2into1
Née T4WFA. Now without Cali :(
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
Some of you long termers will know I've struggled with the 'jack of all trades master of none' Cali as my only vehicle vs a more comfortable camper AND a separate car. Indeed my forum name reflects the struggle. I thought I'd share the latest developments in my camper journey.
I have to admit I've never really got on with pop top Cali's for camping (unless in lovely weather) so since I sold my T4 Exclusive (high top, lwb, loo, separate kitchen) I've hardly camped, but still love the flexibility of the regular Cali for everyday life (carrying bikes, tip runs, moving furniture, cooking lunch out, keeping shopping cold in the fridge etc).
So with a new partner who's keen to camp (and pub stop) all year round, and now two dogs, I've bought a 6.36 Ducato based Vantage Neo
.
Having trialed it, you frankly would think it's 5m bigger inside than the Cali, rather 1.4m. Driving is more truck like, but feels more like an adventure. Yes it is a bit 70s caravan style inside vs the germanic alternatives many have swapped to when they've out grown their Cali, but the soft upholstery encourages proper lounging - that I couldn't see happening in the small dinette / fixed bed alternatives, with their upright and rigid foam seats.
The big down side I have is that I can't keep the Ducato at home so it lives a mile away at a stables and security means I have to book access 24 hours in advance.
So, the dilemma was which car to buy when I sold the Cali? My shortlisted vehicles kept growing in dimensions as I tried to keep as much of the Cali's (non camping) flexibility as possible and was soon at a lwb Citroën berlingo, to which I'd throw in a power bank, my portable fridge and camping stove for day trips out. They are almost the size of a Cali... And as I'm only the 2nd owner of my 06 Cali and it's been cherished all those years, it was a bit of a wrench to sell it..... So I decided to keep it!
Actually I lie, the biggest driver was wanting to stay on this forum and argue about egr coolers with welshgas (not!)
I'm a big user of electric bikes, and much prefer to transport them inside the van (security, not having to remove the battery and the challenge of lifting a 25kg bike onto the external rack with my bionic arm). I could fit my xl mountain bike inside with the rear bench moved all the way forwards and the stops removed, but then the kitchen and wardrobe are inaccessible. So with the help of a few hefty builders, the rear bench seat has been removed and replaced with a 5th seat on the kitchen side. The bike rolls down the empty side and is simply bungeed to the arm rest of the 5th seat. I can still get in the back from the front, still make brews etc. Front seats rotate to make the lounge and I can sleep in the pop top if the mood takes me. The 5th seat is more comfortable to relax in that the bench.
It also means that if I change my mind after a season with the Ducato (or the new partner!), I can return to living with just the cali again.
Hope this contributes to other members who struggle with the Cali's camping limitations. I'm aware that's not everyone (by far). Those that can hold it together with a family of 4 on a miserable wet weekend in a muddy field in their Cali.... I bow to you.... But that's not me.
I have to admit I've never really got on with pop top Cali's for camping (unless in lovely weather) so since I sold my T4 Exclusive (high top, lwb, loo, separate kitchen) I've hardly camped, but still love the flexibility of the regular Cali for everyday life (carrying bikes, tip runs, moving furniture, cooking lunch out, keeping shopping cold in the fridge etc).
So with a new partner who's keen to camp (and pub stop) all year round, and now two dogs, I've bought a 6.36 Ducato based Vantage Neo
Having trialed it, you frankly would think it's 5m bigger inside than the Cali, rather 1.4m. Driving is more truck like, but feels more like an adventure. Yes it is a bit 70s caravan style inside vs the germanic alternatives many have swapped to when they've out grown their Cali, but the soft upholstery encourages proper lounging - that I couldn't see happening in the small dinette / fixed bed alternatives, with their upright and rigid foam seats.
The big down side I have is that I can't keep the Ducato at home so it lives a mile away at a stables and security means I have to book access 24 hours in advance.
So, the dilemma was which car to buy when I sold the Cali? My shortlisted vehicles kept growing in dimensions as I tried to keep as much of the Cali's (non camping) flexibility as possible and was soon at a lwb Citroën berlingo, to which I'd throw in a power bank, my portable fridge and camping stove for day trips out. They are almost the size of a Cali... And as I'm only the 2nd owner of my 06 Cali and it's been cherished all those years, it was a bit of a wrench to sell it..... So I decided to keep it!
Actually I lie, the biggest driver was wanting to stay on this forum and argue about egr coolers with welshgas (not!)
I'm a big user of electric bikes, and much prefer to transport them inside the van (security, not having to remove the battery and the challenge of lifting a 25kg bike onto the external rack with my bionic arm). I could fit my xl mountain bike inside with the rear bench moved all the way forwards and the stops removed, but then the kitchen and wardrobe are inaccessible. So with the help of a few hefty builders, the rear bench seat has been removed and replaced with a 5th seat on the kitchen side. The bike rolls down the empty side and is simply bungeed to the arm rest of the 5th seat. I can still get in the back from the front, still make brews etc. Front seats rotate to make the lounge and I can sleep in the pop top if the mood takes me. The 5th seat is more comfortable to relax in that the bench.
It also means that if I change my mind after a season with the Ducato (or the new partner!), I can return to living with just the cali again.
Hope this contributes to other members who struggle with the Cali's camping limitations. I'm aware that's not everyone (by far). Those that can hold it together with a family of 4 on a miserable wet weekend in a muddy field in their Cali.... I bow to you.... But that's not me.
)
