Westfalia Sven Hedin Limited Edition *FULL VAN TOUR* - Does it BEAT the Grand California?!

[@marcusgallagher3546]

The big bump stop on the rear door is to protect the sliding door when the rear doors are open and someone opens the side door.

[@timeaves6164]

Another good video you two, thanks. That 'big lump' on the rear door is a Commercial Vehicle hangover. It allows the doors to be folded right back, without the door handles dinging the rear quarter wings, when you are loading pallets in with a forklift truck They are magnetic to make sure they stay in place and dont blow back on the loader

[@andyblake1849]

Very nice indeed . Not too sure on the colour - would need to see that in the flesh to decide.👏👏

[@JonGadget]

Great van. We very nearly pushed the button on the GC too - overhead bed is really good - the looks let it down a bit and AGC leisure battery under bonnet is a deal breaker for off grid lithium expansion. We did look at the Sven (we live close to Wandahome in Yorkshire) but in the end we have gone for Hymer Grand California with pop-top - but the new spec version based on the Venture S finishes. Everything is a compromise as you know but the underfloor tanks/batteries and the great garage storage made the difference for our particular requirements. Both good options though 👍

[@Sue_T]

I remember when we bumped into you in the Sven at the Motorhome show last October. We are still torn on van choice, love the Sven and now very tempted after another great tour from you both!

[@CampervanTime]

Every single van is a compromise so it really depends what would suit you best. We’ll see you at the Sven at the show again in October then!

[@Sue_T]

@@CampervanTime 🤣 At the rate we’re going we’ll be turning up in our Cali!

[@anyjimblogs]

Thank you for your video. Great to see the van. I just discovered your channel and loved the camper van accessories and gadgets video. You are both great on camera, come across great. Real naturals to TV. You should be on National Television and I mean that. I would watch your shows if you were. Thanks once again 👍.

[@andyarmitage2895]

Hi Will & Sarah just to let you know we just ordered a new Limited Editon Sven from Wandahome they had sold out but they asked their Westfalia contact if he could provide a couple more and he said yes, we also managed to order it in Indium Grey ETA is July/August so they say :)

[@CampervanTime]

That's fantastic, congratulations! We had heard that Westfalia might be allowing a few more builds through and possibly in a different colour too - Indium is a great choice and looks great on it. Really hope the dates are accurate, the wait has been killing us!

[@camperfam]

Brilliant amount of space; and very thought through! But aren’t you missing the practicality of the Cali’s size? We’d love a larger van, but the daily practicality pushes us away sadly!

[@duncangibson9235]

I swapped my T6 Ocean for Knaus Boxdrive 600XL which is similar to GC600 and I continue to use it regularly as our second car with no issues.

[@CampervanTime]

No not really missing the Cali practicality. Sarah has changed her car for an XC60 so the dog is catered for and I have my electric run about. The van is for high days and holidays 😀

[@Jacqueline-ff2rt]

It's gorgeous; excellent choice, congratulations. I want one, but because I'm Australian, I can't have one. Campervan Time will be campervanning for all of us.

[@CampervanTime]

We'll do our best!!

[@mjw_S61]

Cracking Van! The general 'obsession' with Alloy wheels is a curious thing when this is a home-from-home on wheels! I think the steel wheels in black look great and will prove to be stronger than most Alloys (unless you opt for Forged Alloys ££££). If you do opt for alloys, please ensure you fit ones that are suitable for the weight of the vehicle. 👍 As a slight aside; power from 140-177bhp can be achieved with an inexpensive remap with no further modifications required.

[@CampervanTime]

We'll have to see how we feel on the alloys front as I don't want to increase the weight too much or ruin fuel economy/increase noise etc. Remapping... yes but think what a 177 can remap to.. :)

[@ManncubDad]

Yes please to the side by side with a Cali. We're looking to upgrade from T5 camper to something bigger. Was thinking Ducato. But you guys got us thinking.. 😀

[@CampervanTime]

We'll do our best!

[@davidmcloughlin4225]

Tomahawk Kato wheels (satin black) and Michelin Agilis CrossClimates. They are perfect on my GC600.

[@debdavet-cornwallandbeyond1649]

Great video guys and one we were looking forward to seeing, as we ourselves continue our quest for our next van. From what we can see It also appears to have the edge over the Grand Cali.

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks, yes we think so for our purposes but others who need a 2+2 sleeping arrangement may well fancy the GC600. There is always the new Adria Twin Max coming soon too that’s on the MAN vans… 😎

[@debdavet-cornwallandbeyond1649]

@@CampervanTime Will have to keep an eye out for that one too. Good luck with getting your own new van.

[@travellingtaylors8352]

Love this van. There are three of us sadly so not an option for us. Love the Cali ocean but somethings would love the space on this

[@darrenbarson3828]

Looks lovely. The only thing it doesn't seem to have is a freezer compartment and in that heat you need to store ice cream 🙂

[@CampervanTime]

That’s true, no freezer which is a minor shame, but Sarah prefers having a larger fridge so she’s happy !

[@andrewstevenson6540]

Or a lager fridge😂

[@duncangibson9235]

Love it, guys! Must’ve been torture for you spending time in that and not being able to drive it away. You know it already but the MAN TGE is a super base vehicle. We’re now 1.3k miles under the wheels of ours and it’s so comfortable & refined. I’m sure you’ve chosen the right van for you. Hope the rest of the wait isn’t too difficult. Well done on the latest milestone! 👍🏻

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks!

[@janetbowen7854]

Looks great, you must be so excited, and impatient 😊 Fridge looks great so easy to use, compared with a standard type campervan fridge, I would miss the opportunity to carry ready frozen ice for my gin and tonic, though, the bed looks fantastic, love the extension for feet, you will need a revised check list so you don't forget to wind it in. At least with the winter pack you can look forward to some camping this autumn and winter once yours arrives. I'm looking forward to seeing how you personalise your Sven Hedin. Cheers Janet 🥂❤️xx

[@CampervanTime]

It seems to tick all the boxes for us and we’ve got some great ideas about personalisation !

[@janetbowen7854]

@@CampervanTime you might be able to buy a mini freezer and store it in the cavernous garage as there is plug, there's a challenge for you to find and promote a new camping product (you might have already considered this 😄).

[@CampervanTime]

👍

[@seanfallon4580]

Beautiful van and great informative review as usual . Thank you

[@CampervanTime]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chrisdavis2525]

Lovely van. Agree it's a shame it doesn't come with alloys but with so much choice out there you'll be able to personalise it. Will look mega with some BF Goodrich off road tyres for sure, especially with the flannel grey paint work.

[@adiehull]

Looks like an amazing van! A great choice 👌🏼

[@stevezodiac491]

We have a new professionally converted Fiat Talento lwb campervan with pop top. We looked at a bigger van, particularly when taking grand kids during the summer holidays and friends etc. but we decided against it because it would completely remove our flexibility visiting attractions and be a parking nightmare. Instead we chose a 7. 5 metre 4 berth fixed bed caravan as a complement to our smaller van. We can tow it with our Mercedes E Class and have recently fitted our camper van with a tow bar as well. We have all the flexibility in the world now, without the large vehicle compromises, once at site, or if we just want to go touring around the Highlands of Scotland again, we can just take the camper or do a half way house, caravanning as a base like Bunree and then going out during the day in the campervan and still have all the toilet, eating, drinking and sleeping facilities we want both at base in the caravan and out for the day in the campervan. It has worked out well.

[@IANREA]

Nice van, perhaps they should give you the choice of no gas, have an induction hob, and what is the electrical, lithium, inverter. As the future looks like gas is on the way out. But at least it’s winter capable. Unlike the VW Grand California

[@CampervanTime]

Those options (apart from induction hob) are on the face lifted Columbus so might be on the Sven in the future. Who knows! No details out yet for 2024 Sven..

[@richardhodgkiss5701]

Nice van and great video guys. Would you consider getting the front bumper colour coded? It would make a big difference aesthetically.

[@Cous1nJack]

Commercial look is best

[@CampervanTime]

Possibly!

[@kevinfossali2899]

Good video thank you. You mentioned some sort of stop on the sliding door so you can have it partially opened. Do you have anymore information? Definitely useful if you have not got your van quite level!!

[@CampervanTime]

Hi, yes it's here, this is the metal one but you can get cheaper plastic ones if you do a search. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126035152050

[@kevinfossali2899]

Brilliant - thank you. 👍

[@kathlucy603]

Definitely good design. I’d love one.

[@alanwilliams1528]

Excellent video as usual,guys. Only thing that I didn't like is the split level floor,on entry. Prime spot for trips.

[@CampervanTime]

We didn’t find it a problem in the Amundsen we stayed in overnight and haven’t heard of others having problems but I can see how it might be a hazard if a little tipsy 🤪

[@alanwilliams1528]

I was thinking if tipsy 😱. Soba shouldn't be a problem👍 Keep up the good work❤

[@graemecraft]

Hi Will and Sarah we love your videos very helpful. Do you no on the Sven does it have one or two leisure battery’s and where are they located and how many amp are they please as you did not mention this in the video Thanks Graeme

[@CampervanTime]

Hi - yes sorry for that oversight. Yes it does have two leisure batteries, a 92ah and also a 70ah. One under the bonnet and one under the drivers seat.

[@itsamootpoint]

Best review of the Sven on the web - congrats guys. We are waiting for delivery of our black one, though I noted your comments on the suitability of it for hot weather - but I think it looks even cooler in black than flannel grey. Do you know if the van is equipped with Apple Car Play? and what did you think of the Sat Nav?

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks! Black is very cool 😎 apple car play yes, factory satnav is okay ish. Not brilliant by todays most modern standards but it will do. By that I mean it doesn’t do integrated google voice searching, live online points of interest or satellite view etc. But it’s functional. We’ll be using wireless CarPlay on journeys with google maps I expect.

[@edberry5476]

Thanks for the vid guys. Like you, it’s making me impatient now. Only a few months to go… 😬

[@CampervanTime]

The wait is hard!!

[@westernstates6769]

I have a question: How is the cooling system? Would it be sufficient by the seaside? Also, does the engine need to be running actively? Thanks, the video is great and detailed by the way.

[@thegrinch8161]

I don’t mean to be different nor am I trying to be argumentative but instead of getting rid of your steel wheels why not keep them and by all means buy your alloy wheels and store the steel wheels just in case you change your mind later, anyhoo best of luck in your purchase.🙏

[@alanbenham4139]

Looks super

[@RegMarsh-uo2to]

Thanks for another great video, good team work. We are all benefiting from the amount of personal time you both devote to your channel a big thank you again. Its s just a shame so many of us our still waiting to pick up our new Sven. I know the wait will be worth it. One question I had was if there are any neat ideas to provide shelter over the rear doors as our Cali is really handy with a single rear door providing a good shelter from the rain.

[@CampervanTime]

That’s a really good question. We’ve seen neat little canopies with elastic / bungees that work on transporter barn doors at the back but haven’t seen anything yet for a crafter / MAN. Will have a hunt and a word with a few people I know…

[@RegMarsh-uo2to]

Thanks that would be really helpful

[@AnneRogersPhoto]

@@CampervanTime @RegMarsh-uo2to UK Custom Covers make them for Crafters.

[@dcrilley9624]

Thanks for this review. I am intrigued by the expanding bellows to increase the width. What is the bellows made of ? What seals its perimeter from wind blown rain in the UK ? is it like a mini pop-top ? That is, you need to make sure it is all dry even deep down its sides before it is left retracted for a long period of time ?

[@my_running_adventures]

its molded plastic. its fully sealed and solid. so good to go. i do hear that the insulation needs to be beefed up to stop condensation on it though, which is easy to do

[@annamric6597]

I don't like no overhead kitchen cupboards, I would like full length of kitchen, overheads. Tea, sugar, spices, . Its not even got bedroom overheads, right up to the kitchen, so Nearest can be a kitchen cupboard. Could the wall pockets by sink store tea & mug. The thought of having to go to big draws/cupboard to just make cup of tea. I'd end up in a mess not being able to find things. I suppose if I got used to a VW T5 1st with just the 2 big cupboards under sink, cooker. But I quickly get drawn to those with a few overhead cupboards.

[@paulturnbull2743]

Hi how are you finding the new van? Especially interested to know how you’re finding the bathroom and kitchen. Thanks

[@CampervanTime]

We're going to do a vlog shortly on our initial impressions of living with it for a month now - but spoiler alert, it's fab!

[@keithdavidson1280]

I hope V W /man brings this camper van to South Africa. We can, however, expect a 5mm. (2 " lift kit ) with Firestone Airbages over rear leaf springs for most poor gravel roads. No mention in the video about the battery power units fitted to the side of the rear garage .Delivery price in Sterling is not memtioned ...

[@CampervanTime]

Apologies - It comes with 2xAGM leisure batteries, 94ah and 70ah I think, and it starts from £90,500.

[@RA-zr5lw]

About 13:25 under seat for dog food. As a pet owner myself and having worked in the pet food industry, I would avoid this area for dog food, as it is near heat. This could cause your dog food to go rancid and one thing you do not want is a doggy dog tummy! Good luck with the new van, although I loved your Cali and the videos. As you run a car too you can get away with the bigger van, Cali for me though, hopefully one day soon. How long now before it’s intended arrival?

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks for the tip, hadn't thought about that. Hopefully our Sven will arrive soon!

[@unpluggedkiwi1063]

Couple of questions. What are the fresh and grey water tank capacities, and what about the off grid power supply (Batteries, solar panels etc).

[@CampervanTime]

Hi, 100 litres fresh water and 84 litres waste water. In terms of power supply, the limited edition doesn't come with a solar panel as standard but dealers can fit one/two if you wish. The limited edition model comes with 2 leisure batteries, a 92ah and a 70ah. Both AGM.

[@pluc99-pl99]

As usual, a nice and informative tour. On a rainy evening with both of you relaxing around the table area, would you be able to keep a large dog by your side?

[@CampervanTime]

Yes I'd think so, no problem at all

[@VanVenturing]

Love the colour. I'm just ordering a MAN but unsure on which colour to go for! Do you know the colour code for that so I can check it out on the MAN colour chart. Cheers

[@CampervanTime]

I'm not sure of the exact colour code but the colour if Flannel Grey and I think on the MAN TGE it's a special order colour. VW did offer it on the Crafter and Transporters for a while I think too, it's a VW group colour.

[@jeffurwin-wb9yr]

It’s a great van but I’d like to see 2 solar panels lithium dump the gas and a max air fan for hotter climbs

[@ProjectWestfalia]

That bed extender is a strange choice, feels like a risky proposition in the longer term. Lots of extra things to breakdown 😅 Though I'm a tad biased with my 2010 Sven Hedin (cheap plug, latest video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJOtYmuAmJeqjqM&ab_channel=ProjectWestfalia), it has a pull down upper bed and then the passenger seats convert into a bed as well.

[@CampervanTime]

I think most modern vans have a few things that are OEM and have future potential for breakdown. I take comfort in the fact they've been making these since 2017 and you never really see any complaints about the pop out section at all. Same can be said for pop-top roofs on low volume production vans too of course. Yours looks great, great to see heritage in a brand and see the roots of modern campers too.

[@andrewmaddison1763]

Great video so what's the mpg on these campers please

[@CampervanTime]

Hi! As you would imagine the speed you're driving at and the wheels/tyres you are running are big factors in answering that. We have had a loan of a Grand California 600 which is the same engine/gearbox combination as this Sven but with a slightly higher roof (ie less aerodynamic) and that managed around 32-33 mpg on the motorway at 60-65mph. I'll be expecting the Sven to do more like 35mpg in standard form at the same speed. Country road driving or town stop/start will obviously be less.

[@davidcambell4183]

Great video and I really rate your rational opinions! Bearing in mind that VW is massively discounting the GC in Q4 with servicing, 0% finances, c 15% discount on list etc on paper the GC seems to be 20k - 25k cheaper, do you still think the SH is worth the extra outlay? I'm probably in agreement that this is better than the GC and if they both sold at list it would be an easier decision but a £75k GC v a £100k SH?????

[@CampervanTime]

That's a good question - but one that we wrestled with too. It probably depends on what lens you look through. Monthly affordability (which is dependant on lots of things of course) vs total cost of ownership over the time you have it. Depreciation and residual value will be key there and what's clear is that when cars/vans have discount applied at new, that then typically is translated into lower residuals at the back end. No discount up front = higher residual value. So the actual cost of owning it might be very similar. There is no doubt though that we have had to save harder and will have had nearly a year off from having a van to be able to get into a SH, whereas we could have had a GC before now.

[@thetrickeys2635]

Hi, great review and a lovely van. Whilst doing your research for your new van did you look at a Hymer Free S 600? David

[@CampervanTime]

Hi, yes we did, in detail. The Free S on the Mercedes platform is a lovely van and as I expect you know you can still configure one to your exact needs. I (Will) found the bathroom to be a little more cramped in the Free S, head height in there especially and it also uses a bigger curtain that wraps round too. We preferred the heating system in the Sven/Westfalias more than the Truma blown air systems too. The other aspect we preferred on the Sven was the placement of the fridge, as in the Free S it's high up and almost cuts the van in two between the kitchen and the bed area, but in the Sven that's all low and nice and airy. Nothing right/wrong with any of this, just preference. The Free S is a a great van and the Merc drives brilliantly too. Cost wise, by the time you have equivalent spec on the Hyper they are very close in price too.

[@thetrickeys2635]

It's a shame you didn't do a review of the Hymer, I can only find one in-depth review on KZbin, in English. Very interesting, the reasons that you went for the Sven are are the reasons that we didn't. We thought that the fridge was the best we had seen in a sub 6 metre van, but the lack of freezer space was a no no for us. We preferred the wash room in the Hymer, although height was not an issue to us. We also felt that the blown air heating was maintenance free and less problematic than the hot water system, although we will envy you the underfloor heating side of it. Also downsizing from a Mercedes based A class, which we've had for 10 years, space for clothes in the Sven seemed a bit sparse. Our Hymer is not due to be delivered untill the middle of 2024, but one thing is certain that we will both really enjoy are respective campervans, with lots of memories to be made.😅

[@robww5921]

Is it gas heating? Also where and what are the leisure batteries? Lithium? Inverter?

[@CampervanTime]

It's diesel heating., which the heat output is via radiators and underfloor heating (all wet/water based). There is also different temperature controls for the toilet and the rest of the van. Leisure batteries are AGM (there are 2 leisure batteries and then the starter battery separate). I expect we'll sort Lithium on ours in due course.

[@travelcampervansandmore]

Hi, the lower half of the Hindermann thermal pad, for the back doors on my Columbus, can be lifted up to allow free access to the garage. There is however nothing to keep it in the raised position. Do you have the same issue with yours?

[@CampervanTime]

It looks that way but we haven’t really tried it yet as we’ve not camped in sub zero since getting the van. Must get it out and take a proper look.

[@pauricsurlis9191]

Thanks for an excellent detailed video. We're also thinking that a Sven would be the best upgrade from our California. I've no doubt about the fit and refinement but how does it drive compared to your Cali? Noise etc? I recognise the infotainment unit. Guess it includes Carplay/Android auto. Does it need to be usb connected or is it the newer bluetooth version? Planning a TD later this week but I value your opinion considering the research that you've put in.

[@CampervanTime]

Hi, yes wireless CarPlay I believe, but do check as over the years the spec has changed. In terms of driving, you’ll be amazed how good it is and how easy to drive. The ride is excellent and the engine and gearbox are nice and smooth. Probably more so than the DSG on the Cali actually. Do let us know what you think!

[@pauricsurlis9191]

@@CampervanTime It was a very short drive,but I agree that it's smooth and has a very familiar feel.Quite likely to order but can't face a huge leadtime. Campersales may sell one due in February which is earmarked as a demo. Have you got yours yet?

[@CampervanTime]

No we haven't got ours yet, but we are hoping it will be here very soon. We understand it is in a batch which is being built and quality checked currently, then it needs to be shipped over, so shouldn't be long.

[@pauricsurlis9191]

@@CampervanTime Well. We've pulled the trigger today and ordered from Campervansales. Looking forward to March delivery 🤞

[@CampervanTime]

@@pauricsurlis9191 Amazing! Well done you, we're sure you won't be disappointed :)

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

is this the same as the vw grand calfornia

[@CampervanTime]

It's built on the same type of van, yes. The VW Grand California is built on the Crafter, and this is built on the MAN TGE van, which is the same as the Crafter (VW own MAN).

[@sailingdragonfly756]

Have they come up with a decent solution for the cab blinds at night?

[@CampervanTime]

The Sven comes with thermal blinds for the windscreen and side windows, but lots of people do fit Remis blinds for the doors and windscreen as they now do them.

[@spivvo]

Key Question…. So what is the head to toe van width with the pop out extended? (I’m 6ft 5)

[@Christopher-sj2sc]

It's 2.03m so about 6ft 6 1/2

[@jayt5970]

They do have sport mode on the gearbox Well ours does anyway owned our Sven since 2021

[@CampervanTime]

They dropped the sport mode on the gearbox to meet the latest emissions standards unfortunately 😩

[@jayt5970]

@@CampervanTime oh well It’s not a race it’s a holiday escape pod so i would not be too concerned ,,just like the twin turbo ,no something I needed on a camper van never once felt underpowered especially with the auto and that’s fully loaded

[@CampervanTime]

💯

[@lariberaaltamalc]

It looks hefty - is it a C1 licence drive?

[@CampervanTime]

Nope - It's under 3.5 tonnes :)

[@craigmoorcroft950]

Looks a great van but quite a lot of plastic used inside. Would have been nice to see some of those walls covered in fabric.

[@CampervanTime]

Tend to agree, but we've got plans on how to add some softness to it when we get it :)

[@romanomorelli2831]

Do westfalia do it in a crafter ?

[@Christopher-sj2sc]

no

[@grahams3417]

Where are you hedin for your first trip when you get it?

[@CampervanTime]

Good question ! Not sure yet but maybe south of France…

[@grahams3417]

Bonnet de douche, Rodney

[@molecbr]

What is the type of price range of one of these?

[@CampervanTime]

Hi, they start at £91,500 on the road and go up to £94,750. The only options are black metallic paint and leather interior instead of cloth.

[@cooperandy3]

Very nice!

[@CampervanTime]

Thanks!

[@neiljessop3510]

Could you please mention the fridge manufacturers name ?

[@CampervanTime]

Good question. It’s a custom one designed for Westfalia and I think it’s a dometic, but don’t quote me until we get ours and double check.

[@cornwallnick]

No built in blinds. Bit of a shame, otherwise lovely.

[@samcooper6115]

Ooooo nice

[@claussalt4140]

Wondering why you didn’t lie down in the bed to show it’s ok for tallies?

[@CampervanTime]

We didn’t lie on it in case we tore the plastic on the mattresses, wanted to be courteous to the garage. Yes the rear is moulded hard (but textured) automotive type plastics. Easy to clean and we’ll be putting some wool panels in there probably to make it a bit more homely. All Westfalias are like that in terms of internal panels etc. It’s just how they do it.

[@briancorrigan4858]

Could you both shower in it ? Separately of course. Looks small to me.

[@CampervanTime]

Yep, bathroom is a fair size for a 6m long transverse bed can, we’ll be fine in there

[@couplandsj]

@@CampervanTimewhat stops the water just running into the radiator and all behind the toilet in the shower area..?

[@CampervanTime]

Good question. There is a small shower curtain that covers the back of the door but not the sink/toilet area so I presume I just gets a little wet and then dries. I've never seen anyone complaining about their radiator rusting or not being ok in the bathroom so it must be ok somehow!

[@Bandit-Iggy]

These are way to big and obstructive for true camper travel in buzzy Europe, two of these parked side to side and locals start complaining.

[@willwes0027]

The booming panel van conversion market has certainly changed the industry. Westfalia will clearly hold great quality but the imagination of this build is terrible. Very very basic, feels like they just had to get a van out the door. I can see why so many spend their money on less reputable, but more bespoke companys now.

[@CampervanTime]

When compared against a lot of smaller manufacturers I can see where you are coming from, but this Sven design has been around since 2017 though too and even before then it was based on the Columbus (on a Ducato) to a certain extent which is even older. Westfalia just do slow and steady change, that's all. The Columbus has just had a big overhaul and has modern options you'd expect like lithium etc. Due to the widespread good availability of CampingGaz across Europe I don't think they'll be going gas-less for a while yet though.