Inferiority of conversions

[Wongo]

Had a Bilbo Celex, good conversion but still obviously a van, the Cali is built as a camper (do go on a factory visit) from the drawing board. Love it.

Same here

 

[LoveBirds_1964]

Tremendous feature! Do you have a sliding door on both sides?

Yes, we had to order a 6.1 with two sliding doors.

If you want you can check their website Tonke Vans. I am not affiliated with this company but i love their enthusiasm and creativity!

 

[larrylamb]

Inferiority is a word i would never choose when it comes to the choices other people make. "Difference" would be a better, more respectable, choice as far as i am concerned.

I agree, not the best.

Love the fold out kitchen, great idea.

View attachment 74896

 

[David Eccles]

There are lots of innovative and cool design features offered and many companies (and don't forget the trimmers) do more than a standard off shelf range but go extra mile to give bespoke personal service tailored to customer's lifestyle and tastes .. and yes inferior is not the right word...

 

[cathylw]

She did well to buy a 2 year old Transporter and convert for £25k.
I wonder what spec it was...

She got the van as a deal, works for van hire company

 

[calibusje]

The big thing for me was that ALL conversions have A LOT OF CARPET glued to the walls, which is really unattractive. It’s usually a pretty dark grey and very gloomy. I couldn’t imagine being stuck inside on a rainy day looking at carpet on the walls, no matter how bright the ‘furniture’. The California has more of a normal car type finish, which looks much better and feels more tactile. Also, you’ll have to look hard to find a conversion with an electric pop top, a hatch to hide the bellows and sliding rear seats. I didn’t think these things mattered too much at first, but the more I looked, the more I realised that for me, there was no better than the ‘real’ thing.

Hellow
Indeed, that carpet seems to me to be the only solution for many conversions to make something 'beautiful' on the walls ...
For me, I don't think the electro-hydraulic roof is a plus, but fortunately the coast (& beach) exists for people like me.
The seats in the tailgate, the outside table in the sliding door and the sliding table inside (as opposed to having to set up a table if you need one) were very important reasons that we bought a california and did not continue with our now 30 year old t4 westfalia (+ air conditioning and more horsepower but this aside).
Greetings

 

[Chris_BLG_Ocean]

17 year old thread resurrection that has to be a record


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17 year old thread resurrection that has to be a record


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I’m wrong....... I will get back in my box


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[Barnress]

I looked at conversions and I soon realised that i coulden't access the slidding door when parked against the garden wall (near side)and so went for the Cali so glad I did things like fitted blinds not curtains warm in the winter very little conensation even when winter camping in the Lake District and all the other little extras, very happy with it a few little things I don't like though such as light grey carpets and seats and the radio bugs me as it switches off after 1/2 hour or so other than that spot on

 

[66tim99]

I looked at conversions and I soon realised that i coulden't access the slidding door when parked against the garden wall (near side)and so went for the Cali so glad I did things like fitted blinds not curtains warm in the winter very little conensation even when winter camping in the Lake District and all the other little extras, very happy with it a few little things I don't like though such as light grey carpets and seats and the radio bugs me as it switches off after 1/2 hour or so other than that spot on

I wonder if there's a solution to the radio going off? Could an auto electrician switch it to work off the leisure battery until depleted to a certain level (that's never reached if you're on hook-up or solar)?

 

[Barnress]

I wonder if there's a solution to the radio going off? Could an auto electrician switch it to work off the leisure battery until depleted to a certain level (that's never reached if you're on hook-up or solar)?

Not heard of that being done maybe it would work I suppose it depend on where the timer Is

 

[Wildcamper]

I wonder if there's a solution to the radio going off? Could an auto electrician switch it to work off the leisure battery until depleted to a certain level (that's never reached if you're on hook-up or solar)?

As I understand it, the auto switch off is to save the vehicle battery. I once had mine on for 3 hours (with turning on every 30 mins) when working on my van ( not a Cali) and when I finished the van only just started. I mentioned this to Absolute 5 when they upgraded my radio and was told this is normal. My starter battery is fine and gives no problem starting in hot or cold even after standing for 3 weeks.

 

[Camperfamily]

I wonder if there's a solution to the radio going off? Could an auto electrician switch it to work off the leisure battery until depleted to a certain level (that's never reached if you're on hook-up or solar)?

At least one forum member has had this done. I can’t remember who however.

HazzyDayz seem to be a ‘go to’ expert in this type of thing

HazzyDayz Online Retrofit Store

VW & Audi retrofit parts available online from HazzyDayz. We specialise in genuine vehicle electrics & fault diagnostics for Audi & Volkswagen vehicles. ADAS calibration

www.hazzydayz.com

 

[WelshGas]

I wonder if there's a solution to the radio going off? Could an auto electrician switch it to work off the leisure battery until depleted to a certain level (that's never reached if you're on hook-up or solar)?

You can do it with aftermarket units but the VW system is tied into the vehicle BCM computer.

 

[Haves1979]

When I looked a similar age was no cheaper by the time you factor the conversion costs. It then has loads of compromises like a lower power engine, either no or front air con only and didn't have the other features the cali has like heated seats etc.

From a camping perspective, most conversions used a fixed rear seat with no rear shelf ans we use ours all the time. They also mostly had water bottles instead of onboard tanks etc and ultimately too many compromises.

 

[Wildcamper]

When I looked a similar age was no cheaper by the time you factor the conversion costs. It then has loads of compromises like a lower power engine, either no or front air con only and didn't have the other features the cali has like heated seats etc.

From a camping perspective, most conversions used a fixed rear seat with no rear shelf ans we use ours all the time. They also mostly had water bottles instead of onboard tanks etc and ultimately too many compromises.

But some conversions are excellent. One needs to chose the converter carefully, be clear about what one wants, plan it with the converter and don't accept low cost compromises. It may well not be much cheaper but the big positive is you can get exactly what you want. If you want a Cali buy one, if you don't then don't buy one. Which ever way one goes the key is to enjoy it and the freedom it gives. It is great to be able to choose.

 

[Borris]

"what would a proper conversion never have compared to original, beside the brand ?"

Cold water!

 

[Haves1979]

But some conversions are excellent. One needs to chose the converter carefully, be clear about what one wants, plan it with the converter and don't accept low cost compromises. It may well not be much cheaper but the big positive is you can get exactly what you want. If you want a Cali buy one, if you don't then don't buy one. Which ever way one goes the key is to enjoy it and the freedom it gives. It is great to be able to choose.

Yes definitely, there are some lovely conversions out there. At my budget (which put me in a late 2015 cali) we could not get the numbers to add up. 2nd hand T5/T6s are remarkably expensive for one with a nice spec so that doesn't help.

 

[Karlos]

She did well to buy a 2 year old Transporter and convert for £25k.
I wonder what spec it was...

My LWB conversion on a 6 month old T6 Highline in 2017 including a Hilo roof cost about 31k but felt like a converted van, the Cali was head & shoulders above but from the outside the conversion didn't look like a camper. We could park up on a residential street when desperate and no one knew we were there.

 

[Karlos]

Cold water!

Warranty from one manufacturer.

 

[WelshGas]

Comparing Conversions to a California is like comparing Apples and Pears, both can be very good But they are different.
Ignoring the backstreet converters, both types of vehicles can have high end camping facilities and possibly in some cases a conversion can offer more than a California, if that's what you want.
Where a New conversion differs from the California is in the Base Vehicle. VW will not sell the equivalent California base vehicle to its Conversion Partners. Buying the equivalent would mean purchasing a new Caravelle in the UK and stripping it out and fitting a highend interior and pop top, specialist interior trim panels etc, compressor fridge, water tanks and integrated gas locker.
None of this is impossible but at what cost overall compared to a California.
That's the comparison to be made, not comparing a 102 hp converted commercial van to a 204 hp 4 Motion California.

 

[Cali Phillip]

Comparing Conversions to a California is like comparing Apples and Pears, both can be very good But they are different.
Ignoring the backstreet converters, both types of vehicles can have high end camping facilities and possibly in some cases a conversion can offer more than a California, if that's what you want.
Where a New conversion differs from the California is in the Base Vehicle. VW will not sell the equivalent California base vehicle to its Conversion Partners. Buying the equivalent would mean purchasing a new Caravelle in the UK and stripping it out and fitting a highend interior and pop top, specialist interior trim panels etc, compressor fridge, water tanks and integrated gas locker.
None of this is impossible but at what cost overall compared to a California.
That's the comparison to be made, not comparing a 102 hp converted commercial van to a 204 hp 4 Motion California.

For me it was the system integration and the fact the interior is designed without the use of wood, I am more confident the kitchen will not joint me in the front in the event of an accident.
Looking at good conversions they ended up being more with less guaranteed resale values and they are all bespoke, insuring for the assured value is a chore every year.
Californias might be mass produced but that means we know what we are buying as does the insurer.
Best vehicle I have ever owned

 

[chris151151]

I've had my Coast six weeks. I'm really impressed by the attention to detail and the quality of the fixtures, fittings and systems. I looked at some converters, and in the end there was not a lot in the price. Five factors decided me. Firstly, a quality vehicle built in a big factory with the economies of scale in design and components, as against in effect a craft built van conversion put together in an industrial unit one or two at a time. Secondly, 5 year 80000 mile warranty by VW who are, responsible for everything, rather than split responsibility between VW and converter. Where do you stand if the converter goes bust? Thirdly, the 6.1 really is the culmination of years of design development, and it shows. Fourthly, a good discount and competitive finance. Fifth, residuals. However, I can understand that some folk might object to the Henry Ford approach to the layout, ie any layout you want as long as it's that one, and so might prefer to go for custom built. I'm 69, and don't plan to buy another vehicle!

 

[David Eccles]

I would like to contact / talk to Lovebirds 64 about his bus and using it as an example in a vw magazine article about built vs bought, but can't initiate a pm / conversation.
Are you there Lovebirds? or can anyone on here help get me in contact ..mods maybe?

 

[LoveBirds_1964]

I would like to contact / talk to Lovebirds 64 about his bus and using it as an example in a vw magazine article about built vs bought, but can't initiate a pm / conversation.
Are you there Lovebirds? or can anyone on here help get me in contact ..mods maybe?

Roger!

 

[Aubisque]

I had a look at loads of of lovely conversions, but 90% were ruled out for me as the seats/bed weren't on rails and so couldn't turn it into a van for carrying stuff or adding an extra seat. They were all fixed.
Ours is a do-it all vehicle, so that combined with the residuals meant it was an easy decision to go California, more flexible than most.