My VW Grand California is TERRIBLE!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 เม.ย. 2022
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Today I review and cover ALL of the problems I have had so far with my VW Grand California. These are all of the things I wish I knew before buying mine!
The VW Grand California 600 is a fantastic Campervan full of amazing features but this video tells you the truth of what its like to live with a VW Grand California.
Van life and Camper Van life is a dream but sometimes there are problems with your camper van and that is when it becomes a pain!
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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.
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.
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.
@@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
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.
@@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.....
@@sillytorque also nail a Vauxhall/Opal badge on them now, RAM in the US. The replacement will be lead by Opel design.
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.
My thoughts but if it only happens once or twice overnight it could be a pressure drop from the sytem cooling down.
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
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
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.
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!
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.
Considering what VW are charging for these things, they have some bloody cheek! Thanks for the honest review!
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 ;-)
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.
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.
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
Ahh yeah does your fridge do the same? Thought I had it on too cold!
What an honest review wish more people were like you when reviewing things. Vw is not what they used to be.
Have you ever driven a beetle ?
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.
Good honest review thanks...
Stick on battery lights are good for dark pokey corners
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
Lovin ya videos mr, not van related but what model Arcteryx jacket is that ?
Thanks for the heads-up. I will look elsewhere for a new camper van.
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
I appreciate your candour here Chris. It’s not one I’d consider having seen this. Cheers mate. 👍🏼
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.
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.
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?
@@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.
@@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!
@@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
680 4 mo i forgot
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.
That was a very good video.
Thanks for the information you experienced and explained well. 😃👍🏻
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 👍
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.
Wait? This doesn't have a control panel with a switch for the water pump?
great vid. not come across your channel before. loving the dry humour, ill now go back and watch the rest.
Thanks Peter. Glad you like the video. Hope to see you around in the comments 👍🏻
I would get remis blinds fit in the front too, not sure why they didnt just fit them anyway
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.
brilliant video. I had mine for 8 months, thankfully avoided it going back to a VW dealer with faults. I wouldnt buy one again. although id buy a cratfer van as the base vehicle was amazing.
was actually looking to upscale so thanks for great review.. the frost protection would eally be a problem for me.. so nahhhh
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
A really good honest review. Appreciate the effort you’ve gone to and thank you for sharing 😃
Great review!!!!! You should do these full-time brother!! Thank you 🙏🏻
Thanks karlos. Glad you like the video. Hope you enjoy my vids i the future too. 👌🏻👍🏻
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.
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.
Saw your van on Glenmore Campsite earlier this week. It looks awesome. Nice work!
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 👋🏻
Nice vid! Can I ask what Arcteryx jacket you got on?
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
Great video. Thanks. Love your accent.
I’m just looking for such a campervan. So, thanks for your honest review. 👍🏻
Pouvez-vous me donner les dimensions de vos pneu goodrich all terrain ? Merci
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.
Across the pond here. Don't buy anything with the name California on it. Maybe I'm superstitious. Great vid mate!
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.
Does anyone recommend any good awning & ladder places that can supply and fit in the uk for a vw crafter would be smashing for a little bit of advice, keep up the vids mate
Great review thanks, what size are the tyres, they look great.
Hey Chris. Sorry I missed your comment. The wheels are 17 inch and tyres are 245/65/17 size
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.
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!
If your in the van unless its -8 the water will be fine. disconnect the auto dump.
@@mickobrien6360 Thanks, that's pretty cold!!
I was wondering if a diesel heater could top up the ambient temperature of the water tank, so that it doesn’t dump the water when a bit colder? 🤔👀
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.
D
Hi, have you found this shape vw crafter mechanically sound/reliable? or has it been back and forward to vw for both the camper side of things aswel as the engine side of things too? Cheers
I have not had any mechanical issues as of yet. I have heard this shape do have problems with injectors etc but mine has been okay up to this point.
fantastic vid. Super good on camera dude!
How much did this cost? And how many nights in a nice hotel could you have for the same amount?
Ive got a 1971 camper and i use a ikamper. Keep it simple.
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!
Brilliant video, thanks for sharing!!
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.
Thanks John. Yeah I wish I was handy sometimes but suppose if I was I’d have built my own like you
@@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.
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.
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
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 😂😂
@@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.
Merci ,je ne prendrais jamais ce van😮
You can get a part which goes into the unit and keeps it heated, about £30. Solves the issue.
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…
Top review, hope you got contacted from VW to sort it out.
Good honest review fella. Thanks for sharing this.
If I uderstand correctly, you didn't have any problem with VW Carlifonia Ocean. Would you recommend it?
I absolutely loved it and I had zero issues in 16k miles. I’d definitely recommend it
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.
cracking video chris loved the way you made it , impartial love and hate but really well done
Thanks for the comment. Been getting a fair bit hate for the video from the faithful California lot but just giving my opinions
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
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 😂
@@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
I have always purchased old second-hand motorhomes and campervans so problems come with the territory for me. I too would be very upset if I paid that much for a new van with all those problems.
Good review , likable genuine guy. Van seems nice . That kitchen situation is def jacked .
Nice work most of the "van Life" stuff is click bait with stuff you already knew. This is very interesting! Well done!
Hi, thank u. For me I would always go stealth. I think the new vans are all the same> Rubbish. They r not build to last anymore with cheap materials inside. The older ones have real wood, real ovens and so on. I would build one of my own, because I want to be able that the van grows with me and that I can change places or furniture if I feel like it or my needs r changing. If u think what u paid, a self build might even save money.
I've got my eye on the ID Buzz. This worries me
I thought it was great from the outside but it looks like I'm way more comfortable moving around in my tiny Transit Connect 😅
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
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.
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?
I generally get around 25-26mpg and it weighs just over 3 tonne
@@ChrisSloanes thanks . .how is it sounds offroad?
Mate it’s nice to see an honest review..
Brutally honest mate. I like it. Put my pump on a switch for that exact reason by the way.
Looks awesome though mate 👍🏻
Good review. Something to learn or something to remind myself. Recently kayaking down the river I was looking at boats, many are scruffy, many are being maintained during day. Same thing a house on a go. More expensive things we buy more time and money we spend maintaining or repairing them. But it must be a good feeling, the sense of freedom campervan gives you. Kind of travel the world, go anywhere. And not limited by the size of massive box behind you when having a separate camper.. thanks for sharing.
Have you considered keeping the hotwater on while driving? The regulator allows you to keep the hotwater on while driving and has automatic shutoff in the event of an accident.
In NZ, the VW dealer removed that regulator system (said it didn't comply w/ NZ laws which is a massive bummer for us since we have to get to a site and then wait 20 min or so for the water to heat up). Anyways, I think if you keep your hot water on, you won't need to worry about the system dumping your water (although you will use more LPG).
Does not help. There is an ambience temp sensor, so when outside temperature drops below 3 (or 5?) degrees Celsius, it opens a frost protection switch. Super annoying and apparently there is no solution to this. It’s not a good idea to keep water in the system in winter anyways, but we have so many nights close 0 in spring in Finland, that I wish I could switch off that stupid frost protection!!! The good part is that heater works without water - so we could use the heating during winter for ski trips ( not for sleeping, but rather a warm room to change and rest)
@@dg8579 In NZ temperatures get well below 0 at night. I haven't had the water dump on me as long as I have the heat going. I have had the water dump leaving the van without the heat on though. I wonder if something is up with yours.
@@ShiYuMeng2 I don't keep the heat going the whole time, so it dumps all the water if I don't use the camper for a day... which is annoying... but good to know that it does not dump it if you keep the heater going continuously!
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...
I used to be indecisive but I'm not now... well I might be.. no I'm not... well maybe :)
Lovely van and thanks for the video, more issues than a good T5,6,7 conversion?
I suppose the price difference let's you put up with niggles with a conversion. Yet you have issues with the water that VW need to resolve.
Again, good video.
Wow! Thanks for great info! 👍
No a handy man talking here, but...
1st- try to build your own, if you get time!
TH-cam 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
Thank you Chris! It's a great choice despite some issues. I look to buy this if somewhere possible to get a 4MATIC version of the 600 model. Maybe exists?
They made very small numbers in Europe of the 4motion 600. I believe around 4 of them were made.
@@ChrisSloanes Oh that's great! Do you know where can I order directly to get all options under control? Germany or Poland? (looking for left drive build). I want to go for bicolor blue/white (cooler in summer time)
Seems like a number of these features just have not been thought about or tested before put into production. Pretty poor show ☹️the pump issue sounds like a common fault which every camper can have that when your water gets too low the pressure drops and it triggers the pump. Fit a separate on/off switch for it 😁
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 .
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 :)
You say "It's complicated"... it sounds like a Love - Hate relationship, and they are always complicated! :o)
Great video, thanks.
I sold mine too. Spent more time in the workshop than actually getting any use out of it.
We just saw you on the motorway good vids
I remember seeing you! 👌🏻👍🏻
Good vid with lots of useful info… but I think the Grandad rights, no longer apply once you have turned 70 (like me) you lose your C1 and have to take another test to get it back and every 3 years after that…. Just saying
The T4 auto sleeper clubman was the last good VW camper loved mine 2.5 tdi never had a problem in 43k miles
I like your honest comments which reflect the reality of owning a campervan
Thanks for the honest information. VW still have a lot of improvement to do.
Excellent review, very well done and honest to the core.....can't ask for much more. Thank you!