New member from The Netherlands

[Gerlof]

Hi all,
Just a quick introduction. We love to go road tripping and then camping. We used to go by just the two with our classic car, but with our child now turning 6, the storage space in the car is too small. Currently we are on holiday in Italy while using our trekking tent, which is great, but we feel like we need a little upgrade.
As such we have decided to go for a California. We haven’t decided new or used, but as I’m already using this forum extensively, I thought it would be nice to say hi!
What makes the California attractive over other campers, is its size and also the looks (I like the two tone colour scheme).
I will continue to dig into your posts and extract useful information and will also ask for advice.

On the advice, this morning I found this T5, maybe you can already give some advice on it? The 130hp seems a bit small, but I’ve already read different opinions on it.
VW T5 2.0 TDI blue motion XL

looking forward to your thoughts and future communications!

ciao!
Gerlof

 

[Wildcamper]

Hi all,
Just a quick introduction. We love to go road tripping and then camping. We used to go by just the two with our classic car, but with our child now turning 6, the storage space in the car is too small. Currently we are on holiday in Italy while using our trekking tent, which is great, but we feel like we need a little upgrade.
As such we have decided to go for a California. We haven’t decided new or used, but as I’m already using this forum extensively, I thought it would be nice to say hi!
What makes the California attractive over other campers, is its size and also the looks (I like the two tone colour scheme).
I will continue to dig into your posts and extract useful information and will also ask for advice.

On the advice, this morning I found this T5, maybe you can already give some advice on it? The 130hp seems a bit small, but I’ve already read different opinions on it.
VW T5 2.0 TDI blue motion XL

looking forward to your thoughts and future communications!

ciao!
Gerlof

I would not go below 150hp.

 

[kurienp]

Hi all,
Just a quick introduction. We love to go road tripping and then camping. We used to go by just the two with our classic car, but with our child now turning 6, the storage space in the car is too small. Currently we are on holiday in Italy while using our trekking tent, which is great, but we feel like we need a little upgrade.
As such we have decided to go for a California. We haven’t decided new or used, but as I’m already using this forum extensively, I thought it would be nice to say hi!
What makes the California attractive over other campers, is its size and also the looks (I like the two tone colour scheme).
I will continue to dig into your posts and extract useful information and will also ask for advice.

On the advice, this morning I found this T5, maybe you can already give some advice on it? The 130hp seems a bit small, but I’ve already read different opinions on it.
VW T5 2.0 TDI blue motion XL

looking forward to your thoughts and future communications!

ciao!
Gerlof

I'll be careful of that one. Does not seem to be a genuine California. Seems to be more of a conversion built on a T5 platform with some California parts.

There is a lot of discussion about Cali versus conversions on here, but if the van ticks all boxes for you, then go for it. Again, with 130, the engine is punchy with the torque of a diesel, but yes, people will have different opinions based on their driving style. After all you are going on a relaxing vacation and not racing against time - that defeats the purpose.

Deciding upon the specs is a toughie! but you will get there eventually.

 

[Klakski]

Well, it ain’t an original but a self build ”Cali” and for that it is a bit expensive. I bought mine, 2015, last year in Germany for less and with import duty fees and so on just shy above the asking price of yours.

When you come back from Italy go to Camper Centrum Nederland and get informed there. Take it from there and take your time on what you want to do and get out of the camper.

 

[Velma's Dad]

Welcome Gerlof.

The van advertised looks interesting because (a) it's a long wheelbase (not available from VW as a California); and/but (b) as @kurienp says it seems to have used a lot of California interior components. So an unusual beast, certainly.

Long wheelbase (LWB) conversions tend to suit people who want an interior layout that has enough space for a fitted toilet and even a shower. They quite often also put the kitchen at the back end of the van, and also sometimes have a pop-top that elevates from the rear rather than the front so give more headroom for cooking etc.

The beautifully fitted and equipped Westfalia Club Joker LWB vans also use that layout. To me, it makes a lot of sense as you get a built-in toilet etc but it's still only the same width as a normal T5/6 van so you keep the 'go anywhere' characteristics that make the California such a good van for touring all around Europe even on very small roads. I could see us choosing a Club Joker whenever we end up changing our current T5 Cali.

Enjoy the research!

 

[marchugo]

Hi Gerlof,

Welcome in this crazy community of Cali lovers.
Bus seems fairly complete, but I miss the heater for camping (standkachel) in the description. Maybe it is there, but check that, a Cali without parking heater is in my opinion useless.

Price seems a little bit over the top for that build year, but the camper market is over heated these days.

130 HP is OK. We drive with 130 HP for ten years now, and have done all the step mountain passes in Europe that you can think of.

Ask for all the servicedocuments from all years. And have the van checked by a specialist.

As said here already, Campercentrum Amersfoort is a good way to start looking for used Calis, they have the best expertise, but prices there are as inflated as well.

Regards from Amsterdam,

Marc.