Compact Roof on a Cali

Sandy · Feb 23, 2013

Hello all
I've got a question about the 'compact roof' design -see photos in the bottom half of the square of 4 photos if you scroll down a little bit on this page: http://www.westfaliat4.info/html/1994_v ... forni.html

I'm particularly interested if anyone has managed to fit a kids bed up top. My kids are a small 2 and 5. I can see many advantages in having a fixed roof with permanent standing room, extra storage etc (discussed on other threads here) but the California Exclusive is a bit too big for our needs (will be using our van as a second car). Could the compact roof be a good compromise?

Any info much appreciated

calikev · Feb 24, 2013

Hi not sure about the roof as I have not seen one in the flesh. You could use one of these :thumb

Sandy · Feb 24, 2013

Hi
Interesting little cab camp bed there. Got two kids to accomodate though so it will have to be in the roof.

TwentyOneThirtyFive · Feb 24, 2013

I've seen a compact for sale in the past that had beds in the roof. I guess they just remove the cupboard doors and fit a hinging roof like in the pop-top.

I think it was these guys that sold it: http://www.campervans4u.com/home.html Might be wrong, but worth giving them a call?

HTH,
dan

2into1 · Feb 28, 2013

VW Campersales has JUST listed one, with some good photos. He says 2 berth but it may be possible.
http://www.vwcampersales.com/volkswagen-camper-van-stock-list/1390/

Andresz · Feb 28, 2013

Look at the Polyroof vans too, but they are T5, rather than T4.

Sandy · Mar 2, 2013

Hello all.
Just to say I had a look at California with a compact roof this week and it's definitely feasible to put a children's (or maybe even adult) bed in the roof. For those interested the height would be about 48cm and the width 1m05cm. I think the best system would be a fold out base on side rails with bed and bedding stored at the back during the day. I'm still in two minds about the whole compact roof 'vs' pop top debate. I'm leaning towards the pop top for their overall practicality but convinced that a compact roof would be a better van for longer trips with two kids....