9 ай бұрын
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@carolspencer5844 7 сағат бұрын
Hi JT, when will we see the next contenders for the new van??? dying the see what you have chosen.
@louisehooker428 13 сағат бұрын
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@benlamachine4042 Күн бұрын
Do not apologize about weather in UK , we have same disaster half north France ! it's funny because i have same project for our Family of three . We love our COAST T6.1 but having a little bit more space and bath in only 6 meters is mid term goal . This HYMER is definitively in our short list and i'm afraid that new Cali T7 from VW is moving away from real life on pitch .. i have no driving experience at the moment but feedback from France is very positive about this HYMER . Just regret about old shower curtain , i prefer swivel wall solution we can find in ADRIA for instance . i'm also follower of belgian travellers Freeontour ( ex Cali T6 owners ) and they recently moved to this magnificent vehicle . Have nice summer vacations
@garrypeaks770 2 күн бұрын
Good review 👍
@CampervanJourney 2 күн бұрын
Thanks! 👍
@thepanamahat 2 күн бұрын
I have a similar tag for use mainly in Spain. Does the tag need to be fixed to the windscreen? So, if I hire a vehicle and cannot fix the tag to the windscreen, could it be temporarily fixed, without the bracket ( as I dont have two brackets ) and it'll still work or.....?
@CampervanJourney 2 күн бұрын
Hi, i think you can order an extra bracket for a low cost. Or maybe a double sided sticky pad would work...?
@thepanamahat 2 күн бұрын
@CampervanJourney yeh I was hoping to avoid that as its a hire car.... also, I've left it a bit late to order the extra bracket, silly of me, I know
@dcrilley9624 4 күн бұрын
Thanks for the review. I've kept an open mind and this afternoon been to test drive a 600 with your review in mind. It's a sweetie to drive. That is not where the van struggles at all. It is the interior fittings. I can only echo the several major problems in the design and layout of this van that you have itemised.. It is a colossal disappointment. The wall mounted cabinets are abysmal. In principle, splitting the cabinets to upper/lower should help with organisation but every one of the upper cabinets has a 2/3 inch beam running through it. The beam is two inches on its top side , three inches on its lower side and ruins every one of the lockers. The beam means that items are necessarily pushed forwards and renders all of them substandard. It is easy to see why a net is placed in the rear locker. The reality is that every locker needs some restraining device. The catches are pitiful and temperamental from the outset. The kitchen is a dud for the size of van. There are just two little cuboid drawers which will not fit big pans or much at all. The fridge system takes up a disproportionate amount of the kitchen block for the volume of cold storage on offer. The lower slide out section has low walls and I can easily envisage items getting thrown backward into the rear of the fridge void when in the mountains. The reality , sadly, is that the kitchenette in my T6 California is not only easier to use but has more storage space than this disappointing version. The whole kitchenette unit jibbered noisily throughout the test drive even on the smoothest bits of tarmac. The only reason to buy and compromise is that there is a demo fleet out there with nearly no miles on the odometer being sold at 66-72k via the VW dealers and, tragically, in the current market that is starting to look 'reasonable'.
@CampervanJourney 2 күн бұрын
Glad you got to test drive the GC600, but sorry to hear you came away wit the same misgivings as we did. I really struggled with how poorly the interior seemed to be designed in some areas. It was a real surprise and disappointment, especially as we wanted to like it. I was hoping that the update coming soon was going to address some of these issues, but it does not look like that will be the case. I'd love to be proved wrong ! Thanks again for taking the time to share your detailed thoughts. JT
@dcrilley9624 5 күн бұрын
Well, have you decided on the Free ? How are the driving dynamics compared to a 6m Vw/Man based vehicle such as the GC or the Sven Hedin or the Adria equivalent ? I remain unconvinced by any rear seat in any motorhome or Hymer conversion bar the Westfalia rear seats. The 3 person bench they used to put in a Nugget and then in the James Cook in the early 200s is still hard to beat. It had an angled bed rest and arm rests - really neither difficult nor expensive. The patented seat in the modern Columbus seems to be as good as it gets. It is still nowhere near its precursor - the same seat in the 2008-14 edition of the James Cook - it was wider, softer and also had arm rests upon it. The rear seat in this Hymer looks no different to the bolt-upright cushions-on-cheap-bench formula that Hymer seem always to deploy. It's the main reason why I am not now heading south to have a drive of a Free 600. My kids are grown but I cannot think of a single mountain biking friend who would want to travel any significant distance in a rear seat like this or 90% of what is out there. It is just so dismal that none of them, save Westfalia, put any effort into rear seat ergonomics. Why is it so very difficult for them to do something as simple as Westfalia's sliding bar to put a 15-20 degree rake on the back rest and extend the seat area when in transit ?
@CampervanJourney 5 күн бұрын
Hi There, thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed response, which absolutely his the nail on the head with regards the travelling setas. Over the past two years we have been looking for a replacement van ONLY the Westfalia has had seats that we thought were top notch. Why all the other makers don't get this I don't know and I have raised it on many of my previous videos. It seems all the good vans have a compromise...it's just a case of finding a compromise you are prepared to live with. We were sold on the Westfalia Columbus for some time, but call it brand snobbery, I could not spend £95K on a Fiat Based van. Their passenger seats are by far the best we have found and the clever converting seat bed option was a big drawer as well. On more than one occasion I spoke to representatives from Westfalia Germany to ask when the same set up was coming in the Sven Hedin, only to be told it won't due to the Crafter/Man chassis being too narrow to accommodate it. I think Westfalia have missed a trick here as it could provide the logical step up from many VW California owners who don't want or like the Grand California. I also don't get why Westfalia don't offer the Sven as a 4 berth with a poptop, again, trick missed I feel. The Hymer travelling seat is not ideal, but despite appearances it is better than the Grand California surprisingly. It is wider, deeper and although it does not recline the cushion design does give an element of slope. The GC travelling seat is fixed, almost vertical and narrow, suitable for 1 adult and a child really. Poss two children, but would be no good if they were in child seats. Having been used to the equipment we have had on our California; LED lights, adaptive cruise control, comfy seating and sleeping for 3 / 4 people, good driving experience (the Hymer drove well on test drive) , auto gearbox, good infotainment as standard and good build quality, the options available rapidly diminish. Having had a converted T5 prior to the Cali, I didn't really want to go down the self build route again, so we were left with a relatively short shortlist. The Hymer, A GC600 (but I would want to see the new upgraded one before committing) or a Westfalia Columbus. There have been lots of other nearly made it to the shortlist options that we have dismissed because they are not as good as they first appeared and we could keep looking for the perfect van forever....! So in answer to your question, the Hymer seems to have ticked more boxes than many AND we won't have to wait months for it... Thanks for taking the time to get in touch, cheers JT
@vwcaliforniaadventures6763 7 күн бұрын
After owning 2 california oceans, we moved on to the hymer s600 the same you have shown, best decision we made, Hymer holds its value and it it is well made 😊
@CampervanJourney 6 күн бұрын
That’s great to hear ! Thanks for sharing that. Cheers JT
@robww5921 7 күн бұрын
2 things I have learnt from moving to larger van which was not aware of... Check your payloads. Especially for vans with 4 seats, poptop....factor in your water tank weight. Then all your kit. You will be surprised how close or over 3.5T you will get Consider your battery system. A lot of these vans don't really talk about batteries and electrics. But if using not on hookup, a good system is crucial and not just AGM. If on hookup much less an issue
@CampervanJourney 7 күн бұрын
Thanks for the tips Rob I will keep an eye on these. Hopefully it won’t be an issue.
@robww5921 7 күн бұрын
2 things I have learnt from hosing to larger van which was not aware of... Check your payloads. Especially for vans with 4 seats, poptop....factor in your water tank weight. Then all your kit. You will be surprised how close or over 3.5T you will get Consider your battery system. A lot of these vans don't really talk about batteries and electrics. But if using not on hookup, a good system is crucial and not just AGM. If on hookup much less an issue
@CampervanJourney 7 күн бұрын
We would definitely look for upgraded batteries and ideally solar as well.
@robww5921 7 күн бұрын
Looking forward to the other 2 contenders! We got a MAN TGE3 with factory poptop and then got it converted. Arrived back in March. A game changer on the campaign front and we now do winters, get up and go etc so much more easily. It's a bigger van, but only really noticeable that when parking and cornering (it leans more cornering that our Beach) on country roads. But as long as using it for campaign and trips it's a game changer
@CampervanJourney 7 күн бұрын
That’s an option we didn’t consider but sounds great. Good to hear that the move to a bigger van seems to have made getting away easier and more comfortable for you, which is exactly what we are hoping for … 🤞
@PaulMahy-pd2ho 7 күн бұрын
Worth trying the new Swift Trekker X, based on a Ford Transit platform
@CampervanJourney 7 күн бұрын
We did have the trekker on the shortlist and managed to see one a few weeks back. We found the bed on the Trekker really narrow, and the trekker x felt like it had a really narrow galley. Great case of looked great on paper but in reality was not quite right for us…
@PaulMahy-pd2ho 7 күн бұрын
Looks like the van you looked at has sold, is it possibly you? They still have some in blue.. I have a T6.1 and looking to change to a 6 m van next year, don’t want a Fiat… so this looks like a good option
@chrisdavies1288 7 күн бұрын
Have you thought about a Swift compact. Same length, auto box better use of space and no pop top. We had a Hymer c544 and sold it having retired. We wanted on sub 5m to fit in the garage and the ability to use as a second vehicle. That is the one comprise for a larger campervan or motor home. All the best with whatever you choose.
@CampervanJourney 7 күн бұрын
The increase in size over the California is going to be a compromise, we’ll have to see how much of a difference it makes. We have a 2nd small car as a run around so, time will tell !
@michaelclarke5610 7 күн бұрын
We’ve moved up to a Hymer 540 Blue Evolution this year from a California. We always wanted a compact van with just the two of us. The finish is superb, lovely grey/white modern interior, heating, hot water, toilet and headroom. Expensive, but after 6 years of California ownership and stunning residuals it was the right time to upgrade.
@CampervanJourney 7 күн бұрын
That's great to hear ! I like the look of the 540Blue and considered it last year but we felt a 540 van was just a bit too small for us. Good to hear about the quality and finish of the Hymer. We are looking for something with a comparable finish to the VW. Cheers JT
@jeffmason8418 7 күн бұрын
Nothing about how to set it up so just a promo video
@CampervanJourney 7 күн бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, sorry about that
@travelcampervansandmore 8 күн бұрын
Hi, what maximum length would you go up to? Would you consider a LHD as you seem to do a lot of travelling on the continent. Leisure First don't put the individual payloads as far as I can see on their website. Caveat emptor!
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
Majority of our mileage will be in The UK, so RHD is still the way to go. Also cheaper to insure I would imagine. Thanks for the idea though, cheers JT
@richardsracingmad 8 күн бұрын
As a VW owner and ex T4 bilbos owner, there is a lot of snobbery towards VW🤣, if it supposedly reliable make, it will rust, if it’s unreliable make it won’t rust……😂. Don’t believe the YT vids! Once bitten twice shy. I own a Citroen Relay 6m, love it, and hopefully I can get it fixed if it is as unreliable as some say😂
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
Glad to hear you are pleased with your Relay !
@stevezodiac491 8 күн бұрын
From a lot of sources, I have heard that Mercedes commercial vehicles rust in a short timescale.
@CampervanJourney 7 күн бұрын
I believe that may be the case with older vehicles, hopefully the newer ones are better.
@CaliLeaks 8 күн бұрын
Have you thought about the Club Joker? Would work well for three and more compact… and it’s a VW 😎
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
We did look at one, but not sure about the high top looks. No doubt it would be top quality….
@colinnewmarch1106 8 күн бұрын
Have a look at consort motor homes
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
Not heard of them, will look them up, thanks for the tip! JT
@ianhearn9655 8 күн бұрын
We sold our Cali and bought a new Elddis CV40, which is on a 6m Fiat Ducato van. We have been down to Northern Italy from North East England. I dont regret swapping at all
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
That’s great to hear Ian. Sounds like a great trip made more comfortable in a slightly larger van…cheers JT
@slowelowe 8 күн бұрын
We also swapped our T6.1 for a Cv40 which we absolutely love
@matthiass5751 8 күн бұрын
Why would you prefer a pop-up roof tent for the Sprinter over a fixed high roof, like that of the VW Grand California?
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
Good question ! Whilst the GC600 roof creates an ‘upstairs’ bed it is only really suitable for young children. Our youngest is growing rapidly, so bigger space in a pop top would be beneficial. We are also used to using the pop top on our current van. The bulbous look of the GC600 is an acquired taste as well. If VW made a poptop GC we would go for that, but sadly they don’t !
@benreese2829 8 күн бұрын
Great vid & great to have you back! Love the colour & love the van.
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
Thanks Ben !
@ruggerdoe 8 күн бұрын
Not sure about this think we prefer the Grand Cali 600 even though the rear seats in the Mercedes’ looks more comfortable than the Cali , I’m 6-1 height so prefer the head room in the Cali also , good luck in finding want you want 👍
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
We do like the GC600 but for us there are a few compromises that niggled following our time away in one. I don’t think the perfect van exists, we are trying to find one that has 90% of what we’re after…! Half the fun is the looking ! Thanks for taking the time to get in touch! JT
@tbir5689 8 күн бұрын
Looks very nice; if you're not sure what do with your California I'll look after it for you 😉
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
Thank you !
@jonathanstafford 10 күн бұрын
Emovis for France and Spain had an £80 set up fee :O You need 2 tags for the two countries. There are way way cheaper options, but have the hassle of needing a bank account that operates in Euros.
@CampervanJourney 8 күн бұрын
That's a good point, but if you don't have a euros bank account I think the emovis still makes sense. Thanks watching and getting in touch !
@JohnSmith-dd1sf 13 күн бұрын
going through Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Italy. Does it work in any country?
@CampervanJourney 12 күн бұрын
Hi there, I’m not sure without checking with Emovis I’m afraid. I know you need a different tag for Spain.
@johnprentice9895 13 күн бұрын
I would have thought that you would put the lid over the stone plate whilst cooking a pizza? Thanks for your video.
@CampervanJourney 13 күн бұрын
Yes indeed you would. It cooks a lovely pizza with the pizza stone with the lid on. Just remember to buy pizzas that are small enough to fit, not oversized ones like we did when we first cooked them ! Thanks for watching, JT
@johnprentice9895 13 күн бұрын
@@CampervanJourney I suppose with a big pizza you could always cut it up and cook it in sections.
@juanamestoy1930 13 күн бұрын
Hermoso video Gustavo! Gracias por compartir!👏👏👏👏👏😎👍🤩
@CampervanJourney 13 күн бұрын
Thank you so much, that’s very kind !
@lindaharris6911 17 күн бұрын
Much too quiet had a job to hear through gentleman speak
@CampervanJourney 16 күн бұрын
Thanks for your feedback sorry about the volume …
@theskimojo 27 күн бұрын
Thanks JT, that is great feedback and delighted to hear that it's helped you
@CampervanJourney 25 күн бұрын
It absolutely has, can’t wait to Use it again next season
@baltyre5804 Ай бұрын
Off topic but do u know on the dash when checking service intervals is number 1 inspection and number 2 oil service? Manual says both so very confused. Hope you can help
@CampervanJourney 25 күн бұрын
I’m not sure if you can or not. Mine will alert me on the dash when the service is due, but I don’t recall if you can check or not if it’s is the oil Orr or inspection in the menus. They will alternate. As a precaution personally I would call the local dealer to check. Thanks for watching and getting in touch. JT
@AJ-qn6gd Ай бұрын
We have fitted these tyres on our Subaru Forester and will definitely be fitting them to our T5 as soon as it’s due tyres. 👍🏻🇬🇧
@CampervanJourney Ай бұрын
Sounds great! They have been great on our T6, still continue to perform well. Thanks for sharing and getting in touch. JT
@benreese2829 Ай бұрын
Hey up JT, hope all is well, when can we expect to see your next great vid? Cheers
@CampervanJourney Ай бұрын
Hi Ben, All good thanks. More vids coming Very soon! We Haven't been up to much as the weather has been so rubbish. We Have been doing some research and viewings of possible options for our next van ...
@FrancesWoodcock Ай бұрын
I agree with your point about storage in the kitchen area & the need for a step up to the bed but despite those points we love our GC 600
@CampervanJourney Ай бұрын
Hi Frances, thanks for watching and taking the time to respond with your thoughts. Good to hear that you are pleased with your GC. Despite the negatives, the positives of our experience still mean that the GC600 keeps popping back onto our list of potential replacements for our T6, especially now that the update for the Crafter is due...cheers JT
@aminemahari1054 Ай бұрын
Your video was very helpful Thank you very much am just wondering if all cars taking the same adblue or it's different from car to car?
@CampervanJourney Ай бұрын
Thank you. Adblu is the same formula from brand to brand, so any sort will do. Some large fuel stations have it on pump the same as petrol and diesel. Thanks for watching! Cheers JT
@cedarcanoe Ай бұрын
How come it stays in place and doesn’t sack in the front?
@CampervanJourney Ай бұрын
Hi, the cover is held in place and under tension by a bungee cord at the rear end. It’s also a good fit top to bottom so does not move even in windy conditions.cheers JT
@cedarcanoe Ай бұрын
@@CampervanJourney thnx. It must be quit stiff then. Hope it doesn't damage the tent tissue
@tarass2366 2 ай бұрын
Great channel. Any tips on the Champagne region if you have visited. We are planning our trip to work our way through that area as far down as Troyes and loop back with a visit to Disney on the way back.
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Thank you ! We have only camped in the Champagne region once, and that was right at the very beginning of our Campervan Adventures so around 9 years ago. We stayed at a lovely campsite near a village called Noncourt-sur-le-Rongeant, it used to be part of the Castells group. It was quite a rural location but a very nice place to stop off on the way down through France. We have also visited the old motor racing track on the outskirts of Reims. Well worth seeing if thats your thing. The area definitely warrants a longer visit from us, we are often are passing through on the way down to the Alps. Hope you have a great trip, thanks for watching and getting in touch ! Cheers JT
@glenmayepete 2 ай бұрын
How do you find the stock suspension, have you upgraded the ARB or shocks?
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Absolutely fine. We are on standard suspension and ARB. I ran 30mm lowered suspension on our T5 kombi and ended up switching back to stock as it was too firm. I have thought about changing the ARB for a stiffer one to reduce roll a touch but never got round to it. Thanks for watching and getting in tocuh. Cheers JT
@leeplayford2754 2 ай бұрын
Hi JT, great video! We fitted Michelin Cross Climate 2 to our VW California before our trip to Tignes. It snowed all night the day before we left for home and the performance on the snow was amazing. Excellent traction when pulling away on an incline and able to drive with confidence. Also comfortable on a long journey with minimal road noise.
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
They certainly are great tyres, its amazing how they perform in the snow. Good all season / winter tyres are more than an equal for AWD in winter conditions. Our Michelin Agilis' are lasting really well, we are now on 45,000 miles on them.
@leeplayford2754 2 ай бұрын
Hi JT, yet another great informative video; we are so glad that you are able to continue skiing. Me and my wife are older skiers and hope to be able to continue for years to come. This may be a future solution when our legs and knees start to object!
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Thank you ! The ski mojo has been great and it made a big difference on this trip. Looking forward to lots more ski holidays now !
@leeplayford2754 2 ай бұрын
Hi JT, we love your videos! Have just returned from our annual ski trip to Tignes, driving down in our beloved California. Your detailed videos of the trips are such a great watch and so informative, thank you!. Snow is so good at the moment we hope to head back before end of season! We have previously done trips non-stop, about 12-13 hours and find it so much more comfortable in the Cali compared to the car. Now we love to stop off at Annecy on the way down.
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Hi Lee, thanks for your message ! Glad you had a great trip to Tignes. We visited there on one summer trip in our T5 Kombi. It was August, 8 degrees and drizzly, but there were still people skiing on the glacier. We have not visted Annecy as yet, just driven past it several times... We must stop off for a proper visit. Cheers JT
@jdvanlife 2 ай бұрын
Really nice video, my only argument towards portable power stations own brand solar panels is buying and fitting your own is so much cheaper and more efficient. It’s really basic stuff fitting a solar panel😊 cheers, JD.
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Thanks JD ! Fair point about fitting you own panel. If I was looking for a permanent panel on my van I'd certainly consider that option. Cheers JT
@user-ku1qe1ho1l 2 ай бұрын
Very good Job
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much 😀 If you are ever in that part of France, it is well worth a visit. Cheers JT
@carolspencer5844 2 ай бұрын
Hi JT, Just ondering if you ever found the right van to upgrade to from the Cali? Just saw a video by Will & Sarah @campervan time about the new Swift Trekker.great van at a great price, think it would suit you very well,,,,,cheers!
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Funnily enough Carol, the Trekker is now on our list as a potential candidate. We are hoping to see one in person in the next few weeks...watch this space!
@carolspencer5844 2 ай бұрын
great video,great info. We always drive to austria for hiking in spring, we stop midway across france for a day or 2 and then into austria. Its much more of a "road trip" and being able to pack up the van with plenty of goodies is a bonus. Keep the videos coming.
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Thanks so much Carol. We have been to Austria a couple of times in the Spring and it is beautiful, never by Campervan though...perhaps that is one for the future ?! I do love the adventurre of the trip as much as the time at the destination. Thanks for watching and getting in touch. JT
@davidmatthews3093 2 ай бұрын
Strange that you should have been smuggling illegal products into the EU. Do you disregard all the laws that don5 suit you?
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Absolutely not, we had a few rashers of bacon for personal consumption that we cooked up for a breakfast roll on our trip down. I am sure we are not alone in this. Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a comment.
@andrewthornhill4229 2 ай бұрын
Waste of money overpriced get a generator less than half the price and just like being on EHU if wild camping
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Appreciate a power station is not for everyone.
@frenchcreampuff 2 ай бұрын
Great video JT as always. Just a little bit of advice,I have the Ecoflow Delta 2 and if I charge it via one of the 12v cigarette sockets the socket gets very very hot as it is charging at 8 amps so I had to lower the charging rate via the app. I don’t know if you can do this via the Allpowers app?
@CampervanJourney 2 ай бұрын
Thank you ! I believe you can adjust the charge rate via the APP. Good tip about watching out for the heat.