Why we recommend a camper van
Camping has become hugely popular in Taiwan in recent years. From wild camping in the mountains or along the coast to resort-style glamping sites, camping of every kind has become a top choice for weekend getaways in Taiwan. Getting started isn’t that hard, but the sheer amount of gear you need to prepare can be overwhelming. Pitching a tent and setting everything up is especially fiddly and time-consuming for beginners. That’s why the ultimate form of easy camping — the camper van — has been drawing more and more attention lately. Read on to learn more about camper vans and how to book one!
Differences between camper van brands
Most camper vans on the market today are conversions; models offered straight from the factory are relatively rare. Many camping enthusiasts online buy a locally made panel van and convert it themselves, but this DIY approach often falls short on comfort and safety. More advanced users import a van and then have it converted.
The most common conversion base on the market right now is the 3.5-ton IVECO, which dealers fit out into a luxury camper van.
The model we’re introducing today, however, comes ready-converted from the factory. In terms of both ease of purchase and price, it’s far better value than a large custom-converted van.
Volkswagen California Ocean
The Volkswagen California Ocean offers a luxurious yet convenient camping experience, letting you enjoy camping life at a high standard. Its interior design and comfort give you a home-like warmth, while modern fittings make the journey feel indulgent.
California Ocean exterior
1. Pop-up roof
The California Ocean has an electric pop-up roof, so there’s no more wrestling with a traditional tent — one button opens and closes it, capturing the essence of easy camping!
Besides making the interior feel less cramped, it adds a 1.20 m x 2.00 m sleeping area that fits two averagely built adults or 2–3 children, greatly increasing usable space and making for a more comfortable night’s sleep.
The pop-up roof doesn’t just add space; it also improves ventilation and lets in natural light. That makes the interior brighter and airier so you can soak up the outdoors during your camping trip.
2. LED headlights and taillights
The LED light units on the California Ocean deliver high brightness, energy efficiency, a long lifespan, attractive styling and fast start-up and response times. These features make night driving safer and more reliable while also boosting the van’s visual appeal.
3. Retractable side awning
Mounted above the sliding side door, the awning creates a roomy lounging area so you can enjoy the outdoors beside the van. It’s versatile too, with a position and angle you can adjust as needed. Depending on where the sun is and what the weather is doing, you can set the awning just right for the best shade and comfort.
💡Got the van but don’t know where to camp? >>> Hsinchu camping recommendations! A guide to 4 top campsites in Hsinchu
California Ocean interior features
1. Interior space
The van is based on Volkswagen’s nine-seater, converted into a four- to five-seat layout. The front seats are no different from an ordinary car, but they swivel 180 degrees to face the rear seats, creating a cozy 2-plus-2 living room for four!
It also thoughtfully includes blackout blinds all around, so there’s no need to stick on sunshades by hand — a big plus for both privacy and sleep quality!
2. Lower folding bed
By folding and combining the seats, the California Ocean turns the rear bench into a comfortable large bed measuring 1.14 m x 1.95 m. Add the upper berth in the pop-up roof and a family of four or five can easily head off camping together.
3. Hidden folding table and chairs
The California Ocean has a folding table in the living area that’s handy to use inside the van for comfortable meals, and it can be fully opened and used outdoors too. Share good food with family or friends and enjoy a relaxed meal together. It also doubles as a work surface or entertainment space to suit whatever you need. On top of that, two folding chairs are tucked away by the rear door, so you don’t have to pack extra bulky gear before you set off.
4. Parking heater
The California Ocean comes with three-zone climate control and a parking heater, giving you full control over the temperature inside to suit your preferences. Even at a chilly mountain campsite, you can run the heater independently without starting the engine for a comfortable night’s sleep.
5. Storage space
The California Ocean has a multifunctional wardrobe at the rear plus overhead lockers behind the passenger cabin, offering storage in all sorts of sizes and shapes. You can neatly stow clothes, food, camping gear and other essentials to keep the interior tidy and organized. These cabinets and lockers are cleverly designed so everything is easy to reach while making efficient use of the space.
6. Electronic equipment
The California Ocean is fitted with a 9.2-inch multimedia touchscreen head unit that supports both Android and iOS, so entertainment and navigation are easy to operate — truly effortless camping.
There’s also a new color touch panel above the driver’s armrest that lets rear passengers quickly check and adjust the time, parking heater, power supply and the vehicle’s leveling angle.
California Ocean water and power systems
1. Cooking equipment
The California Ocean comes with a complete cooking setup so you can whip up meals inside the van with ease. There’s also a practical sink and faucet that make washing ingredients and cookware simple. The well-thought-out design of this equipment keeps cooking convenient and efficient.
2. Water and power supply system
The van has a roomy refrigerator with proper chilling and freezing functions so you can store all kinds of food and drinks. There are also plenty of cabinets and shelves to help you organize and stow ingredients, cookware and other essentials, so you can live comfortably while camping. A water tank and pump system supply fresh running water, so the faucet is ready for washing up, cleaning and cooking. A leisure battery supplies power for the lighting, charging devices and other appliances inside.
The camper van is a fresh option for modern camping, bringing comfort, convenience and freedom. From comfortable beds to a practical kitchen, from ample storage to easy power supply, a camper van takes camping life to a whole new level.
With a camper van you can explore the beauty of nature with ease and spend unforgettable time with family and friends. Whether it’s a mountain spot, a beach or a drive-up campsite, you’ll find a destination that suits you and enjoy the trip at your own pace.
If you’d like to try easy camping without worrying about parking space or the cost of buying a camper van of your own, consider renting a California Ocean through gogoout. You get all the fun of camping without the hassle of gathering gear or maintaining a vehicle. Just pick your dates and book your camper van in advance to kick off an exciting camping trip.
Let’s set the busy days aside, escape the noise of the city and spend quality time with nature and family. A camper van opens the door to the outdoors, helping us reconnect with nature and rediscover what really matters!
Read more camping articles:
👉12 top campsites across Taiwan! A guide to family campsites, glamping and beginner-friendly spots
👉[5 must-read guides]Camping gear stores: recommended 2023 Taipei camping equipment shops [exclusive deals inside]
👉Miaoli camping recommendations! A guide to 6 top campsites in Miaoli
How do you rent a camper van?Head to gogoout
Worried about spending hours deciding which camper van to pick or which rental company to use, with vague vehicle details and unclear insurance terms leaving you unable to commit to a booking?
This article was translated by AI from the original Chinese version.
