Seating on Cali Beach

[CalNicRen]

Hi folks,

My name is Callum and I am a new member. I have just started doing some research into what Cali model I want to buy.

I have a quick question re the Beach model. I saw a video and it said the head height on the 5 seat model was less than on the 4 seat model when the roof bed is in use. Has anyone found this to be an issue?

Any feedback appreciated as I may be fixating on this too much.

All best

 

[flying banana]

No issue. Especially if you have the roof up. The 4 seat version has less boot space as the bed deck sits lower by an inch or so.

 

[CalNicRen]

No issue. Especially if you have the roof up. The 4 seat version has less boot space as the bed deck sits lower by an inch or so.

Cheers mate thanks for reply. I actually need to go sit on a few. We hired an ocean last year but being campers found the cooking inside was not what we liked hence considering a Beach. The camper will allow us to extend the season into autumn and spring so more fun days out. Cheers again.

 

[Perfectos]

Hi folks,

My name is Callum and I am a new member. I have just started doing some research into what Cali model I want to buy.

I have a quick question re the Beach model. I saw a video and it said the head height on the 5 seat model was less than on the 4 seat model when the roof bed is in use. Has anyone found this to be an issue?

Any feedback appreciated as I may be fixating on this too much.

All best

Callum

How tall are you Callum?

I have the 3 seat rear bench in a beach, I use it with a VW comfort mattres, which adds some height to the rear sleeping surface when made up as a bed (Mattress on)
I am not sure of the actual dimensions of the underside of the MFB or the sleeping surface when the respective VW comfort mattresses’ are used Or what affect using an after market matress may have to the overall height Of the respective sleeping surfaces.

it would be fair to say that, with a three seat rear bench, if the headliner (underside of the upper bed) is pulled down (I.e. upper bed in use by others or the roof is closed you cannot sit bolt upright in the made up bed without your head touching the headliner.
In my case this is not a problem as I never sit bolt upright in the lower bed & I only sleep in the bed.
as with all these things there is a compromise to be made with both available set ups, which you need to choose What is right for you. As @flying banana says the two seater is lower than the three seater, which means the available storage space under the Multiflex board is reduced.

A) three seater = slightly higher, more storage under MFB, availability to seat three persons on the rear seat comfortably, three storage trays under the seat accessed from either front or rear of the seat.

B) two seater= slightly lower, less storage space under MFB, two person seat only, one storage draw under the seat, accessed from the front only and a storage box to the side of the seat, accessed from above

as far as getting a definitive answer from the forum, you will have exponents of both, DYOR and get what suits you and how you will use it

 

[CalNicRen]

Callum

How tall are you Callum?

I have the 3 seat rear bench in a beach, I use it with a VW comfort mattres, which adds some height to the rear sleeping surface when made up as a bed (Mattress on)
I am not sure of the actual dimensions of the underside of the MFB or the sleeping surface when the respective VW comfort mattresses’ are used Or what affect using an after market matress may have to the overall height Of the respective sleeping surfaces.

it would be fair to say that, with a three seat rear bench, if the headliner (underside of the upper bed) is pulled down (I.e. upper bed in use by others or the roof is closed you cannot sit bolt upright in the made up bed without your head touching the headliner.
In my case this is not a problem as I never sit bolt upright in the lower bed & I only sleep in the bed.
as with all these things there is a compromise to be made with both available set ups, which you need to choose What is right for you. As @flying banana says the two seater is lower than the three seater, which means the available storage space under the Multiflex board is reduced.

A) three seater = slightly higher, more storage under MFB, availability to seat three persons on the rear seat comfortably, three storage trays under the seat accessed from either front or rear of the seat.

B) two seater= slightly lower, less storage space under MFB, two person seat only, one storage draw under the seat, accessed from the front only and a storage box to the side of the seat, accessed from above

as far as getting a definitive answer from the forum, you will have exponents of both, DYOR and get what suits you and how you will use it

Cheers for that friend I think ur right I need to research by going to visit a few. I’m only 5’-10” Thanks again for taking time to reply. Cheers

 

[Perfectos]

Cheers for that friend I think ur right I need to research by going to visit a few. I’m only 5’-10” Thanks again for taking time to reply. Cheers

5’10“ not so much of a problem as if you were 6’4”
problem you may have is finding two (one of each type) to try out, dealer stock is non existent ATM.
good luck and report back

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I’m 5’11. 3 Seat Beach is fine.

 

[WelshGas]

5’10“ not so much of a problem as if you were 6’4”
problem you may have is finding two (one of each type) to try out, dealer stock is non existent ATM.
good luck and report back

Is the rear bench seat in the Ocean the same as fitted to the 2 seat Beach?

 

[Perfectos]

Is the rear bench seat in the Ocean the same as fitted to the 2 seat Beach?

Hi WG yes I believe it’s the same, (the storage box to the side of the seat, forming part of the bed replaces the kitchen).

 

[CalNicRen]

Thanks very much for all the feedback guys. There is some local VW dealers in Scotland that have both versions of the Beach so I’m going to go have a look so will let u know how it goes. Cheers
Cal

 

[RoB5urf]

Hi WG yes I believe it’s the same, (the storage box to the side of the seat, forming part of the bed replaces the kitchen).

I think the only difference is the head rests don't fold on the Beach.

 

[WelshGas]

I think the only difference is the head rests don't fold on the Beach.

But the seat height is, I believe, the same in bed mode.

 

[pluc99]

Not sure exactly how it works in the UK, but can the 3 seat bench still be registered as a campervan as opposed to a passenger car and if true, would that be a factor in your decision?

 

[WelshGas]

Not sure exactly how it works in the UK, but can the 3 seat bench still be registered as a campervan as opposed to a passenger car and if true, would that be a factor in your decision?

Now that we have the Beach Tourer and Beach Camper, only the Beach Camper is registered as a Campervan.

 

[jMacdent]

Hi folks,

My name is Callum and I am a new member. I have just started doing some research into what Cali model I want to buy.

I have a quick question re the Beach model. I saw a video and it said the head height on the 5 seat model was less than on the 4 seat model when the roof bed is in use. Has anyone found this to be an issue?

Any feedback appreciated as I may be fixating on this too much.

All best

 

[WelshGas]

Hi folks,

My name is Callum and I am a new member. I have just started doing some research into what Cali model I want to buy.

I have a quick question re the Beach model. I saw a video and it said the head height on the 5 seat model was less than on the 4 seat model when the roof bed is in use. Has anyone found this to be an issue?

Any feedback appreciated as I may be fixating on this too much.

All best

Be aware, if purchasing new, there is a big difference in VED as the 3 seater Beach Tourer is not classed as a Campervan.

 

[CalNicRen]

Be aware, if purchasing new, there is a big difference in VED as the 3 seater Beach Tourer is not classed as a Campervan.

Lol this was the video I seen which made me worry about head height ha ha.

 

[jMacdent]

Lol this was the video I seen which made me worry about head height ha ha.

haha. Oh, well there you go. I chose the 2 seater bench as we wanted the head height with our boys being in the pop top and wanted to be able to sit up in bed more easily to make a cuppa etc. Also didn't mind the lower multiplex height as also planning to have our CFX3-35 behind the passenger seat and not in the boot. Finally, preferred a flatter bed re. video rather than 3 seats (with option for 2 extra) as only have 2 boys and we have another 7 seat car.

 

[Neilos]

Hi. the 3 seater beach is a little compromised on the bed. It’s higher giving less headroom and it’s also not flat meaning you really need to have the comfort mattress or something else to flatten it out. But, you get three big proper seats which are more car like and a big storage area underneath.
I’m 5”11 and I can’t sit bolt upright but it’s not really an issue. You adapt to it and there’s always a compromise. We wanted 5 seats and didn’t need a kitchen hence we have a 3 seater.


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[CaspersCali]

6ft 2" here and its a PITA with the headlining down and exped megamat SIM on. Solution is spend the minimum time possible sat on that configuration. Kids, get out of the roof....the headlinings coming up!

Not sure how much better it would be on the lower 2 seater.

 

[andyinluton]

Not sure exactly how it works in the UK, but can the 3 seat bench still be registered as a campervan as opposed to a passenger car and if true, would that be a factor in your decision?

In the uk it can as long as its the beach camper you order with the 3 seat bench as an optional extra.
It needs to have the pop up stove to qualify as a camper so you cant have twin sliding doors ie the beach tour.

 

[CalNicRen]

In the uk it can as long as its the beach camper you order with the 3 seat bench as an optional extra.
It needs to have the pop up stove to qualify as a camper so you cant have twin sliding doors ie the beach tour.

Sorry for being a newbie here but could you just please explain what you mean here. Does that have an impact on tax or insurance costs?

 

[andyinluton]

Sorry for being a newbie here but could you just please explain what you mean here. Does that have an impact on tax or insurance costs?

Yes, a beach tour is registered as a MPV & attracts the higher over £40k list price road tax
A beach camper is a motor caravan & escapes the extra.

As to insurance I don't know the cost differences but it may well, as one is regarded as a camper & specialist insurers may cover it, whereas an MPV should be covered by any normal insurance company.
It will also depend on what you are using the van for, if you need business insurance & commuting a MPV may be cheaper. If you are using it weekends only for camping the camper may be best.