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Looking for some advice

T

tomsetter

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20
Location
hove
Vehicle
Looking to buy
Hello,
Firstly apologies for posting in a forum, when I don't own a California. I want to, but currently, I own a VW transporter T6 2018, 150bhp, 43k miles, white and sage green, converted with a panorama pop top, solar power, fridge, stove, gas and water underslung, shower/hose at the back, 3 seats in the back, two up front. It's an excellent van, we love it as a family, the trouble is, that family is growing and I'd like to have the sliding seats in the back so we can use more of the van function for the 10/11 months or so when we are not using it as a camper.
I'm really looking for an exchange, to get some of what I already have plus the sliding seat function (and I must have 3 seats in the back). Basically, I think I need a Beach / Ocean! Does anyone have any good places for me to look, I've been through AutoTrader etc, but thought I would reach out to the experts. All help is much appreciated.
 
tomsetter said:
Hello,
Firstly apologies for posting in a forum, when I don't own a California. I want to, but currently, I own a VW transporter T6 2018, 150bhp, 43k miles, white and sage green, converted with a panorama pop top, solar power, fridge, stove, gas and water underslung, shower/hose at the back, 3 seats in the back, two up front. It's an excellent van, we love it as a family, the trouble is, that family is growing and I'd like to have the sliding seats in the back so we can use more of the van function for the 10/11 months or so when we are not using it as a camper.
I'm really looking for an exchange, to get some of what I already have plus the sliding seat function (and I must have 3 seats in the back). Basically, I think I need a Beach / Ocean! Does anyone have any good places for me to look, I've been through AutoTrader etc, but thought I would reach out to the experts. All help is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
You can have sliding rails retrofitted, but I presume the conversion furniture is in the way.

Have you checked this Forum vehicle sales section?

VW California Owners Club – New & Used VW T4 T5 T6 California's For Sale

vwcaliforniaclub.com
 
I think you will need to consider a Beach if you want 3 seats in the back. The Ocean and the Coast are only 2 seats in the back. :thumb
 
A number of converters do models with a sliding 3-seater bench seat, i.e. CamperKing
 
Welcome Tomsetter,

intresting that you are struggling to find a suitable vehicle, some on this forum Have suggested otherwise, I.e. Lots of vehicles for sale, which clearly isn’t your experience.

If you want three rear seat Cali your options are
T6 Beach (obviously not twin rear seat option)
T6.1 Beach camper
T6.1 Beach tourer

There is currently one three seater T6 Beach for sale in the forum listings

I wish you luck, report back when you find what your after
 
tomsetter said:
we love it as a family, the trouble is, that family is growing and I'd like to have the sliding seats in the back so we can use more of the van function for the 10/11 months or so when we are not using it as a camper.
I'm really looking for an exchange, to get some of what I already have plus the sliding seat function (and I must have 3 seats in the back).
Click to expand...
An Ocean with the extra 5th seat is excellent for the 10/11 months, take out the rear shelf & you've got loads of legroom. It robs you of central floor space but lets you separate a trouble maker from 2 other kids! It is however compromised when camping - the extent of the compromise depends how you camp.
Sleeping 5 inside is going to be tight in any VW van, a cab bunk works for the 5th person but gets in the way. If they sleep in an awning outside the van then its easy.
Moving the 5th seat in and out is a pain but simple enough once you get the hang of it.
 
See here for how a family of 5 managed in an SE (older Ocean). They've since gone bigger, but did remarkably well. Their channel has loads of videos showing different trips. Ironically it was only when driving it back to the UK to sell it (they live in Italy), that they found the freedom of travelling with the very minimum.
 
tomsetter said:
Yeah, I have seen a few, haven't checked CamperKing, Will do now. Thanks
Click to expand...
tomsetter said:
Hello,
Firstly apologies for posting in a forum, when I don't own a California. I want to, but currently, I own a VW transporter T6 2018, 150bhp, 43k miles, white and sage green, converted with a panorama pop top, solar power, fridge, stove, gas and water underslung, shower/hose at the back, 3 seats in the back, two up front. It's an excellent van, we love it as a family, the trouble is, that family is growing and I'd like to have the sliding seats in the back so we can use more of the van function for the 10/11 months or so when we are not using it as a camper.
I'm really looking for an exchange, to get some of what I already have plus the sliding seat function (and I must have 3 seats in the back). Basically, I think I need a Beach / Ocean! Does anyone have any good places for me to look, I've been through AutoTrader etc, but thought I would reach out to the experts. All help is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
If you can not get a Beach this may be useful for you.

Rock and Roll Bed, Campervan Rock and Roll Bed

Reimo offers the rock and roll bed for almost any kind of vehicle. Sleeping in your campervan bed has never been more comfortable! Crash tested…
www.reimo.com www.reimo.com

When we had a T4 we had a floor fitted with tracks and had a Reimo rock and roll bed that was 3 seats . We could slide it all the way forward and then use the van to carry a motorbike. This was a good as I retired before my husband and I would tow a caravan to somewhere during the week during the non busy part of the day then he would leave work on Friday evening by motorbike to join me. We would then put the bike in the van and go home on Sunday night or early Monday morning.

I really like my beach but the seat does not go as far forward as the one in our T4 conversion and we now have to take it out to get a motorbike inside. So you may wish to consider where the seat slides to and want size of items you wish to carry compared to what you have how.
 
Perfectos said:
Welcome Tomsetter,

intresting that you are struggling to find a suitable vehicle, some on this forum Have suggested otherwise, I.e. Lots of vehicles for sale, which clearly isn’t your experience.

If you want three rear seat Cali your options are
T6 Beach (obviously not twin rear seat option)
T6.1 Beach camper
T6.1 Beach tourer

There is currently one three seater T6 Beach for sale in the forum listings

I wish you luck, report back when you find what your after
Click to expand...
Thanks, that's very useful
 
Barbara said:
If you can not get a Beach this may be useful for you.

Rock and Roll Bed, Campervan Rock and Roll Bed

Reimo offers the rock and roll bed for almost any kind of vehicle. Sleeping in your campervan bed has never been more comfortable! Crash tested…
www.reimo.com www.reimo.com

When we had a T4 we had a floor fitted with tracks and had a Reimo rock and roll bed that was 3 seats . We could slide it all the way forward and then use the van to carry a motorbike. This was a good as I retired before my husband and I would tow a caravan to somewhere during the week during the non busy part of the day then he would leave work on Friday evening by motorbike to join me. We would then put the bike in the van and go home on Sunday night or early Monday morning.

I really like my beach but the seat does not go as far forward as the one in our T4 conversion and we now have to take it out to get a motorbike inside. So you may wish to consider where the seat slides to and want size of items you wish to carry compared to what you have how.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I"ve got a reimo bed at the moment, but due to the sink, stove and leisure battery I think it will be too expensive to install the rails. I will ask though. thanks
 
If you are looking to remove the existing furniture and make your current van the same as a Cali interior rear seats and factory trim etc, try Kernow Transporters, they carry out work with OEM parts, cali roofs etc, they sell pretty much all Cali trim and carry out retro fits.
 
2into1 said:
See here for how a family of 5 managed in an SE (older Ocean). They've since gone bigger, but did remarkably well. Their channel has loads of videos showing different trips. Ironically it was only when driving it back to the UK to sell it (they live in Italy), that they found the freedom of travelling with the very minimum.
Click to expand...
Yes, and I loved watching them. Beautiful people. Indeed, they dragged a lot. We are more of the less is more type travellers or like you put it: travelling with the very minimum.
 
2into1 said:
See here for how a family of 5 managed in an SE (older Ocean). They've since gone bigger, but did remarkably well. Their channel has loads of videos showing different trips. Ironically it was only when driving it back to the UK to sell it (they live in Italy), that they found the freedom of travelling with the very minimum.
Click to expand...
They also did a good video when they met with some friends who have a Tonke conversion with a 3 seat bench. I was interested in the Tonke but RHD and cost put an end to that.
 
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