Too Big, Too Small

[AdyB]

Not sure if this is the right place to post but here goes,
We have been the proud owner of a T6.1 Ocean for about 8 months and have "Loved" every second of the experience.
The ease of driving, the split colour and digital dash makes her a real honour to own.

We have made the decision ( We think ) to move on up to the Grand California 600 , looks like it will fit the need for that extra bit of space without loosing too much of that pack up and go ultimate drive.
Not ready yet to do motorhome sit in a field , we want to explore the Europe and the UK.

Just having to join the que to make the change as have sourced an ex demo but will not be released until December 2022
What are your experiences if you have made the change , do you regret or are you in love

 

[pluc99]

I don't own one but my impression from exploring several in the auto salon is that the lounge area is actually more comfortable in the regular Cali, not being hemmed in by the toilet/shower, which takes up most of the "more" space. I have a large dog and think he would be more cramped.

The two obvious advantages to the GC are the shower block and having both the bed and lounge functions available at the same time. I think I would go for the LWB options such as the Club Joker as an alternative to the GC.

 

[calibusje]

Just as mentioned above: I don’t own one but saw some in showrooms and a colleague of mine had one (wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible but that's another story).
Discover and drive around? That is precisely the reason why we bought a California: manoeuvrable, compact, good all-round visibility through the windows and certainly also under two meters (enough 2m or 2.10m barriers and more to come). The 'walking space' that a larger campervan like the GC offers is superfluous when you drive around and when you stop, the seating area in a California is more spacious: you can stretch out. I am 1m92 and even prefer the seating space in our coast over that of a larger campervan. The shower and toilet are mainly space-occupiers and ensure that you carry a large - and when it is full - heavy water tank with you. If you've had your cali longer and traveled a bit more with it, you'd discover that toilets are everywhere and you can still wash yourself with a washcloth. We shower (and we travel with 4) at a campsite or when we stay overnight in a motorhomeplace that offers the possibility to use the facilities of the campsite. Of course everyone has their own idea and choice.
Have fun choosing (and also a mentioned by @pluc99: westfalia offers some really nice alternatives).
Greetings

 

[AdyB]

Both , Thanks some really interesting thoughts ...

 

[soulstyledevon]

Most see the bathroom as a plus point.
I would see it as a hindrance. It’s consuming probably 1/6 of the van space and only used 2% of the time.
Just watch Motorhome owners on campsites. Most use the campsite toilets and showers…

 

[Mr T]

Not sure if this is the right place to post but here goes,
We have been the proud owner of a T6.1 Ocean for about 8 months and have "Loved" every second of the experience.
The ease of driving, the split colour and digital dash makes her a real honour to own.

We have made the decision ( We think ) to move on up to the Grand California 600 , looks like it will fit the need for that extra bit of space without loosing too much of that pack up and go ultimate drive.
Not ready yet to do motorhome sit in a field , we want to explore the Europe and the UK.

Just having to join the que to make the change as have sourced an ex demo but will not be released until December 2022
What are your experiences if you have made the change , do you regret or are you in love

Several members on here have made the transition from Cali ‘T’ to Grand and I am about to do the same, due to take delivery very soon. Can’t comment much until I’ve lived with it for a while, Will of course report back.
@andyinluton wrote a good piece recently about his thoughts and comparisons having made the change. It’s in this forum somewhere, I’ll see if I can find it.

 

[dominichayhoe]

So funny reading the comments of those who've never owned one

I've owned several Transporter vans in various guises, with and without pop top roof, and 3 other motorhomes too, and now a GC.

I'll say it how it is, as of course there are pro's as well as cons.

They won't suit everyone, they aren't nearly as easy to drive in tight lanes and there will be some parking sports you can't get in to. The lounge area when at max capacity is bigger in a standard Cali/transporter.

However, an on-board bathroom is a must for me, and my two girls, I really don't like the condition of most 'shower blocks' plus we can stop anywhere anytime and of course go to the loo in the night.

Driving the GC is a real pleasure and although we have the 600, can park in just about any space. It isn't too much wider than a cali, although you have to pay attention to low bridges and in Europe roads can have low barriers on them.

The driving range is poor at around 400/450 miles as it only has a 75 litre tank.

You can jump into bed at any time, and the extra storage space is not to be missed, as it has a very large capacity compared to a standard cali, which always frustrated me packing everything away just to move. In the GC if it's raining or you're lazy you can literally just throw everything into the garage.

The LPG storage is huge and you could go weeks before refilling.

The standing height is a real boon too whether you've just pulled over or have parked up, it's instantly there.

Finally, we moved away from a pop-top as we like to travel around and when it's 20 degrees in the day in Spain late in the year, it can be 5 overnight and it was just too cold to use. Not so with the GC.

They'll be plenty of people who'll tell you, you don't need a bathroom and what they own is better, but only you can decide what's right for you.

Unfortunately most people argue a debate from their perspective, and will post laughing emojis or try negate your point if you disagree with them, because god forbid anyone should have a different point of view, but their life could be vastly different to yours. They could be single, a couple, retired, have pets with them, a family of 6 etc. etc. No two situations are the same and no two vans suit the same people.

 

[mpill990]

So funny reading the comments of those who've never owned one

I've owned several Transporter vans in various guises, with and without pop top roof, and 3 other motorhomes too, and now a GC.

I'll say it how it is, as of course there are pro's as well as cons.

They won't suit everyone, they aren't nearly as easy to drive in tight lanes and there will be some parking sports you can't get in to. The lounge area when at max capacity is bigger in a standard Cali/transporter.

However, an on-board bathroom is a must for me, and my two girls, I really don't like the condition of most 'shower blocks' plus we can stop anywhere anytime and of course go to the loo in the night.

Driving the GC is a real pleasure and although we have the 600, can park in just about any space. It isn't too much wider than a cali, although you have to pay attention to low bridges and in Europe roads can have low barriers on them.

The driving range is poor at around 400/450 miles as it only has a 75 litre tank.

You can jump into bed at any time, and the extra storage space is not to be missed, as it has a very large capacity compared to a standard cali, which always frustrated me packing everything away just to move. In the GC if it's raining or you're lazy you can literally just throw everything into the garage.

The LPG storage is huge and you could go weeks before refilling.

The standing height is a real boon too whether you've just pulled over or have parked up, it's instantly there.

Finally, we moved away from a pop-top as we like to travel around and when it's 20 degrees in the day in Spain late in the year, it can be 5 overnight and it was just too cold to use. Not so with the GC.

They'll be plenty of people who'll tell you, you don't need a bathroom and what they own is better, but only you can decide what's right for you.

Unfortunately most people argue a debate from their perspective, and will post laughing emojis or try negate your point if you disagree with them, because god forbid anyone should have a different point of view, but their life could be vastly different to yours. They could be single, a couple, retired, have pets with them, a family of 6 etc. etc. No two situations are the same and no two vans suit the same people.

This just about sums it up for me.
We changed to a 680 from a nice transporter conversion and for us (2 active tall people and a large dog) the 680 is a significant improvement in virtually every way.
The only thing I wouldn't do with a GC is use it as a daily driver - which of course you can do with a transporter..


Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

 

[GrannyJen]

I don't own a GC but I have made the transition to another, larger vehicle.

I was dreading some aspects which have proved to be illusory fears.

Being wider, longer and higher was going to restrict where I go, and my Cali took me everywhere, off road, off grid and definitely narrow. Well, my fear that would all go has not proved correct. I'm having a ball currently exploring places and so far have not been handicapped by size once. I just spend more time planning.

The toilet area is not a waste of space. It's somewhere to keep my rubbish bag, my laundry bag, my wash bag and what would have been an ugly and cumbersome porta-potti sliding around the lounge area. When not a wash room thanks to a convenient drop-down rail its also a highly effective drying room, much needed in my last trip cycling through a mendip monsoon.

The fixed bed is the crowning glory. Like most who own campers my lifestyle is active, my camper is a tool to get me to places, not a home to take somewhere else and live in it. It's a tool to carry me, my bike and my belongings to a place where I can explore and tour and photograph, then come home, to cook with a lot more room than I had before, turn two comfortable seats round with no fiddling with anything else, unlatch a table big enough for both working and eating and just flop into bed whenever I want to without packing anything away. Oh, it's not just a comfortable bed either, it's a huge boot space under with an adjustable divider so I can have some of it inside as a storage area for all those bits that used to get in the way when I had a Cali.

Yes, I'm looking forward to the next Cali joining the family, not long now but it will not be mine. The hulk will be on my drive, the sleek and slender Cali on someone else's, but so far all I can say is, 80 days away and more impressed by the day.

 

[soulstyledevon]

The only thing I wouldn't do with a GC is use it as a daily driver - which of course you can do with a transporter..


Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

This is the most important question.
If it’s purely for camping, go for a Motorhome. If you want a daily driver you can camp in.
Get a proper Campervan.
Just remember, big or small. It’s still camping and nothing beats a good hotel

 

[Karlos]

At the risk of being shot down, I would look at other converters before going down the Grand route. We had a Cali Ocean which we loved but sold it after first lockdown. We now have a Fiat based camper van with shower room, fixed double bed and dinette which seats 4. There are plenty of good quality companies still using VW's as a base vehicle but IMO the grand is so expensive compared to other options. Cheers K.

 

[Bellcrew]

At the risk of being shot down, I would look at other converters before going down the Grand route. We had a Cali Ocean which we loved but sold it after first lockdown. We now have a Fiat based camper van with shower room, fixed double bed and dinette which seats 4. There are plenty of good quality companies still using VW's as a base vehicle but IMO the grand is so expensive compared to other options. Cheers K.

Horses for courses, as always.

 

[calibusje]

So funny reading the comments of those who've never owned one

I've owned several Transporter vans in various guises, with and without pop top roof, and 3 other motorhomes too, and now a GC.

I'll say it how it is, as of course there are pro's as well as cons.

They won't suit everyone, they aren't nearly as easy to drive in tight lanes and there will be some parking sports you can't get in to. The lounge area when at max capacity is bigger in a standard Cali/transporter.

However, an on-board bathroom is a must for me, and my two girls, I really don't like the condition of most 'shower blocks' plus we can stop anywhere anytime and of course go to the loo in the night.

Driving the GC is a real pleasure and although we have the 600, can park in just about any space. It isn't too much wider than a cali, although you have to pay attention to low bridges and in Europe roads can have low barriers on them.

The driving range is poor at around 400/450 miles as it only has a 75 litre tank.

You can jump into bed at any time, and the extra storage space is not to be missed, as it has a very large capacity compared to a standard cali, which always frustrated me packing everything away just to move. In the GC if it's raining or you're lazy you can literally just throw everything into the garage.

The LPG storage is huge and you could go weeks before refilling.

The standing height is a real boon too whether you've just pulled over or have parked up, it's instantly there.

Finally, we moved away from a pop-top as we like to travel around and when it's 20 degrees in the day in Spain late in the year, it can be 5 overnight and it was just too cold to use. Not so with the GC.

They'll be plenty of people who'll tell you, you don't need a bathroom and what they own is better, but only you can decide what's right for you.

Unfortunately most people argue a debate from their perspective, and will post laughing emojis or try negate your point if you disagree with them, because god forbid anyone should have a different point of view, but their life could be vastly different to yours. They could be single, a couple, retired, have pets with them, a family of 6 etc. etc. No two situations are the same and no two vans suit the same people.

“God forbid anyone should have a different point of view…” Really? I've already said everyone has their own idea about it and I was under the impression that everyone was allowed to answer; so funny? No, I can also reason and decide for myself that I don’t want something bigger than a normal California. What I wrote is not okay then? I would even add that a GC has nothing to do with an ordinary transporter-based one and is therefore further away from it than it is with ‘a big white’, of course -again- my opinion. Not everyone likes the idea of a small campervan (or ‘their needs change’) but I don't think our reactions are ‘funny’. You don't need everything at once and the versatility and maneuverability are big pluses of a California. I'm not in bed and at the wheel and on the turned seat and on the toilet and at the table and taking a shower at once so for me that possibility is not necessary (and there are still four of us). Oh yes, with my 1m92, both the beds upstairs and downstairs are long enough for me. A folding roof can be kept nice and cool, but you have to have experienced it for that. And I know: I've only had our new one for a good month and we only did one more trip with it… after traveling with a t4 westfalia california for over 10 years. I used to travel with my parents in a camper (since the 80s) and although it was fairly compact, even more compact is better for us. So a california it is for us.
One may have a different opinion, you, I, others and it is therefore not necessary at all to describe it as you do: I also ended by wishing them a lot of fun with their choice and giving them a few more options.

 

[dominichayhoe]

At the risk of being shot down, I would look at other converters before going down the Grand route. We had a Cali Ocean which we loved but sold it after first lockdown. We now have a Fiat based camper van with shower room, fixed double bed and dinette which seats 4. There are plenty of good quality companies still using VW's as a base vehicle but IMO the grand is so expensive compared to other options. Cheers K.

I had 3 Fiat/ Peugeot based motorhomes before the GC.

Night and day in terms of driving pleasure. You can literally sit at the 130kmh French motorway speed limit all day in a GC in luxurious comfort and more importantly talk to your passenger.
Definitely couldn't do that in a Fiat based van, you'd have a headache after 5 minutes and the van will be screaming at you to back off.

Yes, I've done both driving to Spain!

One could argue you could get a Crafter converted, but that's another debate!

 

[dominichayhoe]

“God forbid anyone should have a different point of view…” Really? I've already said everyone has their own idea about it and I was under the impression that everyone was allowed to answer; so funny? No, I can also reason and decide for myself if I want something bigger than a normal California. What I wrote is not okay then? I would even add that a GC has nothing to do with an ordinary transporter-based one and is therefore further away from it than it is with ‘a great white’, of course -again- my opinion. Not everyone likes the idea of a small campervan (or ‘their needs change’) but I don't think our reactions are ‘funny’. You don't need everything at once and the versatility and maneuverability are big pluses of a California. I'm not in bed and at the wheel and on the turned seat and on the toilet and at the table and taking a shower at once so for me that possibility is not necessary (and there are still four of us). Oh yes, with my 1m92, both the beds upstairs and downstairs are long enough for me. A folding roof can be kept nice and cool, but you have to have experienced it for that. And I know: I've only had our new one for a good month and we only did one more trip with it… after traveling with a t4 westfalia california for over 10 years. I used to travel with my parents in a camper (since the 80s) and although it was fairly compact, even more compact is better for us.
One may have a different opinion, you, I, others and it is therefore not necessary at all to describe it as you do: I also ended by wishing them a lot of fun with their choice and giving them a few more options.

Touchy much? Was I responding to you? Someone has sensitivity issues

 

[andyinluton]

Most see the bathroom as a plus point.
I would see it as a hindrance. It’s consuming probably 1/6 of the van space and only used 2% of the time.
Just watch Motorhome owners on campsites. Most use the campsite toilets and showers…

Just watch camper vaners off a campsite, wandering around with a trowel, looking for bushes, pooping in bags. That 2% is priceless especially at 2 in the morning when its peeing down outside.

 

[dominichayhoe]

This is the most important question.
If it’s purely for camping, go for a Motorhome. If you want a daily driver you can camp in.
Get a proper Campervan.
Just remember, big or small. It’s still camping and nothing beats a good hotel

I'd agree if it's a daily driver that you want to camp in, then a campervan is the obvious choice.
However the GC allows you to use it as a daily driver if you wish, although I'd argue you'd get fed up with the slight restrictions it brings.
Better still there are lots of benefits to the GC that a full blown motorhome doesn't have.
The rear doors are very useful and allow you to load items you simply wouldn't in a motorhome, or even use it to transport long or bulky items from time to time.
Motorhomes are generally coachbuilts, with all the issues that comes with, rather than a van built item that has no issues with water ingress etc. etc.It isn't just a straight choice of camper van or motorhome, there's room for a hybrid in the middle too.

 

[calibusje]

At the risk of being shot down, I would look at other converters before going down the Grand route. We had a Cali Ocean which we loved but sold it after first lockdown. We now have a Fiat based camper van with shower room, fixed double bed and dinette which seats 4. There are plenty of good quality companies still using VW's as a base vehicle but IMO the grand is so expensive compared to other options. Cheers K.

Why at the risk of being shot down? I would recommend westfalia (or Stylevan) or even others and are not afraid of being shot down

 

[andyinluton]

We have made the decision ( We think ) to move on up to the Grand California 600 , looks like it will fit the need for that extra bit of space without loosing too much of that pack up and go ultimate drive.
Not ready yet to do motorhome sit in a field , we want to explore the Europe and the UK.

The pack up & go bit of a GC is even quicker than a smaller van. Unhook electrics. Swivel front seats (without opening doors, handbrake or moving steering wheel) start engine.

Midday stops, lovely to be able to use the kitchen standing up without having to pop the roof.

Lounge area - yes the rear bench is narrower - however to offset that you get full leg room on both the captains chairs without a kitchen in the way. You also don't have cooking going on in the same space .

The supposedly wasted walkway space is used in our van by the dog. In our Ocean the dog either had to sit in the middle of the floor in everyones way, or use one of the seats.

If you want a van to go camping in that could be used as a daily driver the GC is excellent.

If you want a daily driver that you could go camping in the Ocean is excellent.

Horses for courses.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Just watch camper vaners off a campsite, wandering around with a trowel, looking for bushes, pooping in bags. That 2% is priceless especially at 2 in the morning when its peeing down outside.

I’ll stick to the Thetford and still have a smug grin…

 

[Chainline]

At the risk of being shot down, I would look at other converters before going down the Grand route. We had a Cali Ocean which we loved but sold it after first lockdown. We now have a Fiat based camper van with shower room, fixed double bed and dinette which seats 4. There are plenty of good quality companies still using VW's as a base vehicle but IMO the grand is so expensive compared to other options. Cheers K.

I found the opposite on van platforms I wanted. Almost all more expensive and ultra limited availability.

 

[The Yorkshireman]

Not sure if this is the right place to post but here goes,
We have been the proud owner of a T6.1 Ocean for about 8 months and have "Loved" every second of the experience.
The ease of driving, the split colour and digital dash makes her a real honour to own.

We have made the decision ( We think ) to move on up to the Grand California 600 , looks like it will fit the need for that extra bit of space without loosing too much of that pack up and go ultimate drive.
Not ready yet to do motorhome sit in a field , we want to explore the Europe and the UK.

Just having to join the que to make the change as have sourced an ex demo but will not be released until December 2022
What are your experiences if you have made the change , do you regret or are you in love

Hi we’ve never owned a transporter/Cali, always wanted one but just camped. When we were in a position to finally get one we quickly realised, after a long search that we’d be back to camping again all be it with a cool van. Most of the converted vans and new California’s were more expensive than the ex demo we bought and I am sure we wouldn’t have ridden out the storm on our first trip out at Sennen Cove with the pop top down.
Despite the issues and recalls we made the right choice for us.
If you’re still dithering hire one.
Good luck

 

[calibusje]

This is the most important question.
If it’s purely for camping, go for a Motorhome. If you want a daily driver you can camp in.
Get a proper Campervan.
Just remember, big or small. It’s still camping and nothing beats a good hotel

Yes but ‘a daily driver you can camp in’ is just the opposite for me: we really use it for real camping and also as a daily driver.
I understand your reasoning but I would put it like this: do you really want to camp with an agile and compact campervan that is very modular: get a california. You want a shower and fixed toilet and loose all the things a california is? Get bigger. Each to his own and surely each his own opinion.
You can also easily use it as a daily vehicle. It takes some insight to see a California for what it is and some cling to what it doesn't have and don't see the advantage of what it is. Choices have to be made and this is sometimes not easy, but for us it is clear.

 

[GrannyJen]

Just remember, big or small. It’s still camping and nothing beats a good hotel

Which just emphasises how different we all are and how one campers "meat" does not have to be another campers "poison".

When I bought my first Cali one of the major motivations was to avoid hotel rooms which, after years of travelling the globe, I was heartily sick of. Even when travelling to France and Belgium as part of the "WW1 centenary" contingent, I was often offered a hotel room which I graciously declined in preference to a quiet corner in their car park,

 

[Mr T]

Yes but ‘a daily driver you can camp in’ is just the opposite for me: we really use it for real camping and also as a daily driver.
I understand your reasoning but I would put it like this: do you really want to camp with an agile and compact campervan that is very modular: get a california. You want a shower and fixed toilet and loose all the things a california is? Get bigger. Each to his own and surely each his own opinion.
You can also easily use it as a daily vehicle. It takes some insight to see a California for what it is and some cling to what it doesn't have and don't see the advantage of what it is. Choices have to be made and this is sometimes not easy, but for us it is clear.

May I ask what “real camping” is please? That shouts “tent” to me.