Thinking of changing Beach to something more comfortable

[NigelMarkAllen]

Hello,

I’ve had a t6.1 Beach for 3 years now and am craving something slightly more convenient and comfortable. I’m thinking of a Ducato based 5.4 m van, a late low mileage (if possible) T6.1 Ocean, or a new t7 Ocean.

Does anybody have any advice, I’m leaning towards the t6.1 Ocean but would you say that’s a big enough change? I’m concerned a Porta Potti wouldn't fit at the bottom of the t7 bed in the new Ocean and can’t really find a definitive answer on this. Also I’m sure the t7 is a great vehicle but the camping side of the vehicle doesn’t seem as convenient to me. A 5.4 metre Ducato seems as though it could have disadvantages with the ease of driving and parking.

Any advice gratefully appreciated, particularly if anybody has made the change themselves. Thanks.

 

[Ruddster]

I currently have a T6.1 Beach and wouldn't change to the Ocean. The trade off of convenience in terms of static kitchen and storage over the loss of space (particularly on the bed "downstairs") wouldn't make the change beneficial enough. If I was to change (which I am considering) it would be for a bigger van, possibly even the GC.

 

[Blackbrogue1962]

We’ve just changed from an T6.1 Ocean to a Columbus 540D with a poptop. Frankly, we can’t believe now how we managed in the Cali on our longer European trips. Despite only being .5m longer than the Cali the interior volume is way bigger allowing a fixed bed, shower/loo, ease of being able to stand up at all times, much more space for storage and much bigger and more accessible fridge to mention just a few of the advantages. My biggest worry was how the driving experience would compare. I can honestly say that despite only having a 140hp engine, that the superior 8 speed auto makes it just as relaxing a drive as the Cali though obviously not as refined - it is a van after all. I also find I can take it anywhere I would the Cali with the exception of multi-storey car parks as mine has a 2.8m roof. Ultimately it depends on your intended useage, but if you enjoy longer trips away of more than a long weekend I wouldn’t hesitate it recommending a 5.4m Ducato van.

 

[NigelMarkAllen]

I currently have a T6.1 Beach and wouldn't change to the Ocean. The trade off of convenience in terms of static kitchen and storage over the loss of space (particularly on the bed "downstairs") wouldn't make the change beneficial enough. If I was to change (which I am considering) it would be for a bigger van, possibly even the GC.

thanks for the advice, it gives me something to ponder, maybe the grass isn’t always greener. I can see a 6m would be a bigger difference, but sadly our driveway would limit us to 5.4m

 

[pchmlk]

Our next van will be a Ducato 5.4 based one, I'm sure. Maybe even a 6m but I think the 5.4 is the perfect base. Sunlight Cliff 540 with poptop pls.

 

[Dell]

It really depends what you are after and your needs, a vw beach or ocean has it advantages and obviously it disadvantages. Using campsites mainly nowadays allows us to use campsite toilets and showers, plus size and heights gets you almost anywhere. So in those aspects the camper is a better all rounder.
Driving as a car is also a benefit to driving larger vans, and in our case we have a 470 caravan with full size bed toilet etc which we tow on occasions depending where we are going and length of time.

 

[windrift-pass]

We changed from a t6.1 coast to a t7 coast a few months back and we’ve no regrets, but we only go away for mini breaks and that’s quite an important consideration. Regarding the toilet issue, I can confirm that the thetford 335 does fit, just! But VW van centres let you have a demonstrater on a 24hr test drive, so you can check it out yourself, hope that helps

 

[Borris]

Hello,

I’ve had a t6.1 Beach for 3 years now and am craving something slightly more convenient and comfortable. I’m thinking of a Ducato based 5.4 m van, a late low mileage (if possible) T6.1 Ocean, or a new t7 Ocean.

Does anybody have any advice, I’m leaning towards the t6.1 Ocean but would you say that’s a big enough change? I’m concerned a Porta Potti wouldn't fit at the bottom of the t7 bed in the new Ocean and can’t really find a definitive answer on this. Also I’m sure the t7 is a great vehicle but the camping side of the vehicle doesn’t seem as convenient to me. A 5.4 metre Ducato seems as though it could have disadvantages with the ease of driving and parking.

Any advice gratefully appreciated, particularly if anybody has made the change themselves. Thanks.

Firstly, please define what you mean by "slightly more convenient and comfortable"?

 

[NigelMarkAllen]

We’ve just changed from an T6.1 Ocean to a Columbus 540D with a poptop. Frankly, we can’t believe now how we managed in the Cali on our longer European trips. Despite only being .5m longer than the Cali the interior volume is way bigger allowing a fixed bed, shower/loo, ease of being able to stand up at all times, much more space for storage and much bigger and more accessible fridge to mention just a few of the advantages. My biggest worry was how the driving experience would compare. I can honestly say that despite only having a 140hp engine, that the superior 8 speed auto makes it just as relaxing a drive as the Cali though obviously not as refined - it is a van after all. I also find I can take it anywhere I would the Cali with the exception of multi-storey car parks as mine has a 2.8m roof. Ultimately it depends on your intended useage, but if you enjoy longer trips away of more than a long weekend I wouldn’t hesitate it recommending a 5.4m Ducato van.

Thank you, it’s good to know the driving isn’t hugely affected by moving to a 5.4m. We have looked at a few 5.4 m vans with fixed beds and they did feel a bit cramped in the living area compared to our beach, but definitely having the washroom and fixed bed would make life easier

Firstly, please define what you mean by "slightly more convenient and comfortable"?

Thanks, well our Beach has been great but we’ve mainly been using it for weekends, days out and the very occasional one or 2 week break. We’ve now just retired and would like to do longer trips more frequently with more nights away from campsites. We’re not sure if we can cope with the juggling around of luggage, not having onboard water tanks, only a small portable fridge and 2 internal gas burners, no (albeit small) washroom etc.

 

[Up10]

Thank you, it’s good to know the driving isn’t hugely affected by moving to a 5.4m. We have looked at a few 5.4 m vans with fixed beds and they did feel a bit cramped in the living area compared to our beach, but definitely having the washroom and fixed bed would make life easier

Thanks, well our Beach has been great but we’ve mainly been using it for weekends, days out and the very occasional one or 2 week break. We’ve now just retired and would like to do longer trips more frequently with more nights away from campsites. We’re not sure if we can cope with the juggling around of luggage, not having onboard water tanks, only a small portable fridge and 2 internal gas burners, no (albeit small) washroom etc.

It sounds like either a T6.1 or a 5.4m van then. T7 might be too much of a compromise especially with the skinny beds and challenging cooking/storage challenges.

 

[Blackbrogue1962]

A quick photo of us parked up in San Sebastián, really not much more difficult to park than a Cali.

View attachment IMG_3584.jpeg

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

A quick photo of us parked up in San Sebastián, really not much more difficult to park than a Cali.

View attachment 147632

Yes, probably not really much more difficult to park but the additional length does mean you have less parking opportunities and need to be more selective in where you park. Of course, that's the disadvantage once you go beyond standard car footprint size, the advantages of more internal space are obvious though.

 

[pchmlk]

Context - it’s the same length as BMW I7.

 

[chockswahay]

Context - it’s the same length as BMW I7.

Yeah, but the BMW is narrower and usually has 4 wheel steering and automated parking

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Thank you, it’s good to know the driving isn’t hugely affected by moving to a 5.4m. We have looked at a few 5.4 m vans with fixed beds and they did feel a bit cramped in the living area compared to our beach, but definitely having the washroom and fixed bed would make life easier

Thanks, well our Beach has been great but we’ve mainly been using it for weekends, days out and the very occasional one or 2 week break. We’ve now just retired and would like to do longer trips more frequently with more nights away from campsites. We’re not sure if we can cope with the juggling around of luggage, not having onboard water tanks, only a small portable fridge and 2 internal gas burners, no (albeit small) washroom etc.

Club Joker if you don’t mind a high top.

No bedtime shuffle.

Hot running water, shower, toilet, heating etc.

 

[Juliette ryan]

We have just PX our Cali for a Westfalia fiat Ducato Amundsen 540. After 10 wonderful years we thought long and hard about it. The space is sooooo good - and the deal maker is the permanent bed. Yes there will be compromises but also it means we can stay where there are no facilities as we now have are own.
Things about the Cali I will miss for sure but my husband with two dodgy knees is breathing a sigh of relief!!

 

[HowieDog]

We went from a series of Californias to a Hymer 540 Blue Evolution (similar to the Ayers Rock) with a pop top. Didn’t find the size a significant disadvantage overall and the living / camping experience more than made up for it.
I found the transverse bed a bit cramped over time and we loved to a Hymer Yellowstone 6.39m which we have had for two years.
It’s been very good, bed is lengthwise so plenty of space and decent garage. Shower is useable too.
We’re now thinking of a Beach! Been doing some long haul travel and son plays sport every weekend so less opportunity to use it. Seems a waste having £80k there not being used much.

 

[Borris]

To the OP, your post/question obviously depends on your personal circumstances.

We have owned three Californias, one fully loaded SE and latterly, two seven seat Beaches. For us the Beach represents the sweet spot. Über practical, always adaptable and not so big as to be a pita.

If its cupboards you are after then fine but with every cupboard, you are losing a little more flexibility. If its space, then the T6-1 Ocean format will not give you that as it utilises the same internal dimensions as the Beach but instead, is crammed with stuff you won't use all the time and cannot rermove. Anything bigger is also a trade off. The bigger you go the less convenient or easy to use the vehicle will be.

 

[Jimgee]

Hello,

I’ve had a t6.1 Beach for 3 years now and am craving something slightly more convenient and comfortable. I’m thinking of a Ducato based 5.4 m van, a late low mileage (if possible) T6.1 Ocean, or a new t7 Ocean.

Does anybody have any advice, I’m leaning towards the t6.1 Ocean but would you say that’s a big enough change? I’m concerned a Porta Potti wouldn't fit at the bottom of the t7 bed in the new Ocean and can’t really find a definitive answer on this. Also I’m sure the t7 is a great vehicle but the camping side of the vehicle doesn’t seem as convenient to me. A 5.4 metre Ducato seems as though it could have disadvantages with the ease of driving and parking.

Any advice gratefully appreciated, particularly if anybody has made the change themselves. Thanks.

My thinking is the same as yours, as (don't tell anybody on here!), a California is, essentially, posh camping! I have looked at most of the 5.4m vans with the following requirements in my mind: 1) loo and shower; 2) fixed bed; and 3) garage space. My perfect van would be a Westfalia Columbus 540 (pricey but the build quality IMO is on a different level to the non-VW/MAN offerings) but if budget were an issue, I'd probably go for a Swift Trekker S because the Ford base vehicle is very good and fit/finish/layout combination is spot-on. Good luck!

 

[Wannabecamperman]

The Club Joker has always been my favourite, almost like a small apartment with dedicated washroom, kitchen lounge and bedroom areas. I love the opening side windows and skylight above the bed too - just lovely to be able to star-gave when in bed.

The price on the other hand, is somewhat prohibitive for anything post 2023. At least for my budget.

 

[Dan61]

A middle ground could be the new Westfalia Kipling?

The new Westfalia Kipling - a 4-seater camper van

The new Westfalia Kipling embodies a new way of travelling in freedom, with a layout concept that’s completely new for the brand.

westfalia-mobil.com

Based on a long wheel base transit so 5.45m long but under 2.1m height.

I've not long had my T7 Coast and love it. To be fair I'll be using it predominantly for trips of one to three nights rather than long trips away.

 

[edocali]

A middle ground could be the new Westfalia Kipling?

The new Westfalia Kipling - a 4-seater camper van

The new Westfalia Kipling embodies a new way of travelling in freedom, with a layout concept that’s completely new for the brand.

westfalia-mobil.com

Based on a long wheel base transit so 5.45m long but under 2.1m height.

I've not long had my T7 Coast and love it. To be fair I'll be using it predominantly for trips of one to three nights rather than long trips away.

I am following a few threads on this topic and went to see a Kipling.
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/do-we-go-bigger.60805/post-779509
I’ll wait for my time to switch to a 5.4x m poptop van