New member - just started looking Ocean/good quality conversion - Buckingham

[wugbaspin]

Hi, I've started looking for a Cali or a good quality conversion (so far have looked at Camper King, who seemed pretty good).

Based near Buckingham, hoping to get it at the start of next year, just doing my research at the moment.

Looking forward to advice on here!

Ben

 

[m10chkcalifornia]

I was in the same position -- thinking about a genuine Cali or a conversion. I went for the former. Each to their own but here were the deciding factors for me.
1. So many conversions and difficult to assess which are really 'quality'
2. The Cali is safety tested and designed by VW - thats a big issue for me. I fundamentally didn't like the idea of chopping large lumps of metal out of a van and bolting in lots of stuff that hasn't been through a comprehensive crash testing program.
3. Insurance is much more straightforward for a standard manufacturer vehicle
4. The more I looked at it the more I concluded that the Cali just gets things right where they matter. Others may look flashier, more homely etc. but in terms of fundamental practicality the Cali is really hard to beat.

 

[CamperFam]

Our first camper was a conversion from one of the leading reputable converters in the country.

They installed a 30x30cm granite slab unsecured in the fibreglass worktop.

We very quickly sold the vehicle (making it clear to the owners why we were selling) with a fairly hefty loss, and went for a California. I know there'll be some good conversions out there - but for me (and more importantly, my loved ones), it wasn't worth the risk.

 

[m10chkcalifornia]

Our first camper was a conversion from one of the leading reputable converters in the country.

They installed a 30x30cm granite slab unsecured in the fibreglass worktop.

We very quickly sold the vehicle (making it clear to the owners why we were selling) with a fairly hefty loss, and went for a California. I know there'll be some good conversions out there - but for me (and more importantly, my loved ones), it wasn't worth the risk.

Yes - That is another thing. Besides the safety issue many conversions seem to disregard the weight implications in their choice of fittings. There is a reason that Cali 'furniture' looks and sounds like aircraft lockers, rather than a solid oak kitchen. It is quite revealing how, for example, an Ocean doesn't leave a huge amount of spare carrying capacity. Conversions which start with a T28 in particular must by pushing the limits.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Bilbo are well respected and have been doing conversions long before VW. Our T4 was 20 years old when we sold and was still going strong

 

[CamperFam]

Bilbo are well respected and have been doing conversions long before VW. Our T4 was 20 years old when we sold and was still going strong

20 years ago - nowadays, where cost efficiency and profit margin is king, that kind of quality often doesn't exist now.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

20 years ago - nowadays, where cost efficiency and profit margin is king, that kind of quality often doesn't exist now.

The good thing is that you can still buy secondhand vans with a better build quality than the very latest Cali’s. Ie - Cali T5.1 / T6 seems to have less issues than the current model. Some newer Club Jokers also have build issues.

 

[Do we or don't we]

Bilbo are well respected and have been doing conversions long before VW. Our T4 was 20 years old when we sold and was still going strong

We also had a bilbo T4 great van, well made with quality components, would I choose it over a California? Not sure, I love my Cali but interestingly the reasons I bought it haven't necessarily worked out, the main reason I went for it was that it was a one stop shop----VW make the Transporter, VW provide the conversion lots of VW dealerships around providing top quality VW service, unfortunately this is not the case, because VW sells the California through there commercial network the quality of the service you receive differs depending on the dealerships you use. Most of the commercial dealerships are more used to dealing with builder type vans where the priority is to get it back on the road as soon as possible they have very little understanding of the all the parts that go to make up a California for instance I have to travel an hour and a half to get to a decent dealership when I have one literally 10 min away and 2 others a half an hour away. That said it the California is a lovely vehicle but I wouldn't discount the bilbo especially if you are located nearby their factory. Unfortunately I have no experience of the Camper King conversions other than to have been to their showroom but I must say they also looks very well made.

 

[Trudi]

Decided on what your priorities are in the van.
I wanted a very comfortable top bed so preferred the frioli springs.
I wanted the rear bench on tracks so when the front seats were spun around the table could easily be used by everyone. And you could alter the boot size if needed. If you have young kids it's useful to be able to have them closer when driving.
I also wanted a fridge I could access when the lower bed was out or the table was in use.
I didn't want fury walls.
To get all this in a conversion cost more than the California!
We're 3 years into ownership of a coast and so glad we opted for the California Coast.

 

[66tim99]

I have to travel an hour and a half to get to a decent dealership when I have one literally 10 min away and 2 others a half an hour away.

What made you decide those 3 dealerships were not decent?
I haven’t had the best experience with two London service centres, and as my Cali moves from free servicing (still 2 years warranty) I am now torn between trying SMG Tonbridge, or using my local independent VW specialist for all except potential warranty work.
Thoughts welcome.