VW California T7, Central Seat for night bed

[DynamoD]

This set up has made me consider a beach over a ocean. The 5 seats for day to day use may be more practical.

 

[vanfitz]

The Beach is very versatile for sure. Probably better for families who want to really sweat the vehicle? Whereas I think Coast / Ocean makes a lot of sense for couples touring or day trips as a family maybe?
With the wider lower bed in beach, a family of 4 can comfortably do one or two nights off grid in the van with pop top and kitchen per above.
Add in a tent/awning and it's a great long term pitch for summer holidays.
All the while you have a 5 (or even 6!) seat daily drive to pick up grandparents from the airport.
The wider bed is also useful for winter overnights for two - parent and child for example - keep roof shut (we do sailing events).

Remove the seats and you also have a very decent cargo vehicle. The permeant kitchen bothered me for this at first inspection, but the removable seats are a huge compensation for that. You can free up the right hand side to full length.

And the Mykitvan guys in France can turn it into a Coast later if you really want!

 

[vanfitz]

More "fitting" solutions for Beach Camper. I found that these huge 120 L storage bins (from Homestore & More in Ireland - you have those elsewhere?) that are perfectly flush with the rear kitchen unit. Now when I remove a rear seat they can slot in place - and seemingly support me lying on the bed (I am not light). They are brittle but when weight distributed via hard backed mattress they seem to do the job - go easy though!.

Also - we had an old portipotti 165 for a different van (taller than the go to for Cali) and this one is just a book thickness shy of perfect also and fits in a single seat gap - Maybe another bed-supporting-instead-of-seat option for the Beach.

For us - gives options 2/3 people where storage needed for wet gear and want to sleep in lower bed.