T7 .........its a bit tight on space and storage etc!

[chockswahay]

We called in to the dealer yesterday to have a look at the T7. Once past that initial 'showroom fever' we started to realise the limitations (for us)

It does look to be well suited for a 'weekender' but less so for longer periods. There is (well documented) considerably less storage than the T6.1. The single hob might be an issue but certainly the sink is tiny (and that is compared to the already small T6.1 sink). We like the fridge but it needs a clearway to use, so nowhere practical for the loo. The separate rear seats look good and are very comfy for the rear seat passengers on a long drive I should imagine, but they don't offer the 'lounging feel' of the double bench seat. The mini table is useable but very small and needs to be removed for storage down the side. The big table is stored in the boot and not very practical by way of always having to go outside to get it. The fridge is not as practical as the current top loader.

On a plus note the pop top internal slide cover is much easier and nicer to use than the T6.1. The lack of handbrake makes spinning the driver seat around an easy task. The window blinds have a nicer feel and the storage in the rear righthand side window is great.

Overall the vehicle seemed a nice place to be but to be honest we were left wondering how well we would cope with the limitations compared to our current 5 year old Coast.

We really really wanted to like the vehicle and the Hybrid would at least be a step in the right direction for us, but that is the problem, it would only be a step and a big compromise at that. Looks like we will just have to 'sit this out' until a more suitable electric only camper comes along (lwb Buzz?).

I hope this post does not appear too negative and does not upset those of you that have just bought one, My comments are based on our own needs and opinions and of course we are all different. I think the T7 is lovely....... just not suitable for us (we do like to travel far and wide in our van and this can be for up to 8 to 12 weeks at a time.

 

[andybeary]

I had the same feelings and i really hoped to see options such as built in solar, offgrid capability, self levelling option, freezer perhaps, outdoor lightbar... just enhancements to the T6.1 + the improved driving ability would have been perfect.

Long wheel base for me is a big no already due to limited parking at home and also being my daily driver.

my hope is the ID buzz california or something will shake it all up and make me want to upgrade, one can only wish .

Happy camping either way all.

 

[BeagleMum]

We called in to the dealer yesterday to have a look at the T7. Once past that initial 'showroom fever' we started to realise the limitations (for us)

It does look to be well suited for a 'weekender' but less so for longer periods. There is (well documented) considerably less storage than the T6.1. The single hob might be an issue but certainly the sink is tiny (and that is compared to the already small T6.1 sink). We like the fridge but it needs a clearway to use, so nowhere practical for the loo. The separate rear seats look good and are very comfy for the rear seat passengers on a long drive I should imagine, but they don't offer the 'lounging feel' of the double bench seat. The mini table is useable but very small and needs to be removed for storage down the side. The big table is stored in the boot and not very practical by way of always having to go outside to get it. The fridge is not as practical as the current top loader.

On a plus note the pop top internal slide cover is much easier and nicer to use than the T6.1. The lack of handbrake makes spinning the driver seat around an easy task. The window blinds have a nicer feel and the storage in the rear righthand side window is great.

Overall the vehicle seemed a nice place to be but to be honest we were left wondering how well we would cope with the limitations compared to our current 5 year old Coast.

We really really wanted to like the vehicle and the Hybrid would at least be a step in the right direction for us, but that is the problem, it would only be a step and a big compromise at that. Looks like we will just have to 'sit this out' until a more suitable electric only camper comes along (lwb Buzz?).

I hope this post does not appear too negative and does not upset those of you that have just bought one, My comments are based on our own needs and opinions and of course we are all different. I think the T7 is lovely....... just not suitable for us (we do like to travel far and wide in our van and this can be for up to 8 to 12 weeks at a time.

Completely agree, it’s lovely for a day trip but totally impractical for us for anything beyond a day out.

 

[Californication69]

We called in to the dealer yesterday to have a look at the T7. Once past that initial 'showroom fever' we started to realise the limitations (for us)

It does look to be well suited for a 'weekender' but less so for longer periods. There is (well documented) considerably less storage than the T6.1. The single hob might be an issue but certainly the sink is tiny (and that is compared to the already small T6.1 sink). We like the fridge but it needs a clearway to use, so nowhere practical for the loo. The separate rear seats look good and are very comfy for the rear seat passengers on a long drive I should imagine, but they don't offer the 'lounging feel' of the double bench seat. The mini table is useable but very small and needs to be removed for storage down the side. The big table is stored in the boot and not very practical by way of always having to go outside to get it. The fridge is not as practical as the current top loader.

On a plus note the pop top internal slide cover is much easier and nicer to use than the T6.1. The lack of handbrake makes spinning the driver seat around an easy task. The window blinds have a nicer feel and the storage in the rear righthand side window is great.

Overall the vehicle seemed a nice place to be but to be honest we were left wondering how well we would cope with the limitations compared to our current 5 year old Coast.

We really really wanted to like the vehicle and the Hybrid would at least be a step in the right direction for us, but that is the problem, it would only be a step and a big compromise at that. Looks like we will just have to 'sit this out' until a more suitable electric only camper comes along (lwb Buzz?).

I hope this post does not appear too negative and does not upset those of you that have just bought one, My comments are based on our own needs and opinions and of course we are all different. I think the T7 is lovely....... just not suitable for us (we do like to travel far and wide in our van and this can be for up to 8 to 12 weeks at a time.

At least you went and had a look.
Not negative at all, as nobody has the same needs !

 

[WelshGas]

In our younger days we used to go back pack camping for weeks on end carrying a tent, sleeping bags/mats, stove and cooking pans etc. . Then we did the same in a mini, heaven, no more tent.
When we had the California we still had empty storage.
We holidayed in the States for 6 weeks with a carryon bag each.

How much of the stuff people pack do they actually use?

 

[pjm-84]

My Wife packs everything ..... just in case......... then add dogs / food and it fills up pretty quick.

 

[chockswahay]

In our younger days we used to go back pack camping for weeks on end carrying a tent, sleeping bags/mats, stove and cooking pans etc. . Then we did the same in a mini, heaven, no more tent.
When we had the California we still had empty storage.
We holidayed in the States for 6 weeks with a carryon bag each.

How much of the stuff people pack do they actually use?

Loads!........ Bromptons, inflatable Kayak and kit, all weather gear, climbing boots, external insulation screens, food, clothes, wetsuits......... need the space!

Edit: but still prefer the smaller size of the T6....... the 'Goldilocks van'

 

[PipPip]

In our younger days we used to go back pack camping for weeks on end carrying a tent, sleeping bags/mats, stove and cooking pans etc. . Then we did the same in a mini, heaven, no more tent.
When we had the California we still had empty storage.
We holidayed in the States for 6 weeks with a carryon bag each.

How much of the stuff people pack do they actually use?

That’s what my wife and I think. We’ve done multi-week bikepacking in the past where travelling light is critical. Even in the T7 the storage seems ample for our needs, even for numerous weeks. Like you we never ever need to check luggage in when we fly, regardless of duration, as we travel light. Find it incredible the size of cases people take for a couple of weeks package holiday. Suspect these are the same people who really do need bigger vans.

 

[chockswahay]

That’s what my wife and I think. We’ve done multi-week bikepacking in the past where travelling light is critical. Even in the T7 the storage seems ample for our needs, even for numerous weeks. Like you we never ever need to check luggage in when we fly, regardless of duration, as we travel light. Find it incredible the size of cases people take for a couple of weeks package holiday. Suspect these are the same people who really do need bigger vans.

I think this is going off topic a little bit here. We have had two bigger vans and the T6.1 is the best van yet for us. As for travelling light….. any where we fly we only take back packs that will go under the seat, no need for more for us.

The point of my initial post was just to highlight (as many others have on other threads) that the new California is a different beast to the previous version.. ‘You pays yer money and takes yer choice’

 

[Lakes_Puma]

I've been hankering for a camper van for several years, and until recently was not in a position to be able to purchase one. I started to look seriously in the last 6 months and have been to a couple of shows including the NEC in Feb and had made a mental list of what I wanted.

My main requirement was a vehicle which could adapt to my needs from day trips and weekends away to being able to take myself and a friend mountain biking with everything inside the van for security, so the ability to remove as much as possible from the interior was a necessity.

When I first saw the T7 I thought it was perfect, I wanted something that drove as car like as possible as it would be replacing an estate car, tow bar was also essential and the electric release one on the T7 is just like the one on my current Skoda.

As mentioned above everyone is different but I've now ordered a new T7 and can't wait to put it through its paces.

 

[Californication69]

I think everything is a compromise.
I really wanted a James Cook or Sven, as I want a bed setup, and toilet and shower.
Unfortunately I have another 5 years of work and driving to customer sites, so need something I can park in their car park and not look like I’m on my holidays
Also the driving position of T6.1 killed me.
The T7 seat and position is brilliant, height adjustable, and just works.
Added bonus of no handbrake between seats and removal of gearstick column.
If it’s hosing it down and I want a brew n sarnie after a customer visit I can get in the back easily and it fits my needs.
Added bonus, can go camping with the wife a few times a year.
So fits my bill for the next 5 years.
I’ll still be disappointed that I can’t stand up, but it’s a compromise !
To keep thread on track, again compromise on the amount of cr4p I lugg around, this will be fixed by having this vehicle.
I’ll only be able to fit in what I can fit in.
I’ll leave the kitchen sink at home !

 

[Mansfieldman750]

I think everything is a compromise.
I really wanted a James Cook or Sven, as I want a bed setup, and toilet and shower.
Unfortunately I have another 5 years of work and driving to customer sites, so need something I can park in their car park and not look like I’m on my holidays
Also the driving position of T6.1 killed me.
The T7 seat and position is brilliant, height adjustable, and just works.
Added bonus of no handbrake between seats and removal of gearstick column.
If it’s hosing it down and I want a brew n sarnie after a customer visit I can get in the back easily and it fits my needs.
Added bonus, can go camping with the wife a few times a year.
So fits my bill for the next 5 years.
I’ll still be disappointed that I can’t stand up, but it’s a compromise !
To keep thread on track, again compromise on the amount of cr4p I lugg around, this will be fixed by having this vehicle.
I’ll only be able to fit in what I can fit in.
I’ll leave the kitchen sink at home !

Exactly, it’s horses for courses. It sounds like the T7 will be perfect for you, whereas for us it won’t work.

We’re retired so we can up and go anytime we feel like it, so the van is mainly for camping.

The way it works for us is whoever is sat next to the fridge is the pot stirrer, fridge getter outer and sliding table operator. Two pots on the go. Pasta and a sauce, Rice and curry, tatties and sausages, whatever.
I try to avoid that seat but there is a price to pay. I get sent off to the pot wash with the dishes. Fairs fair.
The collapsible basin lives in the big drawer under the bench seat along with the fairy liquid and sponge, clothes pegs and a line, 3 pairs of crocs for to-ing and fro-ing to the toilet block, a small hairdryer ( daughter uses the van a lot and leaves stuff in ) a block of wood with the van reg to leave on the pitch if we’re out, tea towels, microfibre cloths, floor wipes, etc, etc
The underseat storage in the T7 you could probably keep the two pairs of size 4 crocs but the size 8s and all the other paraphernalia would have to go elsewhere.

Someone will be along to say I am an idiot, put the basin somewhere else, they’ve been to Mongolia with two pairs of underpants and a toothbrush and I have to learn to compromise. Well I don’t want to. The basin lives under the seat.

So, returning to the title of the thread. Yes, the T7 is tight on space and storage compared to previous Californias. But if that doesn’t bother you, it might be the one for you.