Looking to buy but need a few tips!

[IvanTerry1977]

Hi, I new new to this forum.
Living in Sweden and looking to buy a California in the near future.
Have 3 kids so will need to buy the beach, unless someone knows of any other models with 3 seats at the back.
Loved how the Ocean had the kitchen facilities and a shame that it only has 2 seats at the back. I wonder if there is any way to add on extra kitchen facilities to the Beach version. Maybe somebody has done this and Id love to hear about it..

Thats it for now but Im sure to have more questions.

Ivan

 

[andyinluton]

Hi, I new new to this forum.
Living in Sweden and looking to buy a California in the near future.
Have 3 kids so will need to buy the beach, unless someone knows of any other models with 3 seats at the back.
Loved how the Ocean had the kitchen facilities and a shame that it only has 2 seats at the back. I wonder if there is any way to add on extra kitchen facilities to the Beach version. Maybe somebody has done this and Id love to hear about it..

Thats it for now but Im sure to have more questions.

Ivan

In the UK you can configure a 5 seater Ocean , it adds a single seat in the middle row. It's not ideal for camping but is do-able and works fine for the rest of the time when you are not camping.
A bigger problem with 5 is where everyone sleeps, we had a cab bunk as the 5th berth. Really depends on the size of your kids.

 

[B J G]

One option

VW-California Beach-Caravelle-Multivan | vangear.co.uk

Our Vangear campervan units are uniquely designed, fit a wide range of vans, and are fully assembled and ready to go!

www.vangear.co.uk

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Hi, I new new to this forum.
Living in Sweden and looking to buy a California in the near future.
Have 3 kids so will need to buy the beach, unless someone knows of any other models with 3 seats at the back.
Loved how the Ocean had the kitchen facilities and a shame that it only has 2 seats at the back. I wonder if there is any way to add on extra kitchen facilities to the Beach version. Maybe somebody has done this and Id love to hear about it..

Thats it for now but Im sure to have more questions.

Ivan

Removable kitchen ideas for Beach;::

Campervan kitchen furniture unit pods for camper conversion for sale

Vangear design and manufacture a range of campervan kitchen pods for sale online, from small sink pods to units with a fridge and built in hob to down the side modular pods.

www.vangear.co.uk

Ford Nugget will seat 5, LWB version also has additional storage space:

Ford Transit Custom Nugget Camper van | Ford UK

Ford Transit Custom Nugget is a Camper van from Ford & Westfalia, designed to be a home away from home. Explore the Transit Custom Nugget here.

www.ford.co.uk

 

[IvanTerry1977]

In the UK you can configure a 5 seater Ocean , it adds a single seat in the middle row. It's not ideal for camping but is do-able and works fine for the rest of the time when you are not camping.
A bigger problem with 5 is where everyone sleeps, we had a cab bunk as the 5th berth. Really depends on the size of your kids.

Thanks for the info. Yes, would be a problem with the amount of beds. cheers

 

[Hawthorn37]

Thanks for the info. Yes, would be a problem with the amount of beds. cheers

Unless you get a drive away awning - plenty around you can comfortably sleep in (we do!).

 

[edocali]

My kids are grown up so we no longer need 6 seats... 4 are enough.
IMHO the 5 seat option on the Cali is unusable for going camping. Are you going to take the 5th seat out and keep it under an awning ?
It's only ok when using the vehicle as 2nd everyday car.
If I had to buy today a 5-seat campervan I would have to look at the Nugget as people suggested here, or at a Westfalia Kepler 5. I personally don't like the Nugget/Kepler layout too much. I prefer the Cali layout with side kitchenette and back boot. I loved the Swift Monza seen at NEC. Not VW quality on finish, but the same layout as the Cali would do for me.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Hi, I new new to this forum.
Living in Sweden and looking to buy a California in the near future.
Have 3 kids so will need to buy the beach, unless someone knows of any other models with 3 seats at the back.
Loved how the Ocean had the kitchen facilities and a shame that it only has 2 seats at the back. I wonder if there is any way to add on extra kitchen facilities to the Beach version. Maybe somebody has done this and Id love to hear about it..

Thats it for now but Im sure to have more questions.

Ivan

I know many on here frown on conversions but with 3 kids, perhaps one might suit you better? My son has 3 kids and has ordered a LWB Camperking Santorini (due in March) which looks very nice. 6 seater with 3 seater bench seat.

 

[kurienp]

Hi, I new new to this forum.
Living in Sweden and looking to buy a California in the near future.
Have 3 kids so will need to buy the beach, unless someone knows of any other models with 3 seats at the back.
Loved how the Ocean had the kitchen facilities and a shame that it only has 2 seats at the back. I wonder if there is any way to add on extra kitchen facilities to the Beach version. Maybe somebody has done this and Id love to hear about it..

Thats it for now but Im sure to have more questions.

Ivan

You can consider a multimac (https://www.multimac.com/home) with the Ocean while the children are small.

 

[The Merle]

You should look at a nugget hightop if you have 3 kids. Calicamping family have a great YouTube channel on it. Jumped from a Cali

 

[Corradobrit]

You should look at a nugget hightop if you have 3 kids. Calicamping family have a great YouTube channel on it. Jumped from a Cali

Yes, they are very happy with the switch and suits the needs of their young family very well.