Volkswagen California, the camper for everyone

In this review, Bob goes on a little trip with the California and shows us what it's like to drive around in a van that's made for camping.
Camp site: www.clifdencamping.com/ price quoted included electricity, showers, toilets

[@bkingbandit.8616]

I like the way you climbed up to show us how it's done. Good review. 👍

[@jtmurdock]

This needs to be brought to the US. I want one so bad.

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

nice vw camper vanv you can also get this in ireland

[@Simongwynne]

I am lucky enough to have a new silver T5 California with the updated headlights and nose. I always loved the T5 shape and the Cali is just incredible for it's size. I still can't get my head around what it can accomplish. It has more living space than a larger Ducato based conversion, 2 full size beds....some bigger vans have just one....and you do have space for a portapotti in one of the cupboards, but yes you loose storage there. No shower, but we have a portable one for summer. Great!!!!

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

they did a vw t6 california

[@DreamCarGarage1]

I do like this guy and his relaxed style of reviewing, he's very 'watchable' even though he does look and sound slightly drunk.

[@hunyango2k]

True that, sounds like he had a couple shots of scotch whiskey... but love how relaxed he talked and straight to the point.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

hunyango I'm always relaxed

[@hunyango2k]

Bob Flavin cool review man, keep it coming. sounds like you are just talking to me, personally. that's how you should do a review. thanks mate for the video. =)

[@johnohare992]

Watched this a bunch of times and I love Bob's review. We will be buying a used one in the new year. We are going with "Bertie Volks" for the name. I've been practicing my accent a little to mimic Bob when I get the van. Took me an age to work out that "letter battery" was a "leisure battery". I'm in Ireland right now for a holiday and the translation just hit me.

[@DreamCarGarage1]

John O'Hare There's an alternative to the VW that has really impressed me that might also be worth considering. Check out the Ford Tourneo Custom by Wellhouse Leisure. If I had the money I think they're the ones I'd go fro: Ford Tourneo Custom

[@frankmck7311]

Thanks for the great review Bob, after watching it we decided this was the job for us as we'd been thinking about one for quite a while. We now have the Cali couple of years and it has without a doubt been a complete game changer, we have traveled loads taking in our own little Island "Ireland" lol...and also many parts of France, Italy & Switzerland with hopefully many more places to see and experience. Go raibh maith agat Mr Flavin.

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Brilliant review, you've basically described every reason I ended up with a T5 Camper! The main being flexibility, you can decide on the spur of a moment to go camping, you can camp pretty much anywhere, drive the car through small villages and towns, park in a standard parking space.. Yeah its more cramped than a Motor Home but who wants all the agro! :D

[@mountainhobo]

It's ironic they do not sell it in California.

[@shuddupnkissme23]

Omg I love those vans !! I used to have a 71 vs van ..so awesome...I'd buy one again for sure...and here van and bus ..just wow. ..loved it!!

[@gene978]

My God Bob, I know why you love it so much. Because all of you had FUN and you want to continue the fun and I agree with you. The big behemoths take the "FUN" out. It's perfect. And even better if you could add a bike rack on the back. Love it love it. Great for the free and adventurous and spontaneous.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thanks very much!

[@ronclaros]

Pretty nicely explained. Great job! - Mr Flavin. Van looks great. It's a bit sad that it has no shower/toilet, but it will do the job for shorter trips.... Thx!

[@richardthegreat]

There is no reason in the world why I should watch this, but I still do! Good job, Bob :)

[@LaEscuelaDelEncanto]

Love how relaxed this review is. Thank you

[@russcattell955i]

My late father who lived in Co Kerry built himself a campervan from a Renault Traffic. He toured all over the west & south of Ireland for many years. Just like the Californian, the compact size meant he could explore those narrow lanes & get to places the big bodied vans could not reach. A bicycle & fishing tackle gave him so much independence.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I have the California this week so expect another video!

[@jimmac]

I now want this thing. Best review ever.

[@cindy9422]

Jakub Steiner of

[@BennyVermeulen]

Great job Bob! You manage to get people interested in wanting a thing they would NEVER want to get before seeing the video :)

[@curtismorris1347]

You are brilliant, what a great review. I am thinking of leasing this camper. Top Gear - seriously, this is your next presenter...

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Don't think, do. It's a great camper and really worth the effort because you can park it anywhere. I'm not sure TopGear like me :D

[@111jlt]

tuk

[@essentialyoga]

Great review! The most comprehensive one I've seen. Thank you :D

[@robalexwar]

Really enjoyed your review thanks. Got to have one now!

[@27jabberwocky12]

Bob, you're a legend!

[@centuriomacro9787]

For this size a beautiful camper, I'm really excited ;)

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the new Ford Tourneo Campervan by Wellhouse. It looks really cool inside and out and it just recently one campervan of the year.

[@bazxf95]

Great review. I owned a 06 Caravelle for 3yrs. Best car I've ever had. It was a brilliant car. 7 seater, full leather, full climate a/c front and rear. Had a huge spec. I had the 2.5 tdi 130 bhp model but had the some modifications done to increase the power. The difference was amazing, especially the increase in torque. It was very quick for a 2.3tonne car. Sadly, I decided to sell it after 3yrs due to the expense of running it. €1005 per year in road tax and an average of 31mpg was getting too much. I was sad to see it go and prefer it the boring lump of a Ford Galaxy 2.0tdci I unfortunately own now.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I'm glad it's working out for you, the 3 Series is a good car. Best of luck with it

[@byrnedes]

Jesus Bob you make it sound so attractive. Watched with my 20 year old son and he asked me accusingly in a whinging voice why I had never bought one of these. “Thanks”

[@jerryparker4484]

I had the pleasure of owning one and it was an absolute joy. I have looked at conversions, but the VW factory simply did it better in every respect. The VW base vehicle is a higher spec than ALL the 'converted vans' and it is the ONLY type approved and properly crash-tested factory built camper on the market. Central heating, heated seats, cruise control, double glazing, electric roof, outside table and chairs etc are all standard. Conversions are rarely cheaper and also have far fewer additional options available for customisation. The residual vales are far better than anything else on the market and justify the seemingly high price (check prices on eBay and auto trader). If you have the money, don't buy anything else until you have at least visited a VW dealer to compare vehicles in the flesh. When I return to the UK I will be buying another (4motion).

[@VW-Fan]

Ha! Bob took you 1min 47sec to get to 100 Km/Hr!! But yeah nice motor indeed, parents have 1980 VW Camper where i spent my childhood on holiday, 3 of us upstairs crammed in but was all happy memories, cant pass the nct now due to rust, Dad bought 1990 caravelle to transfer interior, his retirement project, hope it works out for him, A lotto win & I think a California would be on the shopping list doh! Fine review once again, keep em coming!

[@JenniBrown]

Bob Flavin is too good for top gear. I read this review three years ago as a brand new California owner and no one, no one but no one, explains better what a California is all about. Since then I have become a "Bob Flavin" groupie ... if only it would stop raining in Ireland I would stalk him but thankfully for him my California is normally to be found where it's dry and warm :)

[@BobFlavinVideo]

You are so kind Jennifer, if you're ever around Ireland drop in an I'll have a look at that California!

[@BestCarSound]

You're the best, Bob!!! The most boring car in the end is the best one :D Thank you, you've made my first school day ;)

[@NR1BASS]

Haha you made me want this van with your review :) Nice one

[@graemelennox1343]

Awesome video Bob!!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Graeme Lennox One can but try Graeme, I'll be making another one of the California in a couple of weeks, take it easy on it!

[@z00h]

Great review dude. Made me want one too. Not sure what I would do with it but still...

[@markharris8929]

Driving a lot of these now. To and from their recalls for new roof bases to be fitted! 😊I’ve driven 1.8s and 2.0s and they have aged quite well. Proper little things. My own “day” camper is a Transit Custom. Far more room!! I wouldn’t swap to a T5 in a million years. Sorry. I’ve got everything a California had (except the electric roof opener) plus front seat swivels and noticeably more room inside.

[@davidhayes4814]

Good charismatic Irish accent etc. These are quite expensive. Van conversions often are. You would be surprised how much coach built van you can get for less. A sub 6 metre coach built or large van conversion are great to drive too.

[@Starrysong]

Love this, though I need to learn how to drive first.

[@Stere0guy]

Bob, this van is so cool! VW sold one similar to this in the 90's here but unfortunately the California is not available here in the USA. Only the State of California is available here and I'll have to drive across that in my normal car. Wonder if my car roof will support me in a sleeping bag?

[@sandralloyd838]

Superb. Thank you !

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I wish I could say the same, best of luck with it

[@mscislawin]

Where do you put bags with clothes etc if you want to travel with 4 person

[@zorrozorro42]

One of the best reviews I've seen mate, great job! Any tips on how to raise enough money to buy one of these beauties? Don't say stick in at school because that ship sailed decades ago. :)

[@BobFlavinVideo]

+Gordon Bain rob a bank, sell a kidney or do a Breaking Bad on it. Cheers for watching!

[@metallion5801]

+Bob Flavin how about a trailer consisting of 2-4 motorbikes

[@karenwright2704]

I love it......how do I get it to Maui.....

[@k.r.v.4219]

Such yer daft man! In the U. S. A. We have access to the Ram ProMaster based Zion camper van. With a lot more room and power. A real shower and bathroom, propane heater and cooktop with three way fridge. Plus LOTS of room! I'm not sure about the price of the VW California, as it is not even available here in the states, especially with a diesel! Where as the Zion is if that's what you want. Plus there are many other options we have here in America. Like truck campers and others based on the Sprinter, or even full size Chevy vans that are available in AWD! Plus Ford has a full size van campers.

[@aixfriend]

You didn't understand the idea of the VW California. It's no longer and wider like a sedan. The ProMaster ist much bigger. A normal parking place isn't enough for these kind of professional transporters.

[@k.r.v.4219]

Ok that's true in Europe or other parts of the world. But here in America, the ProMaster and other van type campers are very popular because they do fit in the standard parking spaces here. I'm sure you excitement over that VW unit is well founded, there in that market, but over here it's an overpriced inadequate for more than one person custom type van.

[@mbe8365]

Isn't there a portaloo in the bottom cupboard? Or is it not in this particular one?

[@plstrom]

can you have a fair thick matress in the upper bed ? does the top close fully ? and electricity, is it enoug por a tv and a computer ? how do you close the windows ?

[@davidryan4053]

Great review Bob. I'm selling my Alfa after watching this :-)

[@14octavia]

Hi Bob, just caught your great vid on the California. I currently drive a Skoda Superb Combi which has always done more than is asked of it. However, I’m thinking of investing in a a California as I’ve just retired. I would intend to use it as an everyday vehicle and as a camper the odd weekend and for summer vacation. Is this possible? What boot space is in it if I want to carry luggage eg bikes and If necessary a kitchen appliance? etc Keep the good work! B

[@kylevallans7425]

Is the van well insulated for the winter?

[@simranjitkaur1448]

I'm getting one of these! !!!!

[@koreamedia]

a lot of functions, but not so look premium. Are those sturdy??

[@wallenstein1648]

great job

[@martinsvenberg]

How do you compare it to Mercedes Marco Polo?

[@Budnbuf]

What a blast.

[@tayyabahmad]

Hello sir can you tell me length of the van

[@joshimitsu96]

great vid

[@cobhamlondon]

Best car presenter on youtube :D

[@cloudninephoto]

Ahh go on there Ted!!

[@sydjaguar]

love it!

[@franhiatt1]

Always wanted one, but even used they're incredibly expensive. I saw. 12 year old T4 version for sale and that was £20K.

[@TheSammaguire11]

What price is this van in Ireland ?

[@liamjpbrady]

Bob, how would you compare the California with a VW Transporter, converted into the way you want it? Cheaper and all the tributes of a California, costomised to how you want it and better value??

[@HowkeyLL]

Recently i saw the Prius Van or camel or whatever you call it. This looks like ferrari comapred to it.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Cheers dude!

[@ombra306]

whats with the rattling?

[@Manatee693]

Its a good van, sad they don't sell them in the USA, now this is a dream car.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

It's all we need over here

[@BobFlavinVideo]

This isn't a 5 year car, this is a home on wheels and when you see the engineering that goes into it you begin to understand why it seems pricy. The years of fun and adventure you'd get out of it would be worth it.

[@hksir]

is it a tdi..

[@ihadaralf]

We like Bob!

[@TransHerring]

I wonder if this will come to north America.

[@largol33t1]

I seriously think the problem is VW thinks Americans won't "like" it and that they're too big for it. The last time I went to a camp ground, all of the motorhomes were bus conversions or "stretched" class C. Nobody drove a class B or even a Roadtrek. The closest you can come is the Roadtrek series (which is Canadian) but they're very well designed and it's ingenious how you can lock the bathroom door ACROSS the aisle to get more space for the shower. Don't get me wrong, I'd kill to get my hands on the California or a Roadtrek Adventurous, which has the industry's first ever REAR slide. You open the rear doors and pull the slide out to convert it into a bedroom. Ingenious idea!

[@sitandfish]

Based on: "Volkswagen California, the camper for everyone (09-01-16)." I Subscribed.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Me too...

[@arisr8557]

It's tragic that we can't get the VW California here in California!!! :(

[@thehillsx1]

hi, what mattress is in the pop up and does is stay up there when the roof is down. thanks

[@diegoalachiste]

It does! On the top there is actually a proper slatted frame and mattress. They are always there, no need to reorganize anything.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

The big Winnebago are the thing there, we can't have them here because the streets are too narrow

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Oh you'd find something to do alright!

[@WeDwellinaFiefdom]

The camper for everyone in Europe that is. They're not here in the States sadly.

[@VinceverevecniV]

SaturnValleyGamer why ?

[@IMP3TIGO]

VW knows they likely can't move many of these in the U.S. where people want gigantic RVs with granite countertops, showers/bathrooms, queen beds, TVs, microwaves, generators, etc. Of course, you see tons of 70-90s Vannagons, Eurovans, Westfalias, etc. in the parks so I wish VW would give it a try and see if the market may actually be there after all.

[@aixfriend]

No, that isn't the reason. The reason is a special tax called chicken tax. "The chicken tax is a 25% tariff on potato starch, dextrin, brandy, and light trucks imposed in 1963 by the United States under President Lyndon B. Johnson in response to tariffs placed by France and West Germany on importation of U.S. chicken.[1] "

[@IMP3TIGO]

Um, okay... Read the 2015 interview a VW enthusiast/blogger did at the North American Auto Show with a VW executive about why VW isn't going to sell the California in California or anywhere else in the U.S. "We offer four different vans in Europe where this market is still strong. We do have vans in Asia and other parts of the world. But here for North America, right now, the market is not too big. Instead we need to comply with market and bring SUVs." michiganradio.org/post/why-vw-will-not-bring-back-van-us-least-right-now

[@aixfriend]

The Pressesprecher of VW lies a bit. The California ocean starts in Germany at 60000 €. That are 72.000 $. A stronger Motor, a DSG-Gearbox, a littlebit equipment an you are at 85.000 $. Plus the chicken tax ... and the car ist without any market chance.

[@alexcorlett8624]

i like this guy

[@mamu8115]

Very wel thought out it seems (T6). But why would anyone want to travel in an environment that resembles an office space ? Isn't the purpose of a trip in a camper to get away from the corporate viewpoint for a while ? The T6 simply doesn't feel right to me

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Fun is subjective, I'd have fun in this all the time, daily car or weekend away.

[@IMP3TIGO]

Cute accent. Wish we could get this van in the U.S.... like maybe in California!

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Climbing on the front seats to get into the upper bed area? With all the meticulous and clever design that has gone into this car it seems strange that for such a major feature such as the upper sleeping area, it can only be accessed by climbing onto the front seats. A drop down ladder anyone?

[@JanWiderlechner]

Nah, to much space taken by that. The bed is not that high, and it seemed easy enough to get up there as it is.

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Fair enough. Check out our new show 'torque cars' and ad your voice to the items discussed. DCG1: torque cars episode 1

[@gbboatman1]

/Dream Car Garage 1 (DCG1) Mosier

[@Rustee42]

Top of my lottery list too! :)

[@TheJarrett27]

vw california but not available in california

[@charleslu7044]

I live in California and own a Eurovan Camper, lol.

[@sandranewton3519]

AWESOME

[@ScottPC]

Lottery car? It's only 35k ?

[@TheRossillini]

Finally!!!!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Haha I know what you mean

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Depends on the country you live in, to some people 35k is lottery money

[@faychampoux1140]

Where in the USA can this be purchased?

[@Qwiv]

Fay Champoux nowhere!

[@gregmiles2247]

Can't be purchased in the USA. Can't be imported in the USA. Thank the Chicken tax for the current ban on vehicles being imported unless they are 25 years or older. The last year VW brought a camper to the USA was 2003.

[@dehyrkas]

I want one! Can I get one in TX USA?

[@jerryparker4484]

Nope. VW don't build them to Federal Spec

[@aixfriend]

+Jerry Parker There is a reason. The European Parlament didn't allow US-dealers to import chlor disinfected chickens. The reaction was a special tax on european vans ... the"Chicken Tax".

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Haha, cheers dude

[@wslandry]

Is this available in the U.S.A in Ca.?

[@BobFlavinVideo]

+Wayne Landry it was invented for the US so I would hope it's over there but who knows?

[@Qwiv]

Wayne Landry nope!

[@enquire422]

Wayne Landry No only Isis is now available , sorry but Americans should have realised it was funding them in the first place ;)

[@franhiatt1]

I know what you're saying, but I think the initial outlay & finance term is hard to justify to 'er indoors who, like many non-car lovers, see it as just a glorified van rather than an opportunity to explore the country at weekends in comfort. Also if you arrive somewhere you like you can just pull into campsite and stop over. The best strategy would be to lie through your teeth and tell her it was only £5000 in a VW sale.

[@metallion5801]

can you tow trailers on this camper??

[@BobFlavinVideo]

+metal lion Yes, small ones. I've seen it with a tent trailer on it

[@metallion5801]

+Bob Flavin do you think it will be able to tow a trailer with 2 or more motorbikes on??

[@BobFlavinVideo]

+metal lion Yes so long as the van isn't full to the neck with stuff as well. Check the braking weight with your local dealer; that will tell you the total weight of the van and trailer.

[@metallion5801]

Nah its just for me and a mate who like travelling alone and no other place to put our motorcycles si a trailer in the back will hopefully work. We only go away for 2-3 weeks a time.

[@airjordanshow]

zajebiste auto

[@rachelcopeland6217]

Lol lake flies eh? I’m glad we don’t have them here in California. Although I would love to see this in California, as I have a VW myself.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

A California in California sounds like a good time to me!

[@jameschick4578]

Custom conversions can actually be done in a more modern way than this and often look a lot better

[@stephanegenest6793]

THE question is how much usd or cnd $, £! ¥ ₩ €

[@joelteppang7531]

Funny how a model named "California" isn't even available for purchase in California.

[@peterroberts3453]

We bought a vw California 3 years ago. It’s done 16000 miles. Cost us £44000 brand new. We could now still get over £40000 for it. Now for all you disbelieving people where else can you buy a brand new vehicle and lose less than £4000 in 3 years. You can’t.