After countless hours of research online, campervan shows, writing pros and cons list, we contacted our local Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle centre to book a try before you buy.
We hired a VW California Ocean 1.5 eHybrid T7 campervan for 4 nights on the first weekend of August 2025. As a family, we chose to stay at Studfold Camping Park in Yorkshire near How Stean Gorge.
After collecting the T7 Campervan from VW, we drove it back home to load all our camping essentials for the weekend.
Test 1: The Driving Experience
The T7 did not disappoint. It is a refined, car like drive. Lightweight steering, responsive, smooth and quiet.
Test 2: Storage for a Family of 4
Our kids were so excited when we parked it on our drive, that it took us twice as long to pack all the food, clothes, sleeping bags, cooking and toys.
We did manage to pack everything we needed for a basic camping trip and there was still ample storage left.
Test 3: The Weigh In
The T7 eHybrid Ocean (as of Aug 2025) has a payload of around 290 kg. Whereas the T6.1 California Ocean (2.0 TDI) offered a higher payload, exceeding 500 kg (depending on variables).
This is mainly due to the weight of the hybrid battery and the addition of 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
To accurately measure the weight of the vehicle we went to our local weigh bridge 20 minutes away. (It did take us 40 mins as we got lost. Yes – even with Sat Nav!!).
We drove onto the weighbridge to measure our Maximum Technical Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM): The eHybrid was rated to a 2,980 kg maximum weight.
Note: The total weight included:
- 2 adults and 2 primary school children
- 90% fuel tank
- 0 in water tank
- Camping essentials (ie sleeping bags, change of clothes, food and toys)
Our total weight was:
Total weight: 2940kg
As of August 2025 this was 20kg below the maximum – with just our weekend essentials!
This maximum weight was a concern as a family as our dream was to bring SUP/ Kayaks and mountain bikes on adventures. Just the VW T7 alone was not going to safely carry all of our equipment. We needed to do more research later. For the weekend all we had to do was enjoy our weekend in Yorkshire.
Test 4: Narrow Yorkshire Country Roads
Studfold Farm is set in a rural location – nestled in the emerald-green patchwork of the Yorkshire Dales near Pateley Bridge. The roads from Pateley Bridge to the site can be narrow at points. This was a good test to see how the campervan was able to navigate the traffic and terrain.
The campervan was responsive and comfortable to drive. We were able to stop and allow bigger vehicles to pass safely without having to reverse or worry about distance.
Test 6: The Big Sleep
Although the set up of sleep mode was easy – the actual beds were hard! And I mean hard. Even our 5-year-old complained of a sore hip when she woke up!
Maybe we have spoiled ourselves at home with Tempur mattresses? We seem to do great when on airbeds in our family tent.
The mattress were so hard, we had to pop into the local camping store and buy an airbed just to ensure we got decent sleep.
On balance, there was plenty of space and easy to set up. Perhaps if we do buy our own, we need to invest in mattress toppers.
Overall the W California Ocean 1.5 eHybrid T7 campervan was brilliant!
There are a few short falls. These were mainly:
- Total weight the W California Ocean 1.5 eHybrid T7 campervan can carry
- Sleep – Both beds very hard
- Only 4 seats
On balance it is a fantastic drive, easy set-up, great storage and cooking space.
We could see ourselves on adventures through out the year.
Now all we need is to figure out how to buy one!
