Why I decided NOT to wait for the GC

[DNR]

Haha! Yeah I see it now - sort of like S&H in negative I guess

I can see why you prefer your graphics, it really matches your trailer - is that a happy coincidence or was it intentional? Nice Wallace Monument logo on it too BTW but then again I would say that!

I'd like to see one in Starlight Blue or maybe the Deep Black Pearl although I'm not sure how DBP would look on such a big van, might be a bit too much. Not that I need to worry about the colour anytime soon - it'll all be hover-vans by the time I scrape up the moolah!

Having seen your avatar, I've updated mine now to more accurately reflect my first and so far only Knockhill campervan (or more accurately crampervan) experience...

Lol, I graphixed up the trailer to match… Freedom Blend is my own Coffee brand. Logo was mostly my own work too, glad you appreciate it.

 

[rod_vw]

Having read the above I am even more disappointed with the lack of product knowledge of the 2022 models when I visited a UK Knaus dealers a few weeks ago! They don't deserve to sell Boxdrives.
By the way I see no one has mentioned the Boxdrive 600 yet.

Thanks to DNR for his time a couple of weeks ago, some very interesting thoughts. Our TGE is now ordered with most of the 'bells & whistles' but not expected before next May.

 

[fozzybear]

Hi, are you able to share what specification you went for and from where you ordered your vehicle. I have been coming up against a similar problem.

 

[rod_vw]

Hi, are you able to share what specification you went for and from where you ordered your vehicle. I have been coming up against a similar problem.

I have ordered the vehicle from Aquila Truck Centre at Tipton, all contact with the sales man has been at our home. First contact by phone then a visit with a van to show us and discuss the basic specification. That was followed up by a few email and phone communications then finalised by another personal visit from the sales man. The deposit was eventually paid when MAN had confirmed the viability of our specification. The price was, in my opinion, very good and the deal was signed off before the 1st September price rise.

Now delivery date is in the lap of the microchip supplying gods, estimated at May 2022.

The specification as we have ordered it is attached, I just hope that I've got it right!

The sales man was...

Craig Hackley
(MAN TGE Specialist)
Aquila Truck Centres Ltd
Tel: 0121 520 1234
Mobile: 07818 806862

 

[fozzybear]

Thank you - looks really nice

 

[itscalledbob]

I’ve had my boxdrive about 20 months now and been out in it for around 5-6 of those months. It’s been great but considering something a tad bigger, thinking of selling if anyone is interested.

 

[rod_vw]

I’ve had my boxdrive about 20 months now and been out in it for around 5-6 of those months. It’s been great but considering something a tad bigger, thinking of selling if anyone is interested.

Please can you send me the complete specification and the price to rod-at-vwbooks.co.uk

Many thanks

 

[hmy7k]

Knaus have now introduced a new Boxdrive 600XL very similar layout to the GC600 but roof line does not look as bulbous. Definitely worth considering if you need more than 2 berths.
https://www.knaus.com/de-de/kastenwagen-cuv/boxdrive-xl/highlights/

 

[itscalledbob]

Knaus have now introduced a new Boxdrive 600XL very similar layout to the GC600 but roof line does not look as bulbous. Definitely worth considering if you need more than 2 berths.
https://www.knaus.com/de-de/kastenwagen-cuv/boxdrive-xl/highlights/

Yep, saw it at the Caravan Salon in Germany. Definitely an alternative to the GC600 but still think these companies are missing the point of a van conversion. I can’t see why they don’t fit a pop roof? Hymer seem to get it with the Grand Canyon S?

 

[Blue Yonder]

I don’t understand the attraction of Mobile Homes or extra large tall vans that use the additional space for showers / toilets and/or fixed bed. All the ones I see on campsites the owners still use the shower blocks. It takes literally seconds to turn a seat into a bed. They look ugly, not as nice drive, struggle to get down country lanes to scheduled beauty spots.

I can see the attraction of a large mobile home for the few who travel across Europe for months at a time camping off grid. But in reality how many do this?

 

[hmy7k]

Yep, saw it at the Caravan Salon in Germany. Definitely an alternative to the GC600 but still think these companies are missing the point of a van conversion. I can’t see why they don’t fit a pop roof? Hymer seem to get it with the Grand Canyon S?View attachment 85369

Probably because everyone has different needs. Pop up roof is not much different to camping in my view, noisy and cold. It's good that there are lots of different options available.

 

[itscalledbob]

I don’t understand the attraction of Mobile Homes or extra large tall vans that use the additional space for showers / toilets and/or fixed bed. All the ones I see on campsites the owners still use the shower blocks. It takes literally seconds to turn a seat into a bed. They look ugly, not as nice drive, struggle to get down country lanes to scheduled beauty spots.

I can see the attraction of a large mobile home for the few who travel across Europe for months at a time camping off grid. But in reality how many do this?

Was it Nixon who once said 300 million people all with different ideas of how things are done, all combined with the belief they pay too much tax?….

It takes all sorts….. but thank you for your input.

Personally, we rarely use campsites and have just returned from a tour from Mull to Austria then to Trondheim in Norway.

 

[hmy7k]

I don’t understand the attraction of Mobile Homes or extra large tall vans that use the additional space for showers / toilets and/or fixed bed. All the ones I see on campsites the owners still use the shower blocks. It takes literally seconds to turn a seat into a bed. They look ugly, not as nice drive, struggle to get down country lanes to scheduled beauty spots.

I can see the attraction of a large mobile home for the few who travel across Europe for months at a time camping off grid. But in reality how many do this?

I agree they don't look great, but a crafter is little wider than a california, and it's probably the toilet thats more important than the shower for most. I loved our California but one no longer suits our needs and I definitely don't want a large mobile home.

Everything is a compromise and you have to find the one that most fits your needs.

 

[Phase one]

It depends on what you deem best for you.

Calis are great for flexibility and driveability (low line roof, short 3m wheelbase etc) but in my view don’t offer the all year round comfort of a motorhome or a joker high top type vehicle.
In our earlier years - with the children around we valued the Cali flexibility and we had a massive awning (an adapted 6 berth canvas tent!) for long European holidays.
Now there’s just the 2 of us, a need for greater creature comforts but with good driveability is what we wanted - the move to our current Wingamm VW Micros fitted the new needs almost perfectly - comfy bed, toilet and shower, brilliant all weather comfort, but contained in a 3m wheelbase and 5.4m length to maintain the driveability benefits
Horses for courses- enjoy what you have - people have different needs and priorities and they will probably change over time as we have found.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Vanlife1964]

Hi, I'm new on here, but have read with interest the whole thread on the Knaus Boxdrive 680me. In a couple of years time myself and my partner are going to retire and live and travel permanently in this model van (after much research on our choice!), here is my configuration link... https://konfigurator.knaustabbert.de/load/KVLGDET
I wonder if you Boxdrive owners could take a look at it and tell me if the extras and packages I have added, will be sufficient for off grid/wild camping between us staying on sites with EHU? I'm also researching the best UK dealer to order from and would like to decide with your input on which to use for the ease of the ordering process, communication and aftersales service. Looking forward to hear your responses.
Thank you
Tracie and Lorna from East Sussex

 

[Holidaymaker]

Probably because everyone has different needs. Pop up roof is not much different to camping in my view, noisy and cold. It's good that there are lots of different options available.

Yes - is for me this answer correct also.
I am enjoy hard wall and roof especially in colder weathers and big winds - is feel for me more safe.
Some other peoples like better more wild feelings.

 

[Holidaymaker]

I agree they don't look great, but a crafter is little wider than a california, and it's probably the toilet thats more important than the shower for most. I loved our California but one no longer suits our needs and I definitely don't want a large mobile home.

Everything is a compromise and you have to find the one that most fits your needs.

Yes is for some peoples GC is good size. I also not prefer large mobile home and regular California is not private toilet/shower. Is nice for me GC can standing up all camping space and is not need putting up roof for standing inside.
I am happy I change.

 

[Holidaymaker]

Hi, I'm new on here, but have read with interest the whole thread on the Knaus Boxdrive 680me. In a couple of years time myself and my partner are going to retire and live and travel permanently in this model van (after much research on our choice!), here is my configuration link... https://konfigurator.knaustabbert.de/load/KVLGDET
I wonder if you Boxdrive owners could take a look at it and tell me if the extras and packages I have added, will be sufficient for off grid/wild camping between us staying on sites with EHU? I'm also researching the best UK dealer to order from and would like to decide with your input on which to use for the ease of the ordering process, communication and aftersales service. Looking forward to hear your responses.
Thank you
Tracie and Lorna from East Sussex

I am see box drive and is very nice. But I did buy Gc600 and can tell you things I am enjoy this machine.
I am toilet with smell remove device - is very good extra and make better especially if is you more than 1 peoples in camper - is not smell comes into camper.
Led headlight is nice make easy see not so familiar road in night time travels.
Solar panel is help keep battery energy longer times, and is everything inside camper functions.
Diesel heater - is very good, not need to think gas bottle keep full or change so often times - only use is cooker and so gas last long time.
Backwards camera and blindspot check - is big camper and this 2 device helping make safe and more easy parking small place and driving highway.
Towbar - can easy carry bicycle.
I am Not recommending roof place air conditioner. Is noisy and losing much light sleeping area - only 2 very small window back doors for daytime lighting.
If is available automat parking - I recommend choose. is makes parking much more easy - is not easy park such big machine self.

I hope is helps share my experience extras choosing and you can make happy travels when is arrive you own box drive.

 

[Eber123]

Hello,

We had the Ocean for 4 years and had a wonderful time with it. But time changes people and especially their needs and because of this we changed from the Ocean to the GC 600.

Somebody said that each motorhome / campervan is a compromise. Either it is small but has no problems to use small narrow roads, easy to drive and using less diesel. But ... it has less space inside maybe even with missing facilties. Or it is bigger has more space inside has various facilities. But ... because it is bigger narrow roads etc is more complicated to drive or even impossible.

We had a look at various campervans and we decided that a campervan with a pop up roof is not for us. We prefer to have the more solid walls around us, not climbing up onto the roof to get into bed.

Yes, the GC 600 with the high roof looks a bit strange, but we like it. But looking into various campervans hight many of them are almost as high as the GC 600. So seen from this prospective the GC 600 is not that high.

Happy Grand California,
Eberhard

 

[Holidaymaker]

You’ll not f#€king believe this!
Just talked to the DVLA to ask them to reject the registration application to find it’s already been rejected! Apparently it doesn’t conform to UK roads.... you’ve got to laugh or maybe cry?

absolute...........

I read you pages experience with Knaus and other man tells is bargain price.
I am sad read your difficult experience.

Is make me satisfy easy buy experience Grand California and pay Vw. Everything simple, everything complete and is not customer must worry such difficult problem Knaus not-familiar vehicle.

I hope is everything better for you now, but is read experience such like this for me makes for me better buy Vw Gc.

 

[Holidaymaker]

Thank you.

Yes, first thing I did was tie the curtain back too. Found a jack under the floor also. is there any electrical boxes behind your toaster? This is a picture of my battery box and charging system.

View attachment 53845

what a bad mess is this wires!

 

[Holidaymaker]

I see camper van elastic have a grand California. fully loaded it cost them over 100K on the road. wow. £1225 per week to rent in summer. wow.

4 peoples in nice hotel summer time 1 week is costing more than is Gc!.

 

[rod_vw]

Hi, I'm new on here, but have read with interest the whole thread on the Knaus Boxdrive 680me. In a couple of years time myself and my partner are going to retire and live and travel permanently in this model van (after much research on our choice!), here is my configuration link... https://konfigurator.knaustabbert.de/load/KVLGDET
I wonder if you Boxdrive owners could take a look at it and tell me if the extras and packages I have added, will be sufficient for off grid/wild camping between us staying on sites with EHU? I'm also researching the best UK dealer to order from and would like to decide with your input on which to use for the ease of the ordering process, communication and aftersales service. Looking forward to hear your responses.
Thank you
Tracie and Lorna from East Sussex

I see that you have opted for the 17" Knaus alloy wheels, I have a TGE on order and was told by my MAN supplier that if you have 17" Alloys you cannot have a full size spare wheel you have to have either a space saver spare or a canister of sealant and compressor. I opted for 16" steels with the idea of going Alloy later and keeping the 16" steel spare.
What were you told or have understood?

 

[Simon1]

Hi, I'm new on here, but have read with interest the whole thread on the Knaus Boxdrive 680me. In a couple of years time myself and my partner are going to retire and live and travel permanently in this model van (after much research on our choice!), here is my configuration link... https://konfigurator.knaustabbert.de/load/KVLGDET
I wonder if you Boxdrive owners could take a look at it and tell me if the extras and packages I have added, will be sufficient for off grid/wild camping between us staying on sites with EHU? I'm also researching the best UK dealer to order from and would like to decide with your input on which to use for the ease of the ordering process, communication and aftersales service. Looking forward to hear your responses.
Thank you
Tracie and Lorna from East Sussex

If you factor in all the options you get as standard on the grand and the fact you can go with a broker you’d be hard pushed to get a better like for like deal and warranty with a conversion company, imho.

 

[Vanlife1964]

I am see box drive and is very nice. But I did buy Gc600 and can tell you things I am enjoy this machine.
I am toilet with smell remove device - is very good extra and make better especially if is you more than 1 peoples in camper - is not smell comes into camper.
Led headlight is nice make easy see not so familiar road in night time travels.
Solar panel is help keep battery energy longer times, and is everything inside camper functions.
Diesel heater - is very good, not need to think gas bottle keep full or change so often times - only use is cooker and so gas last long time.
Backwards camera and blindspot check - is big camper and this 2 device helping make safe and more easy parking small place and driving highway.
Towbar - can easy carry bicycle.
I am Not recommending roof place air conditioner. Is noisy and losing much light sleeping area - only 2 very small window back doors for daytime lighting.
If is available automat parking - I recommend choose. is makes parking much more easy - is not easy park such big machine self.

I hope is helps share my experience extras choosing and you can make happy travels when is arrive you own box drive.

Thank you that's very helpful