VW T4 California – the California built by Westfalia
The VW T4 California is one of the classics among compact campervans and remains an important part of the history of the VW California.
Unlike later California generations, the T4 California was still produced by Westfalia. The collaboration combined the Volkswagen Transporter platform with Westfalia's long experience in converting compact camping vehicles.
The T4 California was produced until 2001. It was only with the subsequent change to the T5 generation that Volkswagen took over production of the California itself.
Many years after production ended, numerous T4 Californias are still being used for travelling and camping.
Accessories for the VW T4 California
Due to the age of the vehicle, the 50°Nord accessories for the VW T4 California deliberately focus on a small number of products that provide a clear practical benefit.
The main focus is the sleeping area in the pop-top roof. 50°Nord has developed two different Sleeping Boards that take account of the technical differences between T4 California models.
In addition, the 50°Nord campervan shower can also be used in the VW T4 California.
We currently do not offer any other vehicle-specific accessories developed especially for the historic T4 California.
Sleeping in the VW T4 California pop-top roof
The pop-top roof of the VW T4 California creates an additional sleeping area above the main interior and is one of the characteristic features of the campervan.
However, the roof construction changed during T4 production.
The main difference is the opening mechanism. On earlier models, the roof had to be raised mechanically with the help of a metal bar. Later models changed to a system using gas struts.
This technical change is also important for the design of the correct Sleeping Board.
VW T4 California up to model year 1999 – pop-top with metal lifting bar
On the VW T4 California up to model year 1999, the pop-top roof is raised mechanically with the help of a metal bar.
This bar forms part of the roof construction and has to be taken into account when extending the upper sleeping area.
50°Nord therefore developed a dedicated Sleeping Board for these T4 California models that accommodates the particular design of the earlier pop-top roof.
This allows the available sleeping area to be extended while taking the original roof mechanism into account.
VW T4 California from model year 2000 – pop-top with gas struts
From model year 2000, the roof construction of the VW T4 California changed.
Instead of the previous mechanical metal bar, gas struts assist with opening the pop-top roof and hold it in the raised position.
As a result, the roof area differs structurally from earlier T4 California models.
50°Nord therefore developed a separate Sleeping Board for the VW T4 California from model year 2000, designed specifically around this revised roof construction.
Sleeping Board for VW T4 California
The 50°Nord Sleeping Board for the VW T4 California complements the sleeping area in the pop-top roof.
It extends the usable area of the upper bed while also making it easier to climb into the sleeping space. It also helps prevent pillows and other lightweight items from falling into the interior below during the night.
Because of the different roof constructions, there are two versions:
- VW T4 California up to model year 1999: Sleeping Board for the mechanically raised pop-top roof with metal lifting bar
- VW T4 California from model year 2000: Sleeping Board for the pop-top roof with supporting gas struts
The model year of your T4 California is therefore crucial when choosing the correct Sleeping Board.
You will find the exact compatibility information on the relevant 50°Nord product page.
VW T4 pop-top roof
Terms such as VW T4 pop top, T4 pop-top roof and sleeping roof can all be used to describe the additional roof and sleeping area of the campervan.
For choosing the right accessory, however, the actual roof construction is more important than the terminology.
The T4 California illustrates this particularly well: models up to 1999 use a different roof mechanism from vehicles from model year 2000 onwards.
A Sleeping Board should therefore always be selected according to the relevant roof version.
Campervan shower for VW T4 California
A flexible shower solution can also provide additional comfort when travelling in a classic T4 California.
The 50°Nord campervan shower can be used in the VW T4 California and provides a private shower area inside the vehicle when required.
After use, the mobile solution can be packed away again, so valuable interior space is not permanently occupied by a fixed bathroom.
This flexible approach is particularly useful in a compact VW T4 campervan.
Westfalia VW T4 California – a campervan classic
The connection between the VW T4 and Westfalia is an important part of California history.
Westfalia was responsible for converting the T4 into the California, combining Volkswagen's Transporter platform with a compact camping interior.
This production model changed with the following T5 generation, when Volkswagen took over production of the California itself.
The T4 California therefore represents a distinctive period in the history of the VW campervan – and many of these vehicles are still used for camping and travelling today.
Which Sleeping Board fits my VW T4 California?
The model year is the key factor when choosing the correct VW T4 California Sleeping Board.
If you have a T4 California up to model year 1999, you need the version designed for the mechanically raised pop-top roof with metal lifting bar.
For a T4 California from model year 2000, you need the version designed for the pop-top roof with gas struts.
You will find the exact model allocation and further compatibility information on the relevant 50°Nord product pages.
This allows you to extend the sleeping area of your classic VW T4 California campervan with a Sleeping Board designed specifically for its roof construction.
