My curiosity led me to some unexpected opinions about the new California. And I had a drive with one.

[calibusje]

Just had a look at a new Cali Ocean at my local dealer. As posted already, I think it’s as good a job as VW could do on the multivan chassis albeit that it is now really only suited to couples. We sleep one up one down so the loss of bed width not a major issue. One thing I did also notice was that the lid over the sink/hob cannot be placed vertically as the roof line narrows above the windows. This really limits the space around and above the single hob and, in practice, make it suitable only for boiling a small kettle I fear.

Indeed, the beds have become slightly narrower, both above and below, but as you use them this is indeed not an issue. We travel with 4 (in our t6.1) and also often alternate: each with a child to sleep a little more spaciously. We should also do this in the new California. With the cover plate of the kitchen unit, I did not really see the limitation for a large(er) pot than a small kettle. We should test this

 

[Hedley Wright]

Thanks, I liked writing it all down. I have been under the top bunk for a while and it may be a little lower than previous ones, I could sit there without touching my head against the bed board. I'm 1m92.
Your idea about the porta potti is certainly possible (good thinking) if you fold over the bottom part of the underbed. You can also leave the chair closest to the kitchen unit at home to give you even more space.

Thank you for the feedback. A downside to leaving the near side chair at home would be harder to use the kitchen and side table whilst sittting. Lack of worktop is also a big downside, where do I stand my air fryer and Nespresso machine? I may take a look at one but currently likely to stay with my t6.1 for which the second hand market is still depressed due to VW discounting on the run out vehicles.

 

[capt kirk]

Thanks for the in depth review, well writen and precise.....However i cant find any review from someone who has actually slept in one. Those contoured seats dont look the most comfortable, will there now be a surgance of toppers mattresses and other add ons with no room to carry them. also the dashboard seems to have gone back to the t6 with the covered pockets and dashtop box, Im still on a t6 and think it will stay that way for a while yet.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Does anybody know if the roof is still aluminium??

I wonder if they have switched to carbon fibre to stop the galvanic roof bubbling...

 

[Azteccamper]

Thanks for the in depth review, well writen and precise.....However i cant find any review from someone who has actually slept in one. Those contoured seats dont look the most comfortable, will there now be a surgance of toppers mattresses and other add ons with no room to carry them. also the dashboard seems to have gone back to the t6 with the covered pockets and dashtop box, Im still on a t6 and think it will stay that way for a while yet.

I think it comes with a foldable bedbase and mattress that lays across seats and small ‘shelf’ along kitchen area.

 

[calibusje]

Thanks for the in depth review, well writen and precise.....However i cant find any review from someone who has actually slept in one. Those contoured seats dont look the most comfortable, will there now be a surgance of toppers mattresses and other add ons with no room to carry them. also the dashboard seems to have gone back to the t6 with the covered pockets and dashtop box, Im still on a t6 and think it will stay that way for a while yet.

I liked writing it all down. There is a 'comfort mattress' with a hard base that is folded at the back and once unfolded it lies on top of the chairs and also leans on the low edge of the kitchen unit.

 

[calibusje]

Does anybody know if the roof is still aluminium??

I wonder if they have switched to carbon fibre to stop the galvanic roof bubbling...

I'm not sure, but I'm afraid so; good question

 

[Corradobrit]

I wonder if they have switched to carbon fibre to stop the galvanic roof bubbling...

Highly unlikely. I would say GFP is the more likely option if they moved away from aluminium. Bit even top end sports cars join aluminium panels to steel strengthening components, and bond these together with a combination of rivets and contact adhesive. It's not rocket science.