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

[Peter Lustig]

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!

 

[andyinluton]

Check the dimensions before you , a caddimax is only 150mm shorter and 40mm narrower than a T6.1 California, even the height is only 140mm less so don't go rushing out to buy one thinking its going to be a lot smaller.
For one person, the T6.1 is useable without poping the top.
As to LHD/ RHD with the higher seating position of the transporter as you can see over the top of most cars, having the steering wheel on the wrong side is less of a disadvantage, its also relatively easy to shuffle across and take a ticket through the passenger side window.

 

[babble]

i haven't had a caddy max camper, although i hired one once. But solo travel in my two seater California Beach is something i really enjoy. Feels almost perfect. I like the fact i can easily go from back to front inside the van. I turn the passenger seat round and keep it facing backwards so my 'lounge' is always ready. it is under 2m, parks in normal spaces, yet has loads of room and storage and my handy pop out cooker. The bed is huge but there is still space to stand, change, even brew a cup of tea. I work in it, have space for a fridge, little composting toilet for emergencies, small sink (that i prefer to my Coast sink). It's a joy to drive long distances. You can't go wrong. (but i guess i would say that being on this forum. haha)

 

[babble]

it might not be important to you, but a VW Beach is also cool, and makes people envious, whereas a caddy max just isn't, and makes people wonder why you converted a long small ugly van. VX cali will hold it's value very well in general too. Not sure about a converted Caddy.

 

[babble]

so i just looked at some footage of a caddy camper and it did look quite fun actually. The real issues for me would be the fact the front seats don't spin round. i like that a lot. and the fact that when driving you don't have the nice high view.

 

[Mehdime]

No experience of the Caddy California.

But is your main point of indecision the price or the size? If price, then Caddy is a lot cheaper for sure.

If size, as pointed out earlier, there’s really not much difference between a Caddy Maxi and a regular California. The California is the size of an estate family car and will go everywhere.

Only benefit of the Caddy size-wise is that you’ll be able to get into car parks limited to 1.9m in height - opening up a few more multi-storey and underground car parks. With the California, you’re limited to the 2m car parks.

But you’ll be out of luck in car parks limited to 1.8m, which is common-place in places like France. So I wouldn’t say you’re gaining much.

As a solo traveler, I don’t think you’d need a tent with a regular California - loads of space in there.

I’d even recommend a Coast/Surf/Ocean instead of a beach to open up wild-camping (with the shower at the back, you can even shower in secluded enough places).

 

[Tycho]

Is there enough space to pack your tent in the Caddy? Depends on the tent..., but they can be very bulky. Even a very big tent would fit in a Cali for shure.

 

[dspuk]

I would say the key is flexibility. On your own the Beach has ultimate flexibility for all occasions. The Caddy one suspects will run out of options and use cases quite quickly. We saw someone do a similar job with a pickup. TBH I'd rather do it in a pickup than a Caddy.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Beach - does everything!

 

[Meoncoast]

When we sold our Ocean wonder about a Cali Caddy. But went for a T6.1 beach.
Issue with Cady for us wad
1. Front seats fixed
2. Cooker in boot.
3. Lack of boot due to cooker unit and deck chairs.

 

[edocali]

I see the CaddyCaly as a pure marketing gimmick .
I greatly enjoy solo travelling in the T6-Cali which feels the right size to me . BTW I’m biased to the Ocean which is great for stealth stays

 

[Wesel]

Obviously you will only find Cali lovers here.

 

[Corradobrit]

Putting the bed out solo in a Caddy is ......challenging.

I say go with the T6.1 for all the above benefits, better residuals too