Grand 680 - First trip.

[Glynn]

We have just returned from a 2 week trip to France in our new GC680. We collected the van 2 days prior to leaving for France which made preparations a bit challenging!

Having loved our previous Cali (T5 SE180) so much we were concerned that we may not feel the same about the GC; however, I am pleased to report that we absolutely love our new GC680. We thought we would share a short summary of our initial observations.

The van is not much wider than our T5; therefore, easy to drive. We soon got used to the length and being over 2 meters in height did not cause any real issues.

The cruise control drives very aggressively! Seems to want to get you back to the set speed ASAP.

Thule Awning - Does not retract without creasing the fabric. We will be speaking to VW re: Warranty claim.

Kitchen drawers - we forgot to close the locking mechanism on one of the drawers which resulted in the drawer opening as we were driving. Following this mishap, the drawer was misaligned and did not close well. I have fixed the issue; however, was surprised to see each drawer runner was only held by two small screws even though there were holes in the metal runner for approx 9 screws on each side - I have added additional screws.

Diesel heater and Solar Panel - Both excellent. Glad we chose these options.

Bed - Love the bed, very comfortable, we have a Panda memory foam topper (European King Size). Do not like the “V” cut out in the bed, I will be modifying this very soon.

Shower - No shower head holder!! We found a really good one - A company called Showery.

Phone Charger - Wish we had not chosen this as an extra. Appears to fry our phones, they become very hot. We will not be using this option!

Cleaning - I am pleased that I am retiring early next year and will have more time! I cleaned the van today for the first time, it took me most of the day.

Table - IMO too big; however, my wife thinks it is ok.

Wardrobes - Need shelves. I will be sorting soon.

Insulation - The van appears to be well insulated?? 30 degree heat and the van still seemed reasonably cool.

Ambient lighting - My wife chose this option, I was sceptical regarding why this was necessary. However, I have changed my mind - I like it!

As previously stated, we are very pleased with the van and cannot wait for our next trip.

Kind regards……

 

[Mr T]

We have just returned from a 2 week trip to France in our new GC680. We collected the van 2 days prior to leaving for France which made preparations a bit challenging!

Having loved our previous Cali (T5 SE180) so much we were concerned that we may not feel the same about the GC; however, I am pleased to report that we absolutely love our new GC680. We thought we would share a short summary of our initial observations.

The van is not much wider than our T5; therefore, easy to drive. We soon got used to the length and being over 2 meters in height did not cause any real issues.

The cruise control drives very aggressively! Seems to want to get you back to the set speed ASAP.

Thule Awning - Does not retract without creasing the fabric. We will be speaking to VW re: Warranty claim.

Kitchen drawers - we forgot to close the locking mechanism on one of the drawers which resulted in the drawer opening as we were driving. Following this mishap, the drawer was misaligned and did not close well. I have fixed the issue; however, was surprised to see each drawer runner was only held by two small screws even though there were holes in the metal runner for approx 9 screws on each side - I have added additional screws.

Diesel heater and Solar Panel - Both excellent. Glad we chose these options.

Bed - Love the bed, very comfortable, we have a Panda memory foam topper (European King Size). Do not like the “V” cut out in the bed, I will be modifying this very soon.

Shower - No shower head holder!! We found a really good one - A company called Showery.

Phone Charger - Wish we had not chosen this as an extra. Appears to fry our phones, they become very hot. We will not be using this option!

Cleaning - I am pleased that I am retiring early next year and will have more time! I cleaned the van today for the first time, it took me most of the day.

Table - IMO too big; however, my wife thinks it is ok.

Wardrobes - Need shelves. I will be sorting soon.

Insulation - The van appears to be well insulated?? 30 degree heat and the van still seemed reasonably cool.

Ambient lighting - My wife chose this option, I was sceptical regarding why this was necessary. However, I have changed my mind - I like it!

As previously stated, we are very pleased with the van and cannot wait for our next trip.

Kind regards……

View attachment 95951

Great to hear the first trip was a success Glynn. Van looks great.
I agree with the phone charging pad, gets the phone far too hot, and I also am very pleased I went with the ambient lights.
I’ve got my Thule awning wound out for the first time this weekend, will see how it goes tomorrow when I put it away.

Safe and happy travels! They are worth the wait in the end.

 

[soppelsa]

Hi Glynn great write up!
Gone for the same van , colour,bike rack,ambient,diesel, solar etc.
Did you order extra windows and when did you order?

 

[Jester]

We have just returned from a 2 week trip to France in our new GC680. We collected the van 2 days prior to leaving for France which made preparations a bit challenging!

Having loved our previous Cali (T5 SE180) so much we were concerned that we may not feel the same about the GC; however, I am pleased to report that we absolutely love our new GC680. We thought we would share a short summary of our initial observations.

The van is not much wider than our T5; therefore, easy to drive. We soon got used to the length and being over 2 meters in height did not cause any real issues.

The cruise control drives very aggressively! Seems to want to get you back to the set speed ASAP.

Thule Awning - Does not retract without creasing the fabric. We will be speaking to VW re: Warranty claim.

Kitchen drawers - we forgot to close the locking mechanism on one of the drawers which resulted in the drawer opening as we were driving. Following this mishap, the drawer was misaligned and did not close well. I have fixed the issue; however, was surprised to see each drawer runner was only held by two small screws even though there were holes in the metal runner for approx 9 screws on each side - I have added additional screws.

Diesel heater and Solar Panel - Both excellent. Glad we chose these options.

Bed - Love the bed, very comfortable, we have a Panda memory foam topper (European King Size). Do not like the “V” cut out in the bed, I will be modifying this very soon.

Shower - No shower head holder!! We found a really good one - A company called Showery.

Phone Charger - Wish we had not chosen this as an extra. Appears to fry our phones, they become very hot. We will not be using this option!

Cleaning - I am pleased that I am retiring early next year and will have more time! I cleaned the van today for the first time, it took me most of the day.

Table - IMO too big; however, my wife thinks it is ok.

Wardrobes - Need shelves. I will be sorting soon.

Insulation - The van appears to be well insulated?? 30 degree heat and the van still seemed reasonably cool.

Ambient lighting - My wife chose this option, I was sceptical regarding why this was necessary. However, I have changed my mind - I like it!

As previously stated, we are very pleased with the van and cannot wait for our next trip.

Kind regards……

View attachment 95951

Hi Glynn,

Sounds like your on top of your new van, as you say easy to drive and the pad charger is a waste of money.
The bed cut out for me is valuable as I do not wish to lift the middle bed section every time I need to access the cupboards beneath it. These cupboards are in daily use as I have fitted shelves to both sides and a good place to store food as its a lot cooler down there.

Personally I would give it a few more trips then decide. only a suggestion.

Most of us have ordered new smaller tables or cut down the existing, think there are a few threads about this.

Will

 

[Brightonbelle]

I loved your report. It’s interesting isn’t it how certain things aren’t quite how we thought they would be! We e found the same on our new Cali Ocean. I’d be very interested in a trip report of France and the sites you visited if you felt like writing one? Have you got any pics of the inside of you GC?

 

[Glynn]

Hi Glynn great write up!
Gone for the same van , colour,bike rack,ambient,diesel, solar etc.
Did you order extra windows and when did you order?

Hi. We ordered late July 2021, collected 22nd June 2022. Yes we have the two extra windows - I would recommend these as an extra.

 

[Glynn]

Hi Glynn,

Sounds like your on top of your new van, as you say easy to drive and the pad charger is a waste of money.
The bed cut out for me is valuable as I do not wish to lift the middle bed section every time I need to access the cupboards beneath it. These cupboards are in daily use as I have fitted shelves to both sides and a good place to store food as its a lot cooler down there.

Personally I would give it a few more trips then decide. only a suggestion.

Most of us have ordered new smaller tables or cut down the existing, think there are a few threads about this.

Will

Thanks Will. I will give the bed cut out some further consideration. I plan to add shelves the same as you and will continue to work on the wife re: table - She likes it; however, too big for me!

 

[Glynn]

I loved your report. It’s interesting isn’t it how certain things aren’t quite how we thought they would be! We e found the same on our new Cali Ocean. I’d be very interested in a trip report of France and the sites you visited if you felt like writing one? Have you got any pics of the inside of you GC?

Morning. I will send a short summary and pics later.

 

[Jester]

Thanks Will. I will give the bed cut out some further consideration. I plan to add shelves the same as you and will continue to work on the wife re: table - She likes it; however, too big for me!

I had the Length cut down but left the leg in situ, the wife will never know!

 

[The Yorkshireman]

Hi I eventually got round to cutting down the table and took 5cm off, after three weeks away it’s been a big improvement moving around yet still being able to sit in the drivers and use it.
Good luck

 

[Mr T]

Great to hear the first trip was a success Glynn. Van looks great.
I agree with the phone charging pad, gets the phone far too hot, and I also am very pleased I went with the ambient lights.
I’ve got my Thule awning wound out for the first time this weekend, will see how it goes tomorrow when I put it away.

Safe and happy travels! They are worth the wait in the end.

Well my Thule awning didn’t want to wind back in flat, it seemed to be wrinkling up slightly as it was wound back in. Couldn’t seem to do anything to change it.

Anyone else experience this apart from @Glynn and myself? @Jester @andyinluton @The Yorkshireman @T3Z-GB

 

[Jester]

Well my Thule awning didn’t want to wind back in flat, it seemed to be wrinkling up slightly as it was wound back in. Couldn’t seem to do anything to change it.

Anyone else experience this apart from @Glynn and myself? @Jester @andyinluton @The Yorkshireman @T3Z-GB

Hi Chris, it sounds as if it has initially been loaded slightly off. Maybe let it out to it’s maximum and rewind. Also when fully retracted how flush dose the cassette close, as on both the 600 and 680 they both left about a 1/8th “ proud at each end think because the whole Cassette is very slightly bowed due to the shape of the roof.
Will

 

[andyinluton]

Not on the new van, did on the Ocean, only seemed to occur when the weather was very hot as I suppose the material then stretches a bit.
On the GC I have fitted a pair of the tensioning arms that form a triangle in the two front corners, they do make the whole set up even more sturdy. The tensioners are permanently fitted and just fold parallel to the front of the awning when winding in.

 

[Jester]

North on the new van, did on the Ocean, only seemed to occur when the weather was very hot as I suppose the material then stretches a bit.
On the GC I have fitted a pair of the tensioning arms that form a triangle in the two front corners, they do make the whole set up even more sturdy. The tensioners are permanently fitted and just fold parallel to the front of the awning when winding in.

I concur with all above.

 

[Mr T]

Not on the new van, did on the Ocean, only seemed to occur when the weather was very hot as I suppose the material then stretches a bit.
On the GC I have fitted a pair of the tensioning arms that form a triangle in the two front corners, they do make the whole set up even more sturdy. The tensioners are permanently fitted and just fold parallel to the front of the awning when winding in.

Thanks Andy, I’ll look into the tensioning arms.
Obviously it has been very hot this weekend, so maybe that has a part to play as you suggest.
Thanks again

 

[Mr T]

Hi Chris, it sounds as if it has initially been loaded slightly off. Maybe let it out to it’s maximum and rewind. Also when fully retracted how flush dose the cassette close, as on both the 600 and 680 they both left about a 1/8th “ proud at each end think because the whole Cassette is very slightly bowed due to the shape of the roof.
Will

Thanks Will, I’ll have a look next time unwind it out and in. Too warm today to play around with it too much!
Many thanks.

 

[The Blue Merle]

Thanks Will, I’ll have a look next time unwind it out and in. Too warm today to play around with it too much!
Many thanks.

There’s also a plastic guide you can lift and run your finger down to see if anything is stuck in it.
(That’s if it’s the same as my Thule fitted on my joker).

 

[Mr T]

Not on the new van, did on the Ocean, only seemed to occur when the weather was very hot as I suppose the material then stretches a bit.
On the GC I have fitted a pair of the tensioning arms that form a triangle in the two front corners, they do make the whole set up even more sturdy. The tensioners are permanently fitted and just fold parallel to the front of the awning when winding in.

Are these the arms you mention Andy? Thank you

https://www.leisureoutlet.com/215018-thule-omnistor-tension-arm-v2-set-for-thule-5200-awnings-301659?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8amWBhCYARIsADqZJoU_r9Dx-4aYU2GNokvsdD5053X7olgSFAuUMK_hoLtfM2ehpKDS_lQaAp4iEALw_wcB

 

[andyinluton]

Are these the arms you mention Andy? Thank you

https://www.leisureoutlet.com/215018-thule-omnistor-tension-arm-v2-set-for-thule-5200-awnings-301659?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8amWBhCYARIsADqZJoU_r9Dx-4aYU2GNokvsdD5053X7olgSFAuUMK_hoLtfM2ehpKDS_lQaAp4iEALw_wcB

Yes that’s the ones. 15 minutes to fit - but you do need the awning 100% open to do it.

 

[Mr T]

Yes that’s the ones. 15 minutes to fit - but you do need the awning 100% open to do it.

Thanks Andy. Will get some as they’re not too expensive.

 

[Glynn]

I had the Length cut down but left the leg in situ, the wife will never know!

Sounds like a plan.

 

[The Yorkshireman]

Well my Thule awning didn’t want to wind back in flat, it seemed to be wrinkling up slightly as it was wound back in. Couldn’t seem to do anything to change it.

Anyone else experience this apart from @Glynn and myself? @Jester @andyinluton @The Yorkshireman @T3Z-GB

Hi the only time it didn’t wind on correctly was when one of the legs was lower than the other, I now make sure the leading edge is parallel with the roller.

 

[Jester]

Hi the only time it didn’t wind on correctly was when one of the legs was lower than the other, I now make sure the leading edge is parallel with the roller.

Makes sense,

 

[Glynn]

Morning. I will send a short summary and pics later.

Hi, As promised, a quick summary of our French trip.
Our first stop was La Trinite Sur Mer in southern Brittany. Beautiful resort, felt quite affluent and our campsite was excellent, great location on the beach - Camping de La Plage.

Next stop, Ile de Re and La Rochelle. We stayed on the Ile de Re, lovely campsite - Camping L’Ocean & Spa.

Next stop, Saint Leon Sur Vezere in the Dordogne. Beautiful area and fantastic campsite - Camping Le Paradis.

Last stop was Dunkerque, Camping La Licorne. Great campsite with direct access to the beach and Dunkerque promenade.

Kind regards
Glynn

 

[LindaRothwell]

We have just returned from a 2 week trip to France in our new GC680. We collected the van 2 days prior to leaving for France which made preparations a bit challenging!

Having loved our previous Cali (T5 SE180) so much we were concerned that we may not feel the same about the GC; however, I am pleased to report that we absolutely love our new GC680. We thought we would share a short summary of our initial observations.

The van is not much wider than our T5; therefore, easy to drive. We soon got used to the length and being over 2 meters in height did not cause any real issues.

The cruise control drives very aggressively! Seems to want to get you back to the set speed ASAP.

Thule Awning - Does not retract without creasing the fabric. We will be speaking to VW re: Warranty claim.

Kitchen drawers - we forgot to close the locking mechanism on one of the drawers which resulted in the drawer opening as we were driving. Following this mishap, the drawer was misaligned and did not close well. I have fixed the issue; however, was surprised to see each drawer runner was only held by two small screws even though there were holes in the metal runner for approx 9 screws on each side - I have added additional screws.

Diesel heater and Solar Panel - Both excellent. Glad we chose these options.

Bed - Love the bed, very comfortable, we have a Panda memory foam topper (European King Size). Do not like the “V” cut out in the bed, I will be modifying this very soon.

Shower - No shower head holder!! We found a really good one - A company called Showery.

Phone Charger - Wish we had not chosen this as an extra. Appears to fry our phones, they become very hot. We will not be using this option!

Cleaning - I am pleased that I am retiring early next year and will have more time! I cleaned the van today for the first time, it took me most of the day.

Table - IMO too big; however, my wife thinks it is ok.

Wardrobes - Need shelves. I will be sorting soon.

Insulation - The van appears to be well insulated?? 30 degree heat and the van still seemed reasonably cool.

Ambient lighting - My wife chose this option, I was sceptical regarding why this was necessary. However, I have changed my mind - I like it!

As previously stated, we are very pleased with the van and cannot wait for our next trip.

Kind regards……

View attachment 95951

Glad you are loving your new van! We love our 680.
Have a look at 'yescampervan.co.uk' who have made some really useful shelves, wardrobe rail, shower tray board and finally a small table which stows away on the side of the bench seat. We have just bought the table and although the top is only 6mm thickness it is pretty sturdy. He has a great video on the site for the table. Quite pricey but worth it, and we still have the original if we need it.

Linda