VW Miss step with T7 part of more general chaos ?

[dartmoordingoe]

Well having been the proud owner of two Type 2 Westphalias back in the dsy and a Coast followed by our current Ocean I remain confused about VW Californias future. The new T7 has rave reviews as regards driving … but as regards its use as a camper it appears in most regards to be a significant step backwards .. less headroom, less storage ,one burner, etc etc.
Feels to me as a previously died in the wool California man I would now keep my Ociean as long as possible. If forced to change would look at a Rolling Homes based on the larger T7 transporter … and really think of buying one with a Ford badge as it would be the same in reality as the new VW at a signitificantly lower price.
Am I alone in thinking this? This video …set me thinking

 

[Georgeo]

I think the new California, is selling well, looking at all the new owners on here.
Can’t remember anyone claiming 40% discount.

 

[Chriskend]

Works for me, started with a t2 for a while (a very distant memory) tried a t6 for a while. My ocean t7 is spot on, i think it is what it is, does what i want, plenty of room for two and a dog. I do like the ability to have a driveaway on one side and the awning on the other, makes it feel more spacious and just works. Each to their own.

 

[Ajax6213]

Works for me, started with a t2 for a while (a very distant memory) tried a t6 for a while. My ocean t7 is spot on, i think it is what it is, does what i want, plenty of room for two and a dog. I do like the ability to have a driveaway on one side and the awning on the other, makes it feel more spacious and just works. Each to their own.

Same for me; 3 x previous Cali’s (two T6 Oceans and a 6.1 Coast) and I prefer our T7 Ocean. For sure there are some minor negative changes (no hanging space/wardrobe etc.) but no concerns over just one hob. The double doors/awning options/driving experience result in a better van for us.

 

[Skinnee D]

Well having been the proud owner of two Type 2 Westphalias back in the dsy and a Coast followed by our current Ocean I remain confused about VW Californias future. The new T7 has rave reviews as regards driving … but as regards its use as a camper it appears in most regards to be a significant step backwards .. less headroom, less storage ,one burner, etc etc.
Feels to me as a previously died in the wool California man I would now keep my Ociean as long as possible. If forced to change would look at a Rolling Homes based on the larger T7 transporter … and really think of buying one with a Ford badge as it would be the same in reality as the new VW at a signitificantly lower price.
Am I alone in thinking this? This video …set me thinking

I know someone with a new T7 Rolling Homes conversion. It's definitely a decent build though it does feel very much like a converted van next to the finish of the Cali, current or T6. Having said that there's a bigger choice of fittings and layouts.
It all comes down to personal preference.

 

[Soton Campers]

My take is, it's an alternative option and not a replacement for the Transporter based offering.

VW are hugely discounting the Multivan and I've never seen so many California's in stock since the Multivan appeared. And look at what it's doing to the price of the T6.1...dragging the price up! It paints a picture. Course VW will have you believe otherwise but the numbers speak for themselves.

 

[Bongoloidfloyd]

I wanted a petrol camper.

 

[16didier]

bonjour à tous, il me semble que le T7 est sur la plate forme du MULTIVAN VW, le nouveau transporter VW est sur la plate forme FORD, en clair le nouveau CALIFORNIA n'est pas un FORD

 

[16didier]

https://gocar.be/fr/actu-auto/essais-auto/essai-volkswagen-t7-california-ocean-exces-de-compromis

 

[Grizwald]

I love my T7 Beach, but I think the key difference is that for us it’s a family car first and a camper second. I’m writing this from Provence as part of our first European road trip in it, and for that use it has been excellent.

Obviously I’ve got no real frame of reference against the older Californias, so I can completely understand why someone coming from a T6 Ocean might see the new one as a step backwards in some areas.

For my own use though, I actually like the more minimalist approach. My ideal would probably be to ditch the rear pull-out hob altogether, as I’ve found it pretty useless for cooking in practice. Each to their own, but I don’t really see the appeal of cooking inside something this size regardless of whether it has one burner or two.

The wider downstairs bed you get without the kitchenette is a big bonus for us too, especially with it being used as a family vehicle most of the time.

The one area where I’d definitely give the older vans the nod is styling. I think the T6/T6.1 looks better and has a more aggressive, purposeful appearance. The T7 is much more MPV-like.

So I can see why long-term Ocean owners are a bit conflicted, but for someone wanting something that still works really well as a normal family car and can then turn into a camper when needed, the T7 Beach makes a lot of sense.

 

[waspsl]

Totally agree with @Grizwald, absolutely love my T7 Ocean, fantastic to drive and travel distances in. Has a few niggles but don't they all.
I do not get the issue with 1 hob, who wants to cook inside unless you have to just makes the van smell.
I also prefer the double door as well as makes it more lighter and better air flow especially with a drive away awning fitted and more space when using a portaloo.
I would not change it now and starting to use it to drive about in between trips which was the main reason for not buying a bigger one.

 

[sidepod]

I do not get the issue with 1 hob, who wants to cook inside unless you have to just makes the van smell.

Absolutely thousands of people do.
I suspect you’re in the minority there.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Totally agree with @Grizwald, absolutely love my T7 Ocean, fantastic to drive and travel distances in. Has a few niggles but don't they all.
I do not get the issue with 1 hob, who wants to cook inside unless you have to just makes the van smell.
I also prefer the double door as well as makes it more lighter and better air flow especially with a drive away awning fitted and more space when using a portaloo.
I would not change it now and starting to use it to drive about in between trips which was the main reason for not buying a bigger one.

If you don't want the internal kitchen (I also don't cook inside) I'm wondering why you went for an Ocean over a Beach? You've lost a lot of space to something you don't want to use with the Ocean.

 

[Grizwald]

Maybe @waspsl picked up one of the very good lease deals that were available on the Ocean, which could easily change the calculation.

You’re obviously getting a lot more included in the Ocean trim as standard, both camping and non-camping related as standard too.

I can also see why somebody might still choose an Ocean even if they don’t particularly want to cook inside. You’re getting the integrated fridge, sink, water supply, cupboards and generally a much more self contained camper setup. If you’re regularly camping in winter or going away when the weather is less than ideal, having all of that permanently available inside probably becomes much more valuable too. Even if you aren’t frying bacon in there, being able to make a brew, heat something up or wash a few bits without setting anything up outside has obvious appeal.

For my own use I still prefer the Beach approach. I value the wider downstairs bed and open/flexible interior more than the kitchenette, and I’d actually happily lose the rear pull out hob as well. But I think it just comes down to how you intend to use the van rather than one layout being objectively better.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Possibly, I just would be interested to know the reasoning. As I’ve said numerous times before the best version of the California is the one that suits your own needs best, whether that’s a Beach, Coast or Ocean. Setting aside the internal furniture, what standard trim is on an Ocean that cannot be optioned on a Beach?

We’ve done easily over a hundred nights in a T6.1 Beach, in sun and snow, and I personally find it only becomes problematic when it rains for days on end. That’s when the size of the California becomes an issue but its an issue for a Beach, Coast or an Ocean. Our holidays are basically camping with the van being the tent replacement, I think Californias are generally too small to be comfortable to sit and relax in, especially when a seat outside in the fresh air is much more pleasant. I think the best accessory is a rear pull out drawer. For our setup I designed a fully removable kitchen/storage unit that can work outside or on the pull-out drawer. A big Dometic fridge is better than the fixed one in a California and can be used elsewhere if desired. We tend to cook on induction if on electric hookup and portable gas stove if not. I also have a collapsible electric kettle that can be used inside if on hook up.

On the pull-out drawer:



My mobile kitchen:

 

[Grizwald]

Possibly, I just would be interested to know the reasoning. As I’ve said numerous times before the best version of the California is the one that suits your own needs best, whether that’s a Beach, Coast or Ocean. Setting aside the internal furniture, what standard trim is on an Ocean that cannot be optioned on a Beach?

We’ve done easily over a hundred nights in a T6.1 Beach, in sun and snow, and I personally find it only becomes problematic when it rains for days on end. That’s when the size of the California becomes an issue but its an issue for a Beach, Coast or an Ocean. Our holidays are basically camping with the van being the tent replacement, I think Californias are generally too small to be comfortable to sit and relax in, especially when a seat outside in the fresh air is much more pleasant. I think the best accessory is a rear pull out drawer. For our setup I designed a fully removable kitchen/storage unit that can work outside or on the pull-out drawer. A big Dometic fridge is better than the fixed one in a California and can be used elsewhere if desired. We tend to cook on induction if on electric hookup and portable gas stove if not. I also have a collapsible electric kettle that can be used inside if on hook up.

On the pull-out drawer:

View attachment 150933

My mobile kitchen:

View attachment 150932

I think that’s pretty much where I’m landing with it too. The more we use ours, the more I like the idea of the van providing the beds, fridge, power and shelter, with everything else being removable and only taken when actually needed.

Your removable kitchen/storage setup sounds exactly the sort of thing I’d favour. We’ve been using portable cooking gear on our current European trip and I’d happily ditch the Beach’s rear pull out hob altogether. Induction when you have hookup and portable gas when you don’t seems far more flexible to me.

We’ve also got an inflatable drive away awning. One thing I found on our first few camping trips was that I seemed to spend half my time lifting and shifting stuff around the van, which was fine when it was dry but would quickly become a pain in bad weather. With the awning I can arrive, put that up, unload most of the camping gear straight into it and suddenly the van is clear and usable again. That made a much bigger difference than I expected.

Have you seen the recent Beach concept with the inflatable modular furniture and kitchen units? I’d be slightly worried about putting a hole in one but I think the concept is really interesting. Keep the van itself as open and flexible as possible, then add whatever modules you actually need for a particular trip.

I also agree about prolonged bad weather. Four people sitting inside any California for several days is going to feel cramped whether it says Beach, Coast or Ocean on the back. For us the attraction is spending most of the time outside and essentially using the van as a much more comfortable tent replacement rather than trying to make it into a miniature motorhome.

That’s probably why I’m increasingly convinced the Beach is the right one for us.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

@Grizwald - I assume you must also be a311 on Pistonheads as well?

 

[sidepod]

Possibly, I just would be interested to know the reasoning. As I’ve said numerous times before the best version of the California is the one that suits your own needs best, whether that’s a Beach, Coast or Ocean. Setting aside the internal furniture, what standard trim is on an Ocean that cannot be optioned on a Beach?

We’ve done easily over a hundred nights in a T6.1 Beach, in sun and snow, and I personally find it only becomes problematic when it rains for days on end. That’s when the size of the California becomes an issue but its an issue for a Beach, Coast or an Ocean. Our holidays are basically camping with the van being the tent replacement, I think Californias are generally too small to be comfortable to sit and relax in, especially when a seat outside in the fresh air is much more pleasant. I think the best accessory is a rear pull out drawer. For our setup I designed a fully removable kitchen/storage unit that can work outside or on the pull-out drawer. A big Dometic fridge is better than the fixed one in a California and can be used elsewhere if desired. We tend to cook on induction if on electric hookup and portable gas stove if not. I also have a collapsible electric kettle that can be used inside if on hook up.

On the pull-out drawer:

View attachment 150933

My mobile kitchen:

View attachment 150932

That’s some Afro you’re rockin there!

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

That’s some Afro you’re rockin there!

Excuse me, that's my best camping balaclava!

 

[Grizwald]

@Grizwald - I assume you must also be a311 on Pistonheads as well?

That's me

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

I think that’s pretty much where I’m landing with it too. The more we use ours, the more I like the idea of the van providing the beds, fridge, power and shelter, with everything else being removable and only taken when actually needed.

Your removable kitchen/storage setup sounds exactly the sort of thing I’d favour. We’ve been using portable cooking gear on our current European trip and I’d happily ditch the Beach’s rear pull out hob altogether. Induction when you have hookup and portable gas when you don’t seems far more flexible to me.

We’ve also got an inflatable drive away awning. One thing I found on our first few camping trips was that I seemed to spend half my time lifting and shifting stuff around the van, which was fine when it was dry but would quickly become a pain in bad weather. With the awning I can arrive, put that up, unload most of the camping gear straight into it and suddenly the van is clear and usable again. That made a much bigger difference than I expected.

Have you seen the recent Beach concept with the inflatable modular furniture and kitchen units? I’d be slightly worried about putting a hole in one but I think the concept is really interesting. Keep the van itself as open and flexible as possible, then add whatever modules you actually need for a particular trip.

I also agree about prolonged bad weather. Four people sitting inside any California for several days is going to feel cramped whether it says Beach, Coast or Ocean on the back. For us the attraction is spending most of the time outside and essentially using the van as a much more comfortable tent replacement rather than trying to make it into a miniature motorhome.

That’s probably why I’m increasingly convinced the Beach is the right one for us.

Shame it isn't available in the UK but the Beach Camper does away with the rear kitchen unit and would allow you to have this in the back.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Sorry, Beach Tour not Beach Camper.

 

[Grizwald]

Shame it isn't available in the UK but the Beach Camper does away with the rear kitchen unit and would allow you to have this in the back.

View attachment 150940

Yeah think that would be ideal.for pur needs. Way I look at it, its a 2 yesr test drive then decide at the end of it what works and what doesn't.

 

[stoobthealien]

Beach tour would have been ideal for us too but it is what it is as they say. Camper is doing sterling service instead

 

[16didier]

C'est possible, mais j'aimerais bien connaître le raisonnement. Comme je l'ai dit à maintes reprises, la meilleure version du California est celle qui correspond le mieux à vos besoins, qu'il s'agisse d'une Beach, d'une Coast ou d'une Ocean. Mis à part le mobilier intérieur, quelles sont les finitions de série d'une Ocean qui ne sont pas disponibles en option sur une Beach ?

Nous avons passé plus d'une centaine de nuits dans un California Beach T6.1, sous le soleil comme sous la neige, et personnellement, je trouve que cela ne pose problème que lorsqu'il pleut des jours durant. C'est alors que la taille du California devient un souci, mais c'est un problème pour un Beach, une côte ou l'océan. Nos vacances se résument à du camping, le van remplaçant la tente. Je trouve que les Californias sont généralement trop petits pour s'y asseoir et se détendre confortablement, surtout quand un siège à l'extérieur, au grand air, est bien plus agréable. Le meilleur accessoire, à mon avis, est un tiroir coulissant à l'arrière. Pour notre aménagement, j'ai conçu un bloc cuisine/rangement entièrement amovible qui peut être utilisé à l'extérieur ou sur le tiroir coulissant. Un grand réfrigérateur Dometic est préférable à celui intégré au California et peut être utilisé ailleurs si besoin. Nous cuisinons généralement sur induction si nous sommes branchés au réseau électrique, et avec un réchaud à gaz portable sinon. J'ai aussi une bouilloire électrique pliable que l'on peut utiliser à l'intérieur lorsqu'on est branché.

Sur le tiroir coulissant :

View attachment 150933

Ma cuisine mobile :

View attachment 150932

Parfait ta conception de la grande plaque forme coulissante, pourriez-vous nous fournir les plans ?
Nous aussi nous cuisinons a l'extérieur et ton principe du grand tiroir m'intéresse