Westfalia Kelsey Review - Is it *EVEN BETTER* than a VW California?!

[@richardhodgkiss5701]

Great video guys! Not for me this layout, the bottom bed is impossible to do whilst drunk and the point of having a toilet on board is for us over fifties to use it when we inevitably need to get up during the night. Climb down ladder, un clip ladder, use toilet, try to re-clip ladder, give up as still drunk, sleep on badly made bed/ floor, wake up with bad back😆 As I said, not for me.

[@CampervanTime]

🤣 there is a drinking theme in your comment there !! I can relate!

[@SwamperJez]

​​@@CampervanTime shocking, surely not🤔

[@Monzaman30E]

Go to the gym dude

[@richardcope3850]

Westfalia are brilliant! We’ve had four motorhomes but decided to switch to a campervan! We looked at a LOT of VW products and I was very underwhelmed, quality often not great and very overrated. We three children we were very limited with layouts and yet the Westfalia/Ford Nugget Plus has been awesome for us! Great quality and so many wonderful memories made!

[@stephenrussell6074]

Hi When we decided on a California there were several variations, including the nugget that we considered but we had a several issue with them and this one has a number of them. The bench seat and table are two narrow for anyone overweight to sit in comfortably. The access to the upper bed even with the ladder is not ideal for broad shoulders. Having to move the ladder rotate the toilet back and forth to use the toilet is a pain. Where is the bedding store for the down stairs. Or for the roof for that matter. Even though the van is larger the overall storage is less than the Cali. We store all the bedding on the board above the boot. The boot is a much larger storage space than any in that van. The outdoor table and chairs would not fit in any of the spaces I saw. The downstairs bed was a mess to put together. In the Cali I roll out the bed, throw the duvet and pillows on the front seat and flip the mattress. Just over a minute to set up and a minute to store. The bedding sits nicely behind the bench seats during the day. I cannot see where half of the things we have with us could go without constantly having to move them as so much space is taken for walking access. So it’s a bigger van with less storage. The shower is too small and fiddly to be any use and heating a ten litre tank when I would just boil a kettle for washing up water would be a waste, unless it only heats water as used but that tends to be less efficient as you use extra water getting to the heated and always leave some hot water in the pipes. Overall they always look really nice until you start trying to use them.

[@hl236]

Useful insight. Thanks :)

[@rachelrogers1146]

Thanks for the video, the cabinets look nice quality and it is interesting to see how different the layout can be - however this just confirms for me how well designed the Cali is! Horses for courses but we happily sacrifice a ‘bathroom’ for more practical space inside.

[@aciddaz5997]

Looked at this one, ended up going for the Nugget Plus, also by Westfalia, far better layout, loads more storage, and two seconds to set the downstairs bed up, they’ve just tried to be to clever with this one to its detriment, nice vid by the way 😃

[@CampervanTime]

Love the Nugget Plus, congrats!

[@kathlucy603]

Great fit out. I’d certainly love one!

[@daviddawson2210]

Thanks for the update I've only recently come across your channel and I'm catching up with your videos. Basically I'm a car and caravan man and you've done a great explanation of the vehicle that layout would drive me mad thanks again.

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks for checking our channel out! Loads more coming too, we're always keen to show all different styles and types of layout.

[@dm3591]

Great video, been thinking about one of these, like the different layouts rather than the standard california. Good to see some of the limitations as well, such as the ladder over the toilet and the downstairs bed. I think the nugget plus does these slightly better. Need to see one in real life.

[@CampervanTime]

Well in that case you'd like the Club Joker City (video coming soon!) as layout is similar, based on the T6.1 VW of course, but doesn't have a ladder but does have a fold down step and cushion that goes on top of the toilet instead.

[@dermotcahalan]

We have one! We strongly considered the nugget, not so much the Cali (I think the cali is a different proposition and don’t really see as a valid comparison). We were seduced by the Kelsey’s lovely interior and wanted a decent automatic. Relative to the nugget, this was more than £10k cheaper - plus it has a few advantages which makes it better off-grid (bigger water tanks, bigger fridge, gas heated hot water). The comments about the ladder, downstairs bed are all valid… There’s no doubt the nugget has a more ergonomic layout - but that’s not to say the Kelsey doesn’t work. Also I would say the nugget has a slight better build quality - again that’s not to diminish the Kelsey - it’s a quality product, you pay a bit more and get a bit more with the nugget. There’s plenty of storage in the Kelsey units . For extra storage, we simply built a large box that slides over the shower tray and stack boxes over the toilet (with a net and a few hooks to restrain them). Its all safely restrained and unloaded in few minutes into a pop-up tent. I should add we’ve two kids - we can carry everything we need. The downstairs bed is actually much easier to assemble than it looks - once you get used to it. I haven’t timed myself but it’s a couple of minutes at most. Moreover it’s pretty comfortable - and dare I say it probably more comfortable than the nugget bed, as it’s largely flat with a proper mattress. I prefer the Kelsey light interior - which despite being cream seems fairly easy to keep clean. I also much prefer the kitchen layout in the Kelsey. On balance no regrets going for the Kelsey. Great to drive, has all the comforts we need. Lovely feel to the interior. If I was planning to use the van as my primary vehicle I’d probably stretch to the nugget, as it’s much more car like. But as a camper, no regrets going for the Kelsey

[@CampervanTime]

Brilliant! Glad you're having a great time with it 👍

[@alarmactionukalarmactionuk893]

We've noticed many open air car parks have two metre restrictor barriers now which I guess is to curb those from camping and then leaving behind all of their rubbish. On top of this car spaces are very tight, width and length so you really do not want to overhang then come back to an unfriendly yellow sticker on your windscreen.

[@gravic48]

I would be a bit concerned about the lack of anything supportive under the matress on the left hand side of the bottom bed.

[@CampervanTime]

I did wonder about that too so it might be that I missed out a step in putting the bed out possibly... 🤔

[@grahams3417]

Agree. You’d have to bring your planking A game if you were on that side

[@pluc99-pl99]

Wouldn't the 10l warm water tank potentially bring the white water capacity to 60l, hence the larger grey water?

[@CampervanTime]

I hadn't thought of that! Good point!!

[@mantarayal]

I'll never understand the pop tops now that hinge at one end. My last camper just opened t both ends and lifted straight up. Same head height the entire length and two insect-proof windows with flaps both sides, and room to sleep up top with equal height either way. Why change?

[@savarino7]

I could handle the small size of that vehicle. What i cannot handle is doing things like that puzzle bed or installing the front windows screens every night that i am guessing that are nerve recking. I was hoping you show me that or even if the van has mosquito nets because i would have an heart attack if every night i had to do some tricky stuff... but with that bed nothing else matters... its a no no for sure. The New Kelsey 2024 has a better bed so when you test it do not forget to show those everyday tasks (like installing window screens) that really take a toll on you after a while. Thanks.

[@heesface]

Beautiful interior, saw it on a Mercedes Vito. But where do we leave our luggage? We like to take some outdoor stuff with us like a tent, fire pit, comfy chairs etc but where do we put those? So, personal opinion: not our camper van…

[@seanfallon4580]

Great informative video as always think i would rather go for the westfalia Nugget plus as it has a far better bed downstairs , ( less of a faff especially after a few pints ) other than that its a nice van

[@gillianh]

I’d looked at this previously, quite a few things I didn’t like about it, much prefer my VW Ocean.

[@CampervanTime]

Glad you liked the Ocean and it's great there are options that we can call choose from it's quite a personal choice as to what works for your own circumstances. 😀

[@pamfreeman5197]

This one ... of this rear pop-top types with loo... has, along with Hillside's (VW LWB) Cromford to be tied first. Absolutely brilliant and very nicely finished. Typical if the Westfalias. And what's wrong with a Custom Ford T? Nowt! Very taken with this. Thank you both and wooftie for highlighting this one. It deserved to be. Very impressed. I think you quite enjoyed this one! Great fun. Just one comment: the double bed in the Cromford is easy-peezy! Thank you. Keep safe. Best wishes and much love, Pam xx + X

[@irishcamper2106]

Some nice features. But, if you buy a van with a toilet it would be good to be able to use it even when sleeping upstairs. To have to remove and replace the ladder and swivel and un-swivel the toilet in the middle of the night removes the convenience of having a fitted toilet for me. The lower bed appeared to only be supported by the table on one side. The mattress nearest the door didn’t appear to have much support underneath to me. Still happy to own a Cali Ocean even if you can’t access the kitchen cupboards when the bed is out, we just leave the items we need out on the side before going to bed. Look forward to your next review.

[@CampervanTime]

After having a look round quite a few different campers over the years it always seems there is a compromise somewhere and it's all about trying to pick where you want that to be. Only to be expected really with such a small interior space to play with!

[@DavidParkinson]

Perfect example is where less is more and throwing everything including the kitchen sink into a van that is too small to do what it is intended is a compromise in every nook and cranny. Makes me appreciate our 6.1 even more and for that we give thanks. My sister looked at this one at the show and the Westfalia rep could not be any less interested in selling one. She had a lucky escape.

[@CaliLeaks]

Can you please do a side by side speed test with the California to make the downstairs bed? 😂😂😂 Also, it would be good to see how you work in the kitchen with the roof down. In the California you can still sit on the bench seat to cook, but it looks more difficult in the Kelsey.

[@CampervanTime]

We did talk about that - the Kelsey feels like it has really tried to maximise the space utilisation and works best with the roof up as the kitchen is built higher in the van. That said, you don't block any of the cupboards when you have the lower bed out so if the roof is up, you can make a cuppa without physically disturbing anyone else downstairs. Horses for courses I think.

[@Rowtheboat99]

From 0-40 winks in 60 seconds with the Cali….from dusk til Dawn in the Kelsey 😂

[@grahambradshaw3367]

Love the layout. I’m also a driving instructor and my car is a Ford Fiesta. Myself and my pupils really like it. We’re going to hire our first van in September and if we like it we are going to invest in one next year. We’ve booked a couple of events also, so we may see you at one of them. All the best.

[@CampervanTime]

Great stuff! Hope to see you :)

[@iancaldwell1489]

Thanks for sharing guys and agree Westfalia and Ford are great brands and also see the attraction of a shower and toilet facility built in but it is just too much packed in to a small space. It’s like a game of Tetris with the Cali but this would move things to a whole new level. The Cali Ocean is far more premium in my opinion. Having a hot water system is a big plus, I can’t understand why VW can’t get that to work and offer it as an option on the California

[@CampervanTime]

Yes I do wish VW would move the Cali on in new features a bit, like hot water option etc. It really does make a big difference (in our opinion of course!).

[@ianhewlett647]

Thanks for the review, its always good to have a different viewpoint. We have looked at these along with a Cali Ocean and they are very different, we cant justify the new price of either but up to 2020 may work. We were impressed with the quality and my wife loved the idea of having a proper loo onboard. I'm not sure about the shower arrangement but like you say you could always take the head outside. We want to use it as a car replacement for longer journeys (we have another town car) and be able to tow our caravan with it on longer breaks giving us the flexibility to use the camper as a day van and occasional overnight, anything taller wouldnt go into many UK car parks with height restrictions, the problem is we want an auto but the tow limit is woeful on the Ford, 1000kg at max weight compared to the Cali DSG 2300kg, manuals seem OK 2200kg Cali, Ford 1965kg.

[@CampervanTime]

Oh I didn't know that about the Ford and the autobox. How odd!

[@SwamperJez]

Hi Sarah & Will, fab vlog as ever. As you perhaps recall, we are Dubbers; however these Transits, even the shortie, is a little wider and longer than the Transporter SWB equivalent. Great bit of inspiration, especially if anyone is not hooked on the 'California Dream' has many more options, like this to go for. Especially a well renowned company like Westfalia (as Sarah rightly said, the California dream started with this firm, when VW only produced the T1-3)👍 Will you both be at Camper Jam? / FYI - Former owner of 3 Escorts, 2 Mondeos, 1 Golf, 1 A3 Quattro and now a Transporter Swamper. The name Will struggles with, is Scott of the Antarcic's compettitor. But, as we all know, Scott never made the final few miles...'I will be out, and for some time', but sadly never returned.

[@CampervanTime]

We're just looking to see if we can make it to Camper Jam on the Saturday, we've been before and it was great so really want to get there again this year 👍

[@timwilcox8270]

Very nice quality fittings but Westfalia do layout so much better in the Nugget lwb version.

[@vickyp9814]

Great video. Very nicely done 👍🏻

[@adw6821]

What a complete faff to make the bottom bed!

[@CampervanTime]

I think I made it look like more of a faff than it really is but yes, it isn't quite as quick as the Club Joker/City butterfly style downstairs bed or the sliding bench of the California, although obviously the Cali bench does then cover up half the kitchen cupboards and make using the hob pretty tricky. All a compromise!

[@Rowtheboat99]

As a camper the Kelsey may work better in some aspects than the Cali, but for an everyday vehicle it’s not very practical as it has no boot/luggage space. For me, the Cali wins on practically. But what are RV’s like on the Kelsey vs Cali ?

[@travelcampervansandmore]

The Club Joker is no longer on the Westfalia catalogue due to closed orders on the VW T6.1. The Amundsen is also discontinued.

[@CampervanTime]

That's true for model year 2024 vans, but when we were at Wandahome they said that they have orders (and stock) of club joker city now (brand new) for model year 2023 which are available, so new factory orders for MY24 Club Joker and City (and Amundsen) are closed, that's correct.

[@tylerstravels0610]

Great van with an unsual layout, nice for some but not for us. We have just sold our Transit Custom and have a Consort Reef S2 on order as my wife prefers the larger vans and also having a toilet/shower room is a big plus. Great video and review though

[@williamclark3572]

You should try get a Wellhouse Leusure Misano 4.1. Now that’s a camper.

[@cooperandy3]

Looks a spiffing micro motorhome but where would we put the shower tent, wind break, bbq, levelling blocks, table, chairs, nets, buckets and spades? The downstairs bed setup looks like an after thought, should the table section be turned through 90 to plug the gap? Climbing downstairs to use the loo in the night and having to reposition the ladder, not helpful. We drove a Ford, good, handling, size and extras. Put off by 1 tonne towing limit with the auto gearbox, rakish styling and the colour of the instrument displays. The Cali ticked a number of boxes: Sliding seats to give a cavernous boot and bring the rear passengers forward to chat whilst driving. Almost 360 vision to view the outside world from inside. Creates a sense of openness often denied in motorhomes and caravans Lightweight simple furniture, including cupboards, and neatly stashed outdoor seats and tables. Portapoti flexibility, you can put it where you want it. Its a camping Tardis you can drive almost anywhere you would take an average car.

[@benlamachine4042]

Hi Sarah , Will . Very nice CALI alternative from WESTFALIA indeed . We have similar product from French Brand STYLEVAN , on FORD ( Belize ) or VW T6.1 5.30 meters ( Durban ) . They have also a custom variant ( here with T6.1 again or renault Trafic ) : AUSTRAL 4 , very smart with interesting features : WEBASTO Diesel Heating that also produce Warm water on demand , special insulation ( softshell ) canvas for Pop up Roof , and removable shower cabin that let floor perfectly flat if no use . i'm not sure about any distribution in UK

[@CampervanTime]

Sounds great!

[@andymcroxford]

Thanks for showing us around - we need more in depth walkthroughs like this. The only thing missing was the closing/ opening of the pop top. This gets missed out a lot on reviews and I feel it’s quite important. Is it the rapido one that works with a pull down catch on like a break cable mechanism along with a couple of canvass straps? Was looking for the right camera angle but just out of frame every time 😂

[@CampervanTime]

Sorry apologies about that, we've missed that bit on the club joker city too. I can't remember on this Kesley I must admit, but we'll see if we can find out for you.

[@andymcroxford]

@@CampervanTime no worries - I was just interested to see if Westfalia use rapido parts as they are part of the group. I have the rapido version on my Wildax. it’s a good system in the sense it locks down well but there is a knack so was intrigued. Looking forward to seeing the Sven!! 😁

[@sandywatson]

Just started looking into all the different configs of vans. Is the Kelsey the same as a Nugget?

[@CampervanTime]

Hi - sort of but not exactly. So in simple terms they layout looks very similar - front bench that converts to a bed and then rear kitchen / toilet (nugget plus) but the kitchen and toilet layouts are quite different when you look into them closer. The nugget has two versions (the the nugget on the standard wheel base van and nugget plus on the long wheel base van), the former does not have the built in toilet. The nugget plus also does not have a shower tray internally whereas the Kelsey does (and obviously has a toilet too). Well worth looking at both in person if you can.

[@spelterworkstiger]

It's not the fact that it's different, it's the fact that they expect folk to pay £60,000 plus and instead of making or providing proper bed base they use a Table as support and you cant tell me that the cushions aren't Cheap and will lose support very quickly. Why make a copy of the Ford Nugget which is basically what it is but it's just a inferior version of it. How can the Companies justify the cost. Look at the new Chauson motorhome 2mtr wide x 6 mtr long. If they had made it as a pop top they would have made the perfect Campervan.

[@grahams3417]

Great to see some innovative and different approaches, but an open plan toilet seems a bit too much. Like a toilet with en-suite kitchenette and dining area. Defo a 1’s only policy needs to be rigorously enforced.

[@fourbyforester]

excellent review!

[@Radio4ManLeics]

That lower bed is a bit of a pain. It's a shame they didn't go for a RIB style design. Otherwise, it's a lot of van for a compact space. Is it the LWB Custom?

[@jeanettesmart9990]

Where do you keep bed linen / pillows ? What a faff with the bed … I’ll stick to my VW California Ocean thanks , even with no toilet/ shower .

[@stevezodiac491]

A portable chemical toilet in a bag makes a very good footstool and bungeed to the passenger seat legs in transit, no problem !

[@CampervanTime]

From what I've read people tend to keep their bedding in the Kelsey in the cupboard next to the one with the tambour door on. It's deeper than it looks on the video.

[@brianscoffield584]

What a faff getting that bed sorted out. Rock n roll so much easier. I agree with the drunk guy below. You need to be able to put your glass down and then lie down yourself without an engineering challenge.

[@thinkingoutofthebox.9421]

Nice van, think the Ford Transit custom Devon Firefly hightop van is much better value and a better layout for 2 people, also has a full height toilet privacy door.

[@CampervanTime]

Not seen one of those, will have to take a look next time we see Devon at a show if they have one

[@cantafordia]

I’m not sure I could get used to not having a window behind the sink/cooker. Is there any reason why there is no window? Thanks for another great video.

[@CampervanTime]

Not that I know of, but I suspect there probably is a reason! In the Westfalia Club Joker City there is a stainless splashback behind it to protect the interior.

[@garethdavies2279]

Bed setup has just put me off completely

[@cld3605]

Making the bed looks a flaf

[@Chetterhummin88990]

Everything seems a bit faffy, compared to other competirors with similar layouts. The Bürstner Copa 530 looks so much bigger compared to this but Westfalia quality is always top shelf

[@Rob01978]

Best not put the awning up on the side with the diesel heater exhaust. Oops

[@CampervanTime]

Very true! With twin sliding doors you'd actually have to think about that!

[@nikwilkinson6272]

Layout has lack of storage for bedding or usual stuff you store under rear shelf in conventional layout camper with side units. Bed is ridiculous

[@bsheene916]

👍i dont understand why you did not bought one yourself wenn it is that great ?

[@CampervanTime]

Because we've got a Westfalia Sven Hedin on order as we wanted a larger van with a fixed rear bed in it. If we were looking for a pop top again then this would be right up there as a contender.

[@broadpete]

For me, all these non side kitchen / rock and roll beds layouts promise everything but I imagine are a nightmare to live with in reality. I'd have them sued for false advertising 😅. You can't beat physics and sometimes, less is more.

[@gabonalumi]

Nice video! Where can I buy a shower curtain?

[@CampervanTime]

It comes with one!

[@gabonalumi]

@@CampervanTime I know but I need one more :)

[@taffpower9347]

On me mams grave this is a better van than the transporter even me dags know there’s no better van than a transit All this is missing is a massive windscreen deflector 👌 I tow me tabbert caravan with the transit best van in the world hands down

[@andersn8547]

Love your stuff guys! We need an electric van for the two of you !

[@user-jg5zb4nx9b]

This review misses one of the most important points. The shower is cold only (stated on the brochure) ! What’s the point of fitting a shower system without hot water?

[@CampervanTime]

We have friends who own a Kelsey and they tell us it’s definitely hot and cold 👍 @campervancarpets

[@spelterworkstiger]

It's like a jigsaw puzzle. Why didn't they just make it like the Ford Nugget which was designed by Westfalia anyway. You cant even compare that to a VW . Back to the Design Board me thinks 🤔

[@CampervanTime]

It's just different and they do shift them otherwise they wouldn't make them! Good to have choice in layouts on the market though. I also have heard a rumour that they might be doing a side kitchen layout like the California soon too.

[@contorta960]

I'm 6.3 so that downstairs bed is a no-go. Dont think the space is utilised well, vans too short to have it in 2 halves essentially. I get wanting to be different but need a comfortable bed. That bed is too small, way way too small.

[@CampervanTime]

It's clear that they are wanting the roof bed to be the main one in this layout with the 'bench bed' being for less frequent use, especially due to the kitchen design at the back meaning you need to stand up etc.

[@ste1]

Not loving this… too crowded for me. Just don’t see who would actually use that shower. Much prefer my Nugget Plus layout…Did you ever feature a Nugget Plus? Enjoying your vids tho.

[@CampervanTime]

Hi, we've not reviewed a Nugget Plus as yet, no, but would like to as they do seem like excellent value too with quality Westfalia build inside.

[@commuterbranchline8132]

Camper vans in general and vw’s in particular are horrendously expensive. When I look at the prices I wonder how normal people afford to buy these things?

[@CampervanTime]

Good question. A lot of smaller pop-top campervan owners replace their family car with it. Cars are incredibly expensive these days too, but campervans do tend to hold their value better though, so residuals can play in to help too. For many their campervan is a lifelong ambition to own, so there is hard saving that has gone in to it to get it.

[@johnlearmond5538]

What a nightmare how much is the van I assume 65k+

[@daviddredge1178]

Just let the lady talk ffs!

[@67MJH]

The lower bed review. Your view was not positive, what was wrong ? Construction or comfort factor. Could you both sleep together

[@CampervanTime]

It's just a case of remembering what to do in what order, that's all.

[@thunderavo]

The bed looks a nightmare and you don't need a loo or shower in such a small space but its biggest draw back is its a transit! Not for me.

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks for checking out our video, plenty more to come :)

[@mariondicksonweir8812]

Everything I would want in a campervan. Would like to have seen how the shower curtain goes on.

[@CampervanTime]

Yes sorry about that, it was a brand new van and the shower curtain comes all nicely folded up in a bag and we didn't want to undo it, apologies.

[@Universo-Z]

Para una pareja esta bien, pero para una familia no sirve

[@beans2605]

Bed is a no. Nice design otherwise

[@stevezodiac491]

Why do they try to better the only lay out that works in a small van and that is a side kitchen with a rib bed, high level cupboards on one side and the back and a pair of swivel seats at the front. I can't imagine who this set up would suit over a conventional layout ?

[@CampervanTime]

To give people a choice if they want it? If you're keen to have a fixed toilet, the ability to have a shower and warm water, and not cover up the kitchen cupboards when you have the lower bed out, this does just that. Different strokes for different folks! We really liked this and thought it was an interesting use of the space.

[@samcooper6115]

Far superior layout than the standard fit out you have described. Westfalia are very amazing and clever the only thing I would say that bed is a tad faffy.

[@stevezodiac491]

​@@samcooper6115 disagree, lwb standard layout is by far the best and with a lwb van you can get in all the cupboards with ease, a portable chemical toilet inside a bag is also useful as a footstool. This layout is not good at all.

[@stevezodiac491]

​​​​@@CampervanTime disagree, lwb standard layout is by far the best and with a lwb van you can get in all the cupboards with ease, a portable chemical toilet inside a bag is also useful as a footstool. This layout is not good at all. You also have a dirty storage area for the outside gear like ramps etc and above the rear bed leaf for the bedding topper and other clean gear. The tamba cupboards for clothes and the other cupboards for kitchen gear, perfect! Easy access to storage beneath the rib bed and the simplest set up of a bed in a small van is a rib bed bar none.

[@janetbowen7854]

Great video, thanks, Sarah and Will, nice to see Roxy. Hope to see you at Camperjam, we've just bought tickets for the Saturday.😊

[@daveblogs5019]

Christ almighty.. bye bye. Zzz