VW Conversions Do not Make a Summer !

[Richard Brown]

Hi Everyone,

This is my 1st post, having been on this site for a few weeks. Its difficult to say anything that has not been said before. So im sure my few words will have been echoed by a number of people.

I would like to think I have done my research in terms of what I am looking for in terms of vehicle !. Going to the NEC Motorhome show was a interesting eye opener.... loads of VW conversions and other Manufacturers.

My note then is not to dismiss the other suppliers in helping me make my mind up but more a thought that I had when comparing the principles behind those who carry out conversions and the manufacturers that make the vehicles themselves.

My conclusion is a simple one and I think VW probably stand out more than most. I now know why VW vans stand out above all other conversions ... its simply because they are made from the inside out and therefore are a perfect solution, whilst the others are bolted on top and therefore are all the weaker for it.

 

[WelshGas]

Good point.

 

[CampervanTime]

Yes I have to agree. If you look at the trim and how well everything just fits there is a significant difference.

Also the lack of carpet on walls anywhere is an indication that more tooling / moulding / refining has gone on. Even in the Westfalia club joker I noticed a bit of felty looking stuff on some of the walls. Didn’t feel oem quality.

It does make you wonder if / how much VW consulted vehicle ergonomic experts when designing the T5/T6 Cali, front a camping perspective. I bet they did.

 

[GrannyJen]

Hello and welcome. A nice first post, a good observation.

 

[Rogerstone]

Hi Everyone,

This is my 1st post, having been on this site for a few weeks. Its difficult to say anything that has not been said before. So im sure my few words will have been echoed by a number of people.

I would like to think I have done my research in terms of what I am looking for in terms of vehicle !. Going to the NEC Motorhome show was a interesting eye opener.... loads of VW conversions and other Manufacturers.

My note then is not to dismiss the other suppliers in helping me make my mind up but more a thought that I had when comparing the principles behind those who carry out conversions and the manufacturers that make the vehicles themselves.

My conclusion is a simple one and I think VW probably stand out more than most. I now know why VW vans stand out above all other conversions ... its simply because they are made from the inside out and therefore are a perfect solution, whilst the others are bolted on top and therefore are all the weaker for it.

Hi I’m a retired engineer and all the reasons you state are exactly what makes the Cali stand out .
Also don’t forget all the internal cupboards etc are aluminium and not mdf.
Stronger and lighter.
It’s a no brainier really. We’ve owned ours for 2 years and love it!
Good luck with yours.

 

[RodCouncil]

A friend of mine bought a conversion from here, seems ok to look at externally, but this is the definition of madness:

https://www.vw-t.co.uk/camper-vans/...k-miles-hugh-spec-ready-early-november-41995/

Vs a Coast on here for the same money:

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classi...-2017/algarve-portugal/vw-t6-california-ocean

Or an older T5.1 which is uber spec compared to that conversion and 4k cheaper:

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classi...seat/formby-merseyside/vw-t5-california-beach

In my mind, and I'm possibly being very harsh here, but you'd need to be a complete idiot to buy a conversion at these prices.

 

[andyinluton]

You've chosen some unfair comparisons there - the coast is lefthand drive and based in portugal and the second one is 3x the age, 3x the milage and has no kitchen.

Having said that I agree with the sentiment, expensive conversions make californias seem reasonable in comparison.

 

[RodCouncil]

Ah true, i pasted the beach in instead of the one below in the add.

But you get my point.

 

[Rogerstone]

Ah true, i pasted the beach in instead of the one below in the add.

But you get my point.

Hi again
I have just had a thought and the video called “VW California build” on YouTube is well worth watching.
It should help you make your mind up!

 

[Paulro]

We bought ours 6 years ago yesterday.
We get enjoyment from the quality and brilliant design every time we use it.
We're also still learning.

 

[Wongo]

I’ve had other conversions and they all had shortcomings, spec, build quality etc.
I wasted a tidy sum before buying a Cali, once you spec up a competitor the prices converge but you gain on resale with a Cali, it’s not perfect but it’s better than anything out there.