Better than a VW California? Ford's Campervan now comes with a toilet

The new Ford Nugget Plus takes all the best features of the original Nugget - Ford’s own in-house campervan - and gains extra space and a built-in cassette toilet. It also has twin sliding doors, a hot water system and outdoor shower. Is that enough to make it a better buy than VW’s best-selling California?
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◼️ REVIEWED BY: Peter Vaughan, Group Motorhome Road Test Editor for MMM magazine and What Motorhome magazine Editor. Peter has been writing about motorhomes since the age of 14, has a love of touring France and is mad about old Italian sports cars.
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[@EmileVoyer]

Drive 4 people… Will also sleep 4 people With the kitchen and toilet still usable ! What an amazingly designed camper !! I want it in Canada 😅

[@diabeticguy]

Appreciating the leisurely tour where the viewer has the opportunity to see all of the vehicle. So many guides rush us through the vehicle and are left with questions.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

We try to be comprehensive. Hope you've subscribed, so you'll see all our future reviews

[@paulshuter6807]

A very comprehensive review, delivered in an easy to watch style. Thanks

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Much appreciated!

[@youngbairn]

The nugget has had me intrigued for a while. Not sure about some of the equipment installed but the layout would work well for a couple or small family. Sperate sleeping area and kitchen is still useable. For me this set up is very all about your circumstances. There are always compromises with camper vans.

[@Christopher-sj2sc]

Just discovered your channel, what an amazing chap you are! Your knowledge of leisure vehicles seems encyclopedic... Also you seem to reply to most messages even though you have 75k followers. Well done that man keep up the excellent work!!!!!!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thanks and welcome. I've been writing about motorhomes for over 40 years, so hopefully picked up a few ideas along the way!

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

What an absolutely thorough review!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you!

[@Mysterygamer]

Thank you a descent review at last that shows everything, all so far I found did not show the awning , Outdoor seats, Shower set up. Thanks so much.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Glad it was helpful!

Your video is very complete and I thank you very much for it!!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Glad you enjoyed it. Lots more on the channel if you're buying a campervan!

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

I've stayed on that site. Very nice it is too and the suurrounding areas is excellent.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It really is! We filmed the Chausson X550 there, too. Lovely walks from the site.

[@travelling_stephen]

Another great review, I found the layout of this van much better than the usual side kitchen I've never been a fan of those. The price is a little high but what isn't nowadays. Thanks for Another great review Peter 👍

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Our pleasure!

[@Faz-86]

@8.55 nice little authentic sound effect

[@themountainwanderer]

Fantastic! Which is why we never get these things in the U.S.

[@jerrycarter1928]

I love it! Great packaging: I want one in USA!

[@conniewaite1371]

About time! I want one!dont like the inside setup,just the van roof and double sliding doors

[@graphguy]

I have yet to hear an exaplanation... What is it with car companies making great camper options and NOT selling them in America?

[@Harleyglide03]

Hey!!! You stole my question……

[@stuartcraigon2003]

Demand presumably.

[@graphguy]

@@stuartcraigon2003 cost is what VW told me... too expensive for the demand the project. I disagree :)

[@stuartcraigon2003]

@@graphguy Vw aren't interested in the US market anymore. Its too expensive to ship and maintain a shop network. They will eventually pull out. Chevtolet withdrew entirely from Europe.

[@rolandsuch]

Chicken Tax!!!

[@petecoventry6858]

8:54 sounded like you needed the tailgate open for that one 🤣

[@moran68]

Sit on the toilet and peel the potatoes at the same time !

[@fraser5896]

Yep, "how do want your steak cooked?" says your partner as you look across from the toilet! Nuggets indeed.

[@tonysutton6559]

A long as you don't accidentally chop your nuts.

[@liudizzle]

If you have explosive diarrhea will the flush cover up the sound?

[@moran68]

@@liudizzle It might cover up the sound but nothing will cover up the smell 🤢.

[@steveh6373]

Doesn't everyone

[@HollyandSandy]

Definitely liking the look of the Nugget Extra (LWB) We're off to the NEC Birmingham soon, so hopefully they will have one there. A Lottery win between now and then would definitely be helpful LOL. Fingers crossed.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Ford don't usually take a stand at the NEC. You might need to visit your local Transit centre. There will be lots of new campervans to see, though.

[@krimke881]

that you don't have to do the lower bed for sleeping and resting, because you have an upper bunk, makes this nugget a catch. it's actually better than all the cityvans built on fiat chassi, all the sprintevans and hymermobiles. the compromizes are bang on. What makes it a need of 2nd though, is the value. The electronic gadgets should be standard, and you should be able to choose if you want a table that hangs of the wall or delivered as a stand in the middle oft the floor, if you want a banging stereo or just a regular radio thingy. They seriously need to add value to these products, all suppliers.

[@richardcope3850]

Awesome van, had ours for six months now and we managed to get a 185ps auto! A rarity now! Brilliant for us with three small children.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Great to hear you love yours!

[@iasciateognisperanza3267]

Its a camper, but its also a truck/van . These are medium/long term purchases and need to be evaluated a bit different. Buy whatever model suits you, but avoid super complicated engines that are expensive to repair. The more electronics, bells and whistles, the higher the repair bill. If the van becomes unusable then so does the camper. Talk to a mechanic before you purchase.

[@sailingsolo5290]

Very nice. My first new car at 19 years old was a westfalia vw in1983 pop top. 14,000usd

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Bet you wish you'd kept that Westfalia!

[@TheJbsportstech]

You don’t by the vw camper because it’s the best you buy it as it’s trendy and to impress others. What they have don with this layout is very clever

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

The classic VW layout still works really well for a lot of buyers, but only if done properly.

[@andy5786]

Really like ford nugget plus got layout thanks 👍

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Glad you like it

[@nickfraser422]

should have rear view camera fuel cosumption, very good

[@Objectification]

I want it. Immediately 🥰

[@corinneperegrini6003]

So good, I like it very much, specially that it seats 5, and the kitchen at the back. Love the toilet too! What I like most is that it can be used as a daily vehicle to get around having the five seats, there for no need to have a car and a van. I am in the market for something like that as I need a new car and wanted a small van as well, so this is perfect! Is it available in Australia?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You'd need to check with Ford Australia

[@corinneperegrini6003]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Thanks👍

[@jenniferbringman9054]

Looks great for one person.

[@Kevin-xz4jq]

Awesome review. So many negative nancy's in these comments. Sure wish we could buy one in the states. Excellent design!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thanks for watching! Love the "negative nancy" comment!

[@pezpengy9308]

i used to have a vw westfalia camper van. loved that thing! but the tires... oh my lord the tires... trying to find high load rated tires in 14" was the bane of my existence.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I spend rather a lot on heavy-rated tyres for the 18in alloys on my T6, too!

[@pezpengy9308]

@@MotorhomeCampervan at the time there was only one manufacturer on earth that made them and sold them in hawaii. it was awful!

[@bailric]

Ridiculous cost. I bought a Transt Custom Limited SWB 130PS in 2018, fitted a much better low profile Hilo pop top and have a removable layout including kitchen, bed, furniture, toilet and portable power so I can convert back into cargo van within 1 hour. Total cost £32K. And very relevant these days, it’s totally stealth - no signs from the outside it’s a camper van. No extra windows, pop roof not visible due to low profile, floor ventilation and front cab windows cracked open most of the time and hidden by wind deflectors. Never had any regrets the way I did it and it can sleep 4 at a push. And I can park everywhere including underground car parks and even sleep there if I have to without anyone being the wiser

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Factor in your labour, though, and it wouldn't be so cheap. And your camper won't have Type Approval or be safety tested? Consider the resale value of a camper like this and long-term ownership cost is less than an SUV

[@bailric]

@@MotorhomeCampervan as I said my camper materials can be removed and ported to a new base vehicle. Then I can sell my vehicle as a cargo van or base vehicle for someone who wants to do a conversion. What you describe is how marketing guys trick us all into spending far too much and lining the pockets of many. It’s a game and I am not playing it!

[@Paul-kp1tu]

Had to laugh with Nugget's focus on the toilet!

[@contorta960]

Should cover the heating. Heating is super important in the uk. So heating and insulation. Covered noise insulation a little but need to know how it sounds on the motorway.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It has diesel heating but remember that the roof is part canvas, so not ideal in really cold weather. Motorway cruising is fine, quieter than most larger campervans.

[@contorta960]

@MotorhomeCampervan thank you, good to know!

[@lawrencefoster2120]

I always thought that I was so smart because I put a rv toilet in a van. The mark up Is rediculos.

[@paulsingh9043]

Holy sh1t!, 70k ?, my lwb Benz cost me 8k and 3k to convert with all the trimmings , worlds gone mad!!!!🤮

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

That's the price of a camper like this in 2022 - and they're still going up - and they're all sold out

[@LisaMarli]

Get the rear view camera, they are very helpful. I love mine, backing up and parking at so much easier, and I'm just driving a car.

[@vecernicek2]

The toilet in the plus version really is a game changer

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Totally agree!

[@vecernicek2]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Do you know if they plan on making the plus version in the new generation they just unveiled?

[@kensladen]

Seems a really good alternative to VW …. Two doors and a WC are real benefits. I like it

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Good video. Peter you said you wouldn't buy it as a family van. If you wanted something you could use day to day and have a camper what would you buy?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I did buy a CMC HemBil Urban on VW T6. Suits us perfectly as it has a wider seat/bed that most VWs and the Reimo sliding seat is excellent

[@kevtop351]

Try living in close quarters during a prolonged rainy storm. Been there, done that.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

So, have we. My kids love the campervan and we've just had a great week in Wales, even on the wet days

[@andrewbeale2585]

Another excellent review, thank you Peter. As a California Coast owner (my only vehicle), I think the big pluses with the Nugget are the twin sliding doors and the five seats. The offside sliding door in the VW is a right pain. The worry for me as a daily user would be the 2.06m height, as the Cali fits snugly under all car park barriers at 1.98m, but many are 2m and this Nugget wouldn't get under. The Cali has such cool storage for the two tables and two chairs, and benefits too from a big boot which soon gets filled up with clobber when you go away. And benefits from a 7 speed auto box as standard. On balance I will stick with the Coast, but I understand the appeal of the Nugget to some too.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Love the California Coast. I used to have a T5 California SE. There are plenty of great VW campervans if you want a nearside sliding door - we have a CMC HemBil Urban now (with five seats).

[@rolandsuch]

In Germany there is an air suspension available which allows you to drop the height to 2.00m

[@griefer5846]

california ocean is really good, but no toilet

[@kensladen]

To all those complaining about the price …compared to what ? Just because you can’t afford it doesn’t make it poor value … have you seen the number of VW vans out there …. Value is relative !

[@davidlawton6226]

Corado V132 bigger and better and only £61450

[@kensladen]

@@davidlawton6226 That’s a Motorhome. This is a campervan. Completely different - Corado has no sliding doors/rear tailgate and cannot be parked in a standard car park space and is 2.7m high so won’t fit under barriers.

[@santiago3685]

Great review! It seems like you could just sleep in the top, and then not have to rearrange everthing which is very nice! Does it have an air condition that you can run while sleeping? Thanks :)

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, you could but no a/c, although lots of ventilation in the roof so not really a problem

[@nickyboy.]

My 16yr old daughter wears the same style of jeans as you. Very fashionable....

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Wow, thank you. In 55 years on this planet that's the first time I've been called fashionable!

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

The roof looks flimsy. We have a California and it has very strong side support. We can leave the roof up in winds up to 60mph. And can you cook with the roof down, ie is the roof to close to the cooker, when it is stormy?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'd have no worries at all about the roof. Westfalia have been making pop-tops for 60 years + so I think they know what they're doing. But, yes, you do need to put the top up to cook - but then you probably should in the Cali, for ventilation reasons.

[@williamchanning9055]

Great review but would be a great buy at 60k or thereabouts, certainly not worth 70k.

[@TimmysFavs]

Even 40K seems way to much for a transit van!

[@richardcope3850]

A top of the range VW will cost you much more and it's actually a smaller van. The only advantage being you can get 4 wheel drive. Yes our van was expensive but it's good value. 5 of us even in a Premier Inn is £150 a night minimum. We use our van a lot and it will more than pay for itself in less than two years and still be worth something. Don't knock it until you've tried it!

[@TimmysFavs]

@@richardcope3850 I'm entitled to my opinion. I say it's way overpriced & the VW campervan is dearer still. My original comment was a motorhome could be purchased for a lot less & give so much more space. If you're happy with it that's great, good for you but I'm going to knock it all I want because it's rediculously expensive!

[@richardcope3850]

@@TimmysFavs of course you're entitled to your opinion. My apologies if any offence caused. We all have a different view and perception of value. There are many things my friends spend a fortune on that I wouldn't touch. That's life. I was just highlighting what works for us. Yes a bigger motorhome would cost much less but with our Transit we can go anywhere, anytime.

[@TimmysFavs]

@@richardcope3850 Great reply!

[@rightright6582]

How to get the hot air in the upper bed?

[@MRBraveheartscot]

Thank you great content as usual ! :)

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you

[@Zalley]

How get food from the kitchen to the inside table? Do you have to go out of the kitchen to the outside with the food and then into the inside table section? Toilet too near to kitchen.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

No, there's an aisle around the side of the kitchen to the seating area. No need to go outside

[@christophermcrae3756]

Hi Peter just wandering when your giving us a review of the Consort campervan range?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Would love to but Scot needs to come up with a 'van for me to test. His new MWB model with the super-sized lounge looks interesting!

[@christophermcrae3756]

@@MotorhomeCampervan One to definetely look out for then 👍

[@markm49]

70k. The worlds gone mad.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You can easily pay 50k just for an empty panel van in 2022

[@davidsqvbcn]

Awesome review 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻, excellent campervan 🚐😀👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Boss-zo4lw]

Not bad, would make a great solo camper or for a couple, that back seat that splits it all up would have to go though and for me ruins it slightly, well more than slightly lol

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It's the back seat - making it a five-seater car in the week - that will be the USP for many buyers. There are plenty of other options if you want a true solo camper

[@QazaqtynUly]

When using the toilet just don't forget to close the back door.

[@Hansen3111]

Hi Can you please tell me how tall-hight of your Van .. I got a Ford Tourneo Custom L2 but my parking is only 205 cm

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Ford says the Nugget Plus is 2.06m high

[@bobby350z]

Not sure why something like this is not available in US.

[@stuartcraigon2003]

Demand presumably.

[@rolandsuch]

Chicken Tax!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

How much is the equivalent OEM model i.e. to figure the premium paid for the Westfalia conversion

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

This is an OEM model from Ford

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Yes and my question is what is its price before Westfalia adds all the bits to turn it into a camper and sell it for 77K

[@vanzeit2300]

The California is available as Beach Tour including two sliding doors for three years now ...

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

But the Beach Tour cannot be registered as a Motor Caravan - it doesn't have a kitchen at all

[@vanzeit2300]

... and it can't drive sideways.

[@andrea0307]

Peter what have you done! My husband and I have been watching your reviews on You Tube for over a year, trying to decide whether we go Camper van or under 6.0m Motorhome and what was really missing from the Camper vans, the said fitted convenience, so almost made our mind up to definitely get a Motorhome! However now look what has been presented to us! I was a little unsure at first about the toilet placement, kitchen area and all that, but yeah the fact this vehicle looks super good quality in every other respect, it would work. The partition across was a great touch. However what the manufacture could have done is fitted a half moon shaped rail into the floor, in front of the toilet, so the partition came fully around, kind of blocking off the kitchen view whilst using the facility. Anyway now ummming and arrrhhing yet again following watching your many fantastic reviews about “what to do”. It does seem quite a lot of money, but at the end of the day I still believe you get what you pay for! This looks a “cracker” for sure! Love it! Thanks for your time in doing all the reviews you do, they are so helpful. 🙏 PS is there a PowerPoint to plug the Lavazza A Modo Mio or a small Microwave? 😌

[@mindhealthworks1751]

Worth looking at the Autohaus Camelot - integral loo too!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, there's a 230V socket on the top of the counter, near the fridge. If you don't mind the canvas sides of the pop-top (not as warm in winter!), then this could be a good option for you. The quality is superb. Otherwise, you could go up a size to something like the Dreamer D51 that I reviewed. Thanks for your comments. Really appreciated.

[@andrea0307]

@@mindhealthworks1751 Thanks

[@andrea0307]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Thanks. We did enquire about a D51 but the Dealership advised it was a L/H drive so not available in the UK market and suggested the D55 as an alternative. Anyway thanks again.

[@anncantle4489]

@@andrea0307 o

[@JrangeyV8]

A great vehicle for sure, if they weren’t so easily stolen because of such bad security, it would certainly be a brilliant contender.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Latest reports from the motorhome insurers say that Fords are no longer a particular theft target.

[@TimFurlong]

I managed 16 minutes. I think you could have covered it in 10. I note a distinct lack of storage space for more than one person, where do you store your clothes, bedding and food for a week? Wine, condiments and croquery? Then there's the loo, while spacious, unless you are wild camping, you'd be loathed to stink out the kitchen and as for the shower, I wonder how many people would actually use that, you'd need to fill with water first (adding weight) and you can't really consider heating the water from your leisure battery. Hot water sounds useful but you'd really only use it for washing up, which you can't do in a small sink very well. The table was a joke, imagine more than two people in there while it's pouring outside. Personally, I think anyone paying 70k for that would be using a full facility site, rendering most of those 'features' pointless. Having camped in a van for more than ten years, I know how many features, that sound great, are very quickly redundant.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I've been reviewing motorhomes and campervans for over 40 years - most people like the greater detail. I've used campers like this for two weeks and you just compromise on what you take. There's plenty here for a couple. Hot water works well from 12V and saves boiling a kettle for washing up, which is easy in the sink here. Table is fine, too, for two. The shower will probably be used for muddy boots, dogs, etc. The loo is very useful when you don't want to traipse across the campsite in the rain or the middle of the night.

[@louisehollyhead6807]

I'd always like a loo. Compromises on storage for sure but you would just get a system going

[@greycats99]

70 Grand! :D

[@johnsayer116]

Far better layout than the standard VWs

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It has less storage than the best side kitchen VWs but there's a lot to like here

[@markcreed9745]

Starts at 70k!!! For that!! The world has gone mad!

[@DAZSAVENTURESINWONDERLAND]

yer i was looking and thinking REALLY ,what did it have, that was worth £70k, ive seen better designed self builds ,for a fraction of the money

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Compare it with rivals. That's what a good campervan costs. Cheap compared with a Land Rover or many other SUVs!

[@Norristheforest]

I've had two Nuggets over the 15 years. All high- top. They used to be substantially cheaper than VW offerings and then represented great value - if you could cope with LHD. They served me very well on multiple trips in all seasons in many countries.. However, my latest van in the Westy Amundsen. The fixed bed and the amazing storage space was a deal maker. Still, there are elements of the Nugget I miss. Top down fridge especially but what happened to the old style pop up table that was great?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I think you still get the pop-up table with LHD. Ford took the decision to fit the RHD version with twin sliding doors, which I think gives it a big advantage over the California and Marco Polo, but that rather precludes the pop-up table. Enjoy your Amundsen!

[@leonienolan511]

I wanted a VW so bad till I saw the nugget ,, I adore this camper and layout ,, it's perfect for a large dog which other models are not suitable

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It's a great campervan but you'll need to check out the space for a large dog. You might be better off with something like a Bilbo's Celex LWB or HemBil Escape LWB for maximum floorspace.

[@Burghbhoy1]

under the new DVLA rules would vans like the nugget no longer be classed as campervans as they are not high tops ?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

As a Ford product with Whole Vehicle Type Approval, it should be registered as a motor caravan

[@seanfallon4580]

you sound very anti vw california ? lovely van though and a great review as usual 👌, thank you

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Not at all. I used to own one and would definitely consider another if we ever change our T6 HemBil Urban. Have you seen my review of the California Ocean? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaDNeX-batmDgNE The Cali has better storage than the Nugget and I prefer the VW to drive, but the Nugget Plus is completely different and has advantages.

[@Adam-tn8yh]

What puts me off the California is the number of complaints about corrosion where the roof meets the van. That and the horror stories about VW’s poor customer service in resolving the issues definitely means I’m in the market for an alternative, and this could be it.

[@richardhirst5798]

We collected this van new in March. Loving it so far. Family of 4 with another potentially on the way so needed the 5 belted seats. Small enough to use as secondary vehicle for commuting to work and comfortable parking in most car parks when away. Note that the newer version has a few extra features to this van… new control console and can open the tailgate from inside for example. Mine is the 185ps auto with a few options and was discounted so less that £70k. Plus 0% finance for 3years saving ~£5k in interest. Couldn’t find a van within 2 years old with these features for the price we paid. With it being OEM I hope it will be reasonable with depreciation too - provided diesel doesn’t die off!! Defo not as cool as the VW and ride isn’t as smooth. The load flexibility of the sliding bench seat in the California is better but I’ve found our van is big enough - the space under the bench seat and under the kitchen is bigger than it appears in this video. Plus when it’s raining you can get everywhere in this van… was great to pack up in the dry on the last morning of our last trip out… Kids still up top and being able to make a brew stood up. Would have loved a VW but this layout works best for us.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Great to hear from you and that you love your Nugget. I don't think you'll have an issue with depreciation as it's a great OEM camper with super build quality.

[@richardhirst5798]

Thank you for the comment. I forgot to mention that this is a great review of the camper. I struggled to find information about it before I ordered so it was nice to see this video and the good praise!

[@annamric6597]

Only negative seems to be getting agreement between Ford and Westfalia over who covers any warranty repair problems. The Cali Camper Family had a leisure battery problem which was difficult to fix, both F & W passing the buck.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

The California is built by VW with no input from Westfalia

[@tonysutton6559]

I would rather have a Fiat or Citroen 6m hi-top for £20k less and have a washroom, oven, grill, double glazed windows and insulation so that it can be used by 4 people whatever the weather.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

The Transit Custom works better as a car, though. And most of the Fiats are pushing close to this price now - some are a lot more

[@JD-vh1qd]

I like it

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

So do we! What Motorhome magazine's Campervan of the Year

[@billyray323]

How Much ! They're Van's with a bed & a few cabinets 🤪

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It's a bit more than - and have you seen the price of vans! The cost of the seat/bed system and the elevating roof (with another bed) runs into thousands before you factor in the labour cost and the investment for relatively small production runs.

[@bephremb]

Would the chassis take a motorbike carrier? 150-200kg?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

That might be possible but you could run out of payload

[@moran68]

Are these pop up tops prone to mildew on the canvas sides ? And I suppose eventually they will need to be replaced ?

[@TimFurlong]

Mine are now officially eleven years old and the only issue are minor holes appearing where they've snagged on the strut hinges. Certainly no mildew and it's been through all weathers 🌦️

[@moran68]

@@TimFurlong So I suppose it’s important to make sure they are dry before folding down ?

[@moran68]

@@TimFurlong Thanks for replying . Can they be replaced quite easily if needed ?

[@TimFurlong]

@@moran68 I am quite sure mine are sealed into the roof, to be honest though I've never given it a good look, I imagine they can be replaced by the right people. But as I say, eleven years and counting, so not something you need to worry about. The engine needs more maintenance than the rest of it.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Our California was sold at 10 yrs old and the canvas still perfect. Some roofs are designed for easy replacement of the material

[@nagnag01]

The Connect is far superior, quality, reliability, drivability, interior feel, comfort everything. I own a 360,000 mile 2017 connect, and if you are spending a lot of time in your van, then there really is only 1 choice, Transit Connect

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

But none of the campervan converters use the Connect and Ford doesn't offer a Connect campervan. You can find a few VW Caddy campers if you want something that small, or Wheelhome's electric Vikenze

[@mclucky7086]

I think it is a beauty.

[@dorisatkinson7259]

I’ve never understood why Ford, VW etc never when with a straight up, front and back roof instead of the sloped roof. One more pair of scissor hinges and a few more square yards of fabric and the upper bunk becomes a room instead of a burrito wrap. Sportsmobile uses a straight up configuration on their pop top and oh, what a difference! So much more room, so much more standing room, a choice of which way your head goes on the upper bunk in case vehicle is sloped. The sloped roof is the one biggest thing I didn’t like about my Eurovan full camper.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I think it's probably about weather protection, which must be better with this design. A number of UK companies used to do straight up roofs but none now - many proved troublesome. I do like the side-hinged roof from Bilbo's, though, which gives full headroom all along the 'van

[@iasciateognisperanza3267]

Rain flow, I believe. Having said that, they should include a tortilla maker and a mini-barbq grill. Add taco sauce to the burrito.

[@bourdon845]

Joli !

[@jimmyk7137]

Not sure having a toilet in the same space as the kitchen is such a good idea. I suppose it could come in handy if you’ve had a particularly spicy curry for your dinner!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It's a matter of fitting everything into a small space. Quite a few VW campers have a similar arrangement

[@ag1382]

No privacy curtains for front window and doors?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Silver screens for the cab windows

[@calchenontour5801]

For me the layout of the Nugget reduces the aim of a van , so to load different luggages when needed. So i Prefer the Kitchen on one side, These cars are Not made for Staying the Wohle day in it. The Camping Concept of the car is better than other in the size sector,

[@Inthenameoftheweeman_]

Did he just fart @ 8:54 whilst demonstrating the toilet? 😂

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Err, no! Peter

[@andymushlarky7819]

Peter a good review, as usual. Do you know if the leisure battery system can be added to? and is the addition of a solar panel an option or would you need to go aftermarket?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Ford doesn't seem to list a solar panel as an option, so I guess you'd be looking to an aftermarket supplier for this. Maybe upgrade the leisure battery to lithium at the same time?

[@allthingsnu4673]

This is a really nice van... I wish they'd found a way to hide a shower inside.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I think that might be stretching the design too far and you'd need a bigger boiler and larger fresh water tank

[@mikehart5496]

See the AutoSleeper Topaz! VW LWB Transporter with full bathroom. Sadly no longer made. It's hightop though and not really usable as anything other than a camper. Swings n roundabouts as always.

[@louisehollyhead6807]

@@MotorhomeCampervan water tank at 40l is the same as a touring caravan barrel. We'll 45l for the barrel and a full shower doesn't use a full barrel but the difficulty would definitely be the 3l boiler. 8l and you get a decent shower but couldn't rinse my hair and wash with 8l. 3l would get you wet and not much more.

[@shaunashwood]

My 5 bedroom, 3 bath, house in California, cost me $200,000k. So, Ford wants almost half the cost of a family house, for a van? And, oh boy, 2 sliding doors, well why didn't you say so in the beginning? Insane

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Not sure what's insane about two sliding doors! Price is comparable with other campervans and a lot less than some "luxury" SUVs. Maybe things are cheaper in California?

[@drumcdoo9050]

Having the conveniance of a loo shows how companies have been getting away selling campers without even the bare minimum of equipment, yet charging top money is a huge con...

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

But plenty of people are happy to use campsite facilities, or would be unhappy with the semi-private loo in a small camper

[@drumcdoo9050]

@@MotorhomeCampervanThat is absolute hogwash. You have obviously not travelled in a camper unless you have a massive bladder! Try telling that to someone caught short whilst travelling anywhere who has previously had basic facilities. When travelling you are not always parked up in a campsite. If at a festival with the option of queuing for half an hour to use a squalid loo or have the privacy of your own space, it's an absolute no brainer. In America you wouldn't evenconsider buying a camper without facilities...

[@bertaga41]

Dead right. Ridiculous amounts of money and no toilet. It's as if having one is a luxury when it's a basic need. The whole business is a con.

[@russellsmith6476]

I'll stick to my vw 5.1 campervan and vw summer festivals

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

If you love the VW scene you won't want a Ford, I guess...

[@LB-W]

Really don’t like the curtains. Why are they not thermal to help condensation and have magnets instead of silly poppers. Must do better

[@howardmarkert8150]

Hopefully next year they will have the eTransit version of this available; then no more need for a gas bottle simply put in an induction hob.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

No confirmation from Ford yet. My gut feeling is you'll be looking more like a couple of years away

[@ghost70]

Nice one ford great platfrom but its not worth a gold nugget which is what you willneed to be able to purchase one :(

[@zonacrs]

I really don't understand why this, and campers like it, are not available in the U.S. Westfalia used to have a footprint here, perhaps they still do. It just boggles my mind which probably boils down to profit margins. Would love one of these.

[@rolandsuch]

Chicken Tax!

[@sil8127]

Trying to do too much imo. The toilet on show in the kitchen all the time is a bit strange. And two separate parts of the van seems strange if the weather isn’t so good. Smartly done though

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

If the weather isn't good, surely keeping the kitchen separate is better? - kids well away from hot pans...

[@derekweir7692]

the Old Imperial Brake Horse Power, you nugget

[@TimmysFavs]

Wow, what a price, how do Ford/Westfalia justify it❓ A super motorhome with a decent amount of space & comfort could be purchased for a lot less! I don't see the attraction at all way overpriced and I can't see many being sold. A fool & his money is soon parted!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Compare it with other campervans of this size and the price is bang on. Flat-sided coachbuilt motorhomes are much cheaper and easier to build - and for £70k won't come close for quality. Nor will they offer the same comfort and safety for passengers. Adding a roof like this to a van would cost around £5k and the sliding seat system probably another £5k...

[@Sharon-jz4ri]

Is this sold in the US? If not why not?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'm afraid not. I think the factory struggles to meet European demand

[@RedBatteryHead]

I so much love the Nugget layout. It's just not coming cheap. Nor a California fir that matter. Would like a normal fridge door instead of a box type.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

The top-loading fridge does have advantages, especially losing less of its cooling every time you open it. You seem to be able to load more in, too, for the same quoted capacity.

[@RedBatteryHead]

@@MotorhomeCampervan I think it's more difficult to organise.

[@Daz555Daz]

The L-shape rear kitchen ruins this van for me. The long uninterrupted floor space you get with a standard side/side rear kitchen is so important if you are travelling with a load of gear - driveway awning, paddle boards, chairs etc. Making it L shaped just makes a more useless space for transporting kit. Also a big no on the top loading fridge - horrible things.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I like top-loading fridges, which don't lose their coolness every time you open the door. New Nugget has a drawer fridge, though - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHnchZdvhbZ-e8k

[@liamh9814]

70k, only public sector bigwigs will be able to afford this.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Not much more than a Tesla Model 3 and plenty of people seem to be buying those. Compared with any SUV, it looks pretty sensibly priced to us!

[@liamh9814]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Believe you me I like it. But I earn well over the average salary and 70k for any vehicle seems a lot. When I was a kid motorhomes and caravans were a way for families to enjoy budget friendly holidays and breaks. Perhaps that’s why a lot of people seem to be doing their own conversions. In any event, I must be getting old.

[@hobbsy4261]

In my comment just now re pop up roof on Nugget Plus I omitted to add my name- Alan Hobbs.

[@hobbsy4261]

My comment on the Nugget Plus was to do with the pop roof being initially difficult to push up before the gas struts took over and in the reverse operation hard to roll up fabric without it coming down hard on your head. Anyone else had this problem ? Alan Hobbs

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, you always have the initial heave before the gas struts take over. There are a very few electric roofs on the market which get around this issue but it's not a bit problem for most buyers.

[@hobbsy4261]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Many thanks, I’ll build up my arm muscles ! ASH