Question from Beginners: Knowing what you know now, what would be your top five "must-have" accessories for the Cali?

[GSX1300R]

Do you really think I’m going to put an oven and two cooking stoves on a VW £250 table? Don’t know about you but that’s what we use to have a meal off ...

Emphasis on the words” TO COOK ON”..........

 

[calimera]

If you have the heater this would not be needed.

We use when we are on hook up . Prefer it to the heater on board for a bit of heat.
Otherwise use the Cali heater. Its a personal choice.

 

[CaliKate]

Aside from having to justify my non-drinking and non-spicy food habit, what other accessories can you recommend? Really finding this super helpful, thanks!

 

[GSX1300R]

We use when we are on hook up . Prefer it to the heater on board for a bit of heat.
Otherwise use the Cali heater. Its a personal choice.

Yes we too find a small fan heater ideal when on hookup. you get instant heat and its all included in the site fee....

 

[DG1]

You might find this thread about what We had learned after a month with our Ocean useful:

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/what-we-have-learned-after-a-month.27158/

 

[Nick Stubbs]

Definitely the outwell collapsible kettle.

 

[Meoncoast]

Pull out rear draw
Hook up cable
Gaz bottle
Seat covers
Front window screen

 

[angconcerts]

Number 1 a porta potti.
Number 2 a folding camping table from Aldi £20. To cook on.
Number 3 two camping cheapie gas cookers for using outside £10 each
Number 4 a small oven from Aldi. Less than £20. Makes fantastic baked potatoes...
Number 5 a 21 inch tv and decent Ariel ( for when it’s wazzing down and dark) From Aldi £120...
There are loads more things but these are just 5 off the top of my head...

This is my own personal opinion and dare say many would disagree agree.
And yes we shop at Aldi.

Hi can the 21 inch tv fit on back of the headrest in a bracket ok? Thanks

 

[Nick.C]

Cadac Pro Chef 2
Ridge Monkey
Door mat/washable rug
luggage/Storage cubes for wardrobe
Mattress topper

 

[BeagleMum]

Aside from having to justify my non-drinking and non-spicy food habit, what other accessories can you recommend? Really finding this super helpful, thanks!

Sparesafe
Cigarette lighter splitter which can be left plugged in & gives LED reading of leisure battery & 4 usb ports & 3 sockets for fridge etc
Alpha Brew Kit
Van Essa window bag

 

[GSX1300R]

Hi can the 21 inch tv fit on back of the headrest in a bracket ok? Thanks

I suppose there are brackets available but we just sit it on the glass cooker/sink top..we use it in the kitchen through the year and then in the van on holidays...

 

[Loz]

Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser

 

[altvic]

Four 3D printed clips from @Bigted Printz (£1 each), cheap tarpaulin can then be attached to the left hand side of the California where the water tank and, importantly, the fridge resides. This allows parking in hot sun and prevents the fridge thermostat throwing a wobbler in its attempts to keep contents cool. This will also resist large battery use if not on hookup. All this cam be done for about £10 max.

 

[Denzilgts]

Ridge monkey pan
Decent rubber mallet , for tent pegs for the awning
Tent peg lifter , to protect my dainty little hands
Carpet for main cabin area.. ( cut one to size from an ikea large mat with rubber back) kept clean easily
Cali topper, to keep the worst of the weather away from the van

 

[gvick]

My top 5
1) Seat covers - we have a dog
2) rubber backed rug
3) dust pan and brush
4) electric cable and reel from club shop
5) small cartridge type stove for out door cooking
Also
awning tie down kit, Ridge monkey for toast, solar lights and bunting , flower garland for rear view mirror and throws to allow you to stay outside longer

 

[MattBW]

Lots of suggestions here too

Must have 5 accessories for newbie!

hi everyone Sorry if this has been asked before but we were told by the dealer that our new t6 beach will be here in 6 weeks and not the end of August. You can imagine our excitement but also our trepidation as this means getting onto the forum and brushing up on essential hints and tips as a...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[CaliKate]

Gosh, you are so friendly and wonderful! Thanks again. All superb suggestions. I'm going to offer an update shortly...

So, lots of suggestions so far. Rounding up everything so far, it seems we have a curated top five. Yes, you've suggested various brands, but I thought I'd just generalise the items. In order of popularity:

1. RidgeMonkey
2. Gas stoves for outdoors (Cadac Safari Chef is a popular choice)
3. Seat Covers (Brandrup mentioned three times)
4. Mattress Topper
5. Carpet (Couple mentioned Brandrup)

Does that seem about right? Runners-up includes the Outwell Collapsible Kettle, the Calicap Roof Topper, the Calicap improved cutlery drawer, rubber doormats and rugs. Plus some of you suggested thermal windscreen covers – Rainbow Thermal was mentioned. And Brandrup Isotop was also suggested twice.

After chatting amongst ourselves, we've decided we're going to get the following initially:

1. Electric hookup
2. Gas bottle
3. Safe
4. Water hose
5. Levelling chocks
6. Brandrup seat covers
7. RidgeMonkey
8. Dustpan and brush
9. Cosy blanket
10. Bunting

On the list for next year, Brandrup Isotop and Brandrup carpet. The Cadac Safari Chef and improved cutlery drawer. We'll see how we get on. Not sure we're going to get a PortaPotti initially. Another one to figure out if we need.

This has been immense thanks!

 

[WelshGas]

MiFi with Data sim from 3
iPad

 

[andyinluton]

You've missed the spare safe - if you don't fit one you won't have a spare wheel for long. (assuming you've got one rather than the can of goo)

 

[gvick]

You've missed the spare safe - if you don't fit one you won't have a spare wheel for long. (assuming you've got one rather than the can of goo)

Agree with @andyinluton and if you take the spare wheel safe to your collection our dealer fitted it for me on the spot (saved me bodging it later)
I bought the cadac and so far not used it but I’ve used my little cartridge stove extensively £10 in go outdoors sale and £10 for 8 cartridges versus £135 for the cadac safari chef - just saying.

 

[Borris]

This depends on your personal needs. However a good way to look at this would be to consider the basic needs that we all have.
1. To be warm, dry and draught free. Therefore I recommend a Brandrup ISO-TOP internal roof liner.
2. To be comfortable when sleeping. Only you can judge this one but a Zone Sleep will keep you cooler when its hot and gives that extra bit of cushioning to the otherwise rather hard mattresses.
3. Food and drink - there's usually a pub nearby. Never the less, some means of cooking is a very good idea. The Ocean has the built stove that some owners rarely use. In my experience all you actually need is a single burner gas stove. The 3000 watt Campingaz Super Carena R on a 907 cylinder is my stove of choice.
4. Storage - the Ocean has cupboards but the Beach does not. Therefore if you have a Beach I cannot recommend a pair of VanEssa window bags highly enough. Having had both versions of the Cali we have found that a far better storage arrangement can be achieved in the Beach using these bags as your sole means of storing clothes and toiletries etc. They are like bed side cabinets that can be removed and used as suitcases if you decide to spend a night in a B & B or Hotel.
5. Protection - against theft, against damage, against dirt, etc. There are many items to chose from here but the number one has to be a good anti theft device to deter thieves from disappearing your Cali. There's no point in having waterproof seat covers if the whole kit and caboodle can be swiped by a scrote in black and white striped T shirt. Something highly visual like a good strong steering lock. We have a bright yellow Stop Lock.

 

[andrejab1]

What size Ikea boxes? I bet there is a whole other thread on here talking about the perfect boxes for the boot? Thanks

Sorry for the late reply.

We have two of these, they are quite sturdy so one can hold all of our climbing equipment, and they fit nicely under the shelf in the back. They come with lids bud we found other use for those

KLÄMTARE dark grey, Box with lid, in/outdoor, Width: 58 cm - IKEA

KLÄMTARE dark grey, Box with lid, in/outdoor, Width: 58 cm. This rugged and hard-wearing box is tested to withstand the elements outdoors. It’s waterproof and the snap-lock function keeps the lid firmly in place so your things stay well-protected and dry.

www.ikea.com

 

[CaliKate]

Agree with @andyinluton and if you take the spare wheel safe to your collection our dealer fitted it for me on the spot (saved me bodging it later)
I bought the cadac and so far not used it but I’ve used my little cartridge stove extensively £10 in go outdoors sale and £10 for 8 cartridges versus £135 for the cadac safari chef - just saying.

Hi both. That's interesting. So you need to get a safe installed in the cupboard at the back to stop people from stealing the spare wheel?! Interesting. I have much to learn. Safe is on the list.

As for the Cadac. Yeah, we're not bothering with that just yet. Going to see how we go! Thanks both!

Sorry for the late reply.

We have two of these, they are quite sturdy so one can hold all of our climbing equipment, and they fit nicely under the shelf in the back. They come with lids bud we found other use for those

KLÄMTARE dark grey, Box with lid, in/outdoor, Width: 58 cm - IKEA

KLÄMTARE dark grey, Box with lid, in/outdoor, Width: 58 cm. This rugged and hard-wearing box is tested to withstand the elements outdoors. It’s waterproof and the snap-lock function keeps the lid firmly in place so your things stay well-protected and dry.

www.ikea.com

Awesome, thanks! That's just what I'm looking for!

 

[Velma's Dad]

There is indeed lots on the forum about boot boxes. A lot of people (including us) use the Really Useful Boxes - often called RUBs - which come in a wide range of sizes. The 64 litre size, I think it is, fits very well length ways under the shelf and occupies about half the space there. We now just use one of those boxes, as a home for all our 'outdoor' Cali gear including ramps, sunshade tie-down, Cobb cooker, etc etc (exact contents varies with season).

We don't bother with lids for any boxes we put under the shelf, as if you use lids you are forever putting them on and off.

Also under our rear shelf lives alongside the main RUB we keep a Thetford 335 Potti (some people keep it under sink but ours lives in boot and gets taken around into the van at night), a large collapsible Outwell washing bowl, and that's also where we keep walking boots, dog stuff etc.

(Incidentally, on top of the rear shelf we very often take a wicker hamper. It sounds (and is) a bit twee but actually also we find it very practical as it's excellent for rattle-free transport of bottles and also various shopping items as we go along.)

Hi both. That's interesting. So you need to get a safe installed in the cupboard at the back to stop people from stealing the spare wheel?! Interesting. I have much to learn. Safe is on the list.

Not sure if you're having a laugh there but in case not... no, the wheel safe is a locking gizmo for the spare wheel carrier. NOT the safe option for the bottom of the wardrobe.

 

[CaliKate]

This depends on your personal needs. However a good way to look at this would be to consider the basic needs that we all have.
1. To be warm, dry and draught free. Therefore I recommend a Brandrup ISO-TOP internal roof liner.
2. To be comfortable when sleeping. Only you can judge this one but a Zone Sleep will keep you cooler when its hot and gives that extra bit of cushioning to the otherwise rather hard mattresses.
3. Food and drink - there's usually a pub nearby. Never the less, some means of cooking is a very good idea. The Ocean has the built stove that some owners rarely use. In my experience all you actually need is a single burner gas stove. The 3000 watt Campingaz Super Carena R on a 907 cylinder is my stove of choice.
4. Storage - the Ocean has cupboards but the Beach does not. Therefore if you have a Beach I cannot recommend a pair of VanEssa window bags highly enough. Having had both versions of the Cali we have found that a far better storage arrangement can be achieved in the Beach using these bags as your sole means of storing clothes and toiletries etc. They are like bed side cabinets that can be removed and used as suitcases if you decide to spend a night in a B & B or Hotel.
5. Protection - against theft, against damage, against dirt, etc. There are many items to chose from here but the number one has to be a good anti theft device to deter thieves from disappearing your Cali. There's no point in having waterproof seat covers if the whole kit and caboodle can be swiped by a scrote in black and white striped T shirt. Something highly visual like a good strong steering lock. We have a bright yellow Stop Lock.

Thank you Boris. I like your rationale behind this. Definitely interested in a roof liner. We didn't know whether to get an external or internal thermal thingy-me-bob, but I do love the idea of not having to go outside in the cold and have to set it up!

Zone Sleep, eh. I'll take a look! I assume it's a mattress?

Stove, got it. Storage – I have an Ocean but plan to buy some Brandrup seat pockets. Protection is a very good shout indeed. Thanks for all these wonderful pointers.

Not sure if you're having a laugh there but in case not... no, the wheel safe is a locking gizmo for the spare wheel carrier. NOT the safe option for the bottom of the wardrobe.

I am clearly being very dumb

I think I'd best chat to VW when we pick up the van... Hahahaha