2nd stage midlife crisis

[HCGaz]

Hi

Turned 50 last year, had a midlife crisis and bought myself a mx5. Didn’t realise that there’s two phases of a midlife crisis, so just bought myself first campervan! It’s a 2018 California Ocean DSG 150bhp. Mrs and kids initially didn’t want it, but Mrs changed her mind when she saw how nice they are.

Rented a few in the past, in the UK, Canada and New Zealand.

Going to be hitting that search button for the following topics…

- How to fix the broken rotating control knob.
- Best lockable timer storage box for my keys when having the odd beer (or two).
- Mattress toppers
- Garages for repairing the odd dint and stone chip (it is a 2018 after all)
- Buying a gas bottle and refilling
- If I can get a remote heater fob for my van.
- Is it worth getting it undersealed.
- If it’s worth getting a spare wheel, or just ensuring the repair kit is in date.

Don’t expect any answers as I’ll find them myself.

Just wanted to say Hi!

 

[pchmlk]

Nice. Bought our first last year and a similar age to you! Loving it so far.

All the answers are on here for those questions, it’s a great resource.

Let’s see a pic.

 

[Perfectos]

Refilling thread

Campingaz Canister - how old is too old?

Here’s something I’d appreciate thoughts on - have recently swapped for a new 907 cylinder for incoming new Ocean… then when I brought it home, my wife said “oh, I think my dad gave us one of those”. Sure enough, in the shed, is an old 907 with gas in it (maybe 80% full). Now, it’s been there...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[acer]

Hi

Turned 50 last year, had a midlife crisis and bought myself a mx5. Didn’t realise that there’s two phases of a midlife crisis, so just bought myself first campervan! It’s a 2018 California Ocean DSG 150bhp. Mrs and kids initially didn’t want it, but Mrs changed her mind when she saw how nice they are.

Rented a few in the past, in the UK, Canada and New Zealand.

Going to be hitting that search button for the following topics…

- How to fix the broken rotating control knob.
- Best lockable timer storage box for my keys when having the odd beer (or two).
- Mattress toppers
- Garages for repairing the odd dint and stone chip (it is a 2018 after all)
- Buying a gas bottle and refilling
- If I can get a remote heater fob for my van.
- Is it worth getting it undersealed.
- If it’s worth getting a spare wheel, or just ensuring the repair kit is in date.

Don’t expect any answers as I’ll find them myself.

Just wanted to say Hi!

Hi!
“lockable timer storage box”? Intriguing!
Is that really a thing?

 

[Kev56]

Hi!
“lockable timer storage box”? Intriguing!
Is that really a thing?

What is the idea of them?

 

[Kayleigh]

Hi

Turned 50 last year, had a midlife crisis and bought myself a mx5. Didn’t realise that there’s two phases of a midlife crisis, so just bought myself first campervan! It’s a 2018 California Ocean DSG 150bhp. Mrs and kids initially didn’t want it, but Mrs changed her mind when she saw how nice they are.

Rented a few in the past, in the UK, Canada and New Zealand.

Going to be hitting that search button for the following topics…

- How to fix the broken rotating control knob.
- Best lockable timer storage box for my keys when having the odd beer (or two).
- Mattress toppers
- Garages for repairing the odd dint and stone chip (it is a 2018 after all)
- Buying a gas bottle and refilling
- If I can get a remote heater fob for my van.
- Is it worth getting it undersealed.
- If it’s worth getting a spare wheel, or just ensuring the repair kit is in date.

Don’t expect any answers as I’ll find them myself.

Just wanted to say Hi!

I know you said you don’t need answers, but just to help you… Check the club shop for the control knob. They are prone to breakage but are often hard to get hold of. Currently 3 in stock in the club shop so I advise getting one while you can. Fitting instructions on there too.

Genuine VW California Replacement Central Control Panel Knob & Fascia Kit

Genuine VW California Replacement Central Control Panel Knob & Fascia Kit, included is a replacement knob and a replacement fascia.

vwcaliforniaclub.com

If you are near East Midlands they can fit it for you for a small fee.

You can get a 3D printed one off eBay but I wouldn’t bother as they are not normally good quality.

Spare wheel probably a good idea. I’ve had a puncture just driving up a track to a campsite! Bear in mind the spare wheel holder fits up to a 17 inch wheel only.

 

[HCGaz]

Hi!
“lockable timer storage box”? Intriguing!
Is that really a thing?

They’re supposed to be for mobile phone addicts who need physical restraint from using their devices for a period of time. Probably overkill for camping and the key might not fit. Still, it would be useful to demonstrate to any coppers that the key is locked away… even though the spare key is in my pocket.

 

[HCGaz]

I know you said you don’t need answers, but just to help you… Check the club shop for the control knob. They are prone to breakage but are often hard to get hold of. Currently 3 in stock in the club shop so I advise getting one while you can. Fitting instructions on there too.

Genuine VW California Replacement Central Control Panel Knob & Fascia Kit

Genuine VW California Replacement Central Control Panel Knob & Fascia Kit, included is a replacement knob and a replacement fascia.

vwcaliforniaclub.com

If you are near East Midlands they can fit it for you for a small fee.

You can get a 3D printed one off eBay but I wouldn’t bother as they are not normally good quality.

Spare wheel probably a good idea. I’ve had a puncture just driving up a track to a campsite! Bear in mind the spare wheel holder fits up to a 17 inch wheel only.

I’m a bit tight with the cash, so I was going to buy a few things from the shop (like a mattress topper) and save on the postage. Just holding off buying until I have the Cali sitting on the driveway.

 

[Kayleigh]

I’m a bit tight with the cash, so I was going to buy a few things from the shop (like a mattress topper) and save on the postage. Just holding off buying until I have the Cali sitting on the driveway.

If the van comes with the VW ‘comfort’ mattress, give that a go first. Or you could pick one up cheaply. Lots of people say it’s uncomfortable but I like it. I didn’t get on with the T6.1 version though.

if you want a super comfy mattress, the Brandrup iEXTEND is probably one of the best.