Inferiority of conversions

[Norfolk Jim]

We've had our 2007 T5 Leisuredrive Crusader now for 6 years - it has been brilliant and is still as spotless as the day I collected from an Ex army logistics chap who was anal about looking after it. I'd looked at loads and Leisuredrive had a good reputation and still has - cost me £20k. More than the others but. Nothing fancy no electric mirrors or windows and no air con and it now has 74k on the clock. It's a 1.9tdi we had remapped from 84 to 105hp. It has never ever let us down and my eldest took it down to Naples and back without a hiccup. I like it very much and wouldn't go away from VW (seriously looking for my ideal Cali - sorry can't afford new ) as the size of vehicle is perfect - multi-storey car parks and barriers easy to negotiate but......it's still a conversion and you do get rattles. Bed can be a bit of a faff when both of us and the dog are inside and it's raining (left all cushions off, unfold bed and put cushions back) - bed of super comfy though. We do have 3 way fridge and a gas oven - heating is electric only on hook-up. Roof is side hinged so we get the height all the way along. Barn doors but I'd prefer a tailgate; useful in poor weather as a shelter when getting stuff out.................so I'm hoping when I DO get my Cali it will satisfy and last me well like this one is - I haven't lost anything in terms of value as my local garage who service it has offered me £23k and 2 valuations by campervan specialist both said similar if they were selling. Let's see what 2021 does

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Barn doors but I'd prefer a tailgate; useful in poor weather as a shelter when getting stuff out.................

Barn Door Awning

The Barn door awning, an innovative and simple little accessory at home in any van with two doors at the back giving the same protection as a tailgate. Made from neoprene (the same stuff as your wetsuit), in a bid to make it as universal as possible. The stretch of the fabric means it will fit...

stitchesandsteel.com

 

[Auberg-ine]

Something I found from 2012 at Space Camper. Hydraulic side door. Clever. But seems no longer on the market?

 

[66tim99]

Something I found from 2012 at Space Camper. Hydraulic side door. Clever. But seems no longer on the market?View attachment 76281View attachment 76282

Almost an awning replacement.
Wonder if it could also slide, in case you're in a tight space

 

[OGII]

We've had our 2007 T5 Leisuredrive Crusader now for 6 years - it has been brilliant and is still as spotless as the day I collected from an Ex army logistics chap who was anal about looking after it. I'd looked at loads and Leisuredrive had a good reputation and still has - cost me £20k. More than the others but. Nothing fancy no electric mirrors or windows and no air con and it now has 74k on the clock. It's a 1.9tdi we had remapped from 84 to 105hp. It has never ever let us down and my eldest took it down to Naples and back without a hiccup. I like it very much and wouldn't go away from VW (seriously looking for my ideal Cali - sorry can't afford new ) as the size of vehicle is perfect - multi-storey car parks and barriers easy to negotiate but......it's still a conversion and you do get rattles. Bed can be a bit of a faff when both of us and the dog are inside and it's raining (left all cushions off, unfold bed and put cushions back) - bed of super comfy though. We do have 3 way fridge and a gas oven - heating is electric only on hook-up. Roof is side hinged so we get the height all the way along. Barn doors but I'd prefer a tailgate; useful in poor weather as a shelter when getting stuff out.................so I'm hoping when I DO get my Cali it will satisfy and last me well like this one is - I haven't lost anything in terms of value as my local garage who service it has offered me £23k and 2 valuations by campervan specialist both said similar if they were selling. Let's see what 2021 does

Nothing inferior about a vehicle that has given you such pleasure and made you £500 a year for 6 years (less running costs)

Worse case scenario you lose £20k over cost of ownership. Makes sense to me. For all the knobs and whistles a Cali is just a Transporter in disguise. From some angles the built in window blinds and non carpeted walls etc. are very expensive.

What is becoming more and more of an issue is cost to renew/"upgrade". The gap keeps getting wider.

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Nothing inferior about a vehicle that has given you such pleasure and made you £500 a year for 6 years (less running costs)

Worse case scenario you lose £20k over cost of ownership. Makes sense to me. For all the knobs and whistles a Cali is just a Transporter in disguise. From some angles the built in window blinds and non carpeted walls etc. are very expensive.

What is becoming more and more of an issue is cost to renew/"upgrade". The gap keeps getting wider.

I would be looking to spend perhaps another £25k for a good vehicle that we'd keep for around another 6 - 7 years at which point I'd not have lost anything one would hope if I needed to sell. I'd like a little more creature comforts with less hassle i.e. the bed set-up!

 

[California4x4]

Here’s an example of a carpet lined T5 that has been done with quite some style.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNnubo9hNzF/?igshid=3aho9wbl8p71

 

[66tim99]

Here’s an example of a carpet lined T5 that has been done with quite some style.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNnubo9hNzF/?igshid=3aho9wbl8p71

Is that a single enormous solar panel?

 

[California4x4]

Is that a single enormous solar panel?

Yes 250W. It looks really smart.

 

[66tim99]

Yes 250W. It looks really smart.

It does, although it looks like it raises the height of the van more than @Roger Donoghue panels?

 

[WelshGas]

It does, although it looks like it raises the height of the van more than @Roger Donoghue panels?

Wouldn't matter. Having a fibreglass pop top would raise the height over 2m for most conversions.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Interesting, one of the best converters I’ve come across is NewWave in South Wales. They have decided to bin off the Sprinter conversions going forward and concentrate on one type of T6 conversion they offer.
No more bespoke builds, although plenty of variations on a tried and tested formula.

So going forward they will be offering their Verso conversions only, which uses a California bed seat and looking at the interior layout isn’t far off from the California...

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNo3Qb6nx29/?igshid=1te0ks2l8259y

 

[reggie59]

Interesting, one of the best converters I’ve come across is NewWave in South Wales. They have decided to bin off the Sprinter conversions going forward and concentrate on one type of T6 conversion they offer.
No more bespoke builds, although plenty of variations on a tried and tested formula.

So going forward they will be offering their Verso conversions only, which uses a California bed seat and looking at the interior layout isn’t far off from the California...

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNo3Qb6nx29/?igshid=1te0ks2l8259y

Thanks. I like three bridges:

Trek RV Infinity Conversion - Luxury Campervan

Trek RV Infinity Conversion is a luxury campervan from the UKs leading Volkswagen campervan specialist. Call or email for more details.

www.threebridge.co.uk

This does not look inferior to vw... I looked at the california. They want luxury car money for a van with a trims and back seat that would disappoint in a dacia sandero.

Some conversion are also same price but at least, I will feel I am stepping into something special... I also need 5 seats during the week and the cali is crap at that.

So conversion for me past covid.

 

[andyinluton]

Thanks. I like three bridges:

Trek RV Infinity Conversion - Luxury Campervan

Trek RV Infinity Conversion is a luxury campervan from the UKs leading Volkswagen campervan specialist. Call or email for more details.

www.threebridge.co.uk

This does not look inferior to vw... I looked at the california. They want luxury car money for a van with a trims and back seat that would disappoint in a dacia sandero.

Some conversion are also same price but at least, I will feel I am stepping into something special... I also need 5 seats during the week and the cali is crap at that.

So conversion for me past covid.

The only price details for three bridges is one sold van for an admittedly nice looking kitchen unit in a basic spec 2015 transporter. That van has a fixed rear bench and was still £40k so up at cali prices.

I don't understand why a cali is crap at 5 seats during the week? Slide rear bench back & insert 5th seat what's wrong with that?

 

[soulstyledevon]

Thanks. I like three bridges:

Trek RV Infinity Conversion - Luxury Campervan

Trek RV Infinity Conversion is a luxury campervan from the UKs leading Volkswagen campervan specialist. Call or email for more details.

www.threebridge.co.uk

This does not look inferior to vw... I looked at the california. They want luxury car money for a van with a trims and back seat that would disappoint in a dacia sandero.

Some conversion are also same price but at least, I will feel I am stepping into something special... I also need 5 seats during the week and the cali is crap at that.

So conversion for me past covid.

Completely your choice.
But just because it looks sparkly and bespoke doesn’t mean it’s any good at camping...

Ive had numerous friends over the years with all sorts of conversions and they always need two things with a conversion.
More space and an awning...!!!

It’s the little things which people don’t realise until they start camping in the van. Such as a rear seat, which is higher to sit on or in a fixed position which becomes very uncomfortable over long journeys.
Poorly designed storage space.
Water and gas tanks routed inside the kitchen area...?
I could go on

They might look similar, but they’re worlds apart.
The California is unbelievably well thought out, hence why I can go away for weeks on end with just the van. All my convert friends have shelters/awnings/tents...

 

[Stu@rt]

I want the maximum amount of warranty cover possible, on both the base vehicle and the habitation. So it was Cali + the 2 year extension that we opted to order (Still waiting). Are there any conversions that you could get 5 years cover on?

 

[soulstyledevon]

I want the maximum amount of warranty cover possible, on both the base vehicle and the habitation. So it was Cali + the 2 year extension that we opted to order (Still waiting). Are there any conversions that you could get 5 years cover on?

Not sure if anyone outside Volkswagen offers that.
But going with one of the big boys like Vanworx or New Wave will probably offer some sort of decent cover.

 

[Wildcamper]

Not sure if anyone outside Volkswagen offers that.
But going with one of the big boys like Vanworx or New Wave will probably offer some sort of decent cover.

As said before, we love our LWB conversion and after hiring Calis consider it significantly superior. We have the full VW warranty plus extension and full 3 year warranty on the habitation area. The converter continues to support us, any minor issue is sorted over the phone in a very few minutes. Ours does not rattle or vibrate. The California is a great vehicle if that is what you want. None of the California models met our needs, Californias are not for everyone. We found Autohaus listened to what we wanted and built just that. On residuals, I have been offered £5k more for ours than we paid for it. Each to their own, great to have choice.

 

[California4x4]

I want the maximum amount of warranty cover possible, on both the base vehicle and the habitation. So it was Cali + the 2 year extension that we opted to order (Still waiting). Are there any conversions that you could get 5 years cover on?

These guys are offering 5 year warranty and service package on a new conversion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNAlVg0BDPL/?igshid=y15tv4w56e29

 

[2into1]

These guys are offering 5 year warranty and service package on a new conversion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNAlVg0BDPL/?igshid=y15tv4w56e29

Assuming they'll be in business in 5 years time? No slur intended on them, just the reality of small business life

 

[WelshGas]

Assuming they'll be in business in 5 years time? No slur intended on them, just the reality of small business life

I like the T&C, that they will advice Customers of which problems whic arise during the Warrant period are the responsibility of VW or the Conversion company, so not a 1 Stop service.

 

[Wildcamper]

I like the T&C, that they will advice Customers of which problems whic arise during the Warrant period are the responsibility of VW or the Conversion company, so not a 1 Stop service.

We have VW warranty (5 years) on the vehicle and Autohaus (3 years) on the habitation. Used both. VW is far more time consuming than Autohaus. From what I see on here habitation issues with the California are not quickly dealt with by VW dealers. It seems that habitation issues with the California are best solved by this great forum, not VW. Where I have had habitation issues they have been resolved, often in minutes on the phone or within 3 days of calling Autohaus if they want to see the van. Never needed to resort to a forum. VW don't seem to offer that level of service.

 

[WelshGas]

We have VW warranty (5 years) on the vehicle and Autohaus (3 years) on the habitation. Used both. VW is far more time consuming than Autohaus. From what I see on here habitation issues with the California are not quickly dealt with by VW dealers. It seems that habitation issues with the California are best solved by this great forum, not VW. Where I have had habitation issues they have been resolved, often in minutes on the phone or within 3 days of calling Autohaus if they want to see the van. Never needed to resort to a forum. VW don't seem to offer that level of service.

Compare like with like. VW don’t make a LWB California, so there is No Comparison.

 

[Meoncoast]

From what I see on here habitation issues with the California are not quickly dealt with by VW dealers. It seems that habitation issues with the California are best solved by this great forum, not VW.

I personally would say the few habitation issues I have had have been dealt with effectively and timely by my VW dealer. This may be because the dealer I use knows the Cali systems well. The forum gives me great knowledge and an overview of such issues.

 

[GrannyJen]

We have VW warranty (5 years) on the vehicle and Autohaus (3 years) on the habitation. Used both. VW is far more time consuming than Autohaus. From what I see on here habitation issues with the California are not quickly dealt with by VW dealers. It seems that habitation issues with the California are best solved by this great forum, not VW. Where I have had habitation issues they have been resolved, often in minutes on the phone or within 3 days of calling Autohaus if they want to see the van. Never needed to resort to a forum. VW don't seem to offer that level of service.

I can only see as I find.

I've not had a lot of habitation problems and when I have SMG have been brilliant and just got it sorted without fuss.

Autohaus are so impressive so I can understand your enthusiasm for the product.