The time has come for a change.

[Skylark2.0]

@WelshGas thanks for all you help over the years, you certainly made the most of you Cali. Keep exploring!

 

[WelshGas]

Every city centre has a coach park, coaches are the same or greater widths, heights and lengths as motorhomes.

I don’t wish to park with the coaches/ HGVs but with the cars.
Don’t see many Motorhomes or Campervans over 6 m parked in the coach bays. Maybe I’m not looking close enough.

 

[JuanVecino2023]

I don’t wish to park with the coaches/ HGVs but with the cars.
Don’t see many Motorhomes or Campervans over 6 m parked in the coach bays. Maybe I’m not looking close enough.

There’s a beauty of an example of your comebacks!

I’ll miss them.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

@WelshGas ever since we joined the forum you’ve been an immense source of knowledge of how Cali’s work and common sense solutions, and I’ve enjoyed the debates. Like some others, I’ll be interested in your Multivan experience - it’s definitely a plausible route for us once we get the nomadic travels out of our system! I’m very glad you’re going to keep checking in on us and putting people on the right track . All the best .

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Hello @WelshGas, sorry to see you move on from a California. As many others have said, you have been a big help to my own learning curve since 2022.

One things puzzles me from your post, which is when you say: "and the fact that 'camping/campervanning' has changed since Covid." As a newcomer to this, I have certainly seen that the number of campers on the road has increased, and simultaneously parking restritions in the UK particularly at the seaside have newly embraced camper bans. But are there other changes since covid (which was for me a fraud with terrible consequences but also a considerable awakening, though that is another matter) that caused you decision?

 

[WelshGas]

Hello @WelshGas, sorry to see you move on from a California. As many others have said, you have been a big help to my own learning curve since 2022.

One things puzzles me from your post, which is when you say: "and the fact that 'camping/campervanning' has changed since Covid." As a newcomer to this, I have certainly seen that the number of campers on the road has increased, and simultaneously parking restritions in the UK particularly at the seaside have newly embraced camper bans. But are there other changes since covid (which was for me a fraud with terrible consequences but also a considerable awakening, though that is another matter) that caused you decision?

It might be an age thing but since Covid campsites seem to be busier, all types, and it seems a different clientel has taken over . They are either noisier or everyone retires to watch TV after 7pm. It's just a different vibe. It seems the days when you could sit around chatting to neighbours comparing setups or trips you've done or just life in general have gone. It's probably us as we get older.. It just isn't as much fun or something to look forward to as it was.

 

[Drpps]

I echo my thanks for the all the help you have given on the forum. I suspect you won't be straying far from the discussion though. I look forward to hearing how you get on with the new set up.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

It might be an age thing but since Covid campsites seem to be busier, all types, and it seems a different clientel has taken over . They are either noisier or everyone retires to watch TV after 7pm. It's just a different vibe. It seems the days when you could sit around chatting to neighbours comparing setups or trips you've done or just life in general have gone. It's probably us as we get older.. It just isn't as much fun or something to look forward to as it was.

I can emphasise with that. I camped with family in my youth but only returned tentatively to campsites 2022 onwards and noticed all the noise and different vibe you describe: but then my age of 72, is also relevant as you suggest.

Our principal use of our California is daytime use as we travel around Europe (which we do a lot of currently, whilst we can) food, hand washing, toilet, and taking a nap. We have used the odd ‘camping car park site’ for a night but prefer now when in transit to take for example Ibis Budget or Premier Inn for bed and ablutions but eat in the California. We like the independence it offers us. We have a few service stations we like in Europe (all Marché, Mövenpick and Rastation Mils for examples) but not a single one in the UK where we prefer to self cater toasted sandwich and Miso for example - so few restaurants offer real unprocessed food these days. I wonder if you will miss some of the California features when travelling, even if like us preferring a proper roof overnight?

Anyway, good huntin’ as they used to say.

 

[altvic]

I don’t wish to park with the coaches/ HGVs but with the cars.
Don’t see many Motorhomes or Campervans over 6 m parked in the coach bays. Maybe I’m not looking close enough.

I feel very sad you’ll likely not be as active on the forum for all the reasons others have said. You have been very generous with your time.
But before you go can we have a further discussion about Brexit? And the Labour Welsh Government?

 

[WelshGas]

I feel very sad you’ll likely not be as active on the forum for all the reasons others have said. You have been very generous with your time.
But before you go can we have a further discussion about Brexit? And the Labour Welsh Government?

Well by the looks of it many EU countries may be following us.
As far as the Welsh Labour Government , nobody believed how awful they were. Now we have a National Labour Government they can all see what the effects will be nationally.
5 yrs will soon pass and there might be a new European Organisation called The Common Market.

 

[johannawilliams]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Hey there , congratulations on your new van. I'm about to decide on a 180 BiTDI from 2012 so I was interested in your fault free mileage seeing as its somewhat notorious for going kaboom. Your egr - was it a d prefix? And if so was it retro fitted? Or have you just got lucky with a good original engine. The one I'm looking at had one retro fitted but can't find any threads on anyone who had this done on their Cali and their experiences. Thanks Johanna

 

[WelshGas]

Hey there , congratulations on your new van. I'm about to decide on a 180 BiTDI from 2012 so I was interested in your fault free mileage seeing as its somewhat notorious for going kaboom. Your egr - was it a d prefix? And if so was it retro fitted? Or have you just got lucky with a good original engine. The one I'm looking at had one retro fitted but can't find any threads on anyone who had this done on their Cali and their experiences. Thanks Johanna

I picked up my new 180 on Dec 1st 2014. An EGR fault at 900 miles , electrical, and it was replaced on the 20th Dec 2014. It has no letter , not A,B,C or D and has covered 134,000 miles or so.
So original EGR.

 

[sbmcd]

Glad to hear you are staying with us to share your knowledge and experience. I have no doubt you will enjoy your new van and all it brings.

 

[Crasher]

Great new experiences ahead .You have great advice and technical knowhow. Keep this up as many will be lost without the advice.Cheers .

 

[Goss]

Good luck WG, thanks for taking the time to help others.

Regards
Goss

 

[RonB]

Good luck with your new plans. Been there and already done it, from a 2013 T5.1 for ten years to a GC600. Agree with a lot of your reasons but having mini-hotel facilities onboard in the bigger vehicle addresses a lot of our needs. Our first year in it has been brilliant. Thanks for your helpful advice over the years, maybe less so regarding the politics and stuff and all the best in the future

 

[trailtrotters]

A massive thank you from us all. There are many other knowledgeable, kind and willing to help folk supporting us on this forum, but I am sure they too will be pleased to know you are planning to stick around. Good luck with your new style adventures.

 

[Doorbundle]

Best wishes WG for your onward journey with your new wheels, looking forward to your continued posts, tips and thoughts on here.
Cheers!
Db

 

[WelshGas]

Last stage completed before handing over and picking up new van tomorrow.
The MOT.

As part of the Trade In deal my California had to have 3 months MOT which was due to expire on 1st December.
So having spent the weekend emptying the van drove to MOT centre this morning , full of trepidation. Needn't have worried. PASS with 1 advisory - Corrosion on Rear Exhaust Silencer. Something that has been mentioned the last 3 MOTs.
So, over 10 yrs and 134,000 + miles I have had:
Cambelt and Water pump
Brake pads all round ×1
Front Disk
Both Rear ABS sensors replaced although only 1 was showing a fault.

EGR valve replaced at 900 miles due to electrical fault - under warranty
Control Panel replaced under warranty at 12 months due to electrical fault - flashing screen.

All in all not bad at all. Fingers crossed the new Multivan is as reliable.

 

[Andy Cook]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Good luck with your new Hybrid Multivan. Thank you for your help and support over the years, your tip to get our roof sorted by Richard Milton, Kernow Transporters saved us thousands. Best wishes, Andy

 

[Norfolk Jim]

I think the number of messages under your avatar say's it all - there's a lot of experience there and glad you felt/feel happy to share it. My Cali journey has only just started (May) with 9 years in T5 conversion so will never be able to attain your experience as I'm just retiring!! Good luck with MV - sure you'll show some pictures soon!!

 

[Wannabecamperman]

Just want to add to what everyone else is saying here @WelshGas

I'm a relative newcomer, however I have benefited enormously for your generous answers and explanations of so many questions from myself and others. Thanks you, and good luck moving forward. God bless you and yours.

 

[JULIANLISMORE]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

It never crossed my mind that such an announcement would be made!!! Your contributions to this great site represent about 50% of my reasons for consulting it - a mine of really practical information, for which I join all the others who have submitted their testaments in thanking you very much indeed. Best wishes for many more years of travel adventure and enjoyment in your new chosen mode.

 

[CaliDrifter]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Thank you so much WelshGas , have really appreciated your comments and comprehensive help and thank you to all the other great contributors that make this forum what it is.I reckon you miss the Cali but good luck in your new venture and i hope you can chip in from time to time.

 

[WelshGas]

Thank you so much WelshGas , have really appreciated your comments and comprehensive help and thank you to all the other great contributors that make this forum what it is.I reckon you miss the Cali but good luck in your new venture and i hope you can chip in from time to time.

That was the reason for going for the Multivan. I enjoy driving the California as a vehicle even when not camping so it was the obvious choice and different to all the other lookalike SUVs on the market and being a hybrid will be interesting.