T6.1 or California?

[Caryn]

Hi.
We have owned a SWB manual T5 camper for 3 years and have now started the search for our next van.
As I do the majority of the driving I have decided it needs to be a DSG. I’d also like LWB, tailgate and ideally T6.1.
However, we have also been considering a California- I know it’s SWB but I’m attracted to the ease and convenience of them and the spring base in the pop top bed!!
Can I hear from more seasoned owners their thoughts on the pros and cons please?
We’re not in a rush and happy to take our time to find “the one”.

 

[JOG]

Hi and welcome to the forum! I have a T6 Cali Beach and when we need to, which is rare, we put a kitchen pod in that clamps to the rails. At Busfest last week, I was surprised when a converter openly admitted that the Cali pop-top is the best. I am biased, but I would plump for a Cali, and then add some after market sound deadening (which I’m about to embark on!) Above all else, make sure you get original LED headlights as the aftermarket ones are pricey and retrofitting original isn’t cost-effective. Regardless of whether goi g Cali or converting, factor in the need to upgrade your suspension (but that will probably be the most beneficial upgrade you do!)

 

[Bav]

If you camp off grid, you might want to consider that the Cali's stock leisure power system ain't up to much compared with what can be spec'd/ built for a custom conversion.

 

[drinfinity]

You can put a spring bed base on anything. LWB is my preferred option (I may have mentioned this before…).