Family Of 5 ( Is It Possible ?!)

[Looseboy]

Hello all

Newbie looking at my options and I am now wondering if we can actually join the club yet or if we should wait a little longer.

We had planned to have one nearer our retirement but are wondering now if we can get a Cali Ocean or conversion that will act as family car plus allow us to get away with the whole family along occasionally with drive away awning etc...

Issue being our kids are adult size 5.6 5.9 and 5.11

I would want the journey to be comfortable for anyone in the back as family holidays could take us to south of France etc...

Anyone with any experiences and or ideas to share please?

 

[Loz]

Cali Ocean is only practical as a 4 seater

 

[Trickyry]

Thought about a Caravelle?
or a kombi converted to caravelle seating with roof and multiflex bed?

 

[True Romance]

Kombi and tent.

 

[Dieseldonkey]

I've got 6 adult size seats in my conversion. Sliding bed/double seat on rails at the rear and a mid row of removable lift out Shuttle seats if need be. Also handy if you ever need isofix.

T6 Shuttle Conversion

 

[Looseboy]

Cali Ocean is only practical as a 4 seater

Thanks Loz

I thought it was only the Cali DSG 204 4motion that was restricted to 4 seats and other models had the option.

 

[Looseboy]

Thought about a Caravelle?
or a kombi converted to caravelle seating with roof and multiflex bed?

Hi @Trickyry

Not as yet I was working on the Cali Ocean and or T6 highline conversion as the 2 options

That has given me enough food for thought so far but I will widen the search and do a bit of research.

Many thanks

 

[Looseboy]

I've got 6 adult size seats in my conversion. Sliding bed/double seat on rails at the rear and a mid row of removable lift out Shuttle seats if need be. Also handy if you ever need isofix.

T6 Shuttle Conversion

Thanks @Dieseldonkey

Looks nice and another option i had not considered.

So I guess it was van dependant for that set up?

I have so far been looking at converting a T6 highline

The option I was exploring was for 3 seats a Reimo 3000 sliding seat.

Although I like the look of your Buddy seat option

Many thanks and great looking conversion

 

[BognorMotors]

Cali Ocean has a fifth removable seat and with the bed removed the sliding seat goes back and you have enough room. Would be very cramped camping with five, I know as we are five and not that big.

I have four Cali Oceans for sale

 

[t0mb0]

Thanks @Dieseldonkey

Looks nice and another option i had not considered.

So I guess it was van dependant for that set up?

I have so far been looking at converting a T6 highline

The option I was exploring was for 3 seats a Reimo 3000 sliding seat.

Although I like the look of your Buddy seat option

Many thanks and great looking conversion

We have a Reimo variotech that seats three, although ours are much younger/smaller. You’d have to try them. One thing to be aware of though, the rails for the variotech can take up to two individual ‘airline’ style extra seats which can be taken in and out of the van. Recommend a LWB if you go for this option.

 

[Skinnysye]

I've got six seats in my conversion, three in the rear in the form of a rib Altair 130 ( same width as the rear of our VW touran ) three seats up the front that can accommodate adults however when actually camping we can only realistically accommodate four with the poptop unless we pack an awning.

 

[Looseboy]

We have a Reimo variotech that seats three, although ours are much younger/smaller. You’d have to try them. One thing to be aware of though, the rails for the variotech can take up to two individual ‘airline’ style extra seats which can be taken in and out of the van. Recommend a LWB if you go for this option.

Thanks @t0mb0

We are looking at the 150cm wise so a little extra room on the seat and wider bed with down side of slimline units.

Just need to see them to get a view of what finished result is like.

Regarding LWB I have kind of discounted due to needing it as a family vehicle so wanted it to be as compact as possible for when around town parking etc... or is this it an issue?

 

[Looseboy]

I've got six seats in my conversion, three in the rear in the form of a rib Altair 130 ( same width as the rear of our VW touran ) three seats up the front that can accommodate adults however when actually camping we can only realistically accommodate four with the poptop unless we pack an awning.View attachment 50277

@Skinnysye Lovely interior

Larger lumps my kids so I think we need to 150cm wide set of seats .

 

[t0mb0]

Thanks @t0mb0

We are looking at the 150cm wise so a little extra room on the seat and wider bed with down side of slimline units.

Just need to see them to get a view of what finished result is like.

Regarding LWB I have kind of discounted due to needing it as a family vehicle so wanted it to be as compact as possible for when around town parking etc... or is this it an issue?

We have a 120cm wide Reimo variotech, picture below. We have a family of five and a LWB, and personally we wouldn't consider a SWB after using the LWB. We don't find parking too much of an issue.

 

[Lukavell]

We're a family of five. We've not slept in ours yet but plan to.

After owning first a 2003 Caravelle, then a 2008 Kombi, I got a Caravelle again next; for the premium interior set up, factory sound proofing, 3 Zone CC, etc, it's extremely comfortable on long journeys. That said the Kombi was great for muddy boots etc!

I've just fitted it out with a multi-flex board which will sleep two adults or three kids and in lieu of a pop top roof I'm off to fit a roof top tent with awning for the remainder of us.

 

[Looseboy]

We have a 120cm wide Reimo variotech, picture below. We have a family of five and a LWB, and personally we wouldn't consider a SWB after using the LWB. We don't find parking too much of an issue.

View attachment 50286

@t0mb0 i like the bags. Nice idea to go on on my list.

 

[Looseboy]

I've got six seats in my conversion, three in the rear in the form of a rib Altair 130 ( same width as the rear of our VW touran ) three seats up the front that can accommodate adults however when actually camping we can only realistically accommodate four with the poptop unless we pack an awning.View attachment 50277

@Skinnysye I love the seat belt covers

 

[Looseboy]

Cali Ocean has a fifth removable seat and with the bed removed the sliding seat goes back and you have enough room. Would be very cramped camping with five, I know as we are five and not that big.

I have four Cali Oceans for sale

Thanks @BognorMotors Iknow it will be cramped and it's a real shame. I know we will get one for me and the wife at some point but i would love to have a camper sooner that we could all enjoy. I fear family size and size of the family members may be against us. the kids are all adult size now :-(

we will do some hire before we decide to buy or convert.

 

[t0mb0]

@t0mb0 i like the bags. Nice idea to go on on my list.

Yeah, they are on poppers so detachable. It’s good for the kids to have their own bag for headphones and other bits and pieces.

 

[Lukavell]

I know it will be cramped and it's a real shame. I know we will get one for me and the wife at some point but i would love to have a camper sooner that we could all enjoy. I fear family size and size of the family members may be against us. the kids are all adult size now :-(

we will do some hire before we decide to buy or convert.

You can always attach an awning to the side for extra sleeping quarters. Also, I've got a mate who has a stealthily converted black Mercedes Sprinter which looks cool and is huge compared to any of the T variants, not sure how much they are in comparison though.