VW Grand California 600: Our Honest Reflections + Top 3 Likes & Dislikes
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- VW have lent us a Grand California 600 for a week!
In this video we discuss our honest reflections and our top three likes and dislikes.
Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions we can try and answer for you!
Keep a look out for our other new videos coming to the channel soon and a BIG thank you to all of our wonderful subscribers - we have been blown away by how many of you are now following what we are doing. We can’t wait to share more content with you.
Take care, sit back and grab yourself some California Time !
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Contact: contact@californiatime.co.uk
#CaliforniaTime #vwgrandcalifornia #campervan
I honestly like the forehead, especially with the solar panels on it
Your videos are a pleasure to watch. Nice interaction between you and unbiased down to earth observations and advice.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is a game changer... California Time, and now A.B.A.B. no longer have Calis!
Not sure what is happening here, what will I watch now? I did like things just as they were.
OOHHHHH!!! Gutted beyond recognition!
I love seeing Roxy though, and yourselves of course!
It's bizarre isn't it! Sorry that things change. I'm sure there will be others that come along to fill the gap - Campervan Journey? Familie mit Bulli with subtitles?
@@CampervanTime Thanks for the reply Will, but they're not in the same league, I'll still watch you guys, but still be disapointed that you sold Whippsy. You are very watchable and good at what you do!🥰
@@CampervanTime NO WAY!!!
Going to view a California 600 nx wk so excited now have a T6 campervan but getting old and seeing some inside to these vehicles really helps make up our minds , so it’s ei😊her the 600 or another conversion which will probably cost more !
I'd really like to see your "slightly drunk" long-form review! Go on, you know you want to put that out there. Still convinced the GC 600 is the one for us, not least because prices in mainland Europe are SO SO much cheaper than the UK + you get the dealer network to yell at.
Oh a follow up question - you've attached a sucker hook above the bench-seat (visible here czcams.com/video/tfeo4quwJtQ/video.html) - what is it and where can I get it from, please?
Yeah, I like the big side mirrors
especially when you can't see directly backwards
through your rear window.
About the exterior front extension ("forehead" as you call it)
that just needs some colorful LED lights to make it more jolly
(please do not use red and blue lights as not to be confused with the POLICE and get fined). :))
Never seen a Grand 600 with LEDs on the forehead yet! Always will be a first time I suppose!!
Hello. What is the speedometer on 8th gear at 2000 rpm?
I think the 5 years VW warranty is the winner for Will over a conversion.
It's certainly a nice bonus and especially for resale too - given that it is a proper factory warranty and not aftermarket etc.
FYI. The T6.1's stove is also a Dometic although the glass top is a VW part number. Look forward to seeing what you get next after selling the Ocean.
Very helpful and informative but I think I really need to see the full unedited drunked video before I can decide
Sometime maybe... !!
My money is on you ordering a 680! Hopefully time will tell if I’m right…Can you let me know where your rainbow striped throw is from? I’ve been eyeing that up in your videos for months!
The throw is from a shop called Roos Beach in Porth, Cornwall. They have an online shop 🥰
Interesting design insights, presented with the usual entertaining banter.
Would agree organising the bed every evening in a Cali is a bit of a chore leaving little cabin space to do anything else.
However, would miss the small footprint and all round viewing, whilst inside on site.
Getting dressed still a challenge? Noticed one camper was recommending a Dryrobe. You could change outside in the morning sun!!!
Big forehead! Actually made me laugh out loud. Loved this video and your review.
Good review. I’ve had a GC600 for a year and all the things you said ring true to me. I made a smaller table, similar to the Yescamper one and had the tap issue (fixed by VW under warranty). Locker handles need a bit of empathy (push door then squeeze to release) so perhaps not VW’s finest choice. As for the look, that as you’ve said is a bit marmite but it sort of grows on you. Its quite sensitive to colour and alloys, bigger alloys/wheels and dark colours can move the look from awkward to purposeful, but that is just one point of view, it is all very subjective.
Thanks for the confirmation that we got the content right - we wanted to be open and honest about how we found it. We agree regarding the colour and looks, it's something that can be altered to give the look you want.
The cotton balls you put up what did you put them up with ?
Just 3M command hooks in transparent colour.
Another great VLOG Sarah, Will and Roxy. I reckon your minds are made up, can't wait to hear about your future plans. Roxy is such a sweetie, she has really settled down and is going to love her travels in her Campervan when she gets a new one!!! Looking forward to more videos, have a great week. If you buy a a GC you won't need to change the name of your channel, just the graphics!! Cheers. x
We'll have to say something soon but there are so many good options out there! Roxy is settling in quite nicely and loves a good journey, which is helpful!
It is shame we cannot buy these in USA (California!). When will VW start selling these in California?
Who knows!!!
I guess never. Let me quote the following for the transporter based California: It seems bringing the California to the States is a costly proposition to VW (your federal homologation) and is't not certain to offer a return on investment. They have enough data to figure that out. The California is only a small minority of sales of T6 variants. In other words, despite how you see it and want one on your side, there hasn't really been an opportunity to miss for VW. They don't think they could sell enough camper vans to cover the cost of what it would take to bring them there. And I'm afraid this is also the case for the Crafter/ Grand California. You also have a wide range of Class B motorhomes, I think, just like us. So there are alternatives.
You will get the ID Buzz and maybe there will be a simple campervan (maybe even with a poptop) based on this. It is guesswork whether this campervan will come to you. There will be a completely new transporter in the near future (after the T6.1) and it will be made in Turkey in collaboration with Ford; the new California, small campervan, will be based on that and maybe it will come to you (due to different outcome of their cost calculations?). One can only hope. We drive a T6.1 california and it is a great vehicle. We love it.
We are looking at upsizing from our VW California Ocean T6 . Have had her 5yrs and love her however will it be fetter to have a fixed bed and onboard washroom! Advice welcome .
Well the T6 Ocean is a hard act to follow as it's such a good van, but there are some nice options out there. Are you considering Crafter / MAN vans only or are you not too fussed? If it's Crafter/MAN then there are the old favourites (Grand Cali, Westfalia Sven Hedin, Knaus Boxlife, Hillside Hopton etc), but then there are some new entrants to that market too, Wildax Altair, 8 Ball XL, Globe Traveller Falcon etc. You mention a fixed bed and if you want that, you need to have a think about if you want it to be transverse, across the van at the back or if you want long-ways, and full width. That will help you decide on what length of van, then that starts to narrow your options down a bit. Good luck hunting!
@@CampervanTime was look at 600?? Then thought a MH by others …confused. We are retired and use the Dub as our only vehicle however we are fortunate that we can buy a Puddle Jumper lol
We ultimately decided on a GC600 and we're very happy with it. The Crafter is such a pleasure to drive compared to any Fiat Ducato-based van, it's not even a fair comparison. Not having to make the bed every night is such a comfortable thing. And I couldn't even imagine not having a proper washroom in a van like the smaller California. I'm 40+ and it's unusual that I don't have to go up at least once per night. The thought of having to slide open the door and go out in the forest or camp site facilities just to do a quick #1 at 3am is frankly off-putting to me. 🙈 That said, the idea of a smaller van is still appealing to me at some romantic level, but it's just not practical for our needs. The GC600 even lets you take a proper shower - I've tried it twice and it's such a pleasure to be fully autonomous like that when on the road. If we didn't have two kids with us, we'd probably consider slightly smaller options but for us, the GC600 is nearly perfect.
The only two things I don't like about it are the locker closings - way too fiddly and difficult to open - and the privacy blinds in the front. Compared to most Fiat Ducato vans, VW hardly block the sunlight and takes at least 10 times longer to set up.
I disagree with the looks, it's one of the coolest looking full-size camper vans I've seen! And the interior height is such a pleasure, you really appreciate the additional space. Happy camping!
Sounds like you've got just the right van for your needs, perfect! In terms of the cab blinds, I presume you know that Remis now make cab blinds for the Crafter for the front doors and windscreen? These are the same style as you get in a lot of Ducatos etc. Not cheap though!!
@@CampervanTime Right, they're prohibitively expensive and I'd probably rather look for an external insulation cover for less than 1/10th the price.
The external covers do work really well and are preferred method too, although obviously a bit of a pain when it's been raining or dewey in the morning.
What about the table? Have you find it not comfortable to set up?
@@annareviews7294 in the 2023 model, there's a hook for it under the bed, aligned with the gas door. This means you need to step out of the van with the table and shove it in from the back doors. I don't know what they were thinking, honestly. They had such an elegant solution for the California Ocean, why didn't they just copy that and made it a bit bigger? So no, I don't like this part of the van but since the process takes about 30 seconds, it's not something I would consider a dealbreaker by any means. All in all, we're incredibly happy with it. It drives wonderfully, the bed is truly comfortable, the shower is warm and convenient, and the overall feeling is that of luxury. 😊
Nice first impression. Excited to see how you‘ll decide! 🚐👨👩👦🐕
Thanks! 😀
Another great vid guys 😊 had hoped I would go off the idea of a grand cali 😂 I do how ever need to watch this again, I stopped focusing on you when Roxy made an appearance 🥰
Great stuff! Two views from you can't be bad!!
Thanks for sharing, great to hear reality of the grand. Also to see the adorable Roxy ❤
She was being quite docile in that video - you should see her most of the rest of the time!!
I can imagine 🤣👍 love a puppy 😍🐶
Interesting review and some great observations. Strange the sat nav behaved so badly.
Can’t beat a fixed bed for convenience can you!
Your dog is so cute 😀
All the best, David & Rachel 👍
Thanks for watching! Totally agree on the bed !
Could you please let me know if I could secure a small motor scooter to the floor in the rear storage area?
Cheers
I think it depends. If you're thinking about something like a Vespa then no, not really, if you're thinking about maybe a mobility scooter then yes, if of a small/modest size. You do have to consider available payload in these vans as well if you have a 3.5 tonne version rather than the 3.88 tonne, as the 3.5 tonne can't carry a huge amount.
Thank you for the insight into this vehicle.
Thanks for de review! Your doggy is very sweet the biting period is over? We like her a lot!
Biting, well mostly but she still has her moments. We keep finding little blood spots on her soft toys so teeth are still coming through..
A good honest review, it's growing on me however sticking with the T6 for now. Fixed bed would be a great option for us however only go away for 4-5 nights at a time so do not need all that storage yet. The front end will never grow on me sorry as space we would never use however overall would always stick with VW as great vans and loving the doggy
Thanks, we certainly think the T6 is a brilliant sweet-spot of the Cali range so keep it!
Get rid of the frightful teddy bear look and it'll be fine!! Great, honest review AND to have The Woofer on show was a grand selling point! Seriously, thank you both for such an honest, realistic review. Much appreciated best wishes, Pam
Well if you're referring to our little lion, that's Reggie, and there is a whole van backstory with him !! If you're referring to me (Will), I always look like this I can't help it LOL
Oh ha ha! Very good and quick off the mark. I am ALWAYS impressed by you, Sarah of course and The Woofter. I've been quietly following you for a while. Now I KNOW I can have some fun whilst being serious when it matters. Bye for now ... and thanks. Pam xx
You're very welcome and if you are going to the NEC show on the Saturday (by any chance) you MUST say hi!
Its a nice van but there are so many options with style, layout, tech etc in that category of vehicle. I wouldn't worry too much about 2 warranties running alongside if that's your deciding factor. its pretty easy to separate the mechanics of the vehicle from the conversion. Our experience of our Wildax has been great with a few small snags sorted very quickly. We liked that they are Uk based but are part of the Rapido group same as Westfalia. Most of the internals and appliances are covered by the manufacturer such as domestic / truma etc but just choose a good dealer who will be the first port of call. The only real advantage with VW is probably the hire purchase / PCP deals.
Great to hear you've had a good experience with Wildax. Yes the discounts off list and HP/PCP deals do make the Grand Cali quite a bit cheaper than a lot of the other options, which is a consideration too.
Still doesn’t do it more me, for the size of the vehicle it’s still cramped inside. We are 2 + 2 dogs and manage fine in our Cali, can’t see any major advantage at all for us in a grand. Reckon you guys have been sucked in and have one on order already 🤔
If you don't see any advantage... don't get one.
Others prefer a comfortable fixed bed, a loo (especially in the middle of the night / early morning), a hot shower, space to stand up without needing to pop a roof and loads more storage.
Whereas your cali looks better, is easier to drive and much easier to park, costs a bit less to buy and run, and is better understood by VW service centres.
To you the latter set of benefits is more important. Others including me feel differently. That's fine :)
Every different campervan is a set of trade offs - and at any moment in time surely it is about picking a set of trade offs that suit what you want / are prepared to bend on. We just think it's good to have choice in the market so everyone should be able to find their sweet spot, whatever it is.
Great reviews 👌, very informative 👍
Thanks! 👍
great analysis as usual . indeed plastic lockers are fragile and this GC is pretty "massive" design . As you said , permanent bed ( an additional stool is welcome .. ) is great and for sure a nice van for more comfort and protection for full year users . Apparently lovely Roxy enjoyed it !
She did!!
Hi Will and Sarah I wish someone would design a crafter style mirror replacement for the Transporter T6.1 as I find those mirrors to have horrendous blind spots. I drive a lorry for work and I have more mirrors and cameras than I know what to do with .my only concern is the mirrors apart from that I love my t6.1 but the more I see the crafter the more I want one 🤟
You also wouldn't believe how good they drive - have you tried one?
Interesting video. I was thinking the exact same as you just before you mentioned it - first 2 'likes' were not GC specific.... I haven't seen enough other vans yet but am still not convinced thats the best way to build out that size of van. One other observation I havent really seen mentioned - the interior is just very...... 'ordinary/bland/characterless' and reminds me of hundreds of flights for work sat in economy staring at bland aircraft interiors. I know thats probably the point for a mass produced global VW vehicle, but why not go for something with some style and character inside. It doesn't need to made out of old pallets to have character either ;) If there was a van equivalent of magnolia interior paint, then that looks like it to me - needs some character, and I'm not talking plastic trailing plants! 😉😉
It's a really tricky one for manufactures I think to find the sweet spot between plain/boring/blank and over-done style. Westfalia are very nice in our opinion in finding that nice balance but even they have a bit too much wood veneer for our liking too. I suppose it depends if you like the automotive OEM kind of look. The regular Cali isn't great either, being all grey of various shades!
Would the forehead look better for having a solar panel fitted?
Quite possibly....
You forgot to do dishes before recording...
SpaceMate pls 😉
It’s coming…. 👍
@@CampervanTime Cool - you might want to let him know his site for trying to explain the differences between v1 and v2 is too poor to allow customers to make a purchase decision, and no indication if the 335 will fit on the back right WITH the coin mat he sells.
Ahh ok, yes I'll let him know. But... in answer to your question, yes, it does and we try it on the video (going live 19th Feb)... I explain all of the differences in the video, don't worry. I think it has been a bit chicken and egg, he's wanted to get the site updated but our video is crucial to giving people the info they need too - just ask you are wanting. So... if you can wait until the 19th Feb you'll see :)
@@CampervanTime With his coin rubber base in or bare metal as per your V1 video?
With his coin rubber
Is Will sponsored by Yeti now?
Ha! I wish!! Spent a small fortune on their stuff. It is nice quality though. Must remember to wear something else 🤣
I like their stuff too. Both the clothing and mugs and cups. You should get the yeti bucket, it’s great for washing all manner of things and also make a useful step or seat if you turn it upside down.
Sounds great, will take a look!
Would you buy one.xx
It's an option....
We know we can't keep our plans a secret for much longer... we'll burst soon!
@@CampervanTime I bet you've ordered one already!!!
YES!!
Surprised you didn’t mention how it’s priced, it’s ridiculous 😂
Yes sorry about that, I should have mentioned how it is priced and what discounts can be had. It's not so ridiculous when you consider what it's competition costs and the (very) limited discounts, if any, that are available on them and also the crazy APR finance that gets offered too, if you need that option.
even the older vans did well on the road-----> czcams.com/video/qwKVIAVGY_8/video.html
It really is an ugly van, additional storage means you will carry more stuff you don’t need.
It's certainly a design that we don't see a huge amount of in this country, although more and more manufacturers are starting to use it so maybe it will become more of a common sight. I remember YEARS ago when I first saw a new Ford Focus on the road and I thought 'naaa, that won't catch on, horrible thing' and then time has proved me wrong....
I don't agree about the looks which are subjective and don't really matter anyway. The VW is far nicer to drive than any Fiat/Citroen/Peugeot/Renault vans that I have tried. What matters to me is how a camper or motorhome is to live with and use for the 6 to 8 week holidays covering over 3000 miles in Europe that we have at least once a year. I have driven many different models having worked for a major motorhome dealer in the past and I had the first motorhome of my own in 1987 so I feel that I do know a little about them.
@@TwizyMan looks always matter as they are the out-wood projection of yourself and the sight you return to each time. In general any vehicle with a bulbous protrusion has difficulty in looking good. It is functional but they could have made a better job of the looks. So I prefer almost any conversion based on that van than the grand California. If I wanted that sort of space with the over the cab bed I would want one useable by more than children and would probably have a coachbuilt or class c van. The LWB Grand California is a much nicer looking van.