Where to start - Campervan
Discussion
Loads more really interesting comments and the difference in options probably show why I’m struggling with making a decision!
I think the key will be how I get on with my retail and if it goes well I’ll probably rent at least one more time to be sure.
Ps I’m 54 so hopefully not too old yet
I think the key will be how I get on with my retail and if it goes well I’ll probably rent at least one more time to be sure.
Ps I’m 54 so hopefully not too old yet
downthepub said:
Another California-alike option would be the Mercedes Marco Polo - same layout as the Ocean, a little bit smaller, but better quality interior and much more car like to drive. A Bus and Beyond on Youtube did a comparison video a few years ago which would give a good idea of the tradeoffs between each van.
There are several versions of the Mercedes Marco Polo, including a similar setup to the Beach called (I think) Horizon, and they can either be based on the Vito or the V Class. The interior of the Vito based one is obviously a less luxurious than the one based on the V Class, but less shiny trim to only get scratched up is not necessarily a bad thing in a campervan.Size wise, the Marco Polo is very similar to the California and would be totally usable as a daily vehicle. Technically, at 5.14m length it is slightly longer than the T6 California (4.9m) and slightly shorter than the latest (not within the OP's budget) California (5.17m).
The Marco Polo is a much rarer vehicle than a California, so finding one in budget would be trickier.
Rent one. Or even a second. But most definitely before you buy.
Also go to a dealer with different shapes, layouts and sizes to compare. Also do not buy a home converted amatuer thing - hold out for factory conversion and ideally a camper from day 1.
(LWB high roof, 2 berth Transporter T5.1 here. It's perfect for one or two of us, is used as second vehicle, has done everything from weekends to fortnight away. We've got RIB bed which is full double and comfy (unlike many RnR beds), loads of storage, big fridge. It's fabulous. It's a Bilbo's Komba.)
Also go to a dealer with different shapes, layouts and sizes to compare. Also do not buy a home converted amatuer thing - hold out for factory conversion and ideally a camper from day 1.
(LWB high roof, 2 berth Transporter T5.1 here. It's perfect for one or two of us, is used as second vehicle, has done everything from weekends to fortnight away. We've got RIB bed which is full double and comfy (unlike many RnR beds), loads of storage, big fridge. It's fabulous. It's a Bilbo's Komba.)
Edited by POIDH on Wednesday 15th July 08:16
I'm running a company doing camper electrics. Just about to start a major job on an older (2004) unit that the owner wants to live in off grid. Everything is very old, dated and worn out. So old AGM batteries, converting to Lithium means throwing most of it away and starting again. Unless you buy new or very nearly new, then budget for significant upgrade costs. I'm just doing the electrics, the owner is doing the strip out of the gas system, and any other adaptations required.
Adding my experience as I am currently selling my van to get a bigger one.
It’s a buyers market right now. There is significant post COVID oversupply and there was huge price inflation over the same period. Plus it seems trying to sell an expensive discretionary purchase during a war and cost of living crises turns out to be a bad idea!
Even the once mighty VW residuals aren’t holding up. Just check out how many are on Autotrader. This might change as the very tribal VW camper community seems unimpressed with the new Multivan based California or the new Transporter being a Ford Transit.
We have a 5m pop top and the size is great. We also use it in combination with a single EV as our household fleet and it’s a perfect mix.
However we have found the rock and roll bed even with a topper to be uncomfortable. Plus we use Aires in Europe a lot and the pop top lets in nearby road noise so we have tended to close it at night plus the lack of a proper bathroom is too compromised.
It looks like we will take a bit of a hit on depreciation as the cost to change as we have only had our van 2 years.
You really need to understand your use case and what compromises you can accept with the size and layout.
It’s a buyers market right now. There is significant post COVID oversupply and there was huge price inflation over the same period. Plus it seems trying to sell an expensive discretionary purchase during a war and cost of living crises turns out to be a bad idea!
Even the once mighty VW residuals aren’t holding up. Just check out how many are on Autotrader. This might change as the very tribal VW camper community seems unimpressed with the new Multivan based California or the new Transporter being a Ford Transit.
We have a 5m pop top and the size is great. We also use it in combination with a single EV as our household fleet and it’s a perfect mix.
However we have found the rock and roll bed even with a topper to be uncomfortable. Plus we use Aires in Europe a lot and the pop top lets in nearby road noise so we have tended to close it at night plus the lack of a proper bathroom is too compromised.
It looks like we will take a bit of a hit on depreciation as the cost to change as we have only had our van 2 years.
You really need to understand your use case and what compromises you can accept with the size and layout.
We've had a California Ocean for 5 years, and a couple of those it was also used as the main car, although change of requirements has meant an EV has joined it.
It really is a great allrounder, although of course it is compromised compared to a 'full sized' camper, but that is offset by the usability of it.
Taken ours around the UK, to France, Switzerland and Spain.
We hired one for a few days to make sure it would work from us, which was a good idea, as we had been looking at a conversion, but the Ocean has some unique features that most conversions don't that was a deal breaker for us, although possibly not for others (especially if just two of you).
We used to get the comments about "you could get x minutes nights in a hotel for that", but kind of missing the point. They are not for everyone, but if you "get the", definitely worth a look.
It really is a great allrounder, although of course it is compromised compared to a 'full sized' camper, but that is offset by the usability of it.
Taken ours around the UK, to France, Switzerland and Spain.
We hired one for a few days to make sure it would work from us, which was a good idea, as we had been looking at a conversion, but the Ocean has some unique features that most conversions don't that was a deal breaker for us, although possibly not for others (especially if just two of you).
We used to get the comments about "you could get x minutes nights in a hotel for that", but kind of missing the point. They are not for everyone, but if you "get the", definitely worth a look.
A little update on this but firstly thanks for the additional comments.
I had a night away in a neighbours VW Cali. He kindly let me use it and I loved it but I’m thinking I might like to go a bit bigger.
My wife who was not really sold on the idea of Campervan is now 109% behind the idea so that makes things earlier!
I had a night away in a neighbours VW Cali. He kindly let me use it and I loved it but I’m thinking I might like to go a bit bigger.
My wife who was not really sold on the idea of Campervan is now 109% behind the idea so that makes things earlier!
Great update.
Just to throw in my two pennies. After lots of motorhomes, I ended up in a brief foray with a T6 California Ocean. Didn t last long as the downsides of no toilet, windy/noisey canvas pop top didn t sufficiently offset its go anywhere ability.
I ended up trading it for a Knaus BoxDrive 600XL which I absolutely loved and only sold due to the arrival of my 3rd child.
It was my second car and worked incredibly well as such.
Enjoy the search!
Just to throw in my two pennies. After lots of motorhomes, I ended up in a brief foray with a T6 California Ocean. Didn t last long as the downsides of no toilet, windy/noisey canvas pop top didn t sufficiently offset its go anywhere ability.
I ended up trading it for a Knaus BoxDrive 600XL which I absolutely loved and only sold due to the arrival of my 3rd child.
It was my second car and worked incredibly well as such.
Enjoy the search!
Edited by Spuffington on Saturday 18th July 22:27
Look at as many as you can to get an idea of what works for you best, there are lots of configurations available, and equipment / build quality.
Our 6m Ducato is a two belt two berth so we have extra space in the back so we can have a double bed for us and also have two full length singles when a mate and me goes somewhere. If you don't need a four belt van I think it is a much more versatile choice. I'd also recommend a factory build rather than a retrofit fitted out / DIY van.
You won't regret it, good luck
Our 6m Ducato is a two belt two berth so we have extra space in the back so we can have a double bed for us and also have two full length singles when a mate and me goes somewhere. If you don't need a four belt van I think it is a much more versatile choice. I'd also recommend a factory build rather than a retrofit fitted out / DIY van.
You won't regret it, good luck
Quick update on this.
I spent a day/night in a VW Ocean and 2 days in a California.
Love the drive and size externally of them but found them a little small inside. I think I’d like to go a little bigger with a shower but I’ve not ruled them out yet.
I’m now looking at trying to rent a slightly bigger van to see how I go with that.
I also saw a Fiat Ducato (?) in the gym car park this morning which looked a good size. Was just a bit longer than the parking bay but not by much. Was hoping to catch the owner for a chat but he seemed to vanish! I’ll google that van a little later today to see if I can see more information on it.
I spent a day/night in a VW Ocean and 2 days in a California.
Love the drive and size externally of them but found them a little small inside. I think I’d like to go a little bigger with a shower but I’ve not ruled them out yet.
I’m now looking at trying to rent a slightly bigger van to see how I go with that.
I also saw a Fiat Ducato (?) in the gym car park this morning which looked a good size. Was just a bit longer than the parking bay but not by much. Was hoping to catch the owner for a chat but he seemed to vanish! I’ll google that van a little later today to see if I can see more information on it.
CAH706 said:
Quick update on this.
I spent a day/night in a VW Ocean and 2 days in a California.
Love the drive and size externally of them but found them a little small inside. I think I d like to go a little bigger with a shower but I ve not ruled them out yet.
I m now looking at trying to rent a slightly bigger van to see how I go with that.
I also saw a Fiat Ducato (?) in the gym car park this morning which looked a good size. Was just a bit longer than the parking bay but not by much. Was hoping to catch the owner for a chat but he seemed to vanish! I ll google that van a little later today to see if I can see more information on it.
Not to be picky, but the Ocean is a California. The also have the Beach and Coast, which have lesser amounts of furniture (can't remember exactly what without looking)I spent a day/night in a VW Ocean and 2 days in a California.
Love the drive and size externally of them but found them a little small inside. I think I d like to go a little bigger with a shower but I ve not ruled them out yet.
I m now looking at trying to rent a slightly bigger van to see how I go with that.
I also saw a Fiat Ducato (?) in the gym car park this morning which looked a good size. Was just a bit longer than the parking bay but not by much. Was hoping to catch the owner for a chat but he seemed to vanish! I ll google that van a little later today to see if I can see more information on it.
Bryans69 said:
Not to be picky, but the Ocean is a California. The also have the Beach and Coast, which have lesser amounts of furniture (can't remember exactly what without looking)
Not being picky. I get confused …. I (think I) had a Beach and Ocean. One with and one without a kitchen.Both the same size and both SWB I think
CAH706 said:
Bryans69 said:
Not to be picky, but the Ocean is a California. The also have the Beach and Coast, which have lesser amounts of furniture (can't remember exactly what without looking)
Not being picky. I get confused . I (think I) had a Beach and Ocean. One with and one without a kitchen.Both the same size and both SWB I think
If I was spending months at a time touring, I could definitely see the appeal of a bigger vehicle.
VW California owner here, bought it in autumn last year (after owning a shed on wheels T4 'bodge')
Quite literally, the best £30k ever spent.
Didn't want a sink
Didn't want to cook inside
Didn't want a fridge
Didn't want heating
Ended up going will all of the above.
The sink
Simple, you can clean your teeth, wash up if you have to, decent size water tank, so can last a full weekend no problems
The cooker
It's not always sunshine, wake up, cold or damp, stay inside, put the kettle on, make a bacon sarnie, heat up a spag bol on a cold evening
The fridge
The fridge on a Cali is a chest fridge, so when you open it, all the cold doesn't 'fall out' making it pretty efficient, not to mention, it's pretty cavernous. Mostly keep milk, bacon and a few cold beers/wine, nice touches, not needed, always coped with a cool box prior, but, it's an upgrade.
The heater
Our son is at Uni too, in Scotland, so, we went up over the winter, dropped him some supplies, camped in the forest, freezing outside, but popped the heating on, job jobbed. Just means the van is all year round now, we never camped in our old one in the winter.
The toilet will always be an issue, but wees are easy, need anything more, stay on a camp or we tend to wander out for cake and coffee and use facilities where needed (not often).
Whatever you choose will be right for you, but one person and a dog in a campervan would be very comfortable.
PS we both sleep in the pop top, meaning you can "come downstairs" in the morning and not have to put stuff away before cooking etc.
Quite literally, the best £30k ever spent.
Didn't want a sink
Didn't want to cook inside
Didn't want a fridge
Didn't want heating
Ended up going will all of the above.
The sink
Simple, you can clean your teeth, wash up if you have to, decent size water tank, so can last a full weekend no problems
The cooker
It's not always sunshine, wake up, cold or damp, stay inside, put the kettle on, make a bacon sarnie, heat up a spag bol on a cold evening
The fridge
The fridge on a Cali is a chest fridge, so when you open it, all the cold doesn't 'fall out' making it pretty efficient, not to mention, it's pretty cavernous. Mostly keep milk, bacon and a few cold beers/wine, nice touches, not needed, always coped with a cool box prior, but, it's an upgrade.
The heater
Our son is at Uni too, in Scotland, so, we went up over the winter, dropped him some supplies, camped in the forest, freezing outside, but popped the heating on, job jobbed. Just means the van is all year round now, we never camped in our old one in the winter.
The toilet will always be an issue, but wees are easy, need anything more, stay on a camp or we tend to wander out for cake and coffee and use facilities where needed (not often).
Whatever you choose will be right for you, but one person and a dog in a campervan would be very comfortable.
PS we both sleep in the pop top, meaning you can "come downstairs" in the morning and not have to put stuff away before cooking etc.
dirty boy said:
PS we both sleep in the pop top, meaning you can "come downstairs" in the morning and not have to put stuff away before cooking etc.
In a T5 LWB you have room - about 1m - between bed and rotated front seats. Loads for changing, making cuppas etc, and not having to wobble back upstairs to the cold tent on the roof contraption if you have a high top...Been interesting reading the last three pages. Most helpful.
I've been threatening to buy a camper/motorhome for a few years but yet to pull the trigger. Recently sold one "classic" car and the other may go this weekend.
Am I better waiting until winter when prices might be cheaper?
Worries:
I apparently snore. Wife not amused by this.
I may go alone which would alleviate problem above but cause family agro
If wife and I go then it'll be with two smallish dogs.
Using the loo in the middle of the night either inside or outside the van will be a problem.
Can see the benefits of a small sink and kitchen but wouldn't be cooking a three course meal, just kettle and heating up a ready meal.
I've been threatening to buy a camper/motorhome for a few years but yet to pull the trigger. Recently sold one "classic" car and the other may go this weekend.
Am I better waiting until winter when prices might be cheaper?
Worries:
I apparently snore. Wife not amused by this.
I may go alone which would alleviate problem above but cause family agro
If wife and I go then it'll be with two smallish dogs.
Using the loo in the middle of the night either inside or outside the van will be a problem.
Can see the benefits of a small sink and kitchen but wouldn't be cooking a three course meal, just kettle and heating up a ready meal.
Skyedriver said:
Been interesting reading the last three pages. Most helpful.
I've been threatening to buy a camper/motorhome for a few years but yet to pull the trigger. Recently sold one "classic" car and the other may go this weekend.
Am I better waiting until winter when prices might be cheaper?
Worries:
I apparently snore. Wife not amused by this.
I may go alone which would alleviate problem above but cause family agro
If wife and I go then it'll be with two smallish dogs.
Using the loo in the middle of the night either inside or outside the van will be a problem.
Can see the benefits of a small sink and kitchen but wouldn't be cooking a three course meal, just kettle and heating up a ready meal.
Unless you go for the Ford Nugget which has an on board toilet (next to the cooker I think) then you either need a caravan or something high roof based around a ducatto or transit, bailey do some decent ones based around the transit with decent seating/bed in the back and a useable shower roomI've been threatening to buy a camper/motorhome for a few years but yet to pull the trigger. Recently sold one "classic" car and the other may go this weekend.
Am I better waiting until winter when prices might be cheaper?
Worries:
I apparently snore. Wife not amused by this.
I may go alone which would alleviate problem above but cause family agro
If wife and I go then it'll be with two smallish dogs.
Using the loo in the middle of the night either inside or outside the van will be a problem.
Can see the benefits of a small sink and kitchen but wouldn't be cooking a three course meal, just kettle and heating up a ready meal.
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