New Wave Conversions

[calibeach76]

I posted recently as I've been looking at taking the plunge with a California again and whilst having looked at a lot of conversions too (I prefer the bespoke finish of them and variety over the rather dull and Conservative interior of the California) I kept coming back to the "safe" option of the California. However, I have recently started looking specifically at New Wave Custom Conversions and the ecowagon conversions both of which really look a superb product certainly on a par with the two California I have owned. Just wondering if there's anyone on here who might have been through the sane process and had any experience with either convertor because they are two companies most likely to get my money over a California. Cheers

 

[Ting Tong]

Until recently they were based in Pontyclun where a client of mine also has a business doing conversions: he speaks very highly of them.

 

[NessL]

I posted recently as I've been looking at taking the plunge with a California again and whilst having looked at a lot of conversions too (I prefer the bespoke finish of them and variety over the rather dull and Conservative interior of the California) I kept coming back to the "safe" option of the California. However, I have recently started looking specifically at New Wave Custom Conversions and the ecowagon conversions both of which really look a superb product certainly on a par with the two California I have owned. Just wondering if there's anyone on here who might have been through the sane process and had any experience with either convertor because they are two companies most likely to get my money over a California. Cheers

If you’re considering Ecowagen it could be worth visiting Busfest. Last year they had a lot of owners staying in their vans on their stand. We spoke to a few. They all seemed very happy with their decision.

 

[soulstyledevon]

New wave make some great vans.
One of the first converters who stuck in the Cali rear chair, probably because it’s the best on the market.
Both companies aren’t cheap converters and I’ve wondered how they would fair on re-sale 3/4 years down the line

 

[WelshGas]

I posted recently as I've been looking at taking the plunge with a California again and whilst having looked at a lot of conversions too (I prefer the bespoke finish of them and variety over the rather dull and Conservative interior of the California) I kept coming back to the "safe" option of the California. However, I have recently started looking specifically at New Wave Custom Conversions and the ecowagon conversions both of which really look a superb product certainly on a par with the two California I have owned. Just wondering if there's anyone on here who might have been through the sane process and had any experience with either convertor because they are two companies most likely to get my money over a California. Cheers

What do they use as " Base" vehicles?
Are they " Approved VW Associates " so they can order base vehicles from VW, although that might be a problem at the moment as I believe VW have closed the order books for VW T6.1 commercial vehicles.

 

[Corradobrit]

Having checked out New Wave Sportline conversion I don't se what advantage this offers over a Cali. In fact the lack of a sliding window above the stove is a big negative for me. No Cali sliding table either. Fridge can't be opened with bed extended. Quite a few compromises. Curious what the build cost was for that conversion.

 

[Corradobrit]

If I HAD to pick a conversion I would go for the Ecowagon

 

[soulstyledevon]

If I HAD to pick a conversion I would go for the Ecowagon

The £125k van…

 

[calibusje]

Here you go: no california, no volkswagen and even electric if you want.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02WptrgKD3ax77Ykpux84swqDRHY2RRA5wK488wFYz7q3cFajN2k3q6W12JqVhWKDBl&id=100063952426754

 

[calibeach76]

New wave make some great vans.
One of the first converters who stuck in the Cali rear chair, probably because it’s the best on the market.
Both companies aren’t cheap converters and I’ve wondered how they would fair on re-sale 3/4 years down the line

Thanks. Interesting that resale values seem pretty strong if not comparable to the California in fairness. They seem to have a loyal following. I'm still undecided but am being swung towards the conversion route and now possibly even the sprinter mwb or man/ crafter derivative because the kids are getting bigger and we all miss the shower facility especially for wild camping and overnight stops like french passion. It also means I can design a fully bespoke vehicle rather than a fairly anodyne off the shelf one.

 

[B J G]

One aspect that I am wary of with bespoke conversions is that when it comes to resale you need to find a very similar minded Buyer as to what you have spec'd your camper with at the current trends.

 

[Corradobrit]

And make sure the correct strengthening is completed in the roof. VW don't just cut a hole in a Transporter and call it a goodun.

 

[calibeach76]

As we are leaning more towards the larger vehicle now it won't involve cutting a hole in the roof which tbh was a major concern with buying a Transporter conversion done by anyone. Agree whole heartedly with the resale argument and it is not something we haven't considered. HOWEVER, without being blasé that is less of an issue for us as we would be keeping long term and likely going lhd too as it will be used a lot and left for extended periods at a finca we are renovating in Portugal. Once we have done with it I will likely give it to my girls to use in their later teens to travel as they wish.

 

[calibusje]

I feel a Hymer post coming; lots to find here

 

[Bobby D]

Knights Custom Conversions. Don't think you will find better if you want to go that route.

Other good ones though are:
NWCC
Three Bridge
EcoWagen
Bodans
Sherwood
VanWorx
Jerba

Some of the above have VW accreditation so hold their money well on the second hand market. I made £6.5K on one of the above having owned it for 6 years.

 

[chris151151]

I posted recently as I've been looking at taking the plunge with a California again and whilst having looked at a lot of conversions too (I prefer the bespoke finish of them and variety over the rather dull and Conservative interior of the California) I kept coming back to the "safe" option of the California. However, I have recently started looking specifically at New Wave Custom Conversions and the ecowagon conversions both of which really look a superb product certainly on a par with the two California I have owned. Just wondering if there's anyone on here who might have been through the sane process and had any experience with either convertor because they are two companies most likely to get my money over a California. Cheers

I went through the same process two years ago and bought a Cali Coast for similar cost . Now 42k miles with no problems. Brilliant design by VW engineers, services included, and the whole vehicle is guaranteed by VW. Some converters may not be around in a few years to put things right.

 

[RevJames]

I posted recently as I've been looking at taking the plunge with a California again and whilst having looked at a lot of conversions too (I prefer the bespoke finish of them and variety over the rather dull and Conservative interior of the California) I kept coming back to the "safe" option of the California. However, I have recently started looking specifically at New Wave Custom Conversions and the ecowagon conversions both of which really look a superb product certainly on a par with the two California I have owned. Just wondering if there's anyone on here who might have been through the sane process and had any experience with either convertor because they are two companies most likely to get my money over a California. Cheers

Ecowagon have ambassadors - customers who have bought from them, around the country. You can book to meet the closest one to you via the company. It's a great way of seeing the quality of the craftsmanship and speak to customers who'll share their thoughts. You can also have the VW bed on rails and quality fitted blinds (not curtains) incorporating a fly screen.

 

[The Tall Luthier]

As we are leaning more towards the larger vehicle now it won't involve cutting a hole in the roof which tbh was a major concern with buying a Transporter conversion done by anyone. Agree whole heartedly with the resale argument and it is not something we haven't considered. HOWEVER, without being blasé that is less of an issue for us as we would be keeping long term and likely going lhd too as it will be used a lot and left for extended periods at a finca we are renovating in Portugal. Once we have done with it I will likely give it to my girls to use in their later teens to travel as they wish.

I had similar reservations to everyone about resale attractiveness in a market crammed with brand new conversions. That didn’t worry me too much though!

My choice for a Cali was based on finding spare parts in five years time. Converters all use the most economical bits and bobs for their living gear, where did they source them?What was the brand? f that lighting rig fails, how do I find something the same size to fit?

In the end we went for the more conservative, less exciting Cali and we love it.

 

[larrylamb]

My choice for a Cali was based on finding spare parts in five years time

I get your point but a Grand Cali owner on here can't get VW to source and fix a rooflight on a virtually new van.

 

[WelshGas]

I get your point but a Grand Cali owner on here can't get VW to source and fix a rooflight on a virtually new van.

If I remember correctly there was a service recall, or similar, on the Grand California roof light requiring a replacement, so the part was probably on back order. This can happen.

 

[calibeach76]

By way of update we are going down the Sprinter route with something built for us completely bespoke.

 

[Azteccamper]

By way of update we are going down the Sprinter route with something built for us completely bespoke.

Keep us up to date. Love to see what you come up with.

 

[Lee.Van.Cleef]

Having previously had a T5 conversion (LWB but no pop roof) we spent a little time researching conversions before settling on a Cali, mainly for reasons af swift availability (we bought in December) but also with resale value in mind. In addition to the list above, we were quite interested in
https://cjlleisure.co.uk/ who are also accredited.
Our 'essential' criteria if we'd gone down the conversion route included LWB option, sliding rear seat to create rear storage and VW accreditation. That narrowed the field down quite a lot. We liked that CJL use quite a few Cali parts in their conversions (rear seat/bed, boot chair storage) but with the option of LWB and full width bed.
I imagine more options will open up as VW accreditation expands.

 

[B J G]

I feel a Hymer post coming; lots to find here

Not to disappoint.

Went looking at Hymer and saw this new go anywhere Model which has the WOW factor in spades as does the £196K price tag!

HYMER – Travel experience inclusive

As the inventor of the motorhome, HYMER has been synonymous with premium-quality leisure vehicles since 1957. And for good reason. We are passionate about what we do and continually work on ensuring our customers enjoy the trips of their lives.

www.hymer.com

I managed to add a few extras and get the price at £208,430

 

[Corradobrit]

Not to disappoint.

Went looking at Hymer and saw this new go anywhere Model which has the WOW factor in spades as does the £196K price tag!

HYMER – Travel experience inclusive

As the inventor of the motorhome, HYMER has been synonymous with premium-quality leisure vehicles since 1957. And for good reason. We are passionate about what we do and continually work on ensuring our customers enjoy the trips of their lives.

www.hymer.com

I managed to add a few extras and get the price at £208,430

Perfect for those Surgeons and Consultants looking for ways to spend their tax relief windfall.