OCEAN to BEACH

[Amarillo]

Says he who has just got involved.

Anyway your missing the point. We know all that and this topic has been done to death many times before. Of course it's pointless but so is a game of tennis. Doesn't stop people enjoying themselves knocking a silly ball to and fro.

Tennis isn’t pointless. It jumps up in clumps of 15 or 10 points.

 

[flying banana]

Sorry?!! What are you trying to say?

Were you lot laying low at busfest? Word on the street you were in general camping.

 

[clarinetbcn]

Tennis isn’t pointless. It jumps up in clumps of 15 or 10 points.

And it starts with love, a quality that most members associate with their Calis, and a small minority insist is equal to zero.

 

[kave]

What to do when schenker wont deliver today? I take the beach and get the bike myself:

 

[Algor]

What to do when schenker wont deliver today? I take the beach and get the bike myself:

No need for that in the UK, companies deliver bikes on Thursdays.

 

[bob_summers]

bizarrely i had to pick my new bike up from the schenker depot too (Irún, Spain) , they don’t seem to like cyclists (or VW owners?)

 

[aBusAndBeyond]

Were you lot laying low at busfest? Word on the street you were in general camping.

You’ll find out where we were if you watch Sunday’s video but yeah we were in general camping

 

[pluc99]

I wouldn't get involved mate. It's a completely pointless discussion on 2 versions of a van that you can sleep in.

If people want an Ocean, get one. If not get a Beach. If not get a Transporter and convert it etc etc etc

It's pretty easy. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, and neither is better or worse. Just different.

I think some people feel the need to justify their purchase decisions and belittle others because they are insecure.

It's ok to change your mind. It doesn't matter what anyone else 'classifies' your van as.

It yours. Do with it what you want and just enjoy it.

I think it's interesting to read the different approaches people have and the banter digs up obscure points that otherwise might not come up.

It may be easy for those of you who have owned for a while to be convinced of your choices, but for those of us waiting for our first delivery, it's not as clear. At least in my case there was/is a lot of agonising involved.

In the end I don't really know for sure how I will be using the bus. I expect I will be using it on a lot of shorter day or weekend trips, where having the full kitchen inside will work better for me. I decided on a Coast with a manual roof but ordered the Ocean. With the options I wanted, it ended up costing less. I also decided not to lock myself into a leasing plan so I can change my mind more easily once I see how it goes.

 

[66tim99]

I think it's interesting to read the different approaches people have and the banter digs up obscure points that otherwise might not come up.

It may be easy for those of you who have owned for a while to be convinced of your choices, but for those of us waiting for our first delivery, it's not as clear. At least in my case there was/is a lot of agonising involved.

In the end I don't really know for sure how I will be using the bus. I expect I will be using it on a lot of shorter day or weekend trips, where having the full kitchen inside will work better for me. I decided on a Coast with a manual roof but ordered the Ocean. With the options I wanted, it ended up costing less. I also decided not to lock myself into a leasing plan so I can change my mind more easily once I see how it goes.

Sounds like you’ve thought the financing through. I’m about to take delivery in October, and understand I need to take out finance in order to pay the Drive the Deal Price which (in addition to the 9% discount) is reduced by the £1000 “VW Finance Deposit Allowance”. I intended to put 50% cash in and finance the rest. The dealer is suggesting a PCP deal with a balloon payment. I don’t have details yet but it has crossed my mind this might be a good option to reduce cost now, and allow a simple upgrade in 5 years time to an electric Cali should one exist.
Grateful for any thoughts. I’m a finance novice having never bought a new car before.

 

[jMacdent]

I think it's interesting to read the different approaches people have and the banter digs up obscure points that otherwise might not come up.

It may be easy for those of you who have owned for a while to be convinced of your choices, but for those of us waiting for our first delivery, it's not as clear. At least in my case there was/is a lot of agonising involved.

In the end I don't really know for sure how I will be using the bus. I expect I will be using it on a lot of shorter day or weekend trips, where having the full kitchen inside will work better for me. I decided on a Coast with a manual roof but ordered the Ocean. With the options I wanted, it ended up costing less. I also decided not to lock myself into a leasing plan so I can change my mind more easily once I see how it goes.

I can empathise with you entirely. Started to write something on this thread yesterday in a ‘similar‘ vein but felt it would provoke more than debate. I placed an order on an Ocean last year..on this very day. 4Motion with loads of options because it somehow seemed logical (based on the VW dialogue) that this would be the best. Obviously the most complete, technologically advanced, fully specced trim available. Coming from a tent camping background, we had little or no Campervan experience and subsequently turned to this forum for knowledge and input. It would have been prudent to join the forum earlier as in all the excitement and euphoria, I hadn’t really thought through how, as a family of 4 with a dog (and always camping with family, friends and neighbours) we were going to incorporate the van into our style of camping. In hindsight and in all honesty, I just wanted to buy the most expensive model. 9 months of forum does tend to open your eyes and throw in some questions.…like when the kids come downstairs for early morning cuddles (with the dog) where do we all fit on a 114cm bed? I know the counter argument is to say don’t bother with the cuddles?…. The Ocean, Coast and Beach are all wonderful in their own right but in my mind, just lend themselves specifically/individually to persons of a certain demographic and circumstance.

 

[The Merle]

I can empathise with you entirely. Started to write something on this thread yesterday in a ‘similar‘ vein but felt it would provoke more than debate. I placed an order on an Ocean last year..on this very day. 4Motion with loads of options because it somehow seemed logical (based on the VW dialogue) that this would be the best. Obviously the most complete, technologically advanced, fully specced trim available. Coming from a tent camping background, we had little or no Campervan experience and subsequently turned to this forum for knowledge and input. It would have been prudent to join the forum earlier as in all the excitement and euphoria, I hadn’t really thought through how, as a family of 4 with a dog (and always camping with family, friends and neighbours) how we were going to incorporate the van into our style of camping. In hindsight and in all honesty, I just wanted to buy the most expensive model. 9 months of forum does tend to open your eyes and throw in some questions.…like when the kids come downstairs for early morning cuddles (with the dog) where do we all fit on a 114cm bed? I know the counter argument is to say don’t bother with the cuddles?…. The Ocean, Coast and Beach are all wonderful in their own right but in my mind, just lend themselves specifically/individually to persons of a certain demographic and circumstance.

Always best to hire a van first if you can.
Easy to get hooked in by all the toys/gadgets.

I will be interested to see how the new controller and dash display cope in the real world long term camping.
All that LCD fitted to the coldest spot in a van, dare I mention the condensation debate here too

 

[Borris]

@pluc99 and @jMcdent these re-occuring Beach v Ocean/Coast/SE ding dongs are a constant on this forum. Whilst they always go over the same old well trodden ground they usually start because, like in this thread, the OP has raised the subject. Often the OP is uncertain about which version to choose or is explaining why he/she has changed their mind. Since "which model should I choose?" is the first question anyone should be asking themselves before placing an order it's not surprising that it comes up a lot. Getting the choice wrong can be costly and lead to disappointment. Whilst I have made light of it as being pointless because it's been done many times before, each debate hopefully does help someone to make the right choice.

 

[Tomato]

What freezer do you use?

Waeco 35 now called dometic cx 35. Highly recommended, lives in the boot. Had it a long time in the back of a Land Rover

 

[Tomato]

Waeco 35 now called dometic cx 35. Highly recommended, lives in the boot. Had it a long time in the back of a Land Rover

Well it’s a fridge turned down very low so freezes

 

[66tim99]

@pluc99 and @jMcdent these re-occuring Beach v Ocean/Coast/SE ding dongs are a constant on this forum. Whilst they always go over the same old well trodden ground they usually start because, like in this thread, the OP has raised the subject. Often the OP is uncertain about which version to choose or is explaining why he/she has changed their mind. Since "which model should I choose?" is the first question anyone should be asking themselves before placing an order it's not surprising that it comes up a lot. Getting the choice wrong can be costly and lead to disappointment. Whilst I have made light of it as being pointless because it's been done many times before, each debate hopefully does help someone to make the right choice.

Yes, whist many have (I hope) rented a VW camper before they buy, chances are it had a built in kitchen. Its such a great feature that I suspect many don't look past an Ocean/Coast when going on to buy. Our local dealer didn't have a Beach in, perhaps only larger dealers do, and so whilst it is the first choice to make on the configurator, I reckon many are seduced by the marketing and think 'in for a penny'...
... this forum is a great reminder that the Beach deserves serious thought.

 

[66tim99]

Waeco 35 now called dometic cx 35. Highly recommended, lives in the boot. Had it a long time in the back of a Land Rover

Thanks that looks big for a freezer only - doesn't look like it's dual-zone? What do you keep in it?! I was hoping to find one about the size of the ones in small fridges, just fit 2 trays of ice and 4 magnums kind of thing, but have never found one...

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Thanks that looks big for a freezer only - doesn't look like it's dual-zone? What do you keep in it?! I was hoping to find one about the size of the ones in small fridges, just fit 2 trays of ice and 4 magnums kind of thing, but have never found one...

Dometic cx 35 is fridge or freezer, but can only 1 thing at a time. Dometic do a larger one with individual zoned compartments...but its too tall to fit under the Beach MFB. For frozen stuff & ice we use a small Yeti coolbox..still has ice cubes in it after 3 days (if you put3 bags of ice in on day 1.)

 

[66tim99]

Dometic cx 35 is fridge or freezer, but can only 1 thing at a time. Dometic do a larger one with individual zoned compartments...but its too tall to fit under the Beach MFB. For frozen stuff & ice we use a small Yeti coolbox..still has ice cubes in it after 3 days (if you put3 bags of ice in on day 1.)

Thanks got a link? I'm wondering whether some ice packs plus some plastic ice cubes and some magnums might work!

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Fridge / Freezer
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B087TQ4M8V/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

Coolbox (you can also stand on it, so saves taking a footstool to put boards on the roof!):

Roadie® 24 Cool Box

Tall enough to chill most bottles of wine and keep the essentials fresh while you take the scenic route.

uk.yeti.com

 

[Karlos]

Sorry I've not trawled through the whole thread but can probably guess what was said and who the main protagonists are.

T6 OCEAN all day long, new 6.1 seems vulnerable from what has been reported by owners and the BEACH has less storage, some choose to use the kitchen in an Ocean and some don't but it's always there in an emergency for those that prefer not to use it

Whatever you drive use it and enjoy it but for me another route beckons.

 

[bob_summers]

vulnerable to what? roof getting stuck?

 

[JimP1992]

I really don’t understand why people don’t use the kitchen in an Ocean… it’s there to be used, albeit a bit small, you soon get used to it after a few uses. The Ocean/Beach’s primary use is for camping at the end of the day. Cooking outside is preferential but not always possible.

Also with a Beach, I understand it’s ‘bigger’ but where do you put your stuff? Tupperware? In scattered piles? We take quite a bit with us and I couldn’t imagine where I’d neatly store it away if we didn’t have cupboards, it’d just be a scattered mess.

I personally find the bed downstairs in an Ocean more than enough space for two people.

 

[Amarillo]

I really don’t understand why people don’t use the kitchen in an Ocean… it’s there to be used, albeit a bit small, you soon get used to it after a few uses. The Ocean/Beach’s primary use is for camping at the end of the day. Cooking outside is preferential but not always possible.

Also with a Beach, I understand it’s ‘bigger’ but where do you put your stuff? Tupperware? In scattered piles? We take quite a bit with us and I couldn’t imagine where I’d neatly store it away if we didn’t have cupboards, it’d just be a scattered mess.

I personally find the bed downstairs in an Ocean more than enough space for two people.

We store all our kitchen stuff in four drawers that neatly stack in twos under the multiflex. When we are camping the drawers go in the driveaway with a bit of plywood on top to make a kitchen work surface.

 

[soulstyledevon]

I really don’t understand why people don’t use the kitchen in an Ocean… it’s there to be used, albeit a bit small, you soon get used to it after a few uses. The Ocean/Beach’s primary use is for camping at the end of the day. Cooking outside is preferential but not always possible.

Also with a Beach, I understand it’s ‘bigger’ but where do you put your stuff? Tupperware? In scattered piles? We take quite a bit with us and I couldn’t imagine where I’d neatly store it away if we didn’t have cupboards, it’d just be a scattered mess.

I personally find the bed downstairs in an Ocean more than enough space for two people.

I remember our first camping trip with a 3 month old. I stacked up the van. Then when we got to the campsite, realised I had to unpack the van in order to make the bed…


We got better and more organised

Then after a year of living/camping with the Beach with baby, decided we needed a proper campervan and bought the Ocean.
The Beach was fine for many year, we had some great trips, but it’s definitely not a Campervan…!!!
Bloody good MPV which you can get your head down in.

 

[jMacdent]

I remember our first camping trip with a 3 month old. I stacked up the van. Then when we got to the campsite, realised I had to unpack the van in order to make the bed…

View attachment 84519
We got better and more organised
View attachment 84520
Then after a year of living/camping with the Beach with baby, decided we needed a proper campervan and bought the Ocean.
The Beach was fine for many year, we had some great trips, but it’s definitely not a Campervan…!!!
Bloody good MPV which you can get your head down in.

What do you make of A Bus and Beyond moving from an Ocean to the Beach Camper?