And now my wait begins!

[Lizzibeth78]

Hi everyone, So today I ordered my first California and want to share my excitement!

I’ve gone for an Ocean in Fortana Red with the sport styling pack.

Also got 4 keys, wood effect floor and outdoor shower.

Not sure my timing is great with the new restrictions coming in but I decided that I can’t keep letting Covid get in the way.

 

[ThomasHJ]

Congrats! Good luck with the waiting... don;t buy too many asseccories ;-)

 

[VWCoastbusters]

Congratulations - best thing you'll ever buy

 

[AlisonF]

Whoop whoop, wonderful that you’ve ordered. You have a wait on your hands. But you have ordered a beauty. Well done

 

[66tim99]

Hi everyone, So today I ordered my first California and want to share my excitement!

I’ve gone for an Ocean in Fortana Red with the sport styling pack.

Also got 4 keys, wood effect floor and outdoor shower.

Not sure my timing is great with the new restrictions coming in but I decided that I can’t keep letting Covid get in the way.

Tick tock! Exciting isn't it?!
I'm in the same boat, and added the shower and the keys 24 hours after ordering. Did you think about the bigger fuel tank? As the heater runs off the diesel, it seems like a cheap factory option that you cant easily retrofit but might come in handy on cold (or long) trips?

 

[Lizzibeth78]

Congrats! Good luck with the waiting... don;t buy too many asseccories ;-)

Buy accessories...me...never

 

[Lizzibeth78]

Tick tock! Exciting isn't it?!
I'm in the same boat, and added the shower and the keys 24 hours after ordering. Did you think about the bigger fuel tank? As the heater runs off the diesel, it seems like a cheap factory option that you cant easily retrofit but might come in handy on cold (or long) trips?

Might have to add that - I’ll look into it.

 

[Legin]

Whats with the 4 keys ?. Do people really lose keys at such a rate. If i ever lost a key i would just buy a replacement then.

 

[Legin]

Oh and get the larger tank its a no brainer at the cost.

 

[66tim99]

Whats with the 4 keys ?. Do people really lose keys at such a rate. If i ever lost a key i would just buy a replacement then.

Replacement keys are over £200 from VW (immobiliser chip/programming bumps it up perhaps)? There must be cheaper alternatives, but I plan on keeping my Ocean for many years, and with 3 drivers losing a key is almost inevitable. I wouldn't be happy with only having one key...

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Buy accessories...me...never

Half the fun of waiting is working out what accessories you’ll definitely need and building a pile of goodies.

 

[Lizzibeth78]

Whats with the 4 keys ?. Do people really lose keys at such a rate. If i ever lost a key i would just buy a replacement then.

It’s definitely cheaper than having to pay for a proper replacement. And it gives me peace of mind in case.
A long time ago my dad had to have all the locks replaced on a car because he lost the keys in the canal whilst kayaking.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

It’s definitely cheaper than having to pay for a proper replacement. And it gives me peace of mind in case.
A long time ago my dad had to have all the locks replaced on a car because he lost the keys in the canal whilst kayaking.

Wish I’d gone for the 4 keys TBH. Holidays in Cali’s often involve lots of potential ‘key losing’ activities. Going to get a couple of ‘surf keys’ cut.

 

[Lizzibeth78]

Half the fun of waiting is working out what accessories you’ll definitely need and building a pile of goodies.

Just out of interest, what pile of goodies have you built up?

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Just out of interest, what pile of goodies have you built up?

Stating the obvious, I’ve gone totally mad
It’s a long list but it’s been a very long wait and I wanted to be ready to rock and roll as soon as the van arrived.

Here we go :-

25m Hook up cable
U.K. 13amp to 16amp adapter
Polarity checker
Reverse polarity cable
Portapotti (Thetford 335)
Calipcap slide out drawer (full width x 710 deep)
Eurocrates for the above
Dunelm Ottoman (cover for portapotti)
Toilet chemicals
Additional 3 drawer set for kitchen cupboard.
Airsafe
Sparesafe
Levelling ramps
Vodafone Curve Tracker
Ladder
Caliboard shelf
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Smoke Alarm (might not fit it?)
Fire extinguisher
Camping Gaz bottle (907)
2 x PIR wardrobe lights
A few IKEA bits and pieces
Personalised pitch in use sign (Big Ted Prinz)
Thule Awning tie downs
Bellows Bungee
Wind deflectors
Collapsible bucket

and once we’ve got the van:

WINE
Sandemans 20 year old Tawny port
Solar installation (Roger Donahue)
Blackvue Front/rear dashcam
Atera Genio Pro bike rack
Seat covers?
Stove for outside + another gaz bottle
Pots and pans
Cutlery, crockery, glasses
Bedding
Rug
Hose
Water carrier?
External pop top cover?
External windscreen cover?

 

[Jenny H]

Stating the obvious, I’ve gone totally mad
It’s a long list but it’s been a very long wait and I wanted to be ready to rock and roll as soon as the van arrived.

Here we go :-

25m Hook up cable
U.K. 13amp to 16amp adapter
Polarity checker
Reverse polarity cable
Portapotti (Thetford 335)
Calipcap slide out drawer (full width x 710 deep)
Eurocrates for the above
Dunelm Ottoman (cover for portapotti)
Toilet chemicals
Additional 3 drawer set for kitchen cupboard.
Airsafe
Sparesafe
Levelling ramps
Vodafone Curve Tracker
Ladder
Caliboard shelf
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Smoke Alarm (might not fit it?)
Fire extinguisher
Camping Gaz bottle (907)
2 x PIR wardrobe lights
A few IKEA bits and pieces
Personalised pitch in use sign (Big Ted Prinz)
Thule Awning tie downs
Bellows Bungee
Wind deflectors
Collapsible bucket

and once we’ve got the van:

WINE
Sandemans 20 year old Tawny port
Solar installation (Roger Donahue)
Blackvue Front/rear dashcam
Atera Genio Pro bike rack
Seat covers?
Stove for outside + another gaz bottle
Pots and pans
Cutlery, crockery, glasses
Bedding
Rug
Hose
Water carrier?
External pop top cover?
External windscreen cover?

OMG how prepared are you - I better start collecting soon!

 

[Max Wild]

Stating the obvious, I’ve gone totally mad
It’s a long list but it’s been a very long wait and I wanted to be ready to rock and roll as soon as the van arrived.

Here we go :-

25m Hook up cable
U.K. 13amp to 16amp adapter
Polarity checker
Reverse polarity cable
Portapotti (Thetford 335)
Calipcap slide out drawer (full width x 710 deep)
Eurocrates for the above
Dunelm Ottoman (cover for portapotti)
Toilet chemicals
Additional 3 drawer set for kitchen cupboard.
Airsafe
Sparesafe
Levelling ramps
Vodafone Curve Tracker
Ladder
Caliboard shelf
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Smoke Alarm (might not fit it?)
Fire extinguisher
Camping Gaz bottle (907)
2 x PIR wardrobe lights
A few IKEA bits and pieces
Personalised pitch in use sign (Big Ted Prinz)
Thule Awning tie downs
Bellows Bungee
Wind deflectors
Collapsible bucket

and once we’ve got the van:

WINE
Sandemans 20 year old Tawny port
Solar installation (Roger Donahue)
Blackvue Front/rear dashcam
Atera Genio Pro bike rack
Seat covers?
Stove for outside + another gaz bottle
Pots and pans
Cutlery, crockery, glasses
Bedding
Rug
Hose
Water carrier?
External pop top cover?
External windscreen cover?

I'm in a similar situation to you @GrumpyGranddad but a month behind, and I've bought a lot less up front!

However, I've pipped you on one thing! I've got your 'Stove for outside + another gaz bottle' covered! I bought this Campingaz Party Grill 400CV (https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8790305)
which IMHO is better than the Cadac Safari Chef that people tend to go for - mainly because I dont want to carry a 2nd bottle and this can take small cartridges but produces a decent heat output.

Also, a side note - I've seen people comment the bungee belows may not be required on the 6.1 as the change in fabric means it is less prone to getting trapped.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

I'm in a similar situation to you @GrumpyGranddad but a month behind, and I've bought a lot less up front!

However, I've pipped you on one thing! I've got your 'Stove for outside + another gaz bottle' covered! I bought this Campingaz Party Grill 400CV (https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8790305)
which IMHO is better than the Cadac Safari Chef that people tend to go for - mainly because I dont want to carry a 2nd bottle and this can take small cartridges but produces a decent heat output.

Also, a side note - I've seen people comment the bungee belows may not be required on the 6.1 as the change in fabric means it is less prone to getting trapped.

Thanks Max Wild. Researching a cooker so will take a look at yours.
Yes, I read about the bungee on a 6.1 after I’d bought mine :-(
might use it as a washing line

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

OMG how prepared are you - I better start collecting soon!

Missed off the steering lock
Seriously, when you wait months and buy a few things a months, the pile begins to grow. The only really expensive items were the slide out tray and the extra drawer set.

 

[IainB]

Hi everyone, So today I ordered my first California and want to share my excitement!

I’ve gone for an Ocean in Fortana Red with the sport styling pack.

Also got 4 keys, wood effect floor and outdoor shower.

Not sure my timing is great with the new restrictions coming in but I decided that I can’t keep letting Covid get in the way.

Congratulations, great colour choice, and the wood floor is a wise option. Suggest larger fuel tank as others have mentioned.

 

[Lizzibeth78]

OMG how prepared are you - I better start collecting soon!

I think I‘d better start making a list!

 

[Lizzibeth78]

Stating the obvious, I’ve gone totally mad
It’s a long list but it’s been a very long wait and I wanted to be ready to rock and roll as soon as the van arrived.

Here we go :-

25m Hook up cable
U.K. 13amp to 16amp adapter
Polarity checker
Reverse polarity cable
Portapotti (Thetford 335)
Calipcap slide out drawer (full width x 710 deep)
Eurocrates for the above
Dunelm Ottoman (cover for portapotti)
Toilet chemicals
Additional 3 drawer set for kitchen cupboard.
Airsafe
Sparesafe
Levelling ramps
Vodafone Curve Tracker
Ladder
Caliboard shelf
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Smoke Alarm (might not fit it?)
Fire extinguisher
Camping Gaz bottle (907)
2 x PIR wardrobe lights
A few IKEA bits and pieces
Personalised pitch in use sign (Big Ted Prinz)
Thule Awning tie downs
Bellows Bungee
Wind deflectors
Collapsible bucket

and once we’ve got the van:

WINE
Sandemans 20 year old Tawny port
Solar installation (Roger Donahue)
Blackvue Front/rear dashcam
Atera Genio Pro bike rack
Seat covers?
Stove for outside + another gaz bottle
Pots and pans
Cutlery, crockery, glasses
Bedding
Rug
Hose
Water carrier?
External pop top cover?
External windscreen cover?

That’s a good list and I like how the most important thing is in capital letters

 

[Ladymuck]

Stating the obvious, I’ve gone totally mad
It’s a long list but it’s been a very long wait and I wanted to be ready to rock and roll as soon as the van arrived.

Here we go :-

25m Hook up cable
U.K. 13amp to 16amp adapter
Polarity checker
Reverse polarity cable
Portapotti (Thetford 335)
Calipcap slide out drawer (full width x 710 deep)
Eurocrates for the above
Dunelm Ottoman (cover for portapotti)
Toilet chemicals
Additional 3 drawer set for kitchen cupboard.
Airsafe
Sparesafe
Levelling ramps
Vodafone Curve Tracker
Ladder
Caliboard shelf
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Smoke Alarm (might not fit it?)
Fire extinguisher
Camping Gaz bottle (907)
2 x PIR wardrobe lights
A few IKEA bits and pieces
Personalised pitch in use sign (Big Ted Prinz)
Thule Awning tie downs
Bellows Bungee
Wind deflectors
Collapsible bucket

and once we’ve got the van:

WINE
Sandemans 20 year old Tawny port
Solar installation (Roger Donahue)
Blackvue Front/rear dashcam
Atera Genio Pro bike rack
Seat covers?
Stove for outside + another gaz bottle
Pots and pans
Cutlery, crockery, glasses
Bedding
Rug
Hose
Water carrier?
External pop top cover?
External windscreen cover?

What a great list! I hope you dont mind but I've copied it for myself and whittled it down to the basics, hope it's of use:

WINE

 

[vananarama]

Whats with the 4 keys ?. Do people really lose keys at such a rate. If i ever lost a key i would just buy a replacement then.

Good question! Just wondering what I'd do with extra ones. After 7 or so years, you have one bashed up key and once pristine one in a drawer, right? (Congrats on your purchase.)

 

[Ladymuck]

What a great list! I hope you dont mind but I've copied it for myself and whittled it down to the basics, hope it's of use:

WINE

Seriously though it's a great list