Regret going for Beach over Ocean? Or vice versa?

[bob_summers]

I know this comes up a lot and I've delved into a lot of threads, but I'm still a bit stuck.
Looking to order shortly for delivery August and beyond. I'm about 90% sure we need a Beach Camper, but adding a couple of options I *think* I need (leisure battery, 3rd window on front of roof canvas - which brings unwanted electric roof, LED lights...) the price is getting into Ocean territory. On the other hand, the only option I'd need on the Ocean would be ACC.

We have already decided on 4 seats (2 adults + 7yo). Will be our only car, though not used midweek.
We have never cooked in van, not to say we never would, and probably wouldn't miss the fridge and wardrobe.
Current setup is a Caravelle - we sleep in it on shorter trips and weekends, and use a tent for 1wk+ trips. The boy needs his own bed now though.

Everything points to the Beach, but I want to be sure. If I went for the Ocean, would I regret lugging a kitchen around that's barely used? Is there anything about the Ocean I'd miss? Just looking for any insight from anyone who's been there and done it!

 

[Joker 1299]

I know this comes up a lot and I've delved into a lot of threads, but I'm still a bit stuck.
Looking to order shortly for delivery August and beyond. I'm about 90% sure we need a Beach Camper, but adding a couple of options I *think* I need (leisure battery, 3rd window on front of roof canvas - which brings unwanted electric roof, LED lights...) the price is getting into Ocean territory. On the other hand, the only option I'd need on the Ocean would be ACC.

We have already decided on 4 seats (2 adults + 7yo). Will be our only car, though not used midweek.
We have never cooked in van, not to say we never would, and probably wouldn't miss the fridge and wardrobe.
Current setup is a Caravelle - we sleep in it on shorter trips and weekends, and use a tent for 1wk+ trips. The boy needs his own bed now though.

Everything points to the Beach, but I want to be sure. If I went for the Ocean, would I regret lugging a kitchen around that's barely used? Is there anything about the Ocean I'd miss? Just looking for any insight from anyone who's been there and done it!

Only you can decide. If it helps, I went from a Caravelle to an Ocean, both used as daily/business driver. Never had a feeling of carrying an unnecessary kitchen around.

 

[Amarillo]

I know this comes up a lot and I've delved into a lot of threads, but I'm still a bit stuck.
Looking to order shortly for delivery August and beyond. I'm about 90% sure we need a Beach Camper, but adding a couple of options I *think* I need (leisure battery, 3rd window on front of roof canvas - which brings unwanted electric roof, LED lights...) the price is getting into Ocean territory. On the other hand, the only option I'd need on the Ocean would be ACC.

We have already decided on 4 seats (2 adults + 7yo). Will be our only car, though not used midweek.
We have never cooked in van, not to say we never would, and probably wouldn't miss the fridge and wardrobe.
Current setup is a Caravelle - we sleep in it on shorter trips and weekends, and use a tent for 1wk+ trips. The boy needs his own bed now though.

Everything points to the Beach, but I want to be sure. If I went for the Ocean, would I regret lugging a kitchen around that's barely used? Is there anything about the Ocean I'd miss? Just looking for any insight from anyone who's been there and done it!

As far as I can tell the difference between a Beach Camper and Ocean is storage box and single burner hob or wardrobe, kitchen sink, fridge and double hob.

With the options you want I reckon you’d get more for your money with the Ocean.

All California variants have leisure battery. With the Ocean you get two.

 

[andyinluton]

Have recently been through the same thought process. The deciding factor for us was having proper places to store stuff.

If we had a beach we would still be lugging around fridge, stove, water bottles, gas bottle & camping essentials etc all the time, in the Ocean at least it gets stored properly & neatly & is always ready for use.

The difference in price by the time the extras we would want adding to a beach were factored in was negligible, had there been a substantial saving I may have been tempted to go the beach route but fit it out with a semi permanent removable kitchen using Maxcamp units.

I also use the van a lot as a mobile office for work so a fair proportion of the time its only me in it, there would be no benefit to me having extra seats or a bigger bed, but I do use the kitchen a fair bit.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I know this comes up a lot and I've delved into a lot of threads, but I'm still a bit stuck.
Looking to order shortly for delivery August and beyond. I'm about 90% sure we need a Beach Camper, but adding a couple of options I *think* I need (leisure battery, 3rd window on front of roof canvas - which brings unwanted electric roof, LED lights...) the price is getting into Ocean territory. On the other hand, the only option I'd need on the Ocean would be ACC.

We have already decided on 4 seats (2 adults + 7yo). Will be our only car, though not used midweek.
We have never cooked in van, not to say we never would, and probably wouldn't miss the fridge and wardrobe.
Current setup is a Caravelle - we sleep in it on shorter trips and weekends, and use a tent for 1wk+ trips. The boy needs his own bed now though.

Everything points to the Beach, but I want to be sure. If I went for the Ocean, would I regret lugging a kitchen around that's barely used? Is there anything about the Ocean I'd miss? Just looking for any insight from anyone who's been there and done it!

Just add a lightweight removable kitchen pod & enjoy the best of both worlds:

Vangear Mini-Pod Campervan Unit

Vangear Mini-Pod Campervan Unit Team Vangear are proud to present the new Vangear Mini-pod campervan concept. We have

www.vangear.co.uk

 

[GrahamB]

If you are getting close to Ocean price on the Beach spec I would say get the Ocean, you will be getting more for your money and most likely better resale/trade in value. Also ACC is standard.

 

[bob_summers]

Some great replies, thanks.
Re removable kitchens, I don't think I'd go down that route immediately but that's an option in the future.
Sadly the Spanish market Ocean has ACC as a eur500 option.

I'm guessing there is no easy solution to that 3rd roof window (aside scissors and a long zip!) on the beach other than a eur2500 option for the electric roof - I'd prefer manual tbh.

Starting to lean a bit more towards the Ocean...

 

[Jenny H]

I know this comes up a lot and I've delved into a lot of threads, but I'm still a bit stuck.
Looking to order shortly for delivery August and beyond. I'm about 90% sure we need a Beach Camper, but adding a couple of options I *think* I need (leisure battery, 3rd window on front of roof canvas - which brings unwanted electric roof, LED lights...) the price is getting into Ocean territory. On the other hand, the only option I'd need on the Ocean would be ACC.

We have already decided on 4 seats (2 adults + 7yo). Will be our only car, though not used midweek.
We have never cooked in van, not to say we never would, and probably wouldn't miss the fridge and wardrobe.
Current setup is a Caravelle - we sleep in it on shorter trips and weekends, and use a tent for 1wk+ trips. The boy needs his own bed now though.

Everything points to the Beach, but I want to be sure. If I went for the Ocean, would I regret lugging a kitchen around that's barely used? Is there anything about the Ocean I'd miss? Just looking for any insight from anyone who's been there and done it!

Have you considered the Coast?
Thats what I went for as couldnt justify Ocean prices but decided I wanted the kitchen if only to boil the kettle, rustle up snacks etc, plus all the storage.

 

[bob_summers]

Coast isn't an official model here, not sure why.

 

[Jenny H]

Coast isn't an official model here, not sure why.

Oh sorry wasnt aware of that - might be worth asking a dealer if it could be soon as VW sometimes seem unsure of what to market where ie the Beach wasnt available in UK & then it was. Thats one of the reasons that pushed my into the Coast as I did think they might withdraw that option from the UK as must impact on their Ocean sales - who knows whats around the corner!?!

 

[Louis II]

I have an SE but had a beach for 2 months recently whist my van was in for roof repair.
I found the beach much nicer to drive, felt lighter and better visibility, but really missed the cupboard space, parking heater and ease with which you can pull out the table and make a cup of tea.
Because I use the van for day trips all year round the ocean works well, if balance of use was more towards camping then I might be tempted by a beach with a cooking solution that can be used inside or outside and the bigger bed. Downstairs bed in the ocean really is quite tight for 2 people.

 

[NessL]

Have you considered the Coast?
Thats what I went for as couldnt justify Ocean prices but decided I wanted the kitchen if only to boil the kettle, rustle up snacks etc, plus all the storage.

The luxury of being able to brush teeth in private whilst camping and making tea on winter day trips!

 

[Amarillo]

Some great replies, thanks.
Re removable kitchens, I don't think I'd go down that route immediately but that's an option in the future.
Sadly the Spanish market Ocean has ACC as a eur500 option.

I'm guessing there is no easy solution to that 3rd roof window (aside scissors and a long zip!) on the beach other than a eur2500 option for the electric roof - I'd prefer manual tbh.

Starting to lean a bit more towards the Ocean...

For us the BIG advantage of the Beach is its ability to morph from a four berth camper into a seven seat MPV. That advantage is lost with the Beach camper.

You still have lesser advantages such as the huge family bed downstairs and the storage chest, but if you really don’t need the 6/7 seats, the fridge and sink should trump the larger bed, and the wardrobe equivalent to the storage chest.

I think I’d hate an electric roof though.

 

[jimmywease]

If there are just the three of you and you won’t be using it as a minibus or shovelling hardcore into the boot, go for an Ocean.

There are now 6 of us (inc dogs) and our van has to pay its way on building projects, so we’re firmly Beach.

When we retire though... Marco Polo?

 

[ThomasHJ]

We have an SE (Ocean) and thus the electric roof. But our T4 had a manual roof. And I can not for the life of me, think of a reason why you'd prefer an electric roof over a manual one, unless you are 99 years old and your arms can't cope with pushing up the roof.

 

[bob_summers]

Ive had the caravelle about eight years and have had the need to carry 7 people exactly twice. The middle row of seats have been in the garage for a year. So I’m sure we’re fine with the 4 seats.

I’m going to have to have a proper look at the std equipment on the ocean. If there’s only a couple or three grand in it, and the kitchen stuff won’t get in the way - maybe it’ll work. And somebody mentioned residuals…

As above, I’m not convinced by the electric roof as standard. Not needed (and slow from what I’ve read), another thing to go wrong - my T5 has been a good van but some of the interior parts haven’t lasted: rear heater control linkage and tailgate catch actuator being the latest fiddly plastic things to snap off.

 

[WelshGas]

We have an SE (Ocean) and thus the electric roof. But our T4 had a manual roof. And I can not for the life of me, think of a reason why you'd prefer an electric roof over a manual one, unless you are 99 years old and your arms can't cope with pushing up the roof.

Explain that to the youngsters having problems opening their T6. 1 with the Panoramic Bellows.

 

[Borris]

Hello Bob,
Don't be tempted to make your decision based on which model gives you better value for your money. The Ocean and Beach are different vehicles that suit different user requirements. Firstly decide which model suits your needs best then see if you can adjust the spec to suit your precise requirements. Deciding that a Beach suits you best but then buying an Ocean on the grounds of cost effectiveness doesn't really make any sense. I've owned both versions and they are both great vehicles but suit completely different life styles. You are shelling out a whole lot of cash so be sure to get it right the first time.
Good luck.

 

[bob_summers]

Hello Bob,
Don't be tempted to make your decision based on which model gives you better value for your money. The Ocean and Beach are different vehicles that suit different user requirements. Firstly decide which model suits your needs best then see if you can adjust the spec to suit your precise requirements. Deciding that a Beach suits you best but then buying an Ocean on the grounds of cost effectiveness doesn't really make any sense. I've owned both versions and they are both great vehicles but suit completely different life styles. You are shelling out a whole lot of cash so be sure to get it right the first time.
Good luck.

Thanks! I guess the beach is most similar to the vehicle we use now, but we also had an air cooled camper years ago so we have a bit of experience with both types - but the decision is still very difficult. I came on this morning almost certain we needed a beach

 

[clarinetbcn]

For us the BIG advantage of the Beach is its ability to morph from a four berth camper into a seven seat MPV. That advantage is lost with the Beach camper.

@Tarquers has a 7 seat Beach Camper. Not available in the UK?

T6.1 Beach orders

Thought the single seat was only available with the 2 seat bench?

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Amarillo]

@Tarquers has a 7 seat Beach Camper. Not available in the UK?

T6.1 Beach orders

Thought the single seat was only available with the 2 seat bench?

vwcaliforniaclub.com

I did check the UK website first, and it does appear as if the Beach camper is only available in the UK with a two seat bench.

=====VW website=====

The California 6.1 Beach Camper comes with:
-Four seats as standard, with the option to increase to five
-Exclusive fold-out mini-kitchen with a single-ring gas hob
-Manual pop-up hydraulic roof
-Pull-out awning
-Single sliding door on the right hand side
-Motorhome registration

 

[Borris]

@Tarquers has a 7 seat Beach Camper. Not available in the UK?

T6.1 Beach orders

Thought the single seat was only available with the 2 seat bench?

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Yes, I've wondered why it's no longer possible to order a seven seat Beach in the UK? We have a seven seat T6 and the only real difference in the rear compartment is the new single pop out stove which as far as I can establish, doesn't stop the fitment of a seventh seat.

 

[BeagleMum]

Hello Bob,
Don't be tempted to make your decision based on which model gives you better value for your money. The Ocean and Beach are different vehicles that suit different user requirements. Firstly decide which model suits your needs best then see if you can adjust the spec to suit your precise requirements. Deciding that a Beach suits you best but then buying an Ocean on the grounds of cost effectiveness doesn't really make any sense. I've owned both versions and they are both great vehicles but suit completely different life styles. You are shelling out a whole lot of cash so be sure to get it right the first time.
Good luck.

As usual you talk a lot of sense Borris.

 

[clarinetbcn]

I did check the UK website first, and it does appear as if the Beach camper is only available in the UK with a two seat bench.

=====VW website=====

The California 6.1 Beach Camper comes with:
-Four seats as standard, with the option to increase to five
-Exclusive fold-out mini-kitchen with a single-ring gas hob
-Manual pop-up hydraulic roof
-Pull-out awning
-Single sliding door on the right hand side
-Motorhome registration

@AlisonF 's new 6.1 Beach Camper has a 3 seat bench and 4 rails.

T6.1 Beach Camper in UK

Finally, I am a VW California owner again. Meet the Silver Dream Machine #2.

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Amarillo]

Yes, I've wondered why it's no longer possible to order a seven seat Beach in the UK? We have a seven seat T6 and the only real difference in the rear compartment is the new single pop out stove which as far as I can establish, doesn't stop the fitment of a seventh seat.

I think the Beach Tour can be ordered as a seven seat version.

=====

The California 6.1 Beach Tour comes with:
-Five seats as standard, with the option to increase to six or seven
-Manual pop-up hydraulic roof
-Sliding doors on the passenger and driver’s side
-Passenger vehicle registration

=====

It’s the variant we’d go for.