CJL Leisure Adventure Coast rising roof campervan

A supersized bed is just one feature of this top-notch VW

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The CJL Leisure Adventure Coast

CJL Leisure is one of just five UK converters to have achieved Volkswagen’s Motorhome Qualification status. There can be no higher seal of approval in this sector, especially as those meeting the standard must type-approve their campers and have National Caravan Council (NCC) approval, too. 

If based on a brand-new Transporter, a CJL conversion will be registered from day one as a motor caravan.

Here we have the company’s latest conversion, the Adventure Coast, which is available only on a long- wheelbase T6.1. It’s CJL’s first model to combine the VW California sliding seat system with a full-width bed.

The seating

It’s not hard to see the appeal of using the same seat as Volkswagen’s own in-house campers (Ocean and Surf). Not only does this seat slide to infinite positions along its concealed floor rails, but it has an adjustable rake to the backrest, automotive head restraints, a more comfortable seat height than others (such as the RIB), Isofix and useful drawer storage below.

Unlike in the California, however, here the seat is mounted towards the nearside as the sliding door is on the UK side. 

The beds

What marks the Adventure Coast out as being unique, though, is the low-level upholstered storage unit alongside the seat, which incorporates locker space and the gas cylinder box. Come bedtime, this side unit becomes part of a vast bed measuring 1.81m by 1.65m. Its mattress is completely flat and privacy is ensured by pleated blinds. 

If you have kids, they’ll sleep in the Reimo rising roof, which can be specified with a memory foam/inflatable mattress if you want to spoil them. A scenic opening canvas is included. 

The interior

In the day, you benefit from the full adjustability of the California seat, while both cab chairs swivel. The table stores under the rear mattress section and clips to the front of the galley for use. 

All the seats are retrimmed in leatherette as standard, with real hide optional, while the front seats here featured an extra cost upgrade with additional bolstering. Also shown in our photos is a footstool that fixes to the seat rails – so it’s movable or removable – and which can hide a Porta Potti.

The kitchen

Although the Adventure Coast devotes extra space to the bed for greatly enhanced sleeping comfort, the use of a LWB van means that the galley doesn’t have to shrink too much to compensate.

The lightweight ply furniture comes with a choice of three standard laminate finishes and a solid wood worktop (or Corian as an option). There’s a Dometic hob and sink combination unit and a 51-litre Vitrifrigo compressor fridge, but it’s the workmanship (including the trio of premium soft-closing drawers) that really impresses. 

Storage

Around the back of the camper, there’s another detail to set the CJL conversion apart – a large drawer that slides out from the boot area and can accommodate up to 100kg. Also new are the storage bags on the inside of the tailgate; use one pod for a pair of deckchairs and the other for extra clothes storage.

There’s even a hammock hook here – thanks to a strengthening plate, it can carry up to 200kg and you just attach the other end to a tree!

All the rest

Top lockers provide extra storage, while LED strips run the full length of these on the offside and across the rear. CJL now fits USB-C sockets and is starting to offer wireless charging pads. 

On-board (16-litre) or underslung (70-litre) water tanks are available, while popular options include awnings, a flyscreen for the side door, Webasto heating, solar panels and lithium battery upgrades, styling and wheel packages.

But whatever you add to your Adventure Coast, this is a premium camper that truly stands out as something special in a crowded market.

Where to buy

CJL sells vehicles direct from its premises in Weston-super-Mare, just off junction 21 of the M5, where it operates a design studio, workshop and parts shop. Visits are by appointment only from Monday to Friday.

The company also attended the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC in February.