Hi. I was lucky enough to order an All Terrain version of this van (most of the 69 were sold out within 30 minutes when orders opened in July 2022. Picked ours up a month ago. Love it!! I think the Grand California is not allowed here as the sliding door is on the wrong side. The All Terrain version sits 50mm higher with Seikel lift kit and 245 R70 16 tyres. Steel wheels are good for durability off the beaten track. Cheers. Geoff
Ahhh! The sliding door on the wrong side - very interesting. You did really well in securing one then - brilliant stuff!! You'll have to email us some pics !
@@CampervanTime Actually I am really glad the GC isn't available here as it wouldn't have fitted in my carport or shed (too tall). The Kampervan at 2.85m just fits. We really like the twin bed arrangement (can be made up as a queen bed if desired) and the clear walkway to the rear doors. Love flinging open those doors with a beach on your doorstep :). I'll send a couple of pics.
I have recently taken delivery of the basic spec Kampervan standard in plain white. I was lucky that someone had cancelled their order and I was able to jump the cue . Current delivery time is out to November or later. I think that this probably the best value camper van available here in Australia. There are some minor design faults but hey I can live with them. I am 6' and can stand up ok in the van. We leave the beds as singles and I can sleep ok in the shorter of the two beds(it's also a bit wider). I like the inclusion of the Eberspacher diesel heater as standard as well as the 1500W inverter, 2 x 110AH lithium batteries, 220W of solar panels, 120 litres of water and 80 litres grey water(some National Parks do not allow grey water discharge). We can easily go away free camping off grid for a few days. All three models are only available in 4motion and have a lockable rear diff. It's not an "off road" vehicle but at least I have a chance of not getting stuck on slippery wet grass, mud or sand. I'm too old to be pushing 4 tons
It's such a great spec to have when compared to the Grand we have here in the UK and Europe. Lithium batteries, big solar, inverter etc etc, it's great!
Looking at maybe purchasing, but not so sure about lack of opening windows in the sleeping area and the lack of curtains... only suction cap window screens it would seem?
Well spotted William and Sarah! You've got my interest that's for sure! You've made an old woman very happy. I followed up the video and boy, that Jayco Krafter hit the spot! I think Mr Is said they'd be available... In Oz in Juy. So come on you chaps. It's down to us peeps to chase 'em up over here. Thank God they're not producing it with a teddy boy hair bump! Onward chaps. One Krafter Kampervan Style for me. Now we wait! Sixpence they'll produce it with a transverse bed option. Byeee, Pam xx ps I liked this with the larger awning with shoulders. Nice new logo.
That's one dink of a California 680 to me! Oh William, what has Sarah set you loose on?! I think you're both very clever! Hey, me? A C/Krafter fan? You bet! This is wonderful A Nd dare I say optimistic news. Thank you for rummaging about and finding it all. Now I'll have a go! Take care. All the best, Pam xx😂
Very interesting, I could encourage my sister in Australia to buy one😊. We don't have room to park a Krafter so sticking with 6.1 LWB😊. Interesting video, though. Thanks Will.
Owner of both a California Beach TDI450 and Crafter Kampervan All-Terrain here in Australia .. Regarding the NZ vs AU model availability its a relatively simple reason, mainly due to NZ having far more relaxed vehicle design rules and regulations compared to Australia and the frankly ridiculous "Australian Design Rules or ADR's and VSI's) which are not nationally recognised. For example, in Victoria AU, the T6.1 California is classed as a light offroad or "MC" category vehicle, according to VSI regulations we are not allowed an increase of tyre height of more than 15mm (without additional engineering and certification) and yet our neighbouring states allow up to 50mm. More common sense rules exist ie, single side entry doors must only open kerb side (passenger). In NZ, its more of a free for all. Don't feel too bad on missing out on the Kampervan however, ours (and multiple other owners) are experiencing numerous build quality issues due to the converter (Jayco) slapping these vehicles together and hoping for the best once they get to customers.
QC issues such as, shower/toilet cubical sealant separation, rear quarter panel glass falling out or shattering at speed, electric side step giving way due to misaligned rivets, loose wiring from mains power hookup flapping about behind cheap MDF panel board even a complete different set of shower / toilet hardware between same built month vehicles. Even some of the final fit and finish materials are of very average quality for the money spent on these things. That's also not mentioning the delivering dealer's and customers were left in the dark mostly due to zero transparency between Jayco and VW Australia and not having a dealer level portal to allow salespeople to inform customers of progress updates etc. And plenty of customer's have reported that there has been little to no training on these vehicles so customer's have been handballed a vehicle that the dealer's have no technical information on to assist with customer questions on the spot.
Oh dear, that doesn't sound good. Hopefully teething problems and as they supply and fix more of them things will improve. Sorry to hear your having problems.
The only thing they need to add to uk Grand Cali for me would be option for that rear lounge layout for those that don’t need tons of garage space and option for upgraded electrics with bigger inverter. Oh and an awning that ties back to the van is obviously genius!
I think most of the conversation companies could step up if given some Volkswagen kit. I do like the quality of Platinum Wave campers, although it was strange not to see any of their campers at the NEC last month.
I was posting about this on the forum a few weeks back. Similar conclusion. They would make a killing in Europe/UK for this size. It is, from my recollection, a licensed conversion, and sold out also immediately.
I like it. I can see some of the vw believers are threatened by something fitted out by someone else, but I'd prefer if that way. Vw have a history of doing the same in Europe with the Westfalia T4 models up to 2003 which were official vw products with VW brochures, ordered through main dealers. The layout here is for RHD with the sliding door on our side, so would need reversing if done on the continent. I'm a big fan of the rear lounge set up. Even in a big van, a fixed bed rakes up too much space for many of us. To have nearly a 7m van (GC6.8)and be stuck on top of each other around that tiny dinette with hard seat bases and upright backs seems daft to me. BTW, when did the channel name / branding change? It obviously makes sense but I missed the swap!
All great points well made. Channel name swap was about 2 weeks ago - we didn't want to make a big song and dance about it. Hope we can still keep you interested with what we have planned :)
Surely no standing headroom in 4M version, complete lack of ventilation, seems to use just a standard Crafter minibus windows… I,d rather retrofit Grand Cali 680 with some better electrcis and solar than this…
I think it varies from person to person. We have no need for a garage type layout as only go away for 3-4 nights at a time but then other people take bikes away with them so serves a purpose, also I do not like a big bulge above the cab on the UK versions. Our main problem with the T6 is one of us may want to go to bed earlier than the other and also having a dog can get a bit on the tight side. That layout would work for us, sort of Campervan becomes motorhome so would depend on UK pricing
It looks terrible in my opinion the van, the interior, the windows and the ugly equipment used inside, looks like a bad home made van conversion, completely disproportional this low roof with the length of the 680, the grand California is the only van today that took the risk to look elegant, minimalist and different from every other option around since they all look like granny’s house on wheels, all the options are very easy to retrofit, but sure maybe on UK would be a success most of you guys have a terrible taste on campers and wheels 😂! Your last California looked fantastic by the way, Thanks for the videos always enjoyable to watch please share your choice on the next Campervan I’m curious, cheers!
Hi. I was lucky enough to order an All Terrain version of this van (most of the 69 were sold out within 30 minutes when orders opened in July 2022. Picked ours up a month ago. Love it!! I think the Grand California is not allowed here as the sliding door is on the wrong side. The All Terrain version sits 50mm higher with Seikel lift kit and 245 R70 16 tyres. Steel wheels are good for durability off the beaten track. Cheers. Geoff
Ahhh! The sliding door on the wrong side - very interesting. You did really well in securing one then - brilliant stuff!! You'll have to email us some pics !
@@CampervanTime Actually I am really glad the GC isn't available here as it wouldn't have fitted in my carport or shed (too tall). The Kampervan at 2.85m just fits. We really like the twin bed arrangement (can be made up as a queen bed if desired) and the clear walkway to the rear doors. Love flinging open those doors with a beach on your doorstep :). I'll send a couple of pics.
I have recently taken delivery of the basic spec Kampervan standard in plain white. I was lucky that someone had cancelled their order and I was able to jump the cue . Current delivery time is out to November or later.
I think that this probably the best value camper van available here in Australia. There are some minor design faults but hey I can live with them.
I am 6' and can stand up ok in the van. We leave the beds as singles and I can sleep ok in the shorter of the two beds(it's also a bit wider).
I like the inclusion of the Eberspacher diesel heater as standard as well as the 1500W inverter, 2 x 110AH lithium batteries, 220W of solar panels, 120 litres of water and 80 litres grey water(some National Parks do not allow grey water discharge). We can easily go away free camping off grid for a few days.
All three models are only available in 4motion and have a lockable rear diff. It's not an "off road" vehicle but at least I have a chance of not getting stuck on slippery wet grass, mud or sand.
I'm too old to be pushing 4 tons
It's such a great spec to have when compared to the Grand we have here in the UK and Europe. Lithium batteries, big solar, inverter etc etc, it's great!
Looking at maybe purchasing, but not so sure about lack of opening windows in the sleeping area and the lack of curtains... only suction cap window screens it would seem?
I have one ! I bought mine in Australia in March 2023.. I’ve driven 7500kms so far and it’s incredible!
Love it
Thanks Michael for your comment. Did you buy one and use it in Australia or did you buy it there and ship it to Europe?
Just been told about your channel and subbed. We have three Border Collies who love travelling in our van
Well spotted William and Sarah! You've got my interest that's for sure! You've made an old woman very happy. I followed up the video and boy, that Jayco Krafter hit the spot! I think Mr Is said they'd be available... In Oz in Juy. So come on you chaps. It's down to us peeps to chase 'em up over here. Thank God they're not producing it with a teddy boy hair bump! Onward chaps. One Krafter Kampervan Style for me. Now we wait! Sixpence they'll produce it with a transverse bed option. Byeee, Pam xx ps I liked this with the larger awning with shoulders. Nice new logo.
That's one dink of a California 680 to me! Oh William, what has Sarah set you loose on?! I think you're both very clever! Hey, me? A C/Krafter fan? You bet! This is wonderful A Nd dare I say optimistic news. Thank you for rummaging about and finding it all. Now I'll have a go! Take care. All the best, Pam xx😂
Very interesting, I could encourage my sister in Australia to buy one😊. We don't have room to park a Krafter so sticking with 6.1 LWB😊. Interesting video, though. Thanks Will.
Owner of both a California Beach TDI450 and Crafter Kampervan All-Terrain here in Australia .. Regarding the NZ vs AU model availability its a relatively simple reason, mainly due to NZ having far more relaxed vehicle design rules and regulations compared to Australia and the frankly ridiculous "Australian Design Rules or ADR's and VSI's) which are not nationally recognised. For example, in Victoria AU, the T6.1 California is classed as a light offroad or "MC" category vehicle, according to VSI regulations we are not allowed an increase of tyre height of more than 15mm (without additional engineering and certification) and yet our neighbouring states allow up to 50mm. More common sense rules exist ie, single side entry doors must only open kerb side (passenger). In NZ, its more of a free for all.
Don't feel too bad on missing out on the Kampervan however, ours (and multiple other owners) are experiencing numerous build quality issues due to the converter (Jayco) slapping these vehicles together and hoping for the best once they get to customers.
QC issues such as, shower/toilet cubical sealant separation, rear quarter panel glass falling out or shattering at speed, electric side step giving way due to misaligned rivets, loose wiring from mains power hookup flapping about behind cheap MDF panel board even a complete different set of shower / toilet hardware between same built month vehicles. Even some of the final fit and finish materials are of very average quality for the money spent on these things.
That's also not mentioning the delivering dealer's and customers were left in the dark mostly due to zero transparency between Jayco and VW Australia and not having a dealer level portal to allow salespeople to inform customers of progress updates etc.
And plenty of customer's have reported that there has been little to no training on these vehicles so customer's have been handballed a vehicle that the dealer's have no technical information on to assist with customer questions on the spot.
Very interesting, thanks for explaining
Oh dear, that doesn't sound good. Hopefully teething problems and as they supply and fix more of them things will improve. Sorry to hear your having problems.
The only thing they need to add to uk Grand Cali for me would be option for that rear lounge layout for those that don’t need tons of garage space and option for upgraded electrics with bigger inverter. Oh and an awning that ties back to the van is obviously genius!
Campervantastic even!
I think most of the conversation companies could step up if given some Volkswagen kit. I do like the quality of Platinum Wave campers, although it was strange not to see any of their campers at the NEC last month.
I was posting about this on the forum a few weeks back. Similar conclusion. They would make a killing in Europe/UK for this size. It is, from my recollection, a licensed conversion, and sold out also immediately.
Good report but I couldn't help starting to count how my times you mentioned the word 'interesting/interest'
Yes sorry about that - had a lot going on whilst filming this! Will do better!
I like it. I can see some of the vw believers are threatened by something fitted out by someone else, but I'd prefer if that way. Vw have a history of doing the same in Europe with the Westfalia T4 models up to 2003 which were official vw products with VW brochures, ordered through main dealers.
The layout here is for RHD with the sliding door on our side, so would need reversing if done on the continent.
I'm a big fan of the rear lounge set up. Even in a big van, a fixed bed rakes up too much space for many of us. To have nearly a 7m van (GC6.8)and be stuck on top of each other around that tiny dinette with hard seat bases and upright backs seems daft to me.
BTW, when did the channel name / branding change? It obviously makes sense but I missed the swap!
All great points well made. Channel name swap was about 2 weeks ago - we didn't want to make a big song and dance about it. Hope we can still keep you interested with what we have planned :)
Certainly will. We like you both, the pooch, the travels and the vans!
Surely no standing headroom in 4M version, complete lack of ventilation, seems to use just a standard Crafter minibus windows… I,d rather retrofit Grand Cali 680 with some better electrcis and solar than this…
if it had a raised German style bed for garage space i would back who ever converted it 100%
Campervan tasting?!
I think it varies from person to person. We have no need for a garage type layout as only go away for 3-4 nights at a time but then other people take bikes away with them so serves a purpose, also I do not like a big bulge above the cab on the UK versions. Our main problem with the T6 is one of us may want to go to bed earlier than the other and also having a dog can get a bit on the tight side. That layout would work for us, sort of Campervan becomes motorhome so would depend on UK pricing
'Promo SM'
It looks terrible in my opinion the van, the interior, the windows and the ugly equipment used inside, looks like a bad home made van conversion, completely disproportional this low roof with the length of the 680, the grand California is the only van today that took the risk to look elegant, minimalist and different from every other option around since they all look like granny’s house on wheels, all the options are very easy to retrofit, but sure maybe on UK would be a success most of you guys have a terrible taste on campers and wheels 😂! Your last California looked fantastic by the way, Thanks for the videos always enjoyable to watch please share your choice on the next Campervan I’m curious, cheers!
We reveal all soon!!
Please stop doing that gulp soo annoying or move the mic!!