Goodbye 6.1, hello T7, Goodbye T7 hello 6.1

[owen_h]

How about this as a thought…

I was always put off a conversion due to the roof. However, i understand you can order a transporter with the standard pop up roof from the factory. Now, i may be tempted to consider a conversion based on this set up. Take a look at “Hillside campers” Derby

Not quite. Hillside (and presumably the other 5 conversion companies approved by VW) can order a Multivan base (not the Transporter) with the same roof as the Multivan California Beach. Also windows and interior trim. They then add their floor and conversion.
I think it’s an interesting move by VW and could result in some different options. It’s not something you or I can order at our local dealership though.

 

[stoobthealien]

Took a quick photo in the Lidl carpark this afternoon to illustrate

 

[jakubklapka]

We are looking to upgrade from a T5 Ocean to a T6.1 or T7. Your comments above are interesting. Does anyone else have a view about the T7. Dealers have question us as to why pay more or less the same for an older van as we can get so much more in a T7 but we like the space in the T6.2

I wouldn't pay much attention to "one is better than the other". I think both of them have it's target customer and it really depends on how YOU are going to use it. So rather listen to people stories, how they use it and try to map it to yours case.

I can give you one example: We are family of three, we probably never used a campsite, going on the trips all year round, mostly only for few days (up to week), we like exploring so we are always on the move and during the day, we would be hiking, skiing etc., sometimes stealth-camping and in general trying not to attract much of attention.

For us, the T6 is no-brainer, since just the fact, that you need to go the the trunk to get table inside is just ridiculous for us We all often sleep downstairs, which is also not possible in T7. Especially in winter, we spend lot of time inside so the size (and the bench!) is plus there. We have absolutely no use for two awnings, outside kitchen, two doors etc. so we rather use more countertop on the inside.

But this could be very different for somebody, who stays in camps for long time, maybe summer only, is more sensitive to "car" feeling etc.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

2 months of T7 daily driver in a suburb of Newcastle / in Newcastle and so far the length hasn't caused any massive issues - normally end up in a space with no/little overhang and I note in tight car parks it's no worse than massive range rovers, etc.

I'm not saying it fits in as neatly as my old Skoda Karoq but it's far from catastrophic for city life

Good feedback, though having lived in Hebburn NE32 for some years as a child, I suspect that the friendly North-East folk are far less fussy about 20cms overhang than the ones down South where we park.

I have even seen tickets for a supposed 'infringement' where the wheels were (barely) touching a white line at the side of the bay even though it was next to a yellow cross hatch so no other vehicle could have parked there anyway. The parking wardens are a menace in Birmingham Digbeth car parks

 

[Neil_Lisa]

We have just bought a T7 Ocean and find it amazing. Very car like with great driver assist functions especially the adaptive cruise control.- cruisers effortlessly at 70 and returns over 44 mpg on diesel.

Storage is fine and quality of fixtures excellent. Artvelour seats brilliant but you need Autoglym life shine finish.

We fitted our 3 dogs, 4 adults and all luggage we needed including blow up canoe in the boot- only drawback- - we have electric tow bar fitted but you can’t fix bike rack and open rear door as not enough clearance space,

We got £11k dealer discount plus £5k vw deposit contribution so we won’t loose too much in first 3 years. New T7.1 coming out in January with more upgrades to infotainment system and bigger tablet plus restyling to front design- inside remains same.

 

[Roger Boeken]

We fitted our 3 dogs, 4 adults and all luggage we needed including blow up canoe in the boot- only drawback- - we have electric tow bar fitted

I can't imagine that the vehicle isn't overloaded with this load. I notice in my Cali that there isn't even much margin with just 2 adults + luggage and a full water tank, fuel tank, and gas bottle. It's like in a discount supermarket: apart everything is cheap, but you still get a shock from the total at the checkout.
Options such as a tow bar also increase the weight of the vehicle. It is unfortunate that the price list does not state how much weight each option adds (and subtracts from the payload).

 

[TripleBee]

I can't imagine that the vehicle isn't overloaded with this load. I notice in my Cali that there isn't even much margin with just 2 adults + luggage and a full water tank, fuel tank, and gas bottle. It's like in a discount supermarket: apart everything is cheap, but you still get a shock from the total at the checkout.
Options such as a tow bar also increase the weight of the vehicle. It is unfortunate that the price list does not state how much weight each option adds (and subtracts from the payload).

A tow bar doesn't increase the total weight of the van too much. You take out a metal bumper bar and replace that with the tow bar.
And as a bonus, with a tow bar, the MTM of the van increases with 100kg, the vertical load weight of the tow bar.
So when you load the van up to 3000kg (or 3080), you may still tow a caravan with a total vertical weight of 100kg and the van isn't overloaded.

 

[Up10]

A tow bar doesn't increase the total weight of the van too much. You take out a metal bumper bar and replace that with the tow bar.
And as a bonus, with a tow bar, the MTM of the van increases with 100kg, the vertical load weight of the tow bar.
So when you load the van up to 3000kg (or 3080), you may still tow a caravan with a total vertical weight of 100kg and the van isn't overloaded.

I can't imagine that the vehicle isn't overloaded with this load. I notice in my Cali that there isn't even much margin with just 2 adults + luggage and a full water tank, fuel tank, and gas bottle. It's like in a discount supermarket: apart everything is cheap, but you still get a shock from the total at the checkout.
Options such as a tow bar also increase the weight of the vehicle. It is unfortunate that the price list does not state how much weight each option adds (and subtracts from the payload)

However, if you put a bike carrier on and a couple or 4 bikes, you may add a further 60+kg which will increase the payload further!
I thought the van looked like it would be overloaded too.

 

[Roger Boeken]

A tow bar doesn't increase the total weight of the van too much. You take out a metal bumper bar and replace that with the tow bar.
And as a bonus, with a tow bar, the MTM of the van increases with 100kg, the vertical load weight of the tow bar.
So when you load the van up to 3000kg (or 3080), you may still tow a caravan with a total vertical weight of 100kg and the van isn't overloaded.

Interesting reasoning. Isn't that a little optimistic: the load on the tow bar adds up to the existing weight of the vehicle , in your reasoning I can add the max 50kg load on the roof to the MTM or a bike rack on the tow bar doesn't count for the MTM ? Somehow any load on the tow bar , the roof or inside always contributes to the load on the axles.. Am I missing something ?
Imagine the car is on a scale., you are not in the car. Now stand on the tow hitch (less than 100kg, I assume). Will the scale now add your weight to the vehicle or not?

 

[TripleBee]

For all those who don't believe me:

Look at item 14.1. This is the MTM for the vehicle alone.


And now check the remark for 14.1:

This means you can load the vehicle up to it's MTM of 3000kg (in this case), and add a caravan with a vertical load of 100kg.
If you add 50kg to the roof, this is taken from the MTM of 3000kg.
I wonder what it does with just a bike carrier on the hitch?

 

[Californication69]

Good feedback, though having lived in Hebburn NE32 for some years as a child, I suspect that the friendly North-East folk are far less fussy about 20cms overhang than the ones down South where we park.

I have even seen tickets for a supposed 'infringement' where the wheels were (barely) touching a white line at the side of the bay even though it was next to a yellow cross hatch so no other vehicle could have parked there anyway. The parking wardens are a menace in Birmingham Digbeth car parks

Only just saw this, but yep, Digbeth parking wardens are like the gestapo. !

 

[Mehdime]

we have electric tow bar fitted but you can’t fix bike rack and open rear door as not enough clearance space,

I don't know if the T7 is still the same but with the T6.1, there were two tilt-able bike racks that provided enough clearance to open the door with the bike rack fitted.

One is the Atera Strada DL 3 (I've got that one) for 3/4 bikes - also exists in a smaller version for 2 bikes: lightweight, cheaper, easy enough to take in and out.

The other is the Thule Velospace XT (never tried. More expensive, heavier but presumably more sturdy).

 

[Californication69]

I don't know if the T7 is still the same but with the T6.1, there were two tilt-able bike racks that provided enough clearance to open the door with the bike rack fitted.

One is the Atera Strada DL 3 (I've got that one) for 3/4 bikes - also exists in a smaller version for 2 bikes: lightweight, cheaper, easy enough to take in and out.

The other is the Thule Velospace XT (never tried. More expensive, heavier but presumably more sturdy).

Can confirm the Thule velospace XT / aka 984, if you chip 20mm off the bungs, then it folds exactly horizontal and you can open the boot with it attached.

 

[Roger Boeken]

For all those who don't believe me:

Look at item 14.1. This is the MTM for the vehicle alone.
View attachment 149655

And now check the remark for 14.1:
View attachment 149656
This means you can load the vehicle up to it's MTM of 3000kg (in this case), and add a caravan with a vertical load of 100kg.
If you add 50kg to the roof, this is taken from the MTM of 3000kg.
I wonder what it does with just a bike carrier on the hitch?

First of all sorry and thank you for pointing out the origin of your statement. I Never read these footnotes before.
But :
1. according to your profile you have T5 SE 140, is this what this document is about ?
2. please note that the +100kg on the hitch allows only +25kg on the rear axle max load(footnote 14.3) Seems very difficult for me if the vehicle is already at its MTM.
3. I immediately checked for my ocean T6.1 204 and figures are different:
my document states 16.1 as MTM = 3080kg
footnote 16.1 with trailer: + 0 kg
footnote16.2 with trailer: axle 2 +75kg
Things must have changed over the years. Or is it because I have DCC option (dynamic chassis control)?
I hope others will let us know what is on their document. To me, it remains a mystery how Volkswagen arrived at the figures on your document; it defies all logic. The MTM stated on the technical inspection (MOT) documents is decisive. The identification report lists only one figure for the MTM, usually 3000 or 3080 kg (4motion) for the Cali. In my opinion, the footnote on the VW document will not be taken into account during an inspection.
looking forward to other reactions.

 

[stoobthealien]

I don't know if the T7 is still the same but with the T6.1, there were two tilt-able bike racks that provided enough clearance to open the door with the bike rack fitted.

One is the Atera Strada DL 3 (I've got that one) for 3/4 bikes - also exists in a smaller version for 2 bikes: lightweight, cheaper, easy enough to take in and out.

The other is the Thule Velospace XT (never tried. More expensive, heavier but presumably more sturdy).

DL3 tilt works perfectly with the T7

 

[Chriskend]

DL3 tilt works perfectly with the T7

Is there a box that fits the dl3 like the velo backspace?

 

[WelshGas]

First of all sorry and thank you for pointing out the origin of your statement. I Never read these footnotes before.
But :
1. according to your profile you have T5 SE 140, is this what this document is about ?
2. please note that the +100kg on the hitch allows only +25kg on the rear axle max load(footnote 14.3) Seems very difficult for me if the vehicle is already at its MTM.
3. I immediately checked for my ocean T6.1 204 and figures are different:
my document states 16.1 as MTM = 3080kg
footnote 16.1 with trailer: + 0 kg
footnote16.2 with trailer: axle 2 +75kg
Things must have changed over the years. Or is it because I have DCC option (dynamic chassis control)?
I hope others will let us know what is on their document. To me, it remains a mystery how Volkswagen arrived at the figures on your document; it defies all logic. The MTM stated on the technical inspection (MOT) documents is decisive. The identification report lists only one figure for the MTM, usually 3000 or 3080 kg (4motion) for the Cali. In my opinion, the footnote on the VW document will not be taken into account during an inspection.
looking forward to other reactions.

Agree.

The towbar nose weight (the downward vertical force of the trailer) counts as part of your vehicle's payload and must be included when calculating your vehicle's maximum weight (Gross Vehicle Weight / Maximum Authorised Mass).

How it Works

• Vehicle Weight: The nose weight sits directly on the towball, which transfers that weight straight onto your car's rear suspension and chassis. Therefore, it reduces your car's available payload (the weight of your passengers, luggage, and accessories).
• Towing Capacity: While it counts as weight inside your car, nose weight is technically subtracted from the total trailer weight you are allowed to tow, ensuring your trailer itself isn't overloaded.

 

[Roger Boeken]

For all those who don't believe me:

Look at item 14.1. This is the MTM for the vehicle alone.
View attachment 149655

And now check the remark for 14.1:
View attachment 149656
This means you can load the vehicle up to it's MTM of 3000kg (in this case), and add a caravan with a vertical load of 100kg.
If you add 50kg to the roof, this is taken from the MTM of 3000kg.
I wonder what it does with just a bike carrier on the hitch?

I looked it up in the COC :
2016 ocean T6 150HP 4motion :
16.1 MTM 3080kg footnote : with trailer +100kg
16.2 footnote : with trailer 2nd axle +75kg
2022 ocean T6.1 204HP 4motion :
16.1 MTM 3080kg footnote : with trailer +0kg
16.2 footnote : with trailer 2nd axle +75kg

Should the technical inspection (MOT) have to take these footnotes into account and adjust the MTM accordingly?

 

[Paul Burgess]

We have just bought a T7 Ocean and find it amazing. Very car like with great driver assist functions especially the adaptive cruise control.- cruisers effortlessly at 70 and returns over 44 mpg on diesel.

Storage is fine and quality of fixtures excellent. Artvelour seats brilliant but you need Autoglym life shine finish.

We fitted our 3 dogs, 4 adults and all luggage we needed including blow up canoe in the boot- only drawback- - we have electric tow bar fitted but you can’t fix bike rack and open rear door as not enough clearance space,

We got £11k dealer discount plus £5k vw deposit contribution so we won’t loose too much in first 3 years. New T7.1 coming out in January with more upgrades to infotainment system and bigger tablet plus restyling to front design- inside remains same.

Hi Neil and Lisa, can I ask where you purchased from as that seems like an outstanding deal! Is yours a diesel or hybrid? I’d be very tempted at those kind of discounts

 

[stoobthealien]

Hi Neil and Lisa, can I ask where you purchased from as that seems like an outstanding deal! Is yours a diesel or hybrid? I’d be very tempted at those kind of discounts

I found Poole, Liverpool and drive the deal a good combo to get the best prices and those sorts of discounts - in the end Liverpool came through for me

 

[Bluestone]

So people not so keen on the Ford California with its wet belt and massive future engine issues?

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

So people not so keen on the Ford California with its wet belt and massive future engine issues?

What's a Ford California? There is no California based on the current VW Transporter (Transit).

 

[stoobthealien]

So people not so keen on the Ford California with its wet belt and massive future engine issues?

Given the new California is based on a VW Multivan with a VW engine that isn't an issue

 

[Bluestone]

Well that told me in no uncertain terms my dig at why VW based the Transporter on the Ford Transit baffles me, but stand corrected (and thanks for the clarification - did not look into this at all!!)

Still not sure I would buy one for other reasons although not th above obvisouly now I've been corrected. I actually long for my old late 2019 last of the T6 as personally I felt this was the pinnacle of the California range.

Again, apologies for the incorrect assumption

 

[Bluestone]

Actually, following on from me making a complete idiot of myself I do have a serious question - not sure this is the thread for this but it is related I think.

I had a 5.1 loved it, 6 and loved it and 6.1 and hated it (although I think I got the wrong spec even though I ordered it and forgot the privacy glass which I hated) but I also wasn't keen on the dash and digital display but could really see some other massive improvements - such as the (150 BHP) engine seemed smoother, oddly the side door also seemed smoother and could see the benefit of the new bed as well as other features.

I love these things so much that I'm thinking of getting another, so not so interested in the T7 (despite being corrected on the platform) so in peoples opinion of those who've had the 6 and 6.1, is it better to go for a 6 or spend a bit more and get a 6.1?