Looking at buying CG and need some advice - Solar, what to look for etc..

[Pastdown]

Afternoon all,
As you can probably tell, I’m new to the forum and this is my first post, hopefully the first of many!

I originally planned to upgrade my VW T25 Syncro to a custom-built Crafter, but lately I’ve been leaning towards getting a Grand California 600 instead.

I’ve found two GC 600s online that I’m considering—one comes with a factory-fitted solar panel, the other doesn’t. I’ve been reading through a lot of threads on here about retrofitting solar systems or upgrading the factory setups, and it seems like the standard system might not be enough for my off-grid plans (a few nights at a time).

So here’s where I’d really appreciate some advice:

Would it make more sense to go for the GC without the factory solar and install a custom system myself, or is it better to start with GC with a factory solar panel, even if I end up replacing most of it?

It’s also worth noting that the GC without solar doesn’t have the awning rail fitted either but it does come with a bunch of other extras.

I’d really appreciate any insights, especially from those who’ve been in a similar position. Also, if anyone has tips on what to inspect when buying a second-hand GC, I’m all ears!

Thanks in advance,

Rob

 

[WelshGas]

Afternoon all,
As you can probably tell, I’m new to the forum and this is my first post, hopefully the first of many!

I originally planned to upgrade my VW T25 Syncro to a custom-built Crafter, but lately I’ve been leaning towards getting a Grand California 600 instead.

I’ve found two GC 600s online that I’m considering—one comes with a factory-fitted solar panel, the other doesn’t. I’ve been reading through a lot of threads on here about retrofitting solar systems or upgrading the factory setups, and it seems like the standard system might not be enough for my off-grid plans (a few nights at a time).

So here’s where I’d really appreciate some advice:

Would it make more sense to go for the GC without the factory solar and install a custom system myself, or is it better to start with GC with a factory solar panel, even if I end up replacing most of it?

It’s also worth noting that the GC without solar doesn’t have the awning rail fitted either but it does come with a bunch of other extras.

I’d really appreciate any insights, especially from those who’ve been in a similar position. Also, if anyone has tips on what to inspect when buying a second-hand GC, I’m all ears!

Thanks in advance,

Rob

Have you considered changing the Leisure Battery for a Lithium battery or a standalone Lithium Power Pack?

 

[Pastdown]

Have you considered changing the Leisure Battery for a Lithium battery or a standalone Lithium Power Pack?

From what I’ve read and I could be wrong, I thought the B2B charger doesn’t work properly with lithium batteries? Also, are there issues with the onboard management system accurately recognising the charge capacity of a lithium battery?

 

[itsSteve]

One issue to be aware of, depending upon your licence, is weight - all the extras require a 3.88t vehicle, in particular, both awning and overcab beds will take you there. If there's a weakness in the GC, it seems to be the rate at which it uses electricity! We have a GC600 which, with the fridge running, allows little more than twenty-four hours off grid use. Drive a few miles every day and it's not a problem, but otherwise a more specialist approach is needed because the relatively puny solar offered by VW is unlikely to be sufficient to make much difference. We tour or use hookup, so we didn't specify solar, and haven't really missed it. Btw, we left it for two months without using it this winter, following knee surgery, and it started first time, so there seems no great need for trickle charging when not in use. Hope this helps

 

[WelshGas]

From what I’ve read and I could be wrong, I thought the B2B charger doesn’t work properly with lithium batteries? Also, are there issues with the onboard management system accurately recognising the charge capacity of a lithium battery?

Changing varta 92 ah battery for a 150ah lithium in g c 600

Can I replace my varte 92 ah leisure battery for a 150 ah lithium in my grand california 600. If so can I swap over without any alterations to the present system. I would be very grateful for any information

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[andyinluton]

Would it make more sense to go for the GC without the factory solar and install a custom system myself, or is it better to start with GC with a factory solar panel, even if I end up replacing most of it?

It’s also worth noting that the GC without solar doesn’t have the awning rail fitted either but it does come with a bunch of other extras.

The manufacturers of the standard factory fit solar can also supply a complete set of additional panels to almost completely cover the roof. Theres full details in the download section on this site.

Its not a simple or cheap job to fit the awning so if you want one its easier to get a van with one already fitted.

 

[Pastdown]

Thanks, Steve – interesting to know it should last around 24 hours without a solar panel topping up the battery.

As for the lithium battery, I think I’ll need to do a bit more homework and read through a few more threads to get my head around it.

Andy, I managed to download the files – really helpful. And good to know the solar panels are available too.

Regarding rail, I spoke to VW today and it turns out the fitting kit is actually glued in place, with the rail attached to the bracket – I would’ve expected it to be bolted on, to be honest.

Really appreciate all the feedback so far. I’m leaning more towards going with the GC without the solar panel.

Are there any key areas of the van I should be checking out in particular?

Thanks again

 

[Jimmylondon07]

Hill View Awnings can fit you an awning with the proper brackets for around £1,800 just to give you an idea, takes a couple of hours. They can also fit the longer one that’s used on the 680 if you’d prefer. I haven’t used them but I know people who have.

 

[GS O'brino]

Thanks, Steve – interesting to know it should last around 24 hours without a solar panel topping up the battery.

As for the lithium battery, I think I’ll need to do a bit more homework and read through a few more threads to get my head around it.

Andy, I managed to download the files – really helpful. And good to know the solar panels are available too.

Regarding rail, I spoke to VW today and it turns out the fitting kit is actually glued in place, with the rail attached to the bracket – I would’ve expected it to be bolted on, to be honest.

Really appreciate all the feedback so far. I’m leaning more towards going with the GC without the solar panel.

Are there any key areas of the van I should be checking out in particular?

Thanks again

I think we might regret it if you decide not to get the solar panels. They’re very helpful for keeping the batteries healthy with a constant charge.

 

[Pastdown]

I think we might regret it if you decide not to get the solar panels. They’re very helpful for keeping the batteries healthy with a constant charge.

Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be getting a solar panel even if I purchase the GC without one.

 

[Coachella]

Thanks, Steve – interesting to know it should last around 24 hours without a solar panel topping up the battery.

As for the lithium battery, I think I’ll need to do a bit more homework and read through a few more threads to get my head around it.

Andy, I managed to download the files – really helpful. And good to know the solar panels are available too.

Regarding rail, I spoke to VW today and it turns out the fitting kit is actually glued in place, with the rail attached to the bracket – I would’ve expected it to be bolted on, to be honest.

Really appreciate all the feedback so far. I’m leaning more towards going with the GC without the solar panel.

Are there any key areas of the van I should be checking out in particular?

Thanks again

Awning rail yes glued , but full wind-out cassette awning - more to it.
As for the GC 600 its the same for my Knaus 600. Long story - was sold with wind-out awning on, then on pick up no awning. So had to get the brackets from factory to fit. The tub top being different material - these are braced from behind the tub. So headlining has to come out and the top lockers, just to get the right access to place the brackets for the mounts.
So as mentioned previously , best get it with one fitted if its what you want, unless u are weight saving with the awning rail.

Enjoy.

 

[Pastdown]

Awning rail yes glued , but full wind-out cassette awning - more to it.
As for the GC 600 its the same for my Knaus 600. Long story - was sold with wind-out awning on, then on pick up no awning. So had to get the brackets from factory to fit. The tub top being different material - these are braced from behind the tub. So headlining has to come out and the top lockers, just to get the right access to place the brackets for the mounts.
So as mentioned previously , best get it with one fitted if its what you want, unless u are weight saving with the awning rail.

Enjoy.

That’s really interesting. I’ve been reading through the forum and I’m seeing two different takes on how they’re mounted.

Some posts mention they’re just glued on—even VW in Wales apparently said the same. But then others are saying there are mounting brackets that go in behind the headliner.

To be honest, I was pretty surprised when I heard they might only be glued. I’ve got one on my T25 and it’s bolted down.

 

[Mr T]

That’s really interesting. I’ve been reading through the forum and I’m seeing two different takes on how they’re mounted.

Some posts mention they’re just glued on—even VW in Wales apparently said the same. But then others are saying there are mounting brackets that go in behind the headliner.

To be honest, I was pretty surprised when I heard they might only be glued. I’ve got one on my T25 and it’s bolted down.

The awning is bolted on. All GC’s are supplied from factory with the supports in place, see the technical documentation regarding this:

 

[Pastdown]

Thanks, Chris — that makes perfect sense. Where did you get that document from? Do you also have access to the fitting instructions and the extract location for the reinforcement plates? If you un Velcro/fold down the headliner from the ceiling windows, is it possible to see the brackets?

I’ve noticed you’ve posted a few times about solar panels, I might have to pick your brain about that if you don’t mind!

Also, do you have any tips or things to look out for when considering a second-hand GC?

Appreciate the help in advance!

 

[Mr T]

Thanks, Chris — that makes perfect sense. Where did you get that document from? Do you also have access to the fitting instructions and the extract location for the reinforcement plates? If you un Velcro/fold down the headliner from the ceiling windows, is it possible to see the brackets?

I’ve noticed you’ve posted a few times about solar panels, I might have to pick your brain about that if you don’t mind!

Also, do you have any tips or things to look out for when considering a second-hand GC?

Appreciate the help in advance!

We have a lot of useful documents shared on the VW Grand California UK Facebook group.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/833942000874865/?ref=share

All these documents can be found in the files section. They do not give dimensional information regarding the awning position I’m afraid.

What to look out for? Depends on the age you are considering. Most early problems were fixed on MY22, since launch there have been 2 significant software updates to the main control panel, the first sorted out the step issues and a few other odd bits, the second, more recent update seems to address the random Truma hearing turning off for no apparent reason. This doesn’t happen often but has finally been cured with a software update.

Very early models had a poor kitchen tap, this design was changed for MY22.
The high level rear brake light seal can leak, again this has been addressed under warranty, in most cases proactively but worth checking if it’s been done in any vehicle you look at.

I’ve had mine from new - June 2022 - and have really not had many issues at all.
I would ideally look for one with factory solar, it really does make a difference.
Diesel heating in my opinion is preferable to gas.

Anything specific you would Iike to know, ask away. Good luck, there’s a few for sale currently to pick from.

 

[Pastdown]

Thanks, Chris.

The GC I’ve found was originally registered in December 2020 and has only done 1,700 miles. The previous owner won it through an ITV competition but didn’t hold a driving licence, and due to the competition’s terms and conditions, wasn’t able to sell it. I’m purchasing it directly from the VW dealership that originally delivered it to ITV.

It doesn’t have the awning rail or the factory-fitted solar panel, but it does come with other features, including the diesel heater. I’m planning to have a solar panel installed soon, and then look at adding the awning rail next year.

I assume the tap hasn’t been replaced, given that the van hasn’t really been used.

 

[Mr T]

Thanks, Chris.

The GC I’ve found was originally registered in December 2020 and has only done 1,700 miles. The previous owner won it through an ITV competition but didn’t hold a driving licence, and due to the competition’s terms and conditions, wasn’t able to sell it. I’m purchasing it directly from the VW dealership that originally delivered it to ITV.

It doesn’t have the awning rail or the factory-fitted solar panel, but it does come with other features, including the diesel heater. I’m planning to have a solar panel installed soon, and then look at adding the awning rail next year.

I assume the tap hasn’t been replaced, given that the van hasn’t really been used.

Unlikely to have been replaced, and now out of warranty unfortunately. The replacement tap requires a larger hole in the sink, you may find a better alternative.

 

[leeb]

Tons of thread comments elsewhere in upgrading battery for off grid use. I short a 150 plus amp hour lithium battery swapped into battery holder under the bonnet, (remove the massively heavy AGM), replace split charge relay with a 50A dcdc charger and good to go. The setting on the factory fitted votronic solar controller can be changed to Lithium. At this point you will have 2-3 day off grid even if the sun doesn't shine. Oh.....and forget all the stuff about the van software shutting the van down...doesn't happen!

 

[NickParks]

Tons of thread comments elsewhere in upgrading battery for off grid use. I short a 150 plus amp hour lithium battery swapped into battery holder under the bonnet, (remove the massively heavy AGM), replace split charge relay with a 50A dcdc charger and good to go. The setting on the factory fitted votronic solar controller can be changed to Lithium. At this point you will have 2-3 day off grid even if the sun doesn't shine. Oh.....and forget all the stuff about the van software shutting the van down...doesn't happen!

I was under the impression you shouldn't have Lithium batteries fitted under the bonnet?
I've got my 648ah unit fitted in the rear cupboard along with the uprated 90amp Split Charger..

 

[leeb]

All works fine with a 150Ah battery under bonnet...chief limitation with a 650Ah battery (I imagine) is size