How difficult is raising the VW T6 Cali roof

Regg · 2025-10-30T14:52:15+0000

Hi,
We currently have a high top, 6 metre camper and are looking to part ex it for a 2024 VW T6 cali.
I am not of good health and have lost a lot of upper body strength due to chemo/radio for cancer . I have tried a couple of front raising roof campers and found them quite difficult, the easiest was a SWB Bilbo with a side raising roof. Does anyone have an opinion on how easy or not the cali is ? I know some calis have an electric roof but I have read that they can be quite troublesome.
Thanks
Reg

WelshGas · 2025-10-30T15:15:32+0000

Regg said:
Hi,
We currently have a high top, 6 metre camper and are looking to part ex it for a 2024 VW T6 cali.
I am not of good health and have lost a lot of upper body strength due to chemo/radio for cancer . I have tried a couple of front raising roof campers and found them quite difficult, the easiest was a SWB Bilbo with a side raising roof. Does anyone have an opinion on how easy or not the cali is ? I know some calis have an electric roof but I have read that they can be quite troublesome.
Thanks
Reg

Well I had my California SE with hydraulic roof for 10 yrs and No Problems. Just press a button.
Remember, only those who have had problems, a minority overall, post on the Internet. You'll rarely get posts applauding the Hydraulic roof.

Regg · 2025-10-30T15:52:07+0000

WelshGas said:
Well I had my California SE with hydraulic roof for 10 yrs and No Problems. Just press a button.
Remember, only those who have had problems, a minority overall, post on the Internet. You'll rarely get posts applauding the Hydraulic roof.

Thanks for the info

Corradobrit · 2025-10-30T16:03:26+0000

Manual roof's can be a little tough to open and close if you lack upper body strength. Primarily the latching and unlatching together with pulling the poptop down to allow the latch to engage. I would say in this case go with the hydraulic roof and just take care to ensure the fabric folds in properly and you have a door open.