Regret going for Beach over Ocean? Or vice versa?

[BeagleMum]

Or perhaps the answers aren’t what you want to hear...???
I can only give you first hand experiences from using both types of California’s extensively.

I wouldn’t buy a Beach again...

But hey, each to their own

Or perhaps the answers aren’t what you want to hear...???
I can only give you first hand experiences from using both types of California’s extensively.

I wouldn’t buy a Beach again...

But hey, each to their own

Exactly the point many of us have consistently made, Each to their own, but there are none so deaf as those who choose not to hear.

 

[bob_summers]

I should explain, I didn't come here to troll! I'm a cyclist and the beach/ocean polemic is similar to the Shimano/Campagnolo one! That much I've learnt!

I did my homework, I read the biggest threads on here and watched as much YouTube as I could on the subject. Having owned neither model but with experience of van style campers, and camper style vans (!) I even dared to think I knew what I wanted!

Every single reply here has been helpful, a wealth of experience despite the strong allegiances. I'm going to look at both in the morning and want to get a deposit down as soon as possible. But truth be told I still dont know. I keep returning to the same theme - I think the beach is the better fit for us - but it's a once in a lifetime purchase and I don't want to regret not going for the Ocean. It's very hard to crystallise the quandary I'm in. We're essentially tent campers but we need a camping vehicle, and it's between the Beach Camper and the Ocean... That's about the best I can do!

 

[Perfectos]

I should explain, I didn't come here to troll! I'm a cyclist and the beach/ocean polemic is similar to the Shimano/Campagnolo one! That much I've learnt!

I did my homework, I read the biggest threads on here and watched as much YouTube as I could on the subject. Having owned neither model but with experience of van style campers, and camper style vans (!) I even dared to think I knew what I wanted!

Every single reply here has been helpful, a wealth of experience despite the strong allegiances. I'm going to look at both in the morning and want to get a deposit down as soon as possible. But truth be told I still dont know. I keep returning to the same theme - I think the beach is the better fit for us - but it's a once in a lifetime purchase and I don't want to regret not going for the Ocean. It's very hard to crystallise the quandary I'm in. We're essentially tent campers but we need a camping vehicle, and it's between the Beach Camper and the Ocean... That's about the best I can do!

Good luck in whatever you choose,

good on you for doing proper research. you asked the best question you could to get balanced responses from a cross section of passionate owners.
best of luck for tomorrow and the inevitable debate that you and yours will need to have

make sure Bob and family get what is best for Bob and family.

edit: don’t forget 7 year olds have the casting vote (and veto)

 

[westfalia]

With the 3 seat bench, the bed is 1.8m by 1.5m. The comfort mattress (~£200 extra) makes the bed perfectly flat. We put a £60 Ikea Talgje mattress topper on top of the Comfort mattress. Using just the Ikea topper the bed is lumpy.

Storage under the bench seat is cavernous. You have seen @Borris set up. I reconfigured our storage setup at the same time as Borris did his and followed a different path. Rather than convenience and ease of access, I went for capacity and multi-function.

All this in the photo below fits below the multiflex with the bench seat in the forward position to make up the bed.
View attachment 74971
All the above, except the two shallow wooden crates, can remain in the boot under the made up bed. The shallow crates can slide under the van.

We can also make up a small double child bed without lowering the bench seat. This is especially useful for overnight stops as part of a long road journey as we don't need to do any unpacking.
View attachment 74972

And the boxes and crates can be used to make up a rather useful kitchen area in the awning.
View attachment 74973

Are you getting some sort of kick back each time you
post those pics.
Im sure I've seen them more than thrice.

 

[Amarillo]

Are you getting some sort of kick back each time you
post those pics.
Im sure I've seen them more than thrice.

I posted the abbreviated version. I’ve got some shots of the various stages of me making the crates, and, even more fascinating, of me loading them into the van.

 

[bob_summers]

Good luck in whatever you choose,

good on you for doing proper research. you asked the best question you could to get balanced responses from a cross section of passionate owners.
best of luck for tomorrow and the inevitable debate that you and yours will need to have

make sure Bob and family get what is best for Bob and family.

edit: don’t forget 7 year olds have the casting vote (and veto)

Very kind of you, thanks!
The 7yo always gets the choice of colour, I’m just hoping he prefers the free one

 

[Calimili]

Very kind of you, thanks!
The 7yo always gets the choice of colour, I’m just hoping he prefers the free one

not the 2.8 Grand twin colour ?

 

[NessL]

The old Beach verses Ocean ding dong didn't used to be this friendly. Are we all losing our grip?

Yes, it’s always Beach vs Ocean. Coast people are far more civilised!

 

[LemonDrop]

Honestly, from what you’ve said, I don’t think you can go wrong with whichever model you go for.

Both the Beach and Ocean have their limitations and it boils down to a different set of (pretty small) compromises you will have to deal with.

I expect that once you see them both in the flesh you will be more strongly drawn to one over the other and your mind will be made up. Let us know!

 

[Borris]

Yes, good luck Bob.

Btw, like you, we gave our grandkids the job of choosing the colour when we ordered our last Beach. Accordingly, I can give you two thousand eight hundred reasons why that might not be such a good idea.

 

[bob_summers]

Well I went to have a look with the family expecting to decide there and then on the Beach… it seems that on balance, the Beach has fewer compromises. They had the twin slider Tour, a 4 motion with a few options for a customer and it was lovely, although I’d be going for the Camper version.
Then we went to have a look at the Ocean demo. Off the peg other than bright oak furniture. And I watched Mrs Bob fall in love with it

Sales matey left us sitting in it while he spoke to another customer and yes, the Ocean has a lot of kit we wouldn’t use often, but neither did it occupy as much space as I’d imagined. Two bikes inside, front wheels out, seems doable. Our huge tent, 110cm x 50cm dia, would fit and not cause a big headache when getting the bed out, and anyway that would be twice a year at most.

The two big drawbacks seemed to be the electric roof (I’m a Luddite, and deeply mistrust those kinds of things) and the kitchen unit taking up legroom with the captains chairs turned round. Other than that, I can see us in an Ocean.

some serious thinking to do and then back on Monday to put the deposit down for a Sept/Oct delivery…

 

[BeagleMum]

Well I went to have a look with the family expecting to decide there and then on the Beach… it seems that on balance, the Beach has fewer compromises. They had the twin slider Tour, a 4 motion with a few options for a customer and it was lovely, although I’d be going for the Camper version.
Then we went to have a look at the Ocean demo. Off the peg other than bright oak furniture. And I watched Mrs Bob fall in love with it

Sales matey left us sitting in it while he spoke to another customer and yes, the Ocean has a lot of kit we wouldn’t use often, but neither did it occupy as much space as I’d imagined. Two bikes inside, front wheels out, seems doable. Our huge tent, 110cm x 50cm dia, would fit and not cause a big headache when getting the bed out, and anyway that would be twice a year at most.

The two big drawbacks seemed to be the electric roof (I’m a Luddite, and deeply mistrust those kinds of things) and the kitchen unit taking up legroom with the captains chairs turned round. Other than that, I can see us in an Ocean.

some serious thinking to do and then back on Monday to put the deposit down for a Sept/Oct delivery…

Sounds like you had a successful visit, it won’t be long until Sept/Oct

 

[Dr-Snickers]

Well I went to have a look with the family expecting to decide there and then on the Beach… it seems that on balance, the Beach has fewer compromises. They had the twin slider Tour, a 4 motion with a few options for a customer and it was lovely, although I’d be going for the Camper version.
Then we went to have a look at the Ocean demo. Off the peg other than bright oak furniture. And I watched Mrs Bob fall in love with it

Sales matey left us sitting in it while he spoke to another customer and yes, the Ocean has a lot of kit we wouldn’t use often, but neither did it occupy as much space as I’d imagined. Two bikes inside, front wheels out, seems doable. Our huge tent, 110cm x 50cm dia, would fit and not cause a big headache when getting the bed out, and anyway that would be twice a year at most.

The two big drawbacks seemed to be the electric roof (I’m a Luddite, and deeply mistrust those kinds of things) and the kitchen unit taking up legroom with the captains chairs turned round. Other than that, I can see us in an Ocean.

some serious thinking to do and then back on Monday to put the deposit down for a Sept/Oct delivery…

So glad you got to see both at the same time, as I think that really helps.

You could opt for the manually roofed Coast....might that make everyone happy?

 

[Barbara]

Well I went to have a look with the family expecting to decide there and then on the Beach… it seems that on balance, the Beach has fewer compromises. They had the twin slider Tour, a 4 motion with a few options for a customer and it was lovely, although I’d be going for the Camper version.
Then we went to have a look at the Ocean demo. Off the peg other than bright oak furniture. And I watched Mrs Bob fall in love with it

Sales matey left us sitting in it while he spoke to another customer and yes, the Ocean has a lot of kit we wouldn’t use often, but neither did it occupy as much space as I’d imagined. Two bikes inside, front wheels out, seems doable. Our huge tent, 110cm x 50cm dia, would fit and not cause a big headache when getting the bed out, and anyway that would be twice a year at most.

The two big drawbacks seemed to be the electric roof (I’m a Luddite, and deeply mistrust those kinds of things) and the kitchen unit taking up legroom with the captains chairs turned round. Other than that, I can see us in an Ocean.

some serious thinking to do and then back on Monday to put the deposit down for a Sept/Oct delivery…

Have you asked if it is possible to have a pre registered van. Limits your chose of extras but you may get it quicker. You could get very jealous seeing vans arriving near you once we are able to enter Spain again on the ferry. Good luck and I am sure will get a lot of enjoyment out of which ever you go for. I really love having my van and hope to drive it around Spain again soon. Keep an eye out for me and don't forget that California drives tend to wave at each other.

 

[bob_summers]

With this thread and all the videos I’ve been watching you can’t accuse me of not doing my homework
Don’t mind waiting as this summer could be a bit weird, not sure how much travel will be allowed. Would hate to have a new Cali sat there unused…

@Dr-Snickers there’s no official import of the Coast here, sadly!

 

[bob_summers]

Have you asked if it is possible to have a pre registered van. Limits your chose of extras but you may get it quicker. You could get very jealous seeing vans arriving near you once we are able to enter Spain again on the ferry. Good luck and I am sure will get a lot of enjoyment out of which ever you go for. I really love having my van and hope to drive it around Spain again soon. Keep an eye out for me and don't forget that California drives tend to wave at each other.

I will definitely keep an eye out! We’ll still be doing the tent/van camping mix all through summer.. hoping the restrictions life enough to leave Euskadi from June as we usually tour up the coast.
Apparently there’s little stock - for an Ocean I’d only be speccing the ACC but the beach would need a few grand of options so unlikely to find one of those ready to go…

 

[Dr-Snickers]

With this thread and all the videos I’ve been watching you can’t accuse me of not doing my homework
Don’t mind waiting as this summer could be a bit weird, not sure how much travel will be allowed. Would hate to have a new Cali sat there unused…

@Dr-Snickers there’s no official import of the Coast here, sadly!

That’s a shame. Would you consider purchasing from somewhere else in the EU where you could order a Coast? This is a well known EU supplier of LHD Californias and you can configure your own or buy from stock vehicles.

ᑕ❶ᑐ VW California T6.1 camper vans Buy or Rent. Beach, Coast & Ocean

Welcome to MyCalifornia! The best place to Buy or Rent your Volkswagen California Beach, Coast or Ocean. 2023 models Now in Stock!

www.mycalifornia.eu

Apologies if you have already come across them and discounted It as an option.

They have some good videos too, to help you choose options and show differences in specifications across the range.

 

[bob_summers]

That’s a shame. Would you consider purchasing from somewhere else in the EU where you could order a Coast? This is a well known EU supplier of LHD Californias and you can configure your own or buy from stock vehicles.

ᑕ❶ᑐ VW California T6.1 camper vans Buy or Rent. Beach, Coast & Ocean

Welcome to MyCalifornia! The best place to Buy or Rent your Volkswagen California Beach, Coast or Ocean. 2023 models Now in Stock!

www.mycalifornia.eu

Apologies if you have already come across them and discounted It as an option.

They have some good videos too, to help you choose options and show differences in specifications across the range.

Have been through all of their videos! And worked out the import costs etc - I did feel like they tended to bring in higher spec cars like 4motion - but worth speaking to, you’re right.

 

[orbital]

I know this comes up a lot and I've delved into a lot of threads, but I'm still a bit stuck.
Looking to order shortly for delivery August and beyond. I'm about 90% sure we need a Beach Camper, but adding a couple of options I *think* I need (leisure battery, 3rd window on front of roof canvas - which brings unwanted electric roof, LED lights...) the price is getting into Ocean territory. On the other hand, the only option I'd need on the Ocean would be ACC.

We have already decided on 4 seats (2 adults + 7yo). Will be our only car, though not used midweek.
We have never cooked in van, not to say we never would, and probably wouldn't miss the fridge and wardrobe.
Current setup is a Caravelle - we sleep in it on shorter trips and weekends, and use a tent for 1wk+ trips. The boy needs his own bed now though.

Everything points to the Beach, but I want to be sure. If I went for the Ocean, would I regret lugging a kitchen around that's barely used? Is there anything about the Ocean I'd miss? Just looking for any insight from anyone who's been there and done it!

I went to the dealers to buy a new Beach but returned with a new Ocean ( that was n special offer). One of my better decisions! Seriously, my whole family loves it especially our kids (9 and 5). It’s our only vehicle and it does everything we ask of it.

I went to the dealers to buy a new Beach but returned with a new Ocean ( that was n special offer). One of my better decisions! Seriously, my whole family loves it especially our kids (9 and 5). It’s our only vehicle and it does everything we ask of it.

I should add that it serves as my mobile office too - was perfect through the various lockdown.

 

[bob_summers]

Not holding out for much of a discount these days but we’ll see!

 

[bob_summers]

Just having a read back over the thread as a final sanity check! Again, thanks everyone for the invaluable insights! The two contenders are:

Ocean 150 DSG
Black (or Fortana)
Steelies
ACC, Reversing Camera
Bright Oak + shower hose (I know..!)
Standard glass but dealer will wrap the windows free
Tot. €64k delivered and registered.

or

Beach Camper 150 DSG Black or Fortana
Steelies
ACC, Cam, Park Pilot*, LED lights*
2 seat bench, EHU*, 3 window manual roof*, awning*
Windows as Ocean
Tot. €57.5
* come standard on Spanish Ocean

As per the thread, I have gone from 90% certain on the Beach to about 90% Ocean.

One thing I did notice - the 195cm vehicle height claimed by VW must be for the base panel van. While I had the tape measure out yesterday, the top of the awning rail was about 203cm. Even without that, the roof wasn't much lower - I can think of a few fave parking spots we can scrape under in the Multivan that we won't get into with the pop top or awning!

 

[soulstyledevon]

Just having a read back over the thread as a final sanity check! Again, thanks everyone for the invaluable insights! The two contenders are:

Ocean 150 DSG
Black (or Fortana)
Steelies
ACC, Reversing Camera
Bright Oak + shower hose (I know..!)
Standard glass but dealer will wrap the windows free
Tot. €64k delivered and registered.

or

Beach Camper 150 DSG Black or Fortana
Steelies
ACC, Cam, Park Pilot*, LED lights*
2 seat bench, EHU*, 3 window manual roof*, awning*
Windows as Ocean
Tot. €57.5
* come standard on Spanish Ocean

As per the thread, I have gone from 90% certain on the Beach to about 90% Ocean.

One thing I did notice - the 195cm vehicle height claimed by VW must be for the base panel van. While I had the tape measure out yesterday, the top of the awning rail was about 203cm. Even without that, the roof wasn't much lower - I can think of a few fave parking spots we can scrape under in the Multivan that we won't get into with the pop top or awning!

Options are very personal.
However, the Beach absolutely needs dual zone climate control front and rear.
Our Beach only had the AC up front and it wasn’t enough with rear passengers...

It’s an expensive option, but essential IMO.
Tick that and it’s probably only a £4K difference. Tick the parking heater and there won’t be much of a price difference between the two.

 

[bob_summers]

Options are very personal.
However, the Beach absolutely needs dual zone climate control front and rear.
Our Beach only had the AC up front and it wasn’t enough with rear passengers...

It’s an expensive option, but essential IMO.
Tick that and it’s probably only a £4K difference. Tick the parking heater and there won’t be much of a price difference between the two.

I checked with the dealer - Spain imports both models with the parking heater (this is a must for me) as standard. Also listed as standard is "Climatronic with 2nd vaporiser (whatever that is, I'm translating this direct from the spec sheet), 2nd heater, Climatised roof, controller in living area" - is this the same as dual zone climate control?

 

[WelshGas]

Just having a read back over the thread as a final sanity check! Again, thanks everyone for the invaluable insights! The two contenders are:

Ocean 150 DSG
Black (or Fortana)
Steelies
ACC, Reversing Camera
Bright Oak + shower hose (I know..!)
Standard glass but dealer will wrap the windows free
Tot. €64k delivered and registered.

or

Beach Camper 150 DSG Black or Fortana
Steelies
ACC, Cam, Park Pilot*, LED lights*
2 seat bench, EHU*, 3 window manual roof*, awning*
Windows as Ocean
Tot. €57.5
* come standard on Spanish Ocean

As per the thread, I have gone from 90% certain on the Beach to about 90% Ocean.

One thing I did notice - the 195cm vehicle height claimed by VW must be for the base panel van. While I had the tape measure out yesterday, the top of the awning rail was about 203cm. Even without that, the roof wasn't much lower - I can think of a few fave parking spots we can scrape under in the Multivan that we won't get into with the pop top or awning!

My SE with Awning is less than 2m high. I regularly use 2m car parks, no problem and the 2m height restricted A6? Tunnel in Paris.

 

[WelshGas]

I checked with the dealer - Spain imports both models with the parking heater (this is a must for me) as standard. Also listed as standard is "Climatronic with 2nd vaporiser (whatever that is, I'm translating this direct from the spec sheet), 2nd heater, Climatised roof, controller in living area" - is this the same as dual zone climate control?

Yes. Means you have proper Aircon in the rear instead of just ambient air and heating.