VW T6.1 Cal Ocean or VW T2 Camper

[Alan Lakeman]

Hello,
Pleased to have joined the California club. We’ve just bought a 2021 California Ocean to replace our current VW T2 campervan that we’ve had for over 25 years.
We’ve had Type 2 campers for nearly 40 years so hope that we’ve done the right thing.
Wendy and Alan from Bath
PS I’ve spent most of the day (eventually successfully) to get the sink tap working

 

[Up10]

Hello,
Pleased to have joined the California club. We’ve just bought a 2021 California Ocean to replace our current VW T2 campervan that we’ve had for over 25 years.
We’ve had Type 2 campers for nearly 40 years so hope that we’ve done the right thing.
Wendy and Alan from Bath
PS I’ve spent most of the day (eventually successfully) to get the sink tap working

Welcome, I am sure you will love the new van once the teething problems are sorted. No experience of an older van but bet you will notice the insulation on the new one!

 

[pluc99]

I loved my T2 camper. Technically it wasn't mine but I appropriated it from my (generous) Dad. I drive the same as your "new" one and am very happy with it.

 

[starlightblue]

We still have both.
With the T2b Westfalia (Helsinki interior), we've made several family trips since 2012 (500 km per day max) to Sweden, Croatia, southern England, Lands End, the south coast of France, and more.
With the new California (since 2022), we can cover more kilometers per day, for example, to the Lofoten Islands in Norway in three days.
The comfort is roughly the same in both vehicles because the concept hasn't really changed (heating, sleeping for four, refrigerator, cooking, etc.).
Driving is naturally smoother in the California.
We still use the Westfalia for short trips nearby (Benelux), but it does have more charm

 

[Perfectos]

Give the new van a chance , change takes time.
the T2 rose coloured glasses will be tempered once you get your head around the plethora of differences.

 

[mcdonaldneal.]

We are 60,000km into our new T6.1 and still have our two T2 Dormobile campers (one for 26yrs and 100,000km!) . A world of difference but travelling across Europe at 85mph and being flexible enough to stop anywhere is priceless in the T6.1. The old T2s are still in service and used around Scotland but have moved into a restoration/preservation phase and all three are much loved. Horses for courses!

 

[Gecko_Bioyag77]

We collected the T6.1 in 2023 after driving our 1977 T2 which we had for 15 years. However in 2025 we sold the T2 as it was just not getting used as much and I had limited storage options so decided it was best to allow someone else enjoy our beloved T2 and the shared experience of the VW community. The T6.1 has allowed us to travel extensively in Europe offering improved reliability and comfort and plenty of happy memories. If I could have kept both vans going it would have been the dream, but unfortunately, not possible for me.