Westfalia Columbus 540D with pop top

[Blackbrogue1962]

After 2 wonderful years of owning a California Ocean, we’ve decided to upgrade. Very nearly bought an Adria Twin Sports 600 SPB, seriously considered a KNAUS Boxlife 540 but my head was turned at the NEC this week by the Columbus 540D with a worthwhile discount. Well aware that it’s an expensive option for a 5.4m van, but you can really see the quality in the Westfalia conversion and I’m confident it is built to last - hopefully the same can be said of the Fiat Ducato base vehicle! That slight worry aside, I think it’s the perfect upgrade to the Cali. Only as big as it needs to be for a retired couple, retains the benefit of a pop top for additional flexibility and retains the German build quality for all the interior fittings. I plan to stay on this forum as it will remain a useful source of advice and there’s no similar community for Westfalia vans.

 

[edocali]

I have a growing interest in 5.40 m campervans with poptop and a large “garage” by lifting the rear beds.
Please let me know how it’s going with your new van!

 

[Blackbrogue1962]

Will do, heading to Spain via Santander for 4 weeks this Monday. First impressions are very positive.

 

[Blackbrogue1962]

I have a growing interest in 5.40 m campervans with poptop and a large “garage” by lifting the rear beds.
Please let me know how it’s going with your new van!

Just returned from a very successful and enjoyable 4 weeks in Spain and a brief trip into France. Having done similar trips in the Cali over the last couple of years, I have to report that the Columbus was so much better suited to a longer trip. My concerns over the Fiat base vehicle were, so far, misplaced. Averaged 36mph over the course of 3000 miles and while the 140hp engine doesn’t make it in any way quick, matched to a ‘proper’ 8 speed auto box was perfectly adequate. In summary, I have no regrets at all. We loved the Cali, a great introduction to camper van life, but the Columbus is much better suited to longer European trips. There’s also no question that the Ducato is much better suited to a camper a conversion than the Sprinter and Crafter models due to it’s greater interior space. I also believe the 5.4m vehicle is big enough for a couple, considering it’s only .5m longer than the Cali there’s a massive amount more interior space.

 

[Davilu]

Really interested in your feedback on the Columbus 540D. Did you use the pop top on your journey and if so, how was it compared to the Cali Ocean? Was there anything about the Cali that you missed?

 

[2into1]

I also believe the 5.4m vehicle is big enough for a couple, considering it’s only .5m longer than the Cali there’s a massive amount more interior space.

And that's comparing it to the T5\T6. The T7 is longer and appears to have less space, so your point becomes more valid

 

[Blackbrogue1962]

A photo that demonstrates why we like a 5.4m van - parked up on the edge of the old town in San Sebastián just as we would have done in the Cali. I did use the pop top so my wife and I had more space each in the evening, though on the rare occasions rain was forecast I stayed downstairs. The pop top is both bigger and more comfortable than the Cali. If I’m honest, on a longer trip, there was nothing I missed about the Cali. The only downside is that due to insurance requirements I have to keep it on a secure site so it’s not as available for day trips.

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[Californication69]

I’m enjoying the fiat ducato engine and 9 speed.
It goes quickly enough, and you can swing it about with worries. Although ours is a 7.4m Laika A class
So no parking in little side streets !

 

[Blackbrogue1962]

A photo that demonstrates why we like a 5.4m van - parked up on the edge of the old town in San Sebastián just as we would have done in the Cali. I did use the pop top so my wife and I had more space each in the evening, though on the rare occasions rain was forecast I stayed downstairs. The pop top is both bigger and more comfortable than the Cali. If I’m honest, on a longer trip, there was nothing I missed about the Cali. The only downside is that due to insurance requirements I have to keep it on a secure site so it’s not as available for day trips.

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