New campervan time T7 YouTube video

[JohnCalifornia]

These 2 are the experts when it comes to Californias so this review on the new T7 California is interesting.

 

[Lorri]

These 2 are the experts when it comes to Californias so this review on the new T7 California is interesting.

We watched tonight - the only one we've seen so far that gave (if only a few) honest comments on vehicle.
Although we now have a T7 Ocean, we honestly have a few small gripes, but we've just had our first couple of nights away in Victor and have seen past most of them. Onwards and upwards.

 

[sticky1]

Not exactly experts on the T7 though, quite a few examples of either not understanding the vehicle or how to use features.
They happily skip over the 25% bigger storage under the bed and the ease of sliding the rear chairs forwards to store stuff behind was not called out.
They weren’t using the app to fill the water tank, they didn’t understand the battery boost button on the dash. They clearly did not figure out how to use the app or control pad in the rear. They were foxed by the front window blinds, which are so good when you use them the right way round and take seconds to install.
I agree about the lower mattress which is why I’ve added a topper, just as they did with their 6.1.
The idea of not being prepared to open the side door to slide out the mini table I found an odd observation, it takes seconds.
I suspect they were trying to be even handed, however it’s hard comparing with their bigger van.
I’ve downsized and I love the easy parking aspect of the multi van size and agree with their summary that it’s a multi use van, as opposed to a separate motorhome and I suspect that’s exactly the market VW were after.

 

[Davilu]

One of the better video reviews of the T7 imho. Lots of interesting bits of information that I hadn’t picked up from the numerous other you tube videos. As seasoned T6 and T6.1 owners, they are well placed to compare the new and old versions. Well done Will and Sarah.

 

[andyinluton]

That looked very short on storage space round the kitchen & that was with 2 mugs, 2 glasses & 2 plates, I don't think we would get everything in for 4.
The rear seat also looked a lot narrower than a T6.1- doesn't look to be room for 2 Kids + a dog sitting between them.
To me it looks like the whole kitchen is a backward step, once VW came up with the split worktop on the earlier vans it had got to the point of being almost impossible to improve within the available space especially if you had a Briwy extra shelf.

 

[Shuftie]

Not exactly experts on the T7 though, quite a few examples of either not understanding the vehicle or how to use features.
They happily skip over the 25% bigger storage under the bed and the ease of sliding the rear chairs forwards to store stuff behind was not called out.
They weren’t using the app to fill the water tank, they didn’t understand the battery boost button on the dash. They clearly did not figure out how to use the app or control pad in the rear. They were foxed by the front window blinds, which are so good when you use them the right way round and take seconds to install.
I agree about the lower mattress which is why I’ve added a topper, just as they did with their 6.1.
The idea of not being prepared to open the side door to slide out the mini table I found an odd observation, it takes seconds.
I suspect they were trying to be even handed, however it’s hard comparing with their bigger ‘chipboard’ van.
I’ve downsized and I love the easy parking aspect of the multi van size and agree with their summary that it’s a multi use van, as opposed to a separate motorhome and I suspect that’s exactly the market VW were after.

Take that Sven owners, in your chipboard vans! Did they hit a raw nerve?

 

[Brian’s Dad]

There’s a brilliant point where Sarah is playing on her phone completely disengaged as Will is trying to demonstrate the table.

 

[GrannyJen]

I quite liked the video but with most of them I prefer to turn the sound off and just watch the pictures, pausing at the bits I want to look at longest then listening to what the narrator has too say.

 

[m10chkcalifornia]

Like @GrannyJen . I (a 6.1 owner) found it informative and interesting. For us, the lack of a bench seat - which our two small dogs sort of own, and the extra length (its only 30cm but just seems to spoil the car-like overall parking experience) are potential issues. But if the time comes to trade in ours I am sure we will be going T7 and get used to it. Newer tech, more refined driving experience, more engine choices will win out. That said, with advancing years not at all sure we will outlive our 6.1 .

 

[Corradobrit]

I thought it was a fairly honest review after a decent amount of time to understand the negatives as well as the positives. Storage limitations in the cabin are obvious, but we already knew that. I don't think the slideout fridge is an upgrade. Loss of cold air will be more severe meaning the compressor will need to be active for longer to compensate. Replacement, if required might be easier though.
Nice to hear VW haven't changed their interpretation of a 'comfort' mattress.
The 'tent peg' section was funny. And light leakage is far more problematic vs T6.1.

Kudos to both for losing some weight. Its been a moment since I last saw one of their vlogs and the change was noticeable. I wonder if that was so they could occupy the lower bunk in more comfort

 

[BeeBee]

These 2 are the experts when it comes to Californias so this review on the new T7 California is interesting.

As always a really good outline and review, think we’ll stick with our T6 Ocean.

 

[Californication69]

One word, sums the pair of them up: nauseous
Lots of waffle. Hmm, ahh, umm.
IMHO

 

[pluc99]

Not exactly experts on the T7 though, quite a few examples of either not understanding the vehicle or how to use features.
They happily skip over the 25% bigger storage under the bed and the ease of sliding the rear chairs forwards to store stuff behind was not called out.
They weren’t using the app to fill the water tank, they didn’t understand the battery boost button on the dash. They clearly did not figure out how to use the app or control pad in the rear. They were foxed by the front window blinds, which are so good when you use them the right way round and take seconds to install.
I agree about the lower mattress which is why I’ve added a topper, just as they did with their 6.1.
The idea of not being prepared to open the side door to slide out the mini table I found an odd observation, it takes seconds.
I suspect they were trying to be even handed, however it’s hard comparing with their bigger van.
I’ve downsized and I love the easy parking aspect of the multi van size and agree with their summary that it’s a multi use van, as opposed to a separate motorhome and I suspect that’s exactly the market VW were after.

Not so much as review as a first impression, but at least they are experienced campers as opposed to the carwow (and other) comedians who do reviews. I would have liked to see a more completely packed camper with food and storage spaces shown. I would have liked to see them installing the large table to the kitchen unit. I would have especially liked to see them demonstrate the feasibility of going camping with the left hand side rear seat removed (since the bed is supported by the kitchen unit ledge).

 

[SaywellHQ]

Not so much as review as a first impression, but at least they are experienced campers as opposed to the carwow (and other) comedians who do reviews. I would have liked to see a more completely packed camper with food and storage spaces shown. I would have liked to see them installing the large table to the kitchen unit. I would have especially liked to see them demonstrate the feasibility of going camping with the left hand side rear seat removed (since the bed is supported by the kitchen unit ledge).

I was also hoping to see them try the big table attached to the kitchen unit. I've yet to see someone do it and have a laptop, etc, set-up, as I worry that it will be too high to work at for any length of time.

 

[Kayleigh]

These 2 are the experts when it comes to Californias so this review on the new T7 California is interesting.

I wouldn’t regard them as experts, but their video did highlight a few things for me.

VW should offer as options:
- A choice of standard or comfort mattress
- A choice of standard length or short (183cm) mattress

I would also like to see a larger interior table with single full length leg. They pointed out that there was space alongside the the rear seat for a table. Or maybe they could store a table for interior use inside the sliding door.

The existing interior table could surely be made larger, at least large enough to use a laptop and mouse comfortably.

A split (non-glass) lid on the hob/sink. For me this would provide space to use my Thermomix while the clip-on table provides a prep area.

Optional Induction hob instead of gas hob. They should offer larger leisure batteries as well.

 

[pluc99]

I wouldn’t regard them as experts, but their video did highlight a few things for me.

VW should offer as options:
- A choice of standard or comfort mattress
- A choice of standard length or short (183cm) mattress

I would also like to see a larger interior table with single full length leg. They pointed out that there was space alongside the the rear seat for a table. Or maybe they could store a table for interior use inside the sliding door.

The existing interior table could surely be made larger, at least large enough to use a laptop and mouse comfortably.

A split (non-glass) lid on the hob/sink. For me this would provide space to use my Thermomix while the clip-on table provides a prep area.

Optional Induction hob instead of gas hob. They should offer larger leisure batteries as well.

I agree about the shorter mattress. I would also like to see a larger interior table but don't see offhand where you could store it. Along the bench without a firm attachment would be unsafe and inside the sliding door is no-go as far as I understand due to the way it's built for side impact protection. I suppose you could get the Multivan's centre console table system to work. I wonder if anyone has tried it?

 

[WelshGas]

I agree about the shorter mattress. I would also like to see a larger interior table but don't see offhand where you could store it. Along the bench without a firm attachment would be unsafe and inside the sliding door is no-go as far as I understand due to the way it's built for side impact protection. I suppose you could get the Multivan's centre console table system to work. I wonder if anyone has tried it?

Won’t fit.

 

[sticky1]

I agree about the shorter mattress. I would also like to see a larger interior table but don't see offhand where you could store it. Along the bench without a firm attachment would be unsafe and inside the sliding door is no-go as far as I understand due to the way it's built for side impact protection. I suppose you could get the Multivan's centre console table system to work. I wonder if anyone has tried it?

I had a look when I purchased the van as there are loads of multi van tables on eBay.
They take up too much room when I measured, my gut feeling is there will be an aftermarket option.

 

[Kayleigh]

Won’t fit.

I wonder if the Multivan rails could be added though.

 

[GrannyJen]

I agree with the "I would not call them experts" comment for one thing above all else. Whilst they are experienced at owning a Cali, they are not experienced at knowing what makes me, or anyone else's camping experience, tick. All I want is a walk-through demo.

All I wanted from that video is "This is what that does, this is where that goes, this is how you set this up".

I am having my own spec built, on a non-VW base vehicle. I don't need a roof bed, that can go: I don't need gas, that can go. I get a very handy cupboard instead to store muddy hiking boots: Give me lithium and a solar panel: give me a 12v power point where I want it to charge my power station on the move: I don't need hard as nails mattress toppers, give me the memory foam one from the Mattress Topper company that I have in my boat, superb and only £200. Give me a cupboard for my Thetford 335 that can be accessed both inside and from the outside with the sliding door open. A spec probably no one else would want but one that does me.

I enjoyed the video, with the sound off.

 

[Kayleigh]

I agree with the "I would not call them experts" comment for one thing above all else. Whilst they are experienced at owning a Cali, they are not experienced at knowing what makes me, or anyone else's camping experience, tick. All I want is a walk-through demo.

All I wanted from that video is "This is what that does, this is where that goes, this is how you set this up".

I am having my own spec built, on a non-VW base vehicle. I don't need a roof bed, that can go: I don't need gas, that can go. I get a very handy cupboard instead to store muddy hiking boots: Give me lithium and a solar panel: give me a 12v power point where I want it to charge my power station on the move: I don't need hard as nails mattress toppers, give me the memory foam one from the Mattress Topper company that I have in my boat, superb and only £200. Give me a cupboard for my Thetford 335 that can be accessed both inside and from the outside with the sliding door open. A spec probably no one else would want but one that does me.

I enjoyed the video, with the sound off.

That’s much closer to my spec than the Ocean! I would be starting with a Multivan as a base vehicle, Vanessa Arco system with kitchen and Vanessa interior pod. I would then add the Trobolo toilet, lithium powerstation, solar, Vanessa window bags, some blackout blinds, and I’m almost there!

 

[WelshGas]

I wonder if the Multivan rails could be added though.

Anything is possible. On the Multivan it sits between the 2 cabin seats so, no passageway and no turning of front seats, also it would foul the kitchen on the one side as the table leafs rise up and out together and they are spring loaded. You can't just have one side out. So wouldn't work on the Ocean, might work on the Beach but would take up a lot of room.

 

[flying banana]

Experts in hard standing and ehu. I don't need this guy with his annoying tutting before he starts talking telling me how good something is. In my opinion from what I've seen from other reviews, 85k of cheese, its sh1t. Beeping annoying doors, risk of flooding the van filling up the tank everytime, underseat storage 25 % bigger? No it isn't. The water tank is smaller too. All of this oooh I can get out in the road safe because of the side door. I can do that in my t6. Walk through and go out the passenger door, not difficult. As for camping, unless you stay in pissy laybys it's not an issue, and if it was, you could park the other way round. 1 burner. Sh1t, I use my double all the time. Fridge, sh1t. Let's all the cold air out when you open it. Touch screens are always a recipe for disaster freezing failing etc. Those back seats making the bed, terrible faff. I'm sorry but vw need to go back to basics with this. No way would I have one for half the price

 

[Corradobrit]

Experts in hard standing and ehu. I don't need this guy with his annoying tutting before he starts talking telling me how good something is. In my opinion from what I've seen from other reviews, 85k of cheese, its sh1t. Beeping annoying doors, risk of flooding the van filling up the tank everytime, underseat storage 25 % bigger? No it isn't. The water tank is smaller too. All of this oooh I can get out in the road safe because of the side door. I can do that in my t6. Walk through and go out the passenger door, not difficult. As for camping, unless you stay in pissy laybys it's not an issue, and if it was, you could park the other way round. 1 burner. Sh1t, I use my double all the time. Fridge, sh1t. Let's all the cold air out when you open it. Touch screens are always a recipe for disaster freezing failing etc. Those back seats making the bed, terrible faff. I'm sorry but vw need to go back to basics with this. No way would I have one for half the price

But, the parking brake.

 

[flying banana]

But, the parking brake.

Oh yeah. That's amazing. I've got that on my golf. It's sh1te. I don't know what the f@ck my hand brake is doing on that thing. Is it on. Is it auto. Is it on at the lights? F^ck knows. Prefer the manual