My VW Grand California is TERRIBLE!

[@EhrlicherEdukator]

I had a 680 for 6 months and traveled with it a lot during the pandemic. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I didn't have a single issue with the car. I am saving some cash to buy one in 2025.

[@garystoker7641]

Great honest review. I bought one, it was my first camper and regretted it big time. In the first three months in was in for repair FIVE times, eventually they said things were just going to break and they refused to continue to repair stuff. Badly thought out, badly designed, badly built and eventually got my money back. Got a nice Mercedes van and had it kitted out by a pro company and it was amazing. These things are really sold hard and they don't tell you of any of the issues. Mine was sold as being "bombproof" and "things never go wrong", it was just sales talk.

[@passsacaglia]

Hey Gary!! Thx for letting me know. I'm doing my Excel sheets now haha and also saw a chill build from Jarrod with Shaiden's lux van build, amazing usage of space tbh. Also saw a spanish couple having a chill custom made van. Do you have any YT channel I can follow or so? I'm thinking like, do I need a big one or which size I'd go for etc. Thinking a Citroen Jumper L3H3 or L3H2 or just a L2H2/H3 (I'm 6'1/1.86cm). Just looking for a nice van to go out for 2-3 weeks early spring and summer and fall before winter comes as my 2023 project. Any advice would be much appreciated. :) Oh yeah, I'm a studio musician/film composer.

[@dannykelly7159]

@@passsacaglia sweet Jesus don’t get a citroen I know nothing about camper vans. But. We use them for work. The most uncomfortable van ever lol

[@BirdLegacyBlades]

My buddy owns a mechanic shop, and when I was in the market for a new car he told me to avoid Volkswagen (and a few other makes) at all cost.

[@sillytorque]

@@dannykelly7159 the Jumper is made by Fiat (Ducato ) they also make the Peugeot Boxer all rebadged Ducatos with a couple of motor option differences. 80-90 of all professional camper builders use the Ducato/Jumper/Boxer van or chassis so there's nothing wrong with them..... It's the most logical choice for a camper build. Citroen cars however.....

[@camwinstone]

@@sillytorque also nail a Vauxhall/Opal badge on them now, RAM in the US. The replacement will be lead by Opel design.

[@siestacampers4870]

we rent a fleet of these and have had so many problems, we don't bother with the warranty as it's not worth the hassle. They keep it for weeks and never resolve the problems. it's true that the technicians haven't got a clue to fix these even in Europe. We've come up with a whole series of upgrades that resolve the previous constant hassle we've had with recurring problems. Things like Dometic water pump upgrade, and fridge thermostat workaround. gas airlock issues when you turn the gas taps off. water tap upgrade. The vw one always leaks. The step can get so bad it freaks out the comfort ECU which you need to reboot. We've actually built our own crafter conversion, which is loads more reliable and solid. great video and an honest review.

[@dg8579]

I can only imagine the horror of running them as a rental fleet! The amount of angry customers calling you in the middle of the night... uff! Saw your conversion photos - looks pretty neat!

[@ThomasODuffy]

Thanks for sharing this kind of feedback... I hope VW is listening.

[@SoloVagant]

Chris. The water pump cycling on and off is more than likely because they is small leak in the plumbing system. Check and tighten all the hose clamps/fittings etc and that should fix the problem. Those pumps are designed to build pressure and then turn off until a tap is opened and then the pump turns on. Hope that helps.

[@atakd]

My thoughts but if it only happens once or twice overnight it could be a pressure drop from the sytem cooling down.

[@AlanDCowie]

Hi Chris Thanks for your honest review of your Grand California , I waited 18Month for my Highline Kombi my dream van , spent a fortune at Leighton Vans , and now the Fuel Gauge sticks at 90% full all the time , its been in 3times now to the dealer , new sensor , new fuel tank now they are stuffed and they dont know what to do , I have had it since Oct 2022 and only driven it 1400miles , its definitely a love hate relationship but it does look & drive awesome

[@satujasatuja3177]

We had a GC680 4motion for 8 months and drove it some 25000kilometers. Then we had enough of the continuous problems and we returned the van to the dealer. Didn't get all our money back but we were satisfied after some negotions. Here is a list that was wrong with our van: 1. The toilet light has a life of it's own in cold weather. It's turns on and off on its own. 2. We received the van in January in Finland when there are freezing temperatures like -20 degrees celsius. And our first time we took water in the van 4 months later we found out that there had been water left on the pipes from the factory and our pipes had popped and water was leaking into the toilet cabinet and from the back shower also. Those were replaced but our questions about possibility of water damage to the van were ignored. 3. The electric step worked sometime and sometime it did not. It got replaced after which it worked fine for 2 weeks and got jammed totally on out position on a gas station and we had to force it back in to continue our journey. It got replaced again. 4. The control panel in the living area is a toll mess, it gets "jammed" and some of the buttons don't work, solar stops charging, battery info can show like -512A as the current usage. Endless fuse pull outs and mains on and off switching to get it back to its senses. 5. We had the diesel heating and one of the worst problems was that it stopped heating at random times, most likely at night time and you woke up freezing to see that the heating has turned off and the control panels is showing that the battery is empty even though it has 70%+ of juice left in it. This happened many many times for us and the dealership tried to fix it but had no luck in that. 6. Our final decision to return the car was when the whole camper side except for the freezer stopped working on our 2 week trip on Åland isles. After several hours of googling found out on german internet board that a way to truly to boot up the camper side, there is a blue plug under the glove compartment that needs to be pulled out for a few minutes while the mains on the camper are off and that fixed for us for the time being. After the trip we returned to the dealer and informed that we want to know on VW side when and how these continuous problems will be fixed. And the VW answer answer was that they do not know. And our decision was crystal clear after that was said. We returned the van.

[@dg8579]

Moi! I guess you had an early version like mine. VW Airport Vantaa guys did an amazing job fixing mine. Toilet light now has a small switch, Thule step changed and works well. Control Panel - early software versions were buggy. Had same problems with battery not wanting to charge. But by far the biggest headache was Truma heater... like yours as well. And thank you for sharing the blue plug location - have to check it - did not it existed! I used ours for travels to Alands and also to Pyhä during winter (not sleeping in it) it worked well! What did you change it with?

[@satujasatuja3177]

@@dg8579 It was an January 2021 GC680. There was info about the Truma heater on german boards that when you unplug the Truma from the VW control panel and use it only by the truma control panel it works just great. As far as I could figure it out the reason for it to stop heating is the VW control panel that for some reason thinks the battery is empty and tells the truma to shutdown. GC680 was our only car so switched back to normal 4x4 SUV. We wanted automatic trans and 4x4 camper and there was like VW and MB to choose from and the prices of MB's were too much for us.

[@dg8579]

@@satujasatuja3177 Mine was worse - it would not shut down when it lost connect - it would just start blowing on full power ands there was nothing I could do. Even if its off and we are driving somewhere it would just suddenly start blowing on full power without any warning. Was driving me crazy! But luckily after VW finally changed the Truma, it is working allright now. Im mainly using it as mobile office nowadays - just go somewhere on the shore to work with a great view and have a short walk during breaks. Love it!

[@Rene-wm4pi]

@@dg8579 i have these and a lot More Problems With a April 2021 car. Also the newest Software is buggy. Latent Update : rainwater coming in i think From Upper Roof Brake light. Nice

[@Rene-wm4pi]

680 4 mo i forgot

[@ChrisBrown-jh2mo]

Sounds like it was done by a "designer" who never has, and never will use a camper. That's one of the main reasons I do my own conversions, the other one is money.

[@K0nst4nt1n96]

Its exactly the opposite. It is a very well thought through van.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

We love our long wheelbase VW Crafter van conversion. Ours is from IH Motorhomes in Yorkshire and it’s had some unique changes to it that are fully industry approved to make it and all year round comfortable camper. I think we paid a similar price tag to you but after a year, we have only had 1 issue and that was with the Truma heating which was fixed over the phone by our after sales team. Our LPG is in a tank underneath the van along with water and waste tanks, they have never frozen or been an issue. We have driven 9,000 miles and used it 120 nights camping, all over the UK. The difference is that our VW dealer looks after the van and our Van Conversion dealer looks after the campervan. Thanks for your honest review, we are glad we didn’t chose the VW Grand California 👍🏻🚐 Trev n Sue

[@kevinnuttall7858]

What an honest review wish more people were like you when reviewing things. Vw is not what they used to be.

[@nosoupforyou425]

Have you ever driven a beetle ?

[@krimke881]

you are judging the camperpart by reevaluating the brand that just mae that car it's built on? wow. It's like saying Harman Kardon is not what it used to be, when you're playing music on your stereo, from a band you not really enjoy.

[@landl190372]

Considering what VW are charging for these things, they have some bloody cheek! Thanks for the honest review!

[@duncanwallace7760]

Great to hear from someone who has actually used the vehicle for a decent amount of time. That dumping the water thing sounds super-annoying!

[@mickobrien6360]

If your in the van unless its -8 the water will be fine. disconnect the auto dump.

[@duncanwallace7760]

@@mickobrien6360 Thanks, that's pretty cold!!

[@jonasm3812]

I'm in the states, California specifically, and I have a Eurovan MV. It's on its 3rd transmission and has a load of other issues that needed to be corrected/fixed all the time. Its a love-hate relationship. I think in the 20+ years we owned, its been in shop about 26 months. The love part is now I have it running perfectly, have fixed almost everything, and I can use without worrying about getting sand or dog mud on it. The hate part is that I bought a Promaster (Man Van/ Ducato) to convert, and I wouldn't buy anything else ever again. I couldn't care less that the Grand California may be released in the states, VW is out of favor with me, and had they taken on some responsibility in fixing my Eurovan, perhaps they would have kept me as a consumer.

[@ukgroucho]

Wow. Very honest review. I'd be really disappointed with that level of faults especially because VW seem to charge a premium for the PVCs. I've got a Fiat Ducato based PVC (6.36m) from one of the Rapido group companies. Had it 18 months and 7600 miles and it's been faultless. Yes we get some rattles and squeaks but we can't really tell if that's fixtures or stuff we've packed - need to have a concerted effort to empty the kitchen drawers and get to the bottom of it. Your license to drive the >3500Kg vehicle is not 'HGV' It's most likely category C1 - kinda Light Goods Vehicle as you are licensed to drive stuff up to 7500Kg - unless you went the whole hog and did the C or CE category test.

[@maxflight777]

Chris .. candid and blunt comments are important ! thanks ( writing as someone who is about to buy one )

[@ChrisSloanes]

Dont worry, by the end of my ownership i loved it and had all my issues mostly fixed. This video was early on and although yes i wish i didnt have the issues i did. I still ended up loving it.

[@Wee-Rex]

I am genuinely looking at these right now, you have given me loads of reasons to look at something else.

[@crxdelsolsir]

5:30 Knowledge to fix is more than half of the problem solved. That is why old cars where fixes for problems have been solved many times over are so much easier to own. It is cheaper and faster DIY. Much more convenient than the trouble booking it and leaving it at a dealer, getting transport back home or to work, finding transport and/or leaving early at work to pick it up, pay the high price and spending wasted hours at work recouping the costs. With older cars someone somewhere have experienced it and have fixed it. You can DIY at your own time, own home and don't need to pay anyone's wages. For that same reason that is why manufacturers keeps changing models and designs to keep DIY savings at a minimum and increase/maintain their profit .

[@tindalljames]

Great video, as a fellow 600 owner I echo everything here. I could also add the issues with the fridge freezing everything on its lowest setting and the battery never holding charge for more than a couple of days. The frost protect is a PITA

[@ChrisSloanes]

Ahh yeah does your fridge do the same? Thought I had it on too cold!

[@avit24]

As the manufacturer of the van is very happy that they made the sale of the van. Dont forget that the manufacturer has a second business, that is the service section.... this sector needs to make money from the initial purchase expenditure... so buying the nice van firstly then you need to be paying the second business for VAG so yes it's a scam!

[@diwarburton5369]

I’ve always bought VW because I rate German engineering. However, I buy Transporter panel vans and have them converted to my spec (never a problem because I believe simple is best). I think half the problem is the California is majoring on all the latest technology (which isn’t tried and tested) and they fail. Great vlog.

[@johnsmeith3913]

lmao german engineering is a hoax, im canadian, and every chevy my buddies or I bought had a fraction of the maintanance and cost. VW is a scummy company, so I have my fingers crossed that GM will come out with a proper version of this half ass VW van for the North American market. To anyone who still thinks that American cars are as shitty as they were in the early to mid 2000s, youll be shocked and delighted about the value and customization you get with GM with the same if not better interiors than VW, at 25% of the price. The only respectable german car brand nowadays is Porsche

[@ChrisSloanes]

VW own Porsche too

[@neilread6888]

We have had GM in the UK from 1925 under the brand Vauxhall and yes there quality has improved but I think VW do produce some quality cars, they own Audi, Bentley, Cupra, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT and Skoda.

[@johnsmeith3913]

@@ChrisSloanes yea but porsche is a seperate independent entitity from the VW group, they share basically no parts with their VW brands but are basically using a loophole in the german tax system to separate the two companies as much as possible publicly. To be fair, with porsches recent quality and selling out their product line to shitty SUV's, maybe VW fully integrated the porsche brand into the company

[@sarahann530]

​@@johnsmeith3913 Chevy vans are shit

[@dominichayhoe6355]

I’m sorry but you don’t seem to have read your manuals as you make many incorrect assumptions. Frost protect is a standard Truma part that is fitted to most vans. It is so you don’t damage the system. Have you not owned a motorhome before? I’m on my 4th all different makes and it’s been on every van. You can still clear the error code either by providing gas or electric, or if you’ve not resolved the issue and managed to get as far as the system locking you out you need to wait 15 min tires then it will clear. You can still get heat without water. Micro switch inside tap needs to stay dry. If it gets wet it creates an electrical connection. Resolution is to prise apart the contacts slightly which fixes it easily. The over cab bed option is only available in the 600 which by standard is 3.5 tonnes not 3.88 tonnes so you don’t need the C1 classification on your licence. .

[@mferrarorace]

Across the pond here. Don't buy anything with the name California on it. Maybe I'm superstitious. Great vid mate!

[@adamfrbs9259]

Same with all off grid type living. I lived in a brand new 26ft toy hauler camper for about a year. Constantly getting water, dumping water, having things break, flat tires, tickets for parking, and on and on. At least in the USA land of the free is a joke, no where to live for free.

[@biasedaudio]

Nice work most of the "van Life" stuff is click bait with stuff you already knew. This is very interesting! Well done!

[@voyageadventurevans]

Very good Video with some very valid points. Nice to see you being pragmatic about most of them. Such a shame for VW that this is a bit of a sideline, where the local dealers just are not up to speed on how to fix the habitation side of things.

[@PeterBird49]

great vid. not come across your channel before. loving the dry humour, ill now go back and watch the rest.

[@ChrisSloanes]

Thanks Peter. Glad you like the video. Hope to see you around in the comments 👍🏻

[@bonzesdiary]

We just rent a GC600 and it is the worst and terrible camper we ever had. First I wanna say, that the camper is a complete fail. Nothing in this van is convincing or has any comfort. - water is leaking somewhere under the sink. - after using the shower, water comes out of the bottom from the shower, it flows out under the rear seat and comes out of the back door. So I guess there is water everywhere under the floor - the handles from the storage cases over the bed are broken - the sunprotector at the driver seat is broken - the battery is not loading - the panel shows random numbers, sometimes 50% batteries but just 1 minute left - the Electric step has always problems and won’t come out or in - when we lock the car , the lamp over the rear seats get on , you can’t switch it off - the touch panel gets stuck a lot and we have to turn off and on the main switch ( so we have to get everything out of the van to get access to the electric - the 12 v port in the front are not working - the outer toilet access is not closing properly, so we can’t use the toilet And all the bad comfort There is no place to store any kind of bottles. The kitchen stores is just a pain in the a…. If you don’t have any dwarf plates and pots , you will not get any of your stuff one the drawers The window cover …. Why!!!! Very other van or motorhome has inbuilt windows cover (shutter ) So I can write a lot more but just let me tell you DONT BUY A VW GRAND CALIFORNIA

[@dougieranger]

I appreciate your candour here Chris. It’s not one I’d consider having seen this. Cheers mate. 👍🏼

[@karlospappy8908]

Good review Chris, we had a Cali Ocean from new a couple of years back which was really good but that said I would not have another VW as IMO they are overpriced so now waiting for my new Elddis campervan to be delivered based on a Fiat Ducato and we will see how we get on with it. Cheers K.

[@patrickwhaley4111]

Interesting and honest review highlighting the potential problems. It's a lot on money to pay out to buy irritating uses. The manufacturer should be hanging their heads in shame.

[@MrFPilati]

That was a very good video. Thanks for the information you experienced and explained well. 😃👍🏻

[@jussisepponen]

Well, I am now on my second GC600 with full options and have been using them all year round with absolutely no problems at all. Love the van.

[@ChrisSloanes]

Lucky for you!

[@Matt-df6hz]

I would get remis blinds fit in the front too, not sure why they didnt just fit them anyway

[@urbanarkoverland]

Brutally honest mate. I like it. Put my pump on a switch for that exact reason by the way. Looks awesome though mate 👍🏻

[@371tattoostudio6]

No a handy man talking here, but... 1st- try to build your own, if you get time! KZbin is the biggest help you can get. 2nd - If you build it yourself, you will know how to fix most of it, and its handy on the road! 3rd - yeah, big companies , have no interest nowadays to deliver a final product, as they learn from the feedbacks! I preferer to fail trying , then pay for others mistakes . Nice looking van tho , hopefully soon ill be starting my own channel (restecpa) :D

[@firstnamelastname9631]

A friend had a Merc camper van, similar problem with the water pump. The best solution was to put a little on/off switch for the pump in a more accessible place.

[@Michelle-cg4gi]

Awesome review! You are correct, that’s the main reason why I would order /buy one because my husband and I are not handy at all.

[@Morningdovecamp]

Wow! Thanks for great info! 👍

[@karniskavva]

Nice vid! Can I ask what Arcteryx jacket you got on?

[@ChrisSloanes]

Haha surprisingly quite a few people have asked about that jacket. Its the Atom LT. Got it in Blue and black, great thin lightweight jacket

[@bmm0424]

Fantastic review, very honest. VW have only recently in the last few years built thier own campers, and I think they are still learning. Previously it was companies like Westfalia, Danbury etc who converted vans for them. Personally I would buy a van, get it converted by one of the many companies out there who specialise in doing so. But once again, great review.

[@craigdrelincourt9942]

D

[@karloskardenas2414]

Great review!!!!! You should do these full-time brother!! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@ChrisSloanes]

Thanks karlos. Glad you like the video. Hope you enjoy my vids i the future too. 👌🏻👍🏻

[@MrRationalist]

Nice review, Dont have a VW but those water pumps are the same misery in every van, had mine replaced twice ! New van will have heated compartment option for fresh water storage so hopefully I won't have the auto water dump issue! And those steps, I have the same one, always gets stones stuck in it, I had to dismantle it a few times, it also really reduces heigth clearance, Ive bashed it a few times. I have a love hate relationship with my van, changing it soon but on balance its been good to me for the last 3 years and look forward to the same or new problems with new van ;-)

[@bonzhe1]

This is a very funny, sobering video!! Love it. I'm dreaming about camper vans at the moment (and saving up) and this made things a bit more real. thanks Chris

[@RBcymru]

Brilliant funny review that put a smile on my face. Can you unplug the valve so it doesn't dump the water ? If no manual valve fit one. Water pump should have a flow switch so if there is no water demanded by a tap it turns off. I'm old enough so no need for HGV LOL

[@ChrisSloanes]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed it. Well I’ve since found out that the tap leaks and trips the switch that makes the pump think I have the tap on. It’s a known fault on all of the taps and they need to fit a new one apparently but balls to letting vw keep it for another few weeks to keep it. I’ll just keep sending the mrs under the bed to pull the fuse 😂😂

[@RBcymru]

@@ChrisSloanes Most probably a washer or fitting. We had several issues with our new caravan but fixed some myself as headache taking it back to dealer.

[@zoltanmolnar3077]

Dear Chris, Thank you for sharing the video. I had an idea to ask you perhaps you experienced the same issue I have: when I plug my Grand California to 220V, a fuse is shuting down (fuse that is connected to the fridge and the heating), and it is not charging the battery. 220V sockets are working in the cart. If I charge the camper battery from the front (under the hood is the camper batteries), charging works fine. Fridge is operating from the hattery jist like the heating. Any idea what the problem might be? Thank you in advance for the answer. Cheers, Zoltan P.s.: Happy New Year and thanks again for the grest videos.

[@graffix11us]

"Don't buy an RV if you don't like to fix things." Should be a saying stuck on the bumper of every RV ever sold. They break and need lots of maintenance and the manufacturer is rarely of any help.

[@michaelmorley6522]

Buying the name, would rather have get a pro company to fit a Merc out. Good video thanks

[@peterlee44]

Great video van looks great good to see an honest review …I am a caravan man myself just done 1st trip out with a new swift tap dropped off window blind fell off heating didn't work All now sorted annoying at the time but love it

[@Matt-df6hz]

your water pump going off might just be air in the pipes, run the toilet, shower and sink taps (hot and cold) until they stop splurting, takes a while as the boiler will need to fill up too

[@ChrisSloanes]

It’s the faulty tap. It leaks onto the switch in the tap and sets it off. Vw have a new tap now that gets fitted instead of the old one. Took them a year to fix mine but it’s fixed now 😂

[@Matt-df6hz]

@@ChrisSloanes will keep that in mind then as we are looking to switch back to a campervan, had a caravan for a year and I've had as much as I can take from how poorly it was constructed, your problems have been minor considering, the truma boiler reset was one that took me a while to figure out too, we learn to be engineers when it comes to adventuring I guess lol

[@dcrilley9624]

Thanks for the warnings. In the current greatly inflated market these vans have started to look almost like a value proposition - some being 60-63K in the vW used segment. I now understand why they sell for just a few quid more than my 2019 California 4 motion: No one is really happy with them and no one seems to be keeping them. I have had a lot of vans over the last 20-22 years but I have not seen a slide-out bed in such a high and large van which so closely resembles a coffin. The kitchen is also a pokey affair with the inefficient fridge design consuming so much of the cabinet. I will look towards a westfalia conversion when it is time to move on from the California and resist the temptation to go for the good value GC option.

[@augustbrante8117]

The last best VW camper van was made in 1978! I loved mine went all across the US with me and my dog twice. Much more simpler and had everything we deeded sink stove Didn't have heater or AC but even though I lived in a ski resort area in CO every winter while I owned it I was fine using in Winter when I wanted too! When I bought it the lady i bought it from was in tears. When I sold it to a young lady i was in tears!

[@DanTheManIOM]

of all my buses and vans, my 78 is my favorite....and probably the ugliest...she always starts on first turn....I am fixing rust and will paint it, and new engine is on order...it's going to be nice again....and I will never ever sell it....I never sell anything anyway so wth...lol

[@blindhowlingdrunk]

My grandad had a step through westfalia from new, sold it for more than he paid.

[@cedarforest4621]

Thanks for making me feel better about not being able to buy VW campers vans say in California (or anywhere in US)...Ended up with a Safari Condo Alto 1713 trailer instead.

[@steveclark..]

I owned a VWT4 Holdsworth camper for ten years, I highly recommend that, in all those years I had very little issues with it, I just changed the oil and filter etc every year, the biggest niggle were that it had a 2L petrol engine and the steep hills in France for example would result in HGV's passing me by. These vans are a bit old in the tooth now,......glad that I'm not in the market for a new van period, they all have issues it would seem.

[@stevereilly]

You can get a part which goes into the unit and keeps it heated, about £30. Solves the issue.

[@fisgumper]

Bought my 600 after 5 month wait in April last year. After nearly 12000 miles have had one small issue the sliding door wouldn’t hold back fixed while I waited. I think the poignant comment in your review was you bought an early demonstrator that had been in the showroom being kicked about. Yes if you want to wid camp in -0 temperatures this is not for you as to the other comments can’t really see the problems are down to VW. Gas cylinders? extra beds put you over 3500 limit surely you asked . Anyway love the additions looks very cool

[@learntechwithruth2147]

Refreshing to hear all that! Almost all can life videos I have seen paint such a rosy picture of their vehicle. This was so funny! I do hope you enjoy your van for years to come.

[@EatSleepVan]

Wow, that's some bad design there, esepcially the fold down bench extension and cupboards. What were they thinking?! Oh and the dumping water?! wtf! Great video.

[@zynzane9680]

So true. So many people are so disillusioned, spending so much money - and they are so WAY overpriced - to have their camper van failing in so many ways. Electrical issues, wires left unattached, plumbing leaks, even interior siding separating from the chassis because the adhesive is failing in the heat, nothing works the way it is supposed to. And good luck getting any help from the dealer after the sale. And service is weeks out. If they even fix it at all. Just the pandemic, the manufacturers having to shut down, losing experience workers, trying to deal with the surge in demand at the same time as they are so short-handed and can't find workers, then no time to properly train having to meet the delivery deadlines. Not to mention workers that just don't give a damn and no quality control or everyone just too stressed to spend the time to fix things before it goes out the door. And then as you said, it's a house on wheels, the constant vibration playing hell with everything over time. And people expect to have their perfect little "tiny home" find themselves having to learn about wiring and plumbing and have to go on FB groups to ask other owners for help. Thank goodness for those experienced owners in the groups who actually can and do take the time to patiently give counsel on all the issues. I wish more reviews were just honest about everything that goes wrong, call the manufacturers out and make them accountable for selling bad products. Thanks for sharing.

[@deutscheklassiker5677]

Brilliant video, thanks for sharing!!

[@anoshya]

I’m considering buying a new Crafter and fitting it professionally ..much cheaper..don’t need sinks etc just good bed,heating,lighting etc..seems to be too much complicated stuff in these and very expensive…

[@andymacgregor16]

Very interesting video. I’m planning to move back to the UK in a couple of months and want to buy a camper and do some fairly gentle touring round the UK. What would you suggest I buy with a budget of say 50K ? I appreciate any help as I’ve got no idea. My old man had a VW camper back in 1980 we had some brilliant times all over Europe.

[@sixpotshot]

A brilliant report. I can only wish things will get better as you go along as it is a lot of money for a piece of kit that looks great. Personally VW group is a banned company through terrible and appalling customer service I have received several times over the years through one of its brands (whose cars were bought before the diesel gate scandal). Other than that I will say here what I have said before elsewhere: VW and VW group cheated European and US customers in a grand scale: diesel gate scandal and tried to get away with it (note as this is extremely important: they were not irresponsible once but twice with the same matter and courts - with a better system in the US - had to be used to put these fellas in the right place through stress and time wasting for their own customers... One does NOT reward cheaters with personal custom (as people keep doing like you have done) as when we do it that is exactly what these kind of abusive companies want: a passport from their own customers (!) to carry on with their wrongs...Through our custom we are just telling these guys it is ok to carry on cheating, cause we don't mind, cause we want their goods regardless through the iWant One disease giving our own ok for them to keep releasing sub-standard products and providing sub-standard service. Customers of Land Rovers should think rather than falling...

[@dg8579]

Great honest review! Had some of the problems you describe. BUT you should mention that NON of those failing components are VW! Step: Thule Heating system: Truma Kombi 6 , water pump... not even sure who's. Truma: So the frost protection is from Truma. They have the most idiotic engineering decisions ever. their own panel below the seat does not communicate properly. the reset button is located under a plastic cover on the heater unit itself... that requires you to take the seat off... I can go on... no clue who designed this idiocy of a system. The cherry on top is that if the small panel under the seat looses connection to the heater unit... guess what - the blower goes into max mode and you cannot switch it off... will just keep on blowing cold air no matter what... Truma ppl - if you are reading this - you have idiots designing your products! Had my 600 in service 4 times over almost 1.5 y I have it (one of the first made) and learned a lot. Had the step changed, toilet light now has a switch... and the biggest one is the control panel of the Truma - 3 out 4 visits were coz of freaking Truma heater... only changing the whole electronic board on it helped. Truma was not authorising change of the unit until VW tried everything else. So viewers - chances are you will end up with Truma in most of conversion campers, unless you have Aldi water heating... Now, for the good parts: - 600 is compact and fits in most parking spots. 6m long and takes same space as normal delivery van - a HUGE plus! I go to city centres and don't fear parallel parking it. - It drives really well (I was going 140 km/h on highways in Germany no problems) - Can be used all year long for travel : took it to Lapland on skiing vacations and it was great to come back to warm cabin to change. Heater works well) Would not sleep in it in winter. Get Swedish Kabe if you want to winter in camper van. - Consumption is ok (about 10l if you go 100 or below) - Seats are amazing - LED lights are amazing - Adaptive cruise control is excellent - Apple CarPlay - Its not heavy and engine is powerful enough to keep up with everyone and overtake lorries - Layout is very smart overall. - Bed is comfy (Upper bed is great for kids. Not suitable for adults ) - It works really well as mobile office - I use it a lot to work from nice locations I am very happy with ours so far. I am sure it will give me headaches, but I don't see alternatives on the market.

[@karlbassett8485]

These issues may be not VW components, but VW sell this camper on their own official website as a VW camper van, so they legally and morally bear responsibility. In the UK your contract is with the supplier, not a company that makes a small part of the product. VW should use better components and get the suppliers they choose to fix these issues. It's a lovely van, but my brother has a MAN (which is effectively the exact same van) and has had lots of problems, mostly to do with the sat nav/infotainment/bluetooth/emergency system and the service he has had from Man and their dealer has been terrible. After six months of buying a brand new van it had spent more time in the dealers workshop than in my brothers hands. Personally I drive a Mercedes Sprinter and love them, especially the automatic version with the electronic stalk operated gear selector and the flappy paddle gear change.

[@Rene-wm4pi]

@@karlbassett8485 i dont agree in every point If vw uses the cheapest Plastic water tap an ist makes Problems With the water Pump its vw responsibility to fix either change Brand Or repair. My experience is that vw has in interest in Finding solutions…

[@Rene-wm4pi]

I have no Contract With all the Brands, its up to vw to draw conclusions and learn from failure

[@siestacampers4870]

most of them are actually VW components they are badged as vw and have VW part numbers. The €15 submersible pump sold by VW for €60 is a joke on a 70k van. a proper pressure water pump with an expansion tank is the preferred choice on motorhomes. The fridge is made by webasto for VW you cannot buy spares from webasto only VW. the fridge drawer runners are over a €150 from VW. VW wired the automatic step into the comfort module without having a thermo fuse, so if it gets stuck it sends an error to the ecu which in turn stops any power going to the water pump. VW also designed the control panel to communicate with the truma control panel under the seat. it's the software that causes the problem. The same Truma boiler on any other van works fine.

[@dg8579]

@@siestacampers4870 wow, had no idea it was this bad. Thank you for clarifying! My Truma was going crazy by itself. No fault of VW. As soon as it had low voltage error, it would go into full speed blowing mode and there was nothing I could do. even resetting Truma was not helping. Truma replaced the who electronic plate and now it works ok. Still, its such a stupid product with reset button located sooo far away and under plastic cover. Impossible to reach!

[@gerardriordan1458]

Good honest review thanks... Stick on battery lights are good for dark pokey corners

[@DS-cf1zc]

If you ever need bottle gas - whether you are a new customer, or need a refill - just ring Steve at Chorley Bottle Gas in Lancashire. I need specific canisters when I bought my van - and there were none locally (unless I paid double the national fee) - so I rang Steve, and he organised a home delivery of a cylinder - via courier. I paid a reasonable price, and deliver fee of around £7 - still cheaper than I had been quoted locally to me. I went on to buy a few more cylinders, and now carry two with me, and have one at home - for between journeys. This company also do refill exchanges too at reasonable rates.

[@dougholdem2898]

Solid info from someone with 1st hand experience.

[@michelayad9479]

Merci ,je ne prendrais jamais ce van😮

[@AndrewVanDay]

How much did this cost? And how many nights in a nice hotel could you have for the same amount?

[@AlainDupré-b6i]

Pouvez-vous me donner les dimensions de vos pneu goodrich all terrain ? Merci

[@barba5537]

was actually looking to upscale so thanks for great review.. the frost protection would eally be a problem for me.. so nahhhh

[@JP-hb9ok]

fantastic vid. Super good on camera dude!

[@cristianmihai4818]

Can you pls tell us about fuel consumption?

[@ChrisSloanes]

Around 26mpg on long runs. 23 around the doors.

[@cristianmihai4818]

@@ChrisSloanes Thanks. What camera are you using,, i really like the colors.

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

Great frank review. I looked at one of these but decided against it as it seemed like a not well thought out delivery van conversion. The dining table has top be seat belted onto the bed when driving. Design prize ?? I ended up buying a Wingamm Oasi 540. It was dearer but absolutely brilliant. Thanks for the honest opinion.

[@chrisnolan4026]

Great review thanks, what size are the tyres, they look great.

[@ChrisSloanes]

Hey Chris. Sorry I missed your comment. The wheels are 17 inch and tyres are 245/65/17 size

[@johngriffiths2881]

Great review, nice and honest. As you say if you where a bit handy you could sort a few of the issues yourself, but I agree that’s not the point. I built my van so I am a bit, one thing I was recommended fitting was an isolation switch for the pump in case what happens to yours, happens. May be worth getting an auto Electrican to put you one somewhere easy to get to. Won’t cure you fault, but it’ll annoy way less and I’d be surprised if they took longer than an hour to do it. Better still, get VW to put one in.

[@ChrisSloanes]

Thanks John. Yeah I wish I was handy sometimes but suppose if I was I’d have built my own like you

[@johngriffiths2881]

@@ChrisSloanes sorry mate, I sounded a bit cocky, that’s not what I meant (although Tbf my van was awesome, just sold it so I can do another 😉). I meant it was a good piece of advice Id been given, as apparently it can happen a lot with water pumps, by the way I assume it’s definitely the pump and not the accumulator? You’ve paid loads of money for your van and shouldn’t be doing stuff yourself (even if you could). Im okay at that kind of thing, but I’m not popping the bonnet on our new car, not for me to do. However in your shoes I’d get somebody to put a switch in to isolate that pump as it will at least it will be nicer to use. Things like that can really piss you off and I find that kind of thing has me on edge as I’m constantly waiting for the noise, even if it never comes.

[@ChrisSloanes]

Haha it didn’t come across cocky man it’s fine. Just wish I was a bit handy sometimes but don’t have time really. Apparently it’s the tap, it leaks and shorts the switch and turns the pump on. Again a known fault that my dealership hasn’t fixed for me still and I don’t want to be without it for another 3-4 weeks while they complete a 2 hour job so I’ll have to live with it for a bit longer.

[@richardnicholls123]

Saw your van on Glenmore Campsite earlier this week. It looks awesome. Nice work!

[@ChrisSloanes]

Ah yeah we just got home today. That’s our favourite place we go for a few days of chill as often as possible. You should have popped and said hello 👋🏻

[@fabianruga1700]

Thanks for a real and practical review !

[@giotto4321]

I wasn't even aware of this type of campervan but what a very interesting and refreshingly honest, warts-and-all review. Nicely shot too.

[@ChrisSloanes]

Thanks man appreciate it

[@duckhorn]

but is it more light vehicle? compared to hymer gand canyon. due to its light materials like plastics inside components. i think ply wood is too heavy for vehicle. and . . how is efficiency?

[@ChrisSloanes]

I generally get around 25-26mpg and it weighs just over 3 tonne

[@duckhorn]

@@ChrisSloanes thanks . .how is it sounds offroad?

[@jamiepastman5594]

I've got my eye on the ID Buzz. This worries me

[@neilgarbutt3530]

Great review that Chris ! We’ve had a Wildax Europa for 5 years now. One the whole we love it , but like anything , when things go wrong I hate it !!! But it’s infrequent , so because I know generally that everything is going to work I’m reluctant to get rid and take a chance that an updated van will be as good. What a shame for you though , the van looks great , but due to daft mistakes in attention to detail it does let it down. But great to know you still don’t regret buying it and letting others know the pitfalls 👍

[@SL-jk2rc]

If I uderstand correctly, you didn't have any problem with VW Carlifonia Ocean. Would you recommend it?

[@ChrisSloanes]

I absolutely loved it and I had zero issues in 16k miles. I’d definitely recommend it

[@BowlOfSalmon]

Lol rented it for a month and had the waterpump issue too. I felt like mcgyver with the fuse fix. Ended up buying a normal california

[@hunterluxton5976]

Ive got a 1971 camper and i use a ikamper. Keep it simple.

[@HinneyBeast]

Good honest review fella. Thanks for sharing this.

[@jeanmayo9208]

We just saw you on the motorway good vids

[@ChrisSloanes]

I remember seeing you! 👌🏻👍🏻

[@twowheeler1000]

Wait? This doesn't have a control panel with a switch for the water pump?

[@dougtherugg]

I miss my T4 but it was costing me too much money to keep.

[@spacelemur7955]

I appreciate your honests opinions. That driver's seat looked cramped, especially the knees. I am 6'4" and strongly built. Is it even worth thinking about it? Could I even stand in it? How long are the beds? We are retired, and would love an EV camper to slow-poke around Europe a few months at a time. (We live in Stockholm).

[@ChrisSloanes]

Sorry i just saw this comment. I think you would struggle with this for your height. You definitely could stand in it, the roof is very high but the bed is a push for 6ft never mind 6'4. Driving again the position wouldnt be fantastic at your height i wouldnt imagine, my knees ache off long journeys and im just under 6ft tall

[@spacelemur7955]

@@ChrisSloanes Thanks, Chris. I appreciate your reply and don't mind the delay. Right now we are trending towards using our KIA Niro (EV) and a 4-person pop-up tent. We did this 5 years ago when we drive an early model Nissan Leaf to Spain. It'll be cheaper than a 2nd new vehicle. Campgrounds, of course, have showers and cooking facilities. When we accidentally meet somewhere on the road, I'll treat you to beers.

[@CruiseOrLoose]

Great, another honest reviewer. You would like my quality reviews on our Swift Bessacarr. We had massive problems but made many memories. Honestly they are all a big rip-off but we all make our choice. Safe travels.

[@frankmade-n6g]

Chris, you dont know what things I would do to get one of these in the US and for the price you guys pay in the old world :)

[@Jasonion74]

thanks for the honest review. 👍

[@ChrisSloanes]

Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it. Again just my opinion, there may be people who have had a great experience but mine hasn’t been

[@mishafrog8786]

Buying a ready built camper was your first problem, buy a new van & fit it out yourself then you will be able to sort any problem out without the hassle of dealers who have very little knowledge, Your step problem ! if it was a high 4 x 4 then maybe yes you do but a normal height van loaded, just does not need one its a sales gimmick that will allways give trouble because every bit of mud & road grime will cling to it . Your water pump if it keeps sounding off as you say then look for leaks also it needs an isolation switch when not in use = sleepy nights peace. Blocked cuboards when the beds up plus zero retention nets = bad design overall.

[@carlyndolphin]

I sold mine too. Spent more time in the workshop than actually getting any use out of it.

[@BastienCarrillo]

Great video. Thanks. Love your accent. I’m just looking for such a campervan. So, thanks for your honest review. 👍🏻

[@allans911]

What a shame. We have a v dub Cali - now 2 years old, only probs we’ve had are with the heater. Dealer fixed it after several weeks

[@Bandit-Iggy]

How nice to share your experience on this van, i have a California Westfalia Exclusive and thought about getting this new California, but if i dont want issue's with heat, mine has the diesel heater, don't they make these any more?

[@LABTESTED]

cracking video chris loved the way you made it , impartial love and hate but really well done

[@ChrisSloanes]

Thanks for the comment. Been getting a fair bit hate for the video from the faithful California lot but just giving my opinions

[@floriders1280]

The van looks awesome, weve got the same van, in silver, I've put a bike rack, new wheels and BF Goodridge tires on mine but yours makes me want more! We have had no problems at all with ours its had a few foibles such as step in out problems, boiler frost protect but nothing that has irritated me too much. Overall I love it. Great video.

[@jameschristie3684]

Top review, hope you got contacted from VW to sort it out.

[@heinerschmitz1259]

Water pump keeps running if the micro switch in the kitchen tab is wet and shoted out to „open“. You either need to dry the switch or pull the fuse.

[@ChrisSloanes]

Thanks for the help with this. I did get a tap replaced from them as apparently it’s a common fault but still it happens. Funny how a tap of all things can’t be wet 😂. Thanks for the help though I’ll see what I can do

[@heinerschmitz1259]

@@ChrisSloanes A tiny part can create big problems. Even though the car causes problems and it’s a struggle to deal with VW one has to admit that they do fix the problems in the end.