Van dilemma

[Dizzy]

Couldn't work out how to title this post...

We've had Dizzy 13 months now, done 80 nights away (ranging from 1-2 nights to many weeks ), we originally bought the van under the expectation we would retire in a 3 years or so and then get a larger 6m van (didnt have clue what). However things changed, we took the plunge, quit our jobs and retired at the end of May, not looking back whatsoever (although its early days). Since retiring we did a month in shetland / orkney and have just done 6 weeks around Spain and Portugal.

Originally we didnt expect to do multi-week trips and whilst we are happy its more that possible in the cali (we're full off grid with 300w of solar), we simply lack the space to take the toys with us (SUP, dive gear etc).

So we do bail from the Cali now to a bigger van 6m min or keep the Cali and bin off one of the other cars we have and get another larger van ?

Not so much interested in what van people think, ive got my own thoughts there. Its more the concept of do we keep 2 vans and one (completely impractical) car.

I'm going to need to load up the Cali with fishing gear (like a lot!) and also diving gear and am somewhat concerned about battering the inside (when i am not really bothered about that with the Mrs's Tiguan!)

Views ?

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Tiguan and bigger van. 2 vans is weird.

 

[Dizzy]

Tiguan is pokey IMHO.

can only get one lot of night fishing gear in it !

 

[The Tall Luthier]

It doesn’t sound like you currently have the right tools for the jobs.

If you buy the right tool, you’ll rarely use the wrong one.

 

[CoboCali]

It's a valid question. We have a 2016 Ocean that we've owned since new and loved using it extensively. I retired early last year, and we have recently purchased an Adria Compact Supreme DL (7m motorhome). We couldn't bring ourselves to sell the VW, mainly because it was an emotional decision rather than a forced financial decision. For now; I am getting some limited use out of the VW, and my son and his girlfriend are enjoying some trips in it too. Both vehicles are brilliant at what they do ... the right tool for the right job as said above. Our only other vehicle is a VW Polo so for now we can justify it, although 2 vans makes little logical sense - I acknowledge that.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

we have recently purchased an Adria Compact Supreme DL (7m motorhome).

'Compact' and 7m must surely be an oxymoron?

 

[mr pg]

We've owned a GC 680 for just under 2 years and love it. However, there are times when it's just too big for certain trips.
So we've just replaced my Honda CRV (had it over 9 years) with a T6.1 Cali Ocean (was on sale here). Nothing wrong with having 2 vans!

 

[colintfcolintf]

Just to chuck a curved ball in. A trailer for the toys (fishing / diving gear) towed by the Cali?
We use a BV64E from IFor Williams, Debon would be another option

 

[NewForestKnight]

Or if not a trailer, a tow bar box may be an option for all your kit.

 

[soulstyledevon]

6m van and a Buzz.
The buzz would be a great balance if you’re a van man.

 

[pchmlk]

6m van and a Buzz.
The buzz would be a great balance if you’re a van man.

This is the answer.

 

[Dizzy]

Just to chuck a curved ball in. A trailer for the toys (fishing / diving gear) towed by the Cali?
We use a BV64E from IFor Williams, Debon would be another option

View attachment 141477

Weve got an ansems trailer, but tbh can't be arsed with it. Not used for years, it's in the garage and we store camping gear in it

 

[Up10]

Weve got an ansems trailer, but tbh can't be arsed with it. Not used for years, it's in the garage and we store camping gear in it

Doesn't that go back to the right kit for the job argument? Would it work if it was the right trailer/tow bar box and with the right kit in it?
Just a passing thought.

 

[Dizzy]

Yeah well right kit for the job, problem being we werent envisaging using the van for other activities when we bought it as it was only really long weekends and some touring.

now we're #retired its just not big enough so options based on comments are

1. run 2 vans
2. get a trailer
3. backbox

Does anyone know is it possible to mount bikes on a a backbox / tow bar ? I dont know anything about em.

I dont really want to run 2 vans as it will be tight on the drive for a 6m+ unit.

Not interested in electric Buzz... i want my dinosaur juice pls.

 

[pjm-84]

You need to tie it in with a new house as well.....

Cali and a 7m A class / integrated van for us..... might run with a small EV for running around.

BMW X5 / Volvo will go

 

[Black Forest]

A bike rack on the tow bar will be a good platform for a box to hold your fishing bats. Probably can get a big plastic toolbox thing from B&Q or similar.

 

[Dizzy]

You need to tie it in with a new house as well.....

Cali and a 7m A class / integrated van for us..... might run with a small EV for running around.

BMW X5 / Volvo will go

Dont get me going on that... i am already saying i want to move "up north"....

Went out this morning to Citygate in Wooburn Green during rush hour, completely bonkers.... why am i living down here ?!?

Personally i think i need to chop in the Cali and the Tiguan an get an AWD 6m van and a Toureg...

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

7.5 m A Class Motorhome plus Mercedes B Class plus Smart Fortwo Cabriolet.
I always have the right tool for the Job,
Have lived in Lakes for 20 years and never needed AWD, although we had them down south before.
If you do move North then remember the Infrastructure for EV hasn't really arrived yet and probably won't. A runaround needs to do more than 100 miles just to visit decent shops so a small EV is out especially when the local Seller/service centre is 100 miles in any direction

 

[Gruntfuttock]

We drag a horrible thing called a caravan
You park it, live in it, store things in it, drive away and do things without it, pack it up and drive home.
It's the best of both worlds.

 

[sticky1]

I have toyed with the idea of buying something like the Swift Basecamp to throw kit into. I seem to remember that you can fold up the bed and store bikes and secure kit inside.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Thoroughly recommend a Basecamp 2 behind a California beach, had one, done that, it was a stepping stone to the motorhome, a motorhome with a garaged scooter so two can do day trips away from mother ship. If seriously considering Basecamp get one that is up plated to allow a good payload

 

[PedroDelMar]

Have you considered a Land Rover Discovery for your car replacement? Most practical car I’ve ever owned. It’s amazing how much you can fit inside. I think one of these and the van of your choice would be a good combination

 

[willwander]

Thinking about a bigger van is part and parcel of owning a Cali.

 

[chockswahay]

Thinking about a bigger van is part and parcel of owning a Cali.

That's it, right there!

 

[chockswahay]

Couldn't work out how to title this post...

We've had Dizzy 13 months now, done 80 nights away (ranging from 1-2 nights to many weeks ), we originally bought the van under the expectation we would retire in a 3 years or so and then get a larger 6m van (didnt have clue what). However things changed, we took the plunge, quit our jobs and retired at the end of May, not looking back whatsoever (although its early days). Since retiring we did a month in shetland / orkney and have just done 6 weeks around Spain and Portugal.

Originally we didnt expect to do multi-week trips and whilst we are happy its more that possible in the cali (we're full off grid with 300w of solar), we simply lack the space to take the toys with us (SUP, dive gear etc).

So we do bail from the Cali now to a bigger van 6m min or keep the Cali and bin off one of the other cars we have and get another larger van ?

Not so much interested in what van people think, ive got my own thoughts there. Its more the concept of do we keep 2 vans and one (completely impractical) car.

I'm going to need to load up the Cali with fishing gear (like a lot!) and also diving gear and am somewhat concerned about battering the inside (when i am not really bothered about that with the Mrs's Tiguan!)

Views ?

I feel your pain.......... you now have the wrong van!