Slideouts have been a fixture in the US for years, but they are starting to show up in Europe and in smaller vehicles. More space good, more holes in the van, bad. It's not unheard of for them to leak both air and water.
Croft - That is why converters in Europe have been reluctent to incorperate slideouts until now, the sealing technology has now reached a level where they feel safe to offer slideouts and apply European legal warranty requirements
I totally agree. The rear, both sides need windows. Awning type would be great. They can be left open even if it rained. Other than that the Cook is expressive... but like wine, some I would love to drink, the expensive type. But I dig around for the ones that taste good that I can afford.
Would love this van - brilliant kitchen, bathroom and solution to sleeping arrangements. We have had two VW Transporter vans - one conversion & a California Ocean and loved them. We'd be in the market for something bigger which needs to accommodate our three-year-old who goes to bed before we do - but the price for this van is just nuts. I can buy a well-specced Grand California 600 for less than this.
Interesting. personally I'm not keen on windows by the bed because the paper blinds are so flimsy that a stray arm, head or foot can damage them very easily. A roof light seems the pragmatic option, but i guess you don't get a view from them when in bed, and they wake you up early in the morning if you leave them open. As a happy Amundsen 540 owner, its a good option but im not persuaded to change!
I completely agree! Until Westfalia finds a way to add more windows in the back, this amazing solution will not be an option for me.... Clever idea, but they need to work around it and throw a couple of rear side-windows. It just looks too dark back there.
There is another window in the roof near the bed but this particular vehicle has an AC fitted instead. Also, the idea is to sleep with your head to the front as the bed is wider there (1.7m).
@@thorstenheuel8704 Dear Thorsten, thank you very much for the reply. I love the idea of a pop-out, but in my perspective it should be possible to at least try to add one window on the wider side to the rear behind the bath (same side as driver), as an option. Otherwise the solution will be perceived as a long dark tunnel. To me is also a safety-issue, as a side window on the bed by the head area gives me the opportunity to quickly check the environment around the van in the night directly from the bed should something unusual happen...
It's light years ahead of what they make in the US. The dumb RV brands here keep recycling the same crap over and over. Almost all our RV interiors look like they came from the 1980s.
Hello , SHAWN& LIZZY , THAT MB, with the rear slide out really a good idea, FULL SIZED BED, but wonder how it looks with it retracted, ,,,,, usable space., Cheers from NJ, USA
Love it! Yes please with proper 4x4 and a pop top roof. Bet when that rear bed is slid in there's still a 1m long space so us uber shorties could actually sleep across the van if there was just 3 of you ie perfect for us as long as I leave Dad on a Mission at home (happens quite often anyway!) ;-) Wonder if our 2 boys would actually fit on those rear travel seats together though - always an issue with this type of van. Our last NEC vlog had us trying to squeeze them in without fighting, pretty sure we failed 100% of the time hence Chausson Traveline 711 is my fav for passenger seating.
Can I please ask - what's the brand of black alloys on the van? They're very nice and US rhino alloys have become too expensive due to the pound dollar exchange rate
Please please please bring this to the U.S.!!! Especially the one with the pop up roof/bed! Sadly, Americans can't buy a VW California or any small RV that sleeps 4 (Almost all MB Sprinter RVs really just sleep 2 on a folding sofa bed and maybe has an uncomfortable air mattress across the front seats for a child, but nothing that can sleep 4 reasonably sized adults). And none have a pop up roof or that stylish European design aesthetic (they all look essentially the same). Want to buy, please sell it Westfalia!!
I have something similar, and it works great for me. Do you remember the make of the swing away bike rack? Also, will the version coming to the U.K. have the bull bar on it? It would be a great way to add spot lights.
daseteam The problem with the Sprinter and VW Crafter are that both are relatively narrow, especially above the waistline. Some converters do mount „ears“ to increase the width for a bed across the van
Yes, HUGE fridge. If fact, it's bigger than the van itself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, but all that effort to create the idea, and accomplishes what compared to crosswise? It would also have been nice to see what the interior looks like with the extension retracted; what space is usable vs not.?
how about- I'm standing over night - it starts to rain -how do i get rid of the water before pulling the slide out in and/or continue my trip on the next morning???
Payload ???? Don’t see how you can review a ‘van, especially one like this with all the extra hardware of electric motors, sliding compartments, without mentioning the payload ??
Can I have one. That would be a real nice home on wheels. I'm just getting started on planet 🌎. Could use some friends. Thanks, just park one out in front if my house with a note that says it's ok that I use it, cause I don't steal. Than I will know it's legit and drive off in it. Yea just put Mary Christ Ma's on the note. I would be blown away if it really happened. Good to dream big. ✌ It would be nice.
A clever idea, but unfortunately, in continental Europe, a bit of an issue. In most European countries you can park and sleep in your van wherever you want, as long as there are no components that stick out (horizontally) beyond the van's "normal" footprint. Once you do that (awnings, etc.), you're legally camping, which is forbidden outside campsites, while if you don't, or have a pop-top roof (the law doesn't deem vertical space to be an issue), you're legally parked, and can sleep wherever you please (car parks, picnic areas, the woods, cities, etc.). In the case of a 4WD, this design completely defeats the purpose, as "camping" (which an extension popping out the back would legally be deemed) in nature areas (the whole point of having a 4WD) is generally prohibited (unless you go somewhere remote enough that park rangers don't even bother going to). This is a clever solution, but somewhat pointless in terms of a 4WD. Their high-roof options are a much more versatile solution, this van is more for older couples who always stay at campsites/RV areas....so the 4WD option is a bit pointless...
@@thorstenheuel8704 Hahaha of course not! But good catch, it did sound like that! haha I'm saying "Bless you if you go/want to go offroad, just don't do so in this van, it'll only get you in legal trouble." Go for another Sprinter-based model (best 4x4 van on the market), just not this one. See you on the (off)road! ;)
"l will show you how long it is" Haha, pointless without telling us your height, 3'6"? Also say privacy as we do in England not like an American. Otherwise not a bad review.
I love it we need this in the unitedstates yesterday
Slideouts have been a fixture in the US for years, but they are starting to show up in Europe and in smaller vehicles. More space good, more holes in the van, bad. It's not unheard of for them to leak both air and water.
Croft - That is why converters in Europe have been reluctent to incorperate slideouts until now, the sealing technology has now reached a level where they feel safe to offer slideouts and apply European legal warranty requirements
I totally agree. The rear, both sides need windows. Awning type would be great. They can be left open even if it rained. Other than that the Cook is expressive... but like wine, some I would love to drink, the expensive type. But I dig around for the ones that taste good that I can afford.
Would love this van - brilliant kitchen, bathroom and solution to sleeping arrangements. We have had two VW Transporter vans - one conversion & a California Ocean and loved them. We'd be in the market for something bigger which needs to accommodate our three-year-old who goes to bed before we do - but the price for this van is just nuts. I can buy a well-specced Grand California 600 for less than this.
Your glamorous assistant has a very good commentators voice for radio and TV... :-)
I'd be concerned on the compromised space inside when the slideout wasn't extended.
I love these clever compact vans so much I am just never ever going to be able to cram my two big dogs in there! :)
I like the slide out bed. I'd like more windows too. Great frig setup. Nice looking toilet/shower area.
Brilliant video as always. 👍🚐
Having looked at the James Cook, Westfalia have, in my opinion, got a lot of competition with the new Grand California.
Stealth camping in town is out of the question with the rear thingy mabob
If someone’s got the best part of 100k with extras to spend on a Merc Van, they’ll not be too bothered about spending 20 nicker on a camp-site.
@@strickostricko ....... 👍100K campervan will give you a different outlook on things 👍🍺
@@strickostricko who wants to camp on a camp ground in his expensive van 😁
New version of the one I offered for review in the UK! Will have to go to the NEC to check it out...
Yeah you would be the perfect person to critique it. I imagine it's quite different. 👍
Interesting. personally I'm not keen on windows by the bed because the paper blinds are so flimsy that a stray arm, head or foot can damage them very easily. A roof light seems the pragmatic option, but i guess you don't get a view from them when in bed, and they wake you up early in the morning if you leave them open. As a happy Amundsen 540 owner, its a good option but im not persuaded to change!
I completely agree! Until Westfalia finds a way to add more windows in the back, this amazing solution will not be an option for me.... Clever idea, but they need to work around it and throw a couple of rear side-windows. It just looks too dark back there.
There is another window in the roof near the bed but this particular vehicle has an AC fitted instead. Also, the idea is to sleep with your head to the front as the bed is wider there (1.7m).
@@thorstenheuel8704 Dear Thorsten, thank you very much for the reply. I love the idea of a pop-out, but in my perspective it should be possible to at least try to add one window on the wider side to the rear behind the bath (same side as driver), as an option. Otherwise the solution will be perceived as a long dark tunnel. To me is also a safety-issue, as a side window on the bed by the head area gives me the opportunity to quickly check the environment around the van in the night directly from the bed should something unusual happen...
We get zero in the USA 🇺🇸! Lol great video
It's light years ahead of what they make in the US. The dumb RV brands here keep recycling the same crap over and over. Almost all our RV interiors look like they came from the 1980s.
Hello , SHAWN& LIZZY , THAT MB, with the rear slide out really a good idea, FULL SIZED BED, but wonder how it looks with it retracted, ,,,,, usable space., Cheers from NJ, USA
Love it! Yes please with proper 4x4 and a pop top roof. Bet when that rear bed is slid in there's still a 1m long space so us uber shorties could actually sleep across the van if there was just 3 of you ie perfect for us as long as I leave Dad on a Mission at home (happens quite often anyway!) ;-) Wonder if our 2 boys would actually fit on those rear travel seats together though - always an issue with this type of van. Our last NEC vlog had us trying to squeeze them in without fighting, pretty sure we failed 100% of the time hence Chausson Traveline 711 is my fav for passenger seating.
Love the video as always guys which is now even so quick you can watch it on the loo... LOL :-) ! Looks like a great vehicle!
Love watching you videos guys
Out of curiosity do you prefer the Grand California or the Sven Hiden?
Can I please ask - what's the brand of black alloys on the van? They're very nice and US rhino alloys have become too expensive due to the pound dollar exchange rate
I like it- I wonder if I could get it imported to the USA?
Maybe not importing but you could arrange to send a US spec Sprinter for them to upfit and then send it back for registration.
Is the van usable with the slide in ? That is always the question with these types of ideas.
Please please please bring this to the U.S.!!! Especially the one with the pop up roof/bed! Sadly, Americans can't buy a VW California or any small RV that sleeps 4 (Almost all MB Sprinter RVs really just sleep 2 on a folding sofa bed and maybe has an uncomfortable air mattress across the front seats for a child, but nothing that can sleep 4 reasonably sized adults). And none have a pop up roof or that stylish European design aesthetic (they all look essentially the same). Want to buy, please sell it Westfalia!!
I like it fantastic. .
I liked the glamorous assistant. She should be on more often......
I have something similar, and it works great for me. Do you remember the make of the swing away bike rack? Also, will the version coming to the U.K. have the bull bar on it? It would be a great way to add spot lights.
The make of the bike rack is a German company called SAWIKO.
I wish these were available in U.S.A MARKET,
Yes it might feel a bit like a scan tunnel at the hospital!
Never heard of a scan tunnel that big with 2 windows in which you can comfortably sit upright😉
With the slideout; Sleep the other way round. Perhaps then you wouldn´t feel so hemmed in.
daseteam The problem with the Sprinter and VW Crafter are that both are relatively narrow, especially above the waistline. Some converters do mount „ears“ to increase the width for a bed across the van
That's actually the plan since the bed is wider in the front!
4:04... that VW T6 Westfalia looks interesting - right of screen
Looks like the Kepler One. We’ve got a vlog on that too. th-cam.com/video/1QGVWx7w-0s/w-d-xo.html
is this one available in uk?
Yes it is 👍
@@ABusAndBeyond thanks, stay safe with this coronavirus outbreak.
It looks like a baby version of the slide out by doubleback
Yes, HUGE fridge. If fact, it's bigger than the van itself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, but all that effort to
create the idea, and accomplishes what compared to crosswise? It would also have been nice to see what the interior looks like with the extension retracted; what space is usable vs not.?
how about- I'm standing over night - it starts to rain -how do i get rid of the water before pulling the slide out in and/or continue my trip on the next morning???
I don’t know about this style slide out but on a slide out on a trailer, the rubber gasket squeegees the water off as it’s closing.
@@ManScoutsofAmerica thanks a lot - that makes sense ;-)
How much?
I wonder what the mortgage is on that
I am a little concerned with what appears a lack of overhead storage.
I bet that is expensive, I often wonder how folks afford the price of a new camper, it looks great but way out of my price range.
Still way cheaper than a house...
Pricing to start around the 70k mark!!!! 😳
I wanted to get the Cali until I saw this.
Hate how all these factory campers look like airplane toilets
Absolutely agree, that's why we're doing our own conversion with a bespoke conversion company, much more character than these things!
First
😊👍
Looks like refrigerator on the inside.
Payload ???? Don’t see how you can review a ‘van, especially one like this with all the extra hardware of electric motors, sliding compartments, without mentioning the payload ??
Lack of windows is definitely an issue ..
I hope James will do a better job than Thomas
do they sell this fu.....g music with the camera? everybody take the same......boring. Nice van.
Show,,,,,,,,,,
Can I have one. That would be a real nice home on wheels. I'm just getting started on planet 🌎. Could use some friends. Thanks, just park one out in front if my house with a note that says it's ok that I use it, cause I don't steal. Than I will know it's legit and drive off in it. Yea just put Mary Christ Ma's on the note. I would be blown away if it really happened. Good to dream big. ✌ It would be nice.
A clever idea, but unfortunately, in continental Europe, a bit of an issue. In most European countries you can park and sleep in your van wherever you want, as long as there are no components that stick out (horizontally) beyond the van's "normal" footprint. Once you do that (awnings, etc.), you're legally camping, which is forbidden outside campsites, while if you don't, or have a pop-top roof (the law doesn't deem vertical space to be an issue), you're legally parked, and can sleep wherever you please (car parks, picnic areas, the woods, cities, etc.). In the case of a 4WD, this design completely defeats the purpose, as "camping" (which an extension popping out the back would legally be deemed) in nature areas (the whole point of having a 4WD) is generally prohibited (unless you go somewhere remote enough that park rangers don't even bother going to). This is a clever solution, but somewhat pointless in terms of a 4WD. Their high-roof options are a much more versatile solution, this van is more for older couples who always stay at campsites/RV areas....so the 4WD option is a bit pointless...
So you're saying older couples are not allowed to go off road or in the mountains and thus buying a 4x4?
@@thorstenheuel8704 Hahaha of course not! But good catch, it did sound like that! haha
I'm saying "Bless you if you go/want to go offroad, just don't do so in this van, it'll only get you in legal trouble." Go for another Sprinter-based model (best 4x4 van on the market), just not this one. See you on the (off)road! ;)
0:02 West Failure 🤣
wide drawers in kitchen ..a no
Sprinter is too little to try making of it a RV...
No idea of space before and after. Showing us an already pulled out slide does not show the audience.
"l will show you how long it is" Haha, pointless without telling us your height, 3'6"? Also say privacy as we do in England not like an American. Otherwise not a bad review.
like sleeping in a coffin, seems to me.
There is actually another window in the roof near the bed but this vehicle has an AC fitted that takes the space and the light of that roof window.
MOOSE