Ford Nugget: 10 things we hate!

…10 things we don’t like so much!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Some great tips. This is essential viewing for anyone considering buying a Nugget 🙂👍

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Thanks guys, lovely comment. Enjoying your content too, especially the bubble wrap experiments! Best wishes for the season, J and family 😃

[@jameseastwood4984]

Pockets on backs of seats: I believe this is because Ford starts with a base model rather than the high Spec Tourneo. Same reason your IP upper stowage is open rather than lidded stowage. The approach of starting with a lower spec vehicle is about off setting the cost of the conversion. However, I work for Ford in a related area and we have suggested they offer both low and high spec base vehicles, let's see if that department takes the advice. This is a great feedback list by the way.

[@lepre16]

Bellissimo video! Very useful tips

[@rosilopez9679]

Thanks for your sincerity. Greetings beautiful family❤️👍🏻

[@wadeandkyunghee2841]

I like how you show us the problem. I LOVE it.

[@anotherf-invideo2784]

There's carpockets you can hang of the back of seats you can buy seperately.

[@missharris1513]

Brilliant review ❤

[@ShiYuMeng2]

I think you will love the fixed roof version especially having a fixed toilet (it really really makes a big difference). With a fixed toilet, you will use it a lot more (it is night and day as we also had a California and then upgraded to the Grand Cal - there is nothing like being able to poop in the comfort of your own car). The other massive difference you will find is just being able to stand up as soon as you stop. You will feel like your vehicle is so much bigger (no need to pop the top and then have to duck around). All the best!

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Thanks for those thoughts and that’s what we are hoping too, its good to hear you highlight these convieniance issues…haha, yes a toilet is a luxury and an absolute must! We were really interested in the Grand Cali too, but only available as a 4 seater, glad you are enjoying it!

[@Rudibeans]

Interesting video as I have just bought a Nugget Plus with pop-up. Lack of sockets always an issue, kids are very annoying (but then mine were) in the video. All useful tips.

[@SilverNuggetAdventure]

Fantastic video. Love this. Can relate to so many of these points. We guess we’ve just had nothing to compare it to with the Nugget being our first camper so we didn’t realise about the lack of speakers and pockets. Must admit, we hadn’t had the same issues with the downstairs bed. Next time we have the bed out we’ll have a good look at this. Thanks and keep the vlogs coming. Will have a think at some point of our top 10 loves / hates .

[@richardcope3850]

We’ve not noticed any issue with the lower bed either, perhaps it’s a one off. My wife thinks the lack of speakers in the back is a bonus!!! Doesn’t appreciate 70’s & 80’s rock music!

[@stevecurrell8887]

These are very minor. The 'plus' which we have solves the usb shortage, plastic in windows and others. The remainder can be got round or just take care when doing things like operating the blind and storing things under the bed. You mention the upper bed barrier being a faff - it’s a brilliant solution. Having had a grandchild that fell out of the upper bed in our VW and Renault vans this solution is superb and really effective. When you get your 'plus' - a rear view reverse camera is a must and with the extra length I am having a monitor fitted on the dash which shows a permanent rear view from the rear - like a rear view mirror - when driving as the blind spot at the back on a motorway etc, is pronounced with the LWB van. You cannot see things behind with your side mirrors. You may also want to fit an isolator switch to the water boiler. Because if you empty the boiler over the winter but charge the van via the hook up lead which the manual says you should do every four weeks the boiler automatically operates on 230v and if the thermostat knob gets knocked it will heat up. It’s just to make sure you don’t damage it. Happy trips in the 'plus' - it is definitely the model to have.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Thanks Steve, interesting points there, especially about the boiler, we’ll be careful of that one! Also, it sounds like the blind spots are worse on the Plus too so maybe we’ll follow-suit with an additional monitor. Thanks for the comments and feeding back your thoughts, its always great to hear from other Nugget owners too!

[@empowerd1]

Veeery useful. Thank you, Family! ❤

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Glad you found it useful 👍

[@bungeevr]

A standard 2.5L hybrid van with wall-to-ceiling panels and covered with rubber (neoprene) foam without a kitchen and seats is a much better solution. You add a foldable bed to the wall and you have a great van.

[@christinehopkins7561]

Great video & very helpful … we have a converted Elgrand with pop top but are very interested in the nugget… your issue with the no pockets on back of seats could be solved by getting a bag with pockets off Amazon to slip over headrest!

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hi Christine, thanks for watching - we will probably do that! The new van arrives next week, so I’ll be on Amazon looking for a solution….many thanks for the idea! Enjoy your Elgrand, a comfortable well equipped vehicle!!! 😎👍🏻

[@travelcampervansandmore]

This is invaluable information for Westfalia. I hope they'll be watching your video in the boardroom and will implement some of your ideas!

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Haha, I would like to think so too…maybe they will! Thanks for your comment, all the best, Jordan.

[@sylviapage8572]

That was interesting. I think all vans have niggles once you start to use them but we can usually work around them. Our Ford Transit custom had pockets in the back of the seats but only the drivers seat had one armrest. I much prefer the armrests in the Nugget and would definitely swap the seat pockets for those. Our awning had the winder at the front so as long as you remembered to open the passenger door there was no risk of damaging the paintwork. The only issue that would annoy me on the Nugget is the nipped pike. I thought the woodwork on top of the utilities looked shoddy when you consider the price of the van! Thanks as always for sharing your adventure. I can’t wait to see your new van.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hi Sylvia, and yes, you are right…mild niggles! Compromises are always part of the experience but we forgive it as we are overall extremely impressed! And, absolutely…we can’t do without armrests! The nipped pipe could be tidied up easily by Westfalia at the conversion stage, so I hope they sort that in future! All the best and thanks for the great comments, Jordan.

[@canovi88]

Ford please listen this family,i want a nugget with that things fixed!

[@maltesemillie899]

Great info, sounds like alot of the issues will be gone when you get your nugget plus, high top will make a massive difference, we love ours, it will be great to hear your comparison 👍

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Yes, and we can’t wait for the new one to arrive! We’ll get both Nuggets side by side and do a comparison video, good idea 👍🏻.

[@maltesemillie899]

@@CaliCamperFamily looking forward to it 😀

[@andrewboagey282]

Great video thanks.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Thank you!

[@lizedbf7334]

Ik really love tour channel. The girls are great! I will be traveling alone with my small dog so for me this pop up camper is more than enough. For your family the plus high roof will be better. I look forward to your video about what you love in the nugget

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hi Lize, yes, our camper would have loads of room for a solo traveller plus dog, perfect size. Thanks for watch8ng and your kind comments, next video arriving this weekend. All the best, Jordan.

[@deanVetUk]

HI lize did you get your nugget yet? This video has made me want one too.. ;-)

[@harkosmidt]

Also when you open the side windows and it is raining ,because The slope of the side of the van is not straight ,the rain comes in…a wet bed at one side. Also the “tent” gets wet when raining and so the top bed will get wet putting the roof down with a wet tent

[@TheUrbanSplash]

Mega thanks for sharing. I think the high top will be far warmer in winter.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Yes, I think the same….looking forward to trying it! Cheers Ross, Jordan.

[@jameseastwood4984]

Ref going to a high roof long wheel base, it would be interesting to see how practical this is as a second car, given the overall size. We had a long wheel base Tourneo and I was quite conscious that it's really too long for any school or super market car parks, when compared to the three SWB Tourneos we've had.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Thanks for watching our videos. There is no denying that the LWB high-top feels bigger and less easy on a day to day basis. However, I do use it several times a week for either going to work or as family transport - for example, if we go anywhere further afield, we will always take the Nugget and leave the family car at home! I think its just on the limit for everyday use.

[@richardcope3850]

Hi, Great video. We have a Nugget Plus Pop Top. We find the heating is balanced between the front and back but the vent in the back can melt chocolate in the cupboard! We do have extra USB & 12v & mains sockets in the back. Maybe your dealer didn’t spec them? Ours is UK spec with two sliding doors. Our pop top fabric has a large plastic window in the back. Not noticed any issue with the lower bed dropping down when sitting. Lots of great points, seat back pockets would be great and yes I’ve ‘pinched’ the water pipe. Love the awning winder protector, I’m very careful with that but not used it much being in England! I found the upper bad safety net a bit of a faff as well. Good that it is there but we don’t use it as it tends to be me and our 11 year old up there. Mum is downstairs with our 7 and 3 year old and they love it.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hi Richard, glad you are enjoying your Nugget Plus! It sounds like your Nugget addresses quite a few of the niggles we have with ours, especially the electrics and heating (maybe mine had a restricted pipe - it was officially sold yesterday). Well done on being a Nugget owner, one of the best campers in the universe! Thanks for commenting, J.

[@richardcope3850]

@@CaliCamperFamily yes we love the Nugget Plus - the fixed loo is a real bonus to us. As I put the silver screens up last night I checked as I don’t remember any issues with the position of the suckers. All good but the screens do look slightly different to yours. I’d love the high top as like you we are 5 but I enjoy the go anywhere versatility of the pop top. All works well, we just have to be organised!

[@normanamey9828]

We have a 2011 swb hi-top Nugget & love it. We’ve never noticed the heater issue you have, if anything our kids get too hot. Our front seats are Isri with rear pockets. Our lower bed doesn’t sag like yours, possibly our front seat boxes support the bed but our kids usually join us in the morning with no issues. On the 12v sockets, they probably do go to the leisure battery. On our mk7 Transit only the starter and engine is on the van battery, everything else is on the leisure battery. This is the Ford factory split charging layout. Only know as our Ford split charger failed and the headlights, wipers, radio, electric windows, everything other than the engine stopped working. The hi-top gives so much more storage, rear speakers and a fantastic shelf that cereal boxes fit in! My biggest issues with ours were the light above the table, hopeless. Bought a Westfalia style led light from Campervan Culture, routed out a wooden mount and painted it colour matched. It’s rear most between the cab seats. But biggest issue is the van is not insulated! Nothing, nowt anywhere. I find that shocking for an expensive high end German manufacturer. I’ve removed what panels I can and insulated where I can access. I find the silver screens a faf & would fit Remus blinds but they are not available now for my age van. It’s an expensive solution at about £500. I’ve also fitted an external gas point, made a big difference. But overall just love our Nugget called Percy.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hello Guys, and Percy the Nugget! Thanks for your comments and feedback. Really good points, and I wonder how well insulated the latest Nuggets are? Sounds like you’re really happy with your high top and that reinforces our confidence in changing our van, thank you. I’ll research the exterior cab blinds too, but what do you do with them if they are soaking wet? Also, do you use your Nugget all year/seasons? Glad to hear it is warm upstairs. Thanks for watching and seasons greetings from Jordan and family.

[@normanamey9828]

The Remus blinds are interior ones that are permanently mounted on the inside of the windscreen and cab windows. They are to concertina ones you see on a lot of motorhomes. Our silver screens are internal as well, an Italian make that can with Percy. When not in use we tuck them on the collapsed top bunk along with the kids bedding. Easter and October half term is the earliest and latest we have camped as a family. My wife is a reluctant camper so resists winter camping. Which is a shame as our local camping club does a New Year camp with a party. I’ve had sleep overs with the kids on the drive and will likely be doing so next week weekend! Hope you had a good Christmas and happy Nuggeting!!

[@jameseastwood4984]

Potential handle damage to exterior: I had the same thought when I borrowed one of these campers. Would a better solution be some self adhesive clear plastic that is used to protect car exteriors from stone chips.

[@patcoburn1960]

Hi guys, ye know we love your channel and this was another very frank review. We 'are' interested in The Nugget and still are, but, we always appreciate your reviews in the world of anything 'campervany' and will take your review on board. We hope to retire before the dreaded 65-year-old-rule (due in 2025) and spoil our wee grand-daughter rotten with lots of travels on The Emerald Isle and hopefully, UK/Europe. Our VW is her 'wee happy place'. She is autistic and loves 'sleeping in the van (this can be anytime), loves the water (sea) and loves walks (forest/mountains).🤣 The Nugget is our dream for the future. To us it's the perfect campervan/second vehicle. It looks like a mini motorhome but you still get the joy of camping on wheels. Here's hoping. Also, love all the help/competition ye now have with your posts. 😂 Happy travels, and as always stay safe. 🙂

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hi Pat, thanks for your kind words and it’s great to hear your plans for the furture, especially involving a Ford Nugget and your grand-daughter …go for the dream! Especially when considering the fabulous times shared together, it sounds like you have a very special relationship with her and its so magical to show the world to any child, even more so when they have autism…the joy and happiness is heartwarming, we know. Ireland is a beautiful country too and it sounds like you already enjoy it with your Cali. The benefits you mention about the Nugget are definitely true and your retirement plan sounds awesome…bring it on!

[@alannorman1773]

I find that external cab screens are so much better. Get rid of the condensation problems that the internal screens cause to. Have a look at Rainbow Screens here in UK. Good luck with the new van.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Great, thanks for the advice Alan. How do you manage wet external screens the following day? That has been the main reason we haven’t used them before but we do likenthe idea of reducing the condensation inside the van. Be interested to know, as I might follow your lead on this. Cheers, Jordan.

[@alannorman1773]

@@CaliCamperFamily it's never really been a problem. They don't absorb any water, dry quickly or can be wiped easily. My Rainbow Screens have their own carry bag. I've been all over the UK and Europe and have never had a problem with them or my roof cozy either. It's so nice having blacked out windows and no condensation believe me. I'm currently messaging you from my Transit conversion at a very cold site in County Durham!

[@russellrivers-scott365]

A fantastic campervan with a few “niggles” I would say. They are things that Westfalia (the conversion company) should take note. I really think the Nugget is definitely competition for the California, love the layout. The Nugget Plus will be even better suited for You and your family. Can’t wait for your future video’s in the new year. ATB

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Cheers Russell, and yes, they are only niggles as we absolutely love the Nugget and the layout. It excels for us, over and above the California. We can’t wait to see how we get on in the Nugget Plus, really looking forward to it! We want to try winter camping and also go skiing in it. Thanks for watching and commenting, Jordan and the gang!

[@robertamariabrambilla1451]

Love this review! We are a family of four (Italians living in UK! :-) and looking to buy our first campervan. We love the layout of the Nugget, but do not want to buy an extra car. Would you think the Nugget would work as the only family car? It does not have a "proper" boot, but looks like the space in the kitchen area would be enough? We really do not move the car very often, apart from big shopping at Sainsburys (and of course, camping trips!) Good luck for your life in Italy and well done for the videos!

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Thanks Roberta! And greetings from Northern Italy 😎. Certainly you can use the standard size Nugget as an everyday car. The boot/kitchen area is large enough for all your shopping and more! Our new van (Nugget Plus) is longer and taller so not so good everyday. Good luck with betting into campervans…they are awesome…and, when you tour England or Italy, there is nothing better!! Thanks for your comments and nice to hear we have Italian viewers in the UK!!! 😊

[@konturger]

Check the rear heater hose unterneath the vehicle. It tends to leak(!) over time, due to damage.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

I’ll tell my friend whose bought it from us now….might be the reason it blows so weakly. Be interesting to compare the new Nugget Plus when it arrives soon to see if thats any better. Thanks for commenting, J.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hi everyone, we’d be interested to know what you think. Have you seen anything with the Nugget that you don’t like or something that could be improved? Or if you have a Nugget, anything else to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below 👍🏻 *watch out for our next video: 10 things we love!

[@timbuckler8124]

Great video. Concur with all. We've also found that the upstairs strap that clips across the bed, when undone and allowed to hang down (which we avoid but could forget), gets concerning close to the gas hob.

[@I_am_Thursday]

If it was the the 2 adults only would you still go for the nugget or go for a swb custom with a side conversion? I know that the fixed loo is a nice touch but i cant help thinking a smaller van overall is a benefit.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Nugget every time! Side conversions are too compromised in my opinion. You struggle to access the kitchen cupboards when the bed is out and you have to almost empty the boot to sleep downstairs. However, if you mainly sleep upstairs in a pop top, then it’s ok.

[@makegoodchoices]

As you say most of these points are just niggles and you adapt to suit. We have had our Nugget Plus since June 2021 and have really enjoyed our travels. One point I would suggest you be aware of is with the privacy screen you can pull close when using the built in loo. This is situated in a position where you are inclined to brush against it every time you move from front to rear and back. Ours eventually fell off when the screws in the top bracket came away. In hindsight a very weak fixture which you would have though Wesfalia could have anticipated. A bit of DIY has now made it a lot more secure. You will enjoy the 'Plus'.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Great Jim, thanks for the comments and heads up on the privacy blind; we’ll watch out for that. Nice to hear that you are really enjoying it too, makes us want the Plus even more!

[@alessandromagagna170]

Con l exclusive per sederti puoi tenere alzata la seduta della panca, non so sul nugget plus. Vorrei prendere anch'io un nugget ma costano parecchio.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Puoi sempre usare i posti al piano di sotto, se vuoi. è uno dei migliori camper a 5 posti disponibili. sì, sono costosi, ma se la usi come auto di tutti i giorni, è più giustificato. buona fortuna 👍

[@Parallax33]

When you were talking about the lack of charge ports it looked like there was a 12v point on the liner above the sink area. Is this right? 10:21 on the timeline

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hi Justin, I know it looks like a charging point/usb port on the video, but it’s actually a knob to hold the fridge door up when taking food in and out…good spot though! Thanks for watching, J.

[@Parallax33]

@@CaliCamperFamily ah! It was funny because it was on screen exactly at the right moment 👍

[@geraldmoore1836]

Are they heavy on fuel

[@Chris391971]

What’s the pop top like when it’s very windy? If it has to be down, then cooking will be a problem.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Good question! We had very strong winds in the Netherlands earlier in the year and the fabric was flapping around a lot, making ot fairly noisy. I moved the Nugget orientating it into wind and it was so much better. Trick is to find somewhere a bit sheltered or park facing the wind. Otherwise, yes, cooking will be on your knees, but still totally possible. Thanks for commenting, J

[@richardcope3850]

We have a Nugget Plus pop top. In Disneyland Paris car park for 4 nights, no shelter other than neighbouring vans, one night had 40mph winds! Worrying, noisy, definitely a bit freaky, we’d only had the van 2 weeks at that time but we rode it out and everything was okay.

[@paulmax83]

because of all this points, we went for the Nugget Plus

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Top choice I think! ☺️👌🏻

[@stiffchocolate7546]

How much did you part ex /sell it for mate

[@davidsqvbcn]

Hey family 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂, really intereting getting feedback based on your experience 👏👏, specially for a newcomer to the Nugget’s world 😍…it will defintely not make up my mind because as you pointed out, these are minor things 😉. Looking forward to September, that is when I’ll be collecting a top up roof Nugget plus 🚐😍. Skipping to your other vlog, 10 things you love…byeeee, family 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Well done David, a great choice…! I bet you cannot wait 😄👍🏻🎉

[@davidsqvbcn]

@@CaliCamperFamily oh, you bet 🙉😃😂… tick…tock…tick….tock…. 🚐💨🤗

[@LB-W]

We’re did you buy your fly screens please?

[@CaliCamperFamily]

I bought them from a home DIY shop and cut them to size. Was worth doing 👍

[@stephenthoms9139]

Buy organisers to go on the backs of the seats Simple fix for the adults

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Simple fix, but they never look good and get in the way when you rotate the seats. Thanks for watching

[@toddy505]

i’d have thought the worst hate would be no sliding windows on the doors (u.k. version having two sliding doors)

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hello. We didn’t see that as a problem. There are 2x opening windows though, which are usually more reliable than sliding ones, and more secure.

[@cedarcanoe]

I don’t think the side and rear windows are double glass, or are they

[@CaliCamperFamily]

No, they are just automotive tinted glass. Thanks for watching!

[@cedarcanoe]

@@CaliCamperFamily So I recalled it well; well that would have been my number one negative point them!

[@richardcope3850]

@@cedarcanoe not sure I understand your importance of double glazing in a camper? Please explain? We were out in it last night, Nugget Plus with pop top, 2 degrees outside, toasty and warm 21 degrees inside.

[@cedarcanoe]

@@richardcope3850 I am not sure you what you don’t understand. I live in Sweden. It ’s not always cold here, but double glazing sure is a prerequisite in any camper (all all campers have them, correct?). A Nugget obviously would benefit from it since he is mentioning it’s cold “upstairs” even with the heating on.

[@richardcope3850]

@@cedarcanoe I’ve had 4 motorhomes, 3 caravans and 2 Campervans. As far as I recall none have had double glazing. I’ve never been to Sweden but it is high on my list.

[@seanmadden7749]

Hi.......Red flag......we bought a new ford nugget LWB.......first outing with nugget slept up on pop top.....during the night there was a very heavy shower of rain and strong wind and after half an hour water started pouring into the van soaking the inside of the van, flowing inside the doors....it was really bad. We have had a whole list of other problems......f.cking pissed off.........

[@CaliCamperFamily]

A shame you had a bad experience. We have never experienced anything like that. Our van has been an absolute joy 🤩

[@youngbairn]

That pop top window design is very cheap. Most after market pop tops have a plexi glass window.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

True. I think later ones have resolved this issue now.

[@melissawilson9876]

Talk about the toilet

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Ok

[@EthaZ]

VW california has so many more thing I hate

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Me too. The Nugget is a good van indeed.

[@davidpeters4071]

My advice…. Buy German 👍

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Like Westfalia, you mean?!

[@seanmadden7749]

DO NOT BUY THIS VAN

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Of course, I disagree. This is the best van I’ve ever bought.

[@weekendfisherman8072]

Looks like this build is targeting EMEA. I don't see this in America.

[@SunuFitrawan]

Always try & pray can be real KZbinr with benefits AdSense💲to buy/build motorhome than make life journey with KZbin