Is the Grand California a success?

[soulstyledevon]

Daily drivers a 21 plate Kombi with super low mileage that does around 20 miles a week ..I’m half tempted to get rid of that aswell as the Sven put some money too and go down the s700 route but probably the sensible thing to do it get a mwb crafter 4motion and do a self build

Do a self-build.
That’s what’s I’d like to do next time.
Once my lad turns 11, we’ll probably ditch the Hymer and Poptop. Buy a 6m van and design longitudinal beds and ditch the bathroom.
The lad can have a roof annex, roof box or something.

 

[Jay20cali]

Definitely leaning towards that our son and daughter are past the age of coming with us now so it just us two ,that was exactly the plan ..I’m no joiner but planned on going with a lot of vandermoon stuff ect it looks like really good quality….the bonus of doing a self build is you can always go bk and fix stuff .

 

[Jay20cali]

Do a self-build.
That’s what’s I’d like to do next time.
Once my lad turns 11, we’ll probably ditch the Hymer and Poptop. Buy a 6m van and design longitudinal beds and ditch the bathroom.
The lad can have a roof annex, roof box or something.

Sounds like you got a plan for the future.

 

[Wondering Star]

New Sprinter is now AWD, no low ratio box.
Also 9 Speed auto with a new engine which appears to have issues with turbocharger failure.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Sounds like you got a plan for the future.

Lots of plans, not enough time…
That’s why Hymer does so well.
If you look at the prices for British converted vans, Hymer are far more affordable than the alternatives.

Such as this bunch.
Cracking van, but £££

Freedom 4X - The Ultimate AWD Motorhome | Project Yonder

Built in to the award-winning Mercedes-Benz Sprinter our gas-free AWD motorhome combines cutting edge technology with impeccable design, luxury finish & incredible off-grid capabilities.

www.projectyonder.co.uk

 

[Wondering Star]

Personally I think the Project Yonder vans are not only far better built than the Hymer offering but offer better value.
Cost and value are totally different and can be easily confused.
They are also appealing to different market place and demographic.
The Hymer Grand canyon is a great van, I've owned one for the last four plus years but it is nowhere near the quality or equipment levels offered by Project Yonder.
Every area in the Project Yonder is superior plus they offer levels of customer support that others whom I will not name can only dream of.

 

[reserves]

Personally I think the Project Yonder vans are not only far better built than the Hymer offering but offer better value.
Cost and value are totally different and can be easily confused.
They are also appealing to different market place and demographic.
The Hymer Grand canyon is a great van, I've owned one for the last four plus years but it is nowhere near the quality or equipment levels offered by Project Yonder.
Every area in the Project Yonder is superior plus they offer levels of customer support that others whom I will not name can only dream of.

I watched one of the Project Yonder YouTube videos and the vans looked amazing.

Went straight on their website to try to find some pricing which was in their FAQs.

They look amazing, however with starting prices of £150k is a completely different ball game

 

[soulstyledevon]

I watched one of their YouTube videos and the vans looked amazing.

Went straight on their website to try to find some pricing which was in their FAQs.

They look amazing, however with starting prices of £150k is a completely different ball game

Yep, that’s the starting price for the RWD van.
Without doubt they’re a quality outfit. But you do pay for it.

Different league to the Hymer offerings.

 

[Wondering Star]

We looked at them quite seriously but struggled to justify the spend when our present van spends vasts amount of time stationary.
However when we retire and tour extensively its a different proposition.
I look at Project Yonder as more an entry level Overlander type vehicle with its massive 800ah of lithium, the ability to run an air conditioner off grid, good water storage 150L, composting toilet, and upgraded suspension as standard.
Note to Mr Hymer its also suitable in cold climates being insulated and having a heated water system.
Like other Overlanding vehicles for a small fee the water filtration system can be up graded to have the ability to filter dirty freshwater if required.
Fit a winch/ underbody protection and your ready to go.

 

[Deise13]

I have owned a GC for 8 months, prior to that I owned multiple motorhomes. I am 100 percent happy with the camper. As an engineer with a keen eye on build quality, I can tell you that (with the exception of press latches and AGM battery) no cost has been spared in the manufacture of this van. The build quality of the interior is outstanding. The bed frames (upper and lower) are very strong, fabricated from welded aluminium. The corner section of the bathroom walls, travel seat, and rear cabinets all used extruded aluminium sections. There is not a wood screw to be found. The lower cabinets at the rear are bolted to the floor with up to 16 fasteners (competitors use 6 to 8 wood screws). The high roof is ugly yes, but looks better with the solar panel fitted. But the additional hight is a game changer for interior space, while I'm only 5'8"(172cm), other van conversions without a hight extension feel claustrophobic. If a van has a pop top then you loose the ability to have skylights over the beds and in the bathroom. The skylights in the GC are fantastic. The hight top also means you can have a proper shower with the outlet positioned above the height of your head. Also things like the bespoke ceiling and wall moldings (instead of glued fabric) are very expensive to produce. You rear bed can remain dressed, and the bedding, pillow and ladder for the top bed fits on the bed when it is in the travel position. Therefore none of the presses are taken up with bedding or ladders.

With regards the white interior, it's certainly not for everyone. After so many motorhomes I kind of like it for a change, but understand it could be a deal breaker for some. It had a few minor design flaws, like clothes falling from the aircraft style presses, but I have engineered a solution with 3D printed parts and elastic cord that works great and does not require any alteration to the interior of the press.

In summary, if you are 2 adults, 2 adults + 2 kids, or 2 adults and one larger kid (up to 5'6"), than this is a fantastic year round camper. IMHO it's overall interior build quality is unsurpassed and a bargain when compared to competitors. It's not cool, but it is excellent as what it does.

 

[reserves]

I have owned a GC for 8 months, prior to that I owned multiple motorhomes. I am 100 percent happy with the camper. As an engineer with a keen eye on build quality, I can tell you that (with the exception of press latches and AGM battery) no cost has been spared in the manufacture of this van. The build quality of the interior is outstanding. The bed frames (upper and lower) are very strong, fabricated from welded aluminium. The corner section of the bathroom walls, travel seat, and rear cabinets all used extruded aluminium sections. There is not a wood screw to be found. The lower cabinets at the rear are bolted to the floor with up to 16 fasteners (competitors use 6 to 8 wood screws). The high roof is ugly yes, but looks better with the solar panel fitted. But the additional hight is a game changer for interior space, while I'm only 5'8"(172cm), other van conversions without a hight extension feel claustrophobic. If a van has a pop top then you loose the ability to have skylights over the beds and in the bathroom. The skylights in the GC are fantastic. The hight top also means you can have a proper shower with the outlet positioned above the height of your head. Also things like the bespoke ceiling and wall moldings (instead of glued fabric) are very expensive to produce. You rear bed can remain dressed, and the bedding, pillow and ladder for the top bed fits on the bed when it is in the travel position. Therefore none of the presses are taken up with bedding or ladders.

With regards the white interior, it's certainly not for everyone. After so many motorhomes I kind of like it for a change, but understand it could be a deal breaker for some. It had a few minor design flaws, like clothes falling from the aircraft style presses, but I have engineered a solution with 3D printed parts and elastic cord that works great and does not require any alteration to the interior of the press.

In summary, if you are 2 adults, 2 adults + 2 kids, or 2 adults and one larger kid (up to 5'6"), than this is a fantastic year round camper. IMHO it's overall interior build quality is unsurpassed and a bargain when compared to competitors. It's not cool, but it is excellent as what it does.

Nice write up.

Glad to hear you’re living your Grand.

 

[Jimmylondon07]

I have owned a GC for 8 months, prior to that I owned multiple motorhomes. I am 100 percent happy with the camper. As an engineer with a keen eye on build quality, I can tell you that (with the exception of press latches and AGM battery) no cost has been spared in the manufacture of this van. The build quality of the interior is outstanding. The bed frames (upper and lower) are very strong, fabricated from welded aluminium. The corner section of the bathroom walls, travel seat, and rear cabinets all used extruded aluminium sections. There is not a wood screw to be found. The lower cabinets at the rear are bolted to the floor with up to 16 fasteners (competitors use 6 to 8 wood screws). The high roof is ugly yes, but looks better with the solar panel fitted. But the additional hight is a game changer for interior space, while I'm only 5'8"(172cm), other van conversions without a hight extension feel claustrophobic. If a van has a pop top then you loose the ability to have skylights over the beds and in the bathroom. The skylights in the GC are fantastic. The hight top also means you can have a proper shower with the outlet positioned above the height of your head. Also things like the bespoke ceiling and wall moldings (instead of glued fabric) are very expensive to produce. You rear bed can remain dressed, and the bedding, pillow and ladder for the top bed fits on the bed when it is in the travel position. Therefore none of the presses are taken up with bedding or ladders.

With regards the white interior, it's certainly not for everyone. After so many motorhomes I kind of like it for a change, but understand it could be a deal breaker for some. It had a few minor design flaws, like clothes falling from the aircraft style presses, but I have engineered a solution with 3D printed parts and elastic cord that works great and does not require any alteration to the interior of the press.

In summary, if you are 2 adults, 2 adults + 2 kids, or 2 adults and one larger kid (up to 5'6"), than this is a fantastic year round camper. IMHO it's overall interior build quality is unsurpassed and a bargain when compared to competitors. It's not cool, but it is excellent as what it does.

Great post and glad to hear you love yours as well. I would agree with your frustration on the interior lockers, I also wish they’d have put removable shelving in the garage cupboards to make those a lot more useable. If you’re happy to spend another £700-800 with companies like Yescampervan and the niche sellers on Etsy then you can get it pretty much perfect, bar the obvious lack of kitchen storage.

 

[Deise13]

Thanks for the feedback..

Here is my solution for the top presses. I replaced the hinge covers with a new design that holds a 10mm aluminium bar. I have various other similar improvements made throughout.

 

[Deise13]

For the kitchen storage, We purchased two Tefal pots with removable handles, and got glasses that stack vertically. In the drawer we use IKEA €1 euro plates and bowls, we can fit 5 plates, 4 bowls and all our cutlery and other bits and bobs. I printed a tray to go under the sink for bags and drying towels. The washing up liquid and surface cleaner travel in the sink (in a sink protector). That leaves us with 1 free drawer for food. I was lucky to luck up three cool bags and Auchan supermarket in France, they fit exactly into the top shelves and are great way to store additional food. Because they are slightly padded they don't rattle.

 

[Flower Power]

Nick and Mathilde should have a following like Itchy they are really good French couple travelling the world in a landy

Thanks (!!!) for Itchy Boots... have been watching it non stop since I had your post! I was already a follower of Nick and Mathylde (now in Timor).

 

[pchmlk]

The yearning has started for a GC600 and I know how this feeling normally pans out. I love my cali still and suspect it’s the better choice right now, but even so. ..

 

[Jimmylondon07]

For the kitchen storage, We purchased two Tefal pots with removable handles, and got glasses that stack vertically. In the drawer we use IKEA €1 euro plates and bowls, we can fit 5 plates, 4 bowls and all our cutlery and other bits and bobs. I printed a tray to go under the sink for bags and drying towels. The washing up liquid and surface cleaner travel in the sink (in a sink protector). That leaves us with 1 free drawer for food. I was lucky to luck up three cool bags and Auchan supermarket in France, they fit exactly into the top shelves and are great way to store additional food. Because they are slightly padded they don't rattle.

View attachment 132687

View attachment 132688

View attachment 132689

View attachment 132690

View attachment 132691

View attachment 132692

Those coolbags look great, would you mind measuring them for me if you get time? Hopefully I can find some similar ones

 

[Deise13]

Those coolbags look great, would you mind measuring them for me if you get time? Hopefully I can find some similar ones

No problem at all....210mm wide, 120mm deep and 280mm high (I might be out by a few millimetres, but not much). However, the radius on the top is important as it allows it to sit into the pocket correctly. Looking in from the side the top is semi circular (see earlier picture), so it's a radius of around 60mm.

I had a look on the Auchan website for you, I can't find the exact match of mine, but these look very similar, could just be the update for 2025. Maybe someone could pick them up or post then to you.

ACTUEL Sac isotherme + 2 boîtes 0,75L

Sac lunch isotherme en polyester avec 2 boîtes ventilées de 750ml en plastique.

www.auchan.fr