Caddy Maxi or T6.1 California for Solo Long-Term Travel?

[Cali Phillip]

Hi everyone,
I'd be very grateful for your opinions on a decision I'm currently struggling with. I'm a single person, currently based in the UK, and planning to use a campervan for long-term stays. I'm torn between a VW Caddy California Maxi, a VW T6.1 California Beach, and a Summermobil (T6.1 based).
I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I'm starting to wonder if the Caddy Maxi might actually be a better fit for my needs than a T6.1 based camper, especially since I'm looking for a left-hand drive vehicle. However, I'm still very unsure.

• Single person: I'll be traveling alone, so I don't need a huge amount of space.
• Tent: I plan to use a tent for longer stays, which will provide extra living space.
• Pop-top roof: I'm considering a Caddy Maxi with a pop-top roof (or possibly a Reimo Weekender conversion).
• Past mistake: I made a mistake in the past by buying a motorhome that was way too big, and I don't want to repeat that. So I decided to become clear about what I'm actually looking for and why.

I'm also thinking that the extra space provided by a tent would be important for longer stays, regardless of whether I choose the Caddy Maxi or a T6.1 based camper. So maybe the size difference isn't as crucial as I thought?
However, I'm still unsure. I know the Cali Beach is generally considered more comfortable for longer trips.
So, my questions are:

• Has anyone here used a Caddy California Maxi for long-term solo travel? What are your experiences?
• Am I overlooking any major disadvantages of the Caddy Maxi compared to the Cali Beach and the Summermobil?
• Are there any specific things I should consider when making this decision?
• Has anyone else struggled with this kind of "remorse potential" when choosing a campervan? How did you deal with it?
• Does anyone have experience with buying/importing a left-hand drive campervan in the UK?

I'm really stuck at the moment and would appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks in advance!
Best regards!

During the week I am effectively a solo traveler for work to reduce commuting time and cost, staying 1 or 2 nights away plus weekend trips away + holidays for the last 10 yrs. I started with a Caddy Maxi van (1.6tdi) converted to a comfortable camper minus the pop top, but with all the attributes of an Ocean. I found it frugal to run with low fuel costs and being car based, tyres and any parts were much lower cost. I loved it however despite being almost the same length as a T6, the internal space does not compare with a T6 Beach, Coast or Ocean. The swivel front seats adds so much space and the rear hear room is an issue in the caddy.
In time I had the funds to buy an T6 ocean, the difference was huge in terms of comfort, space, functionality, it is more costly to run on fuel, long term average 36-40mpg( includes heater use) vs Caddy 50-53mpg and tyres are around double the cost, depression is good, all that said I would not go back.
I feel a Coast would be a good compromise, no expensive powered roof, these were not available when I bought my Ocean.