Ford Nugget Plus - end of the line?

[Georgiegirl]

We started our campervan journey with a Beach and then a Cali. We then went to the dark side and tried a couple of larger vans with onboard toilets but missed the driveability of the Cali. We have now returned to pop top life but opted for the Ford Nugget Plus as the layout with a toilet suited us better than the Cali (although I still love the VW culture and prefer the external look of the van and have always remained on this lovely forum as a result!).

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I know a few people on this forum have considered the Nugget Plus in the past and I just thought I would let you guys know that the current batch of Nugget Plus vans may well be the last. As we all know there’s a new hybrid VW/ Ford van on its way. Ford have already started to sell the new version of the Nugget, but haven’t confirmed that a new Plus version will ever be available. If anyone has been considering the move you probably need to take the leap now before they all disappear. I won’t go into the pros and cons of Nugget v Cali in this post but happy to provide a view if there is interest? Happy to answer any questions in this thread. Happy campervanning everyone!

 

[soulstyledevon]

I think we would all love to hear your comparisons…
The tintop nugget is an interesting van.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Hightop version would be even better!

 

[Azteccamper]

We started our campervan journey with a Beach and then a Cali. We then went to the dark side and tried a couple of larger vans with onboard toilets but missed the driveability of the Cali. We have now returned to pop top life but opted for the Ford Nugget Plus as the layout with a toilet suited us better than the Cali (although I still love the VW culture and prefer the external look of the van and have always remained on this lovely forum as a result!).
I know a few people on this forum have considered the Nugget Plus in the past and I just thought I would let you guys know that the current batch of Nugget Plus vans may well be the last. As we all know there’s a new hybrid VW/ Ford van on its way. Ford have already started to sell the new version of the Nugget, but haven’t confirmed that a new Plus version will ever be available. If anyone has been considering the move you probably need to take the leap now before they all disappear. I won’t go into the pros and cons of Nugget v Cali in this post but happy to provide a view if there is interest? Happy to answer any questions in this thread. Happy campervanning everyone!

Your pros and cons would be great. We have looked at this as an option

 

[BeagleMum]

We started our campervan journey with a Beach and then a Cali. We then went to the dark side and tried a couple of larger vans with onboard toilets but missed the driveability of the Cali. We have now returned to pop top life but opted for the Ford Nugget Plus as the layout with a toilet suited us better than the Cali (although I still love the VW culture and prefer the external look of the van and have always remained on this lovely forum as a result!).
I know a few people on this forum have considered the Nugget Plus in the past and I just thought I would let you guys know that the current batch of Nugget Plus vans may well be the last. As we all know there’s a new hybrid VW/ Ford van on its way. Ford have already started to sell the new version of the Nugget, but haven’t confirmed that a new Plus version will ever be available. If anyone has been considering the move you probably need to take the leap now before they all disappear. I won’t go into the pros and cons of Nugget v Cali in this post but happy to provide a view if there is interest? Happy to answer any questions in this thread. Happy campervanning everyone!

We’ve considered a Nugget, would be interested in your view.

 

[Corradobrit]

Worth checking out Calicamper family on YT as they made the transition over a year ago. For their needs with 3 young kids it makes good sense.

 

[Georgiegirl]

Thanks for your replies and interest in our experiences - that’s why I love this forum! Like you say the high top is amazing and would be our preferred option but sadly never offered as RHD in UK. The calicamper family on YouTube is a good source of info although they live in Italy and do have a high top.
I’ll look to post a comparison of the nugget plus when I have more time and we have actually camped in it!

 

[BeagleMum]

Worth checking out Calicamper family on YT as they made the transition over a year ago. For their needs with 3 young kids it makes good sense.

We’re subs to their channel, they make great content.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

As a matter of interest what are the alternatives if you want a VW sized camper (rather than MH) with a toilet built in. I can only think of the Nugget Plus or Westfalia Joker/Club Joker is there many more?

 

[bullibuskombi]

As a matter of interest what are the alternatives if you want a VW sized camper (rather than MH) with a toilet built in. I can only think of the Nugget Plus or Westfalia Joker/Club Joker is there many more?

Bilbo has one with a toilet, it's the Nexa

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[Georgiegirl]

As a matter of interest what are the alternatives if you want a VW sized camper (rather than MH) with a toilet built in. I can only think of the Nugget Plus or Westfalia Joker/Club Joker is there many more?

There’s also the Westfalia Kelsey that’s a Ford LWB like the Nugget Plus. We did consider that option but preferred the layout of the nugget (and the bed doesn’t involve cushion Jenga!)

 

[montyburns1982]

Bilbo has one with a toilet, it's the Nexa

Knights do the Mountain Tourer, also comes with a shower.

 

[haydnw2]

As a matter of interest what are the alternatives if you want a VW sized camper (rather than MH) with a toilet built in. I can only think of the Nugget Plus or Westfalia Joker/Club Joker is there many more?

Leisuredrive Vivante if you don't mind a hi-top.

 

[Mowbotman]

Well after our 1st week away in wales, I am sorry to say ( for us ) I wished I had swopped the California for the nugget plus years ago, is not without little issues ,don't get me wrong, but for the size , its absolutely brilliant piece of kit, ours is a year old , has the 180bhp engine on a auto box , and drives very well , i would say it is quicker than the cali , being able to use the kitchen, the toilet when the bed ( larger) is up is a delight , having a door both sides , is just great , the driving position is a little higher, and i did get under a height barrier of 2.1 mtrs ! Getting at your clothes is far easier , I would say that storage is about the same. Anyone thinking of changing, Do it ,

 

[Mehdime]

Well after our 1st week away in wales, I am sorry to say ( for us ) I wished I had swopped the California for the nugget plus years ago, is not without little issues ,don't get me wrong, but for the size , its absolutely brilliant piece of kit, ours is a year old , has the 180bhp engine on a auto box , and drives very well , i would say it is quicker than the cali , being able to use the kitchen, the toilet when the bed ( larger) is up is a delight , having a door both sides , is just great , the driving position is a little higher, and i did get under a height barrier of 2.1 mtrs ! Getting at your clothes is far easier , I would say that storage is about the same. Anyone thinking of changing, Do it ,

To be honest, and especially with the new 2024 model that keeps all the good bits about the nugget and adds most of what makes the California great, the nugget would now be a no-brainer for us…. if it wasn’t for that awkward 2.07m height.

I would expect it to be able to get under a 2.1m barrier since it’s shorter than 2.1m. But have you tried 2m barriers? Does it fit?

2m barriers are everywhere where we live and travel - there’s rarely a week or sometimes even a day that goes by without us sneaking under a 2m barrier. It would be a pain not to fit.

But if 2m isn’t an issue, then completely agree. The nugget is class and much improved from its original first version a few years back.

 

[Corradobrit]

if it wasn’t for that awkward 2.07m height.

That and some of the habitation area servicing horror stories. IMO a one-stop shop for the entire vehicle is preferable.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

That and some of the habitation area servicing horror stories. IMO a one-stop shop for the entire vehicle is preferable.

But this seems to be the same for all vans. The odd lemon / ‘Friday van’ comes out the factory from time to time.

Our local VW dealer normally has a 2 month wait, so DIY fix using info from this forum is often far quicker unless you want to wait.

In contrast our local westfalia, hymer dealer arranged collection from our house the day after parts were in, and van was sat back on the drive fixed when I got home from work.

Once a van is out of warranty if often better to go to a garage that specialises in motorhomes as they have often more knowledge of the habitation side especially if they also sell used Calis etc…and can sometimes recommend a different part if the part being replaced is prone to failure. plus you will be able to speak to the mechanic who is actually carrying out the repair / replacement - rather than just the front desk when you settle the invoice.