How paranoid should I be?

[haydnw2]

I pick up our new (used) T6 on Friday, and I've been having lots of fun choosing all manner of accessories to festoon it with on arrival. However, there are some less exciting, emergency-related items that have struck me as possibly useful and possibly just overkill. Does anyone have any/all of the below, and would you view them as absolute necessities, or just nice-to-haves?!

• Spare fuse/bulb set
• Spare wheel security lock
• Pop-top lash straps (in case electric roof breaks)
• Roof canvas repair kit

I'm just starting to wonder if the excitement is getting the better of me...

 

[TwoDogs]

I wouldn't bother with the canvas repair kit

 

[calikev]

There should be an emergency roof tie down kit with it unless you are buying a beach of course

 

[TripleBee]

* Never needed any spare fuse or bulb, apart from 1 number plate light in the beginning.
* Still have my first rusty spare wheel without lock
* Was delivered with my California Comfortline (current Ocean)
* Didn't need it up to now

 

[TwoDogs]

Never needed any spare fuse

I did use one fuse from the spares in my Cali....in my other car!

 

[WelshGas]

1. Is a requirement if Travelling on the Continent
3. Should be in the Vehicle if it is an Ocean.

 

[kurienp]

I pick up our new (used) T6 on Friday, and I've been having lots of fun choosing all manner of accessories to festoon it with on arrival. However, there are some less exciting, emergency-related items that have struck me as possibly useful and possibly just overkill. Does anyone have any/all of the below, and would you view them as absolute necessities, or just nice-to-haves?!

• Spare fuse/bulb set
• Spare wheel security lock
• Pop-top lash straps (in case electric roof breaks)
• Roof canvas repair kit

I'm just starting to wonder if the excitement is getting the better of me...

Congratulations! Yeah, the more you think about it, paranoia will set in at different levels . just go out and start to enjoy and worry about continent related stuff, when you get closer to the day. However, as you've asked :
- Spare bulb/fuse set - always god to have. If a fuse blows, you can fix it yourselves.
- Spare wheel lock - for that money, it does ensure peace of mind. Imho, worth it
- Pop-top lash straps - should come with the van, else not a priority item
- Repair kit - better spent on a bellows bungee from the club shop

Enjoy your new baby!

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[ArunAlec]

Whilst having some spare fuses makes sense, having a fuse diagram would also help and unless VW have had a change of heart there won’t be one in the Cali. Depending on the year you might find one in the Downloads section.

 

[MattBW]

I have spare fuses, I have lost my 12v socket twice in 4 years. Would have been a pain if I didnt have a spare but easily solved.
Bulbs are mandatory in the some EU countries but I never needed them either.
If driving in france I think you need 2 hi his vests and breathalysers.

 

[Eber123]

I pick up our new (used) T6 on Friday, and I've been having lots of fun choosing all manner of accessories to festoon it with on arrival. However, there are some less exciting, emergency-related items that have struck me as possibly useful and possibly just overkill. Does anyone have any/all of the below, and would you view them as absolute necessities, or just nice-to-haves?!

• Spare fuse/bulb set
• Spare wheel security lock
• Pop-top lash straps (in case electric roof breaks)
• Roof canvas repair kit

I'm just starting to wonder if the excitement is getting the better of me...

Good morning,

That is an interesting list.

Spare bulb
If you travel to the continent you have to have a spare bulb with you. So I bought a set for a few Euros from Lidl.
Have I said that. Changing the bulb on a modern car can be a pain. I don't want even imagine how it is to be on a french motorway at 11 pm chaning it. I don't believe I would be able to. Meaning I would ring for help anyway.
Have I said that, it didn't happen on the van nor on the Tiguan I had (combined 7 1/2 years, and on the other cars before).
By the way, I wonder what the poeple do with LED lights...

Spare fuse
I have the van for 2 1/2 years and never needed a fuse.

Spare Wheel Security lock
Maybe a good idea. I thought I will need one, but never got around to order one here from the shop.

Emergency roof tie down kit
Should have come with the van. I read the instructions and ensure that it is in the van all the time. Saying this, I will scan in the instructions in case I need it. My memory is not getting better.

Roof canvas repair kit
Well, that is serious. I never hope that the canvas gets damaged. If it happens I would not rush into a repair. I would take pictures of the damage, post them here and ask for advise. Discuss this with my VW dealer and other potential repair companies.
This is all ok if I am not far away from home. During last years europe trip I have not thought about it at all. Further away from home this might be a problem.

I think for shorter or medium trips the California has everything on board to enjoy vanlife. To get to know the van, we went on short trips first anyway (long weekend in Donegal with strong rain and winds over night proofed that the canvas of the van is more resistant than I expected).

At the end it is important that you feel well with the van. It took me over a year to get it in the way I wanted it:

• Dashcam = with proper installed cable (done by my VW dealer, long story)
• 2nd drawer = took a while to get this organized (done by my VW dealer, long story)
• All season tyres = never liked the Turanza tyres. Got a set of Michelin (my wife still has not forgiven me)
• Seat cover = the original VW seat covers are a dirt magnet. Got a set, they are fine for what they cost. Good seat covers are so expensive that it is almost worth to get them protected by seat cove.....
• App connect = I wanted the navigation tool on the radio screen.

It is still work in progress, but I feel now better with the van.

Happy California,
Eberhard

 

[Amarillo]

I keep all my spares and emergency equipment under the driver's seat: snow chains, warning triangle, fuses, spare wheel lock key, bike rack allen key, first aid kit, high visibility vests, etc.

I don't bother with a canvas repair kit, though I do keep carry gaffer tape. If for some reason we cannot sleep up top, we'd either look for a hostel/hotel or all four of us would sleep downstairs.

 

[Velma's Dad]

If driving in france I think you need 2 hi his vests and breathalysers.

Hi vis vests, definitely a requirement in France - one for each person in the vehicle. IMO an important safety item anyway, for driving in any country.

Breathalysers used to be required but no longer, in effect. (See: https://www.drive-france.com/faqs/france-breathalyzer-law/)

 

[Velma's Dad]

I don't bother with a canvas repair kit, though I do keep carry gaffer tape.

Yes, one of two most essential items in a travel toolkit. WD40: for things that don't move but should, and gaffer tape for things that shouldn't, but do.

 

[Amarillo]

Yes, one of two most essential items in a travel toolkit. WD40: for things that don't move but should, and gaffer tape for things that shouldn't, but do.

For bonus points you can keep the two together by wrapping 5m of gaffer tape around the WD40 can.

 

[Neilos]

Jumping on this thread! Anyone know a good spare bulb/fuse kit for a Cali? T6 beach. Halfords?!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WelshGas]

Jumping on this thread! Anyone know a good spare bulb/fuse kit for a Cali? T6 beach. Halfords?!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Halfords or eBay. If you have the basic headlights make sure it has a H4 bulb, upgraded H7 and if LED, well those are Dealer only.

 

[Mart123blue]

I bought one of these before I went to France last Summer.

https://www.justkampers.com/vw-t5-and-t6-parts/electrical/bulbjustkak

 

[Billywizz]

Just don’t worry and use your van and have fun.

 

[ThomasHJ]

I have spare fuses, I have lost my 12v socket twice in 4 years. Would have been a pain if I didnt have a spare but easily solved.
Bulbs are mandatory in the some EU countries but I never needed them either.
If driving in france I think you need 2 hi his vests and breathalysers.

Theorethically the breathalysers are mandatory in France, however, in 2013 they decided that if you get stopped and don't have them, you wont get fined. So I wouldnt worry too much about it.

A warning triangle and yellow vests are mandatory as well and for your own safety.

 

[Amarillo]

A warning triangle and yellow vests are mandatory as well and for your own safety.

In some EU countries two warning triangles, a fire extinguisher and first aid kit are mandatory. If carrying a load overhanging the rear in some countries you need an abnormal load sign.

Redirect Notice

 

[Billywizz]

Soon you’ll be driving round with a ton of weight and a bike rack for a washing line soon

 

[haydnw2]

Perfect, thanks all. Great to know that the straps should come with the van. My cunning plan to see whose spare wheels are available to steal only sucked in two victims.

For bonus points you can keep the two together by wrapping 5m of gaffer tape around the WD40 can.

Won't such a union result in some kind of black hole, akin to strapping buttered toast to the back of a cat and dropping it from height?

 

[gadgetman44]

Hi.
I picked up my new/used T6 Ocean a few weeks ago and after reading a lot of stuff online and watching youtube videos, I decided n the following.


Bellow Bungee Cord for pop top - Ebay
Comfortz Cali Topper - With Windows - from the Cali Club
Hook up cables - Amazon
Hook Up Cable Storage Bag - Cali Club
UK Hook Up Adapter for use at Home - Cali Club
Assorted Fuses - Cali Club
Multi Purpose non slip mat for front and rear cupboards and work tops - Amazon & B&M
VW T5 T6 'Volkswagen' Step Mats - 3 Piece Set - Black - Cali Club
Deluxe Carpet Full Set for VW California T5/T6 Black - SE / Ocean 2 Rails - Cali Club
Inverter Adapter to UK 3 Pin + USB - Cali Club
Spirit Level - Amazon
First Aid Kit - Amazon
Fire extinguisher - Amazon
CO2 detector - Amazon
Fire blanket - Amazon
USB Charger/Connector - Amazon
12v TV - Amazon
Dashcam - Amazon
Toaster Grill thingy - Amazon
Tracker - Amazon
Mattress Topper - IKEA
Parking Levellers - Amazon
Sterile Wipes - Amazon
Gas Bottle (907) - Local camping gas shop £55
Kettle - B&M
Cadac Chef 2 Pro - Amazon

To be fair I don't get out much, LOL! and have gone a bit nuts, but then I intend to keep my Cali for many years to come, so I'll use the majority of stuff over time.

 

[Elly Swanson]

I pick up our new (used) T6 on Friday, and I've been having lots of fun choosing all manner of accessories to festoon it with on arrival. However, there are some less exciting, emergency-related items that have struck me as possibly useful and possibly just overkill. Does anyone have any/all of the below, and would you view them as absolute necessities, or just nice-to-haves?!

• Spare fuse/bulb set
• Spare wheel security lock
• Pop-top lash straps (in case electric roof breaks)
• Roof canvas repair kit

I'm just starting to wonder if the excitement is getting the better of me...

Definitely essential:
pop top tie kit
Spare wheel security lock

The other 2 you can easily get hold of if/when you need them.

 

[Karlos]

Definitely essential:
pop top tie kit
Spare wheel security lock

The other 2 you can easily get hold of if/when you need them.

Vw do a locking bolt for the spare wheel for about £10, works like a locking wheel bolt. Bulbs and fuse will only really be needed if you take your cali abroad. Hope you enjoy your new van.