to outfit the interior below to comfortably accommodate a family of four without...
www.redtailoverland.com www.redtailoverland.com
Click to expand...
Now THAT'S a poptop.
 
Over $1/2 million. Gulp. Makes the Hymer Venture S a real bargain at less than 1/2 the cost.
 
Billylou said:
Looks like a nice option………..until you see the price!!!!!!!

www.redtailoverland.com

Redtail Overland

Introducing the Skyloft Van by Redtail Overland - the only van in the world with a climate-controlled, fully four-season and secure master suite upstairs. By moving the master bedroom upstairs we are able to outfit the interior below to comfortably accommodate a family of four without...
www.redtailoverland.com www.redtailoverland.com
Click to expand...
That worktop/hob option is an innovation I’ve never seen before, in a house or camper - brilliant.
For the price of that van though I could buy a luxury 3 bed flat overlooking the beach in Margate, rentable for up to £250/night.
Youve got to have zero money cares to buy a Skyloft!
 
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