Beach Kitchen and Storage Pods

[James]

It seems like ages since I've had to click on 'new topic'

I've noticed that there are a lot of new Beach owners out there it seems the market is expanding especially as they improve the standard spec.

I don't know how much new owners new, it's such a different vehicle that sometimes getting your head around it and everything that goes with it can seem daunting.

One natural extension of the Beach is to turn into a full camper. It's obviously not escaped anyones notice that there is a floor rail system that's quite clever running throughout the Beach.

There are a couple of companies I've been looking at in Germany who supply pods for to sit on these rails, in effect turning your Beach into a very usable full camper.

Check out

http://www.maxxcamp.de/en/designs/index.php

This seems to be a super clever way to convert your two seater Beach - check out this

http://www.maxxcamp.de/en/options-and-e ... /index.php

Just some pics from their site










The next company particularly appeal to me because storage boxes and modular units always work well, particularly in the three seater Beach

Perhaps more basic but these look excellent.

http://www.vanessa-mobilcamping.de/Volk ... tem-Beach/



We've had one or two owners who've made their own pods.

I really wanted to know what Beach owners think of these and does it change the way you look at the Beach or would it change the way you use it?

They're not cheap, granted, but they are very very clever.

Any thoughts?

James

 

[Goldie]

Re: Beach Kitchen Pods

James,

I did email Maxxcamp. Most modules fit the 3 seater bench beach, but not the two seater version without shortening the flexiboard. See email below - I did ask for a Club discount

Options are very different for two seat and three seat bench due to internal layout and flexiboard length. Although if there are only two of you, you could have a larger pod and not use the downstairs bed.

Owen and I had a chat on it when we went off-topic. http://www.vwcaliforniaclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=104&t=5826

Have a look at his Pod - looks rather good.

I'm going to buy the raw materials from Clearcut and make a small unit that fits behind the drivers seat.

Andy

Dear Mr. Cali,

thank you for your email. The MultiModules “FRITZ” are designed for the 3-seater-bench. If you want to use it in combination with the 2-seater-bench you have to modify the original bed extension. The water supply option can not be supplied with larger containers, but of course you can get two additional containers. For the detailed delivery costs we should have your exact address, but they will be at about € 180,-. And unfortunately we have no discount for VIP members of your club.

Kind regards

Martin Schlegel
mail@maxxcamp.de

MAXXCAMP GmbH
Schwarzachstr. 14
D-88499 Riedlingen
Tel. +49 (0) 7371 1059922
Fax +49 (0) 7371 1059922-9
http://www.maxxcamp.de

 

[James]

Re: Beach Kitchen Pods

James,

I did email Maxxcamp. Most modules fit the 3 seater bench beach, but not the two seater version without shortening the flexiboard. See email below - I did ask for a Club discount

Options are very different for two seat and three seat bench due to internal layout and flexiboard length. Although if there are only two of you, you could have a larger pod and not use the downstairs bed.

Owen and I had a chat on it when we went off-topic. http://www.vwcaliforniaclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=104&t=5826

Have a look at his Pod - looks rather good.

I'm going to buy the raw materials from Clearcut and make a small unit that fits behind the drivers seat.

Andy

Dear Mr. Cali,

thank you for your email. The MultiModules “FRITZ” are designed for the 3-seater-bench. If you want to use it in combination with the 2-seater-bench you have to modify the original bed extension. The water supply option can not be supplied with larger containers, but of course you can get two additional containers. For the detailed delivery costs we should have your exact address, but they will be at about € 180,-. And unfortunately we have no discount for VIP members of your club.

Kind regards

Martin Schlegel
mail@maxxcamp.de

MAXXCAMP GmbH
Schwarzachstr. 14
D-88499 Riedlingen
Tel. +49 (0) 7371 1059922
Fax +49 (0) 7371 1059922-9
http://www.maxxcamp.de

That's interesting - there is a lot of difference between the two seater and three seater - the two seater is the original camping vehicle.

Yes his pod looks excellent - I think this is a great idea, so are you going to make something?


James

 

[rippers]

We came from a 1970 T2 Westfalia and that pretty much as basic a camper as you can get. We had no cooker, but we had non electric cool box and a basic sink with water tank which had a hand pump and drained out onto the floor below. So we where used to the basics.

Other then hot drinks we never used a gas stove in our van as food made it stink, so the cooker wasn't important to me at all and I'd rather have the space then a fitted cooker. We just use a micro gas stove with can bottles inside for hot drinks and we have a gas BBQ and stove we use for outside.
The sink again was rarely used in our last van and to be honest it got in the way, every site we stay at has facilities and we always used to wash up with warm water in the wash room, so again was not going to miss the sink. The only thing I would have liked was a compressor fridge, but never had one before and got on fine with a cool box and VW Climabox looks like it will be a lot more efficient then what we had.

So will see how we get on with the Climabox, I would consider a alternative compressor fridge on a rail system that would be great!

We love our Beach for its day to day practicality, really glad its the model we chose

 

[James]

We came from a 1970 T2 Westfalia and that pretty much as basic a camper as you can get. We had no cooker, but we had non electric cool box and a basic sink with water tank which had a hand pump and drained out onto the floor below. So we where used to the basics.

Other then hot drinks we never used a gas stove in our van as food made it stink, so the cooker wasn't important to me at all and I'd rather have the space then a fitted cooker. We just use a micro gas stove with can bottles inside for hot drinks and we have a gas BBQ and stove we use for outside.
The sink again was rarely used in our last van and to be honest it got in the way, every site we stay at has facilities and we always used to wash up with warm water in the wash room, so again was not going to miss the sink. The only thing I would have liked was a compressor fridge, but never had one before and got on fine with a cool box and VW Climabox looks like it will be a lot more efficient then what we had.

So will see how we get on with the Climabox, I would consider a alternative compressor fridge on a rail system that would be great!

We love our Beach for its day to day practicality, really glad its the model we chose

Absolutely - it's such a versatile vehicle.

For me - I like the storage box and modules - that's something that could be very useful.

James

 

[SteveM]

James - I have looked at a number of the products you highlight and always come away initially excitied.... but then on reflection I think about how they might get used and decide they are not quite right for our family.

The best product and the one I have given most consideration to are the storage units in the boot for a 3 seat bench version - but then I think they would be a right pain with bikes on the back rack and it means the van has to remain open more of the time and mosquitos love me so none to keen!

In the end we bought two huge metal 120lt storage trunks which slide perfectly into the boot one after the other. These are then sub-divided up for cooking / camping and clothes etc.... work brilliantly for us! A lot cheaper as well... courtesy of a french hypermarket. I have to conclude that VW got it right straight out the factory for our needs. Once the kids are not coming with us though I could well see these products making more sense for a couple as you gain a bit more space and time to make use of them.

Completely agree about a really good rail mounted compressor fridge though vs the hot cool box.

Steve.

 

[jamesC]

I like the "James 2.0" from www.California-camping.de for a really simple take on a removable beach kitchen.

https://www.california-camping.de//kuec ... -startline

 

[Goldie]

Re: Beach Kitchen Pods

James,

That's interesting - there is a lot of difference between the two seater and three seater - the two seater is the original camping vehicle.

Yes his pod looks excellent - I think this is a great idea, so are you going to make something?

James

James,

I've decided on a bit of a lifestyle change so bought the Beach and heading to a new job in Wellington NZ a month today. Cali will go in about 3 weeks, so I'm making sure I get what I need for it in UK before I go.

The idea of the kitchen pod unit for me is that for wild camping in NZ you must be self sufficient (and certified) for three days which means for two people: Sink, 24ltr fresh water, 24ltr grey water and a 15ltr Porta-Potti. I didn't want the full Cali as I don't want / need all the extras to haul around (totally agree with Rippers regarding cooking etc in the van). I also want it to be removable to use in an awning or leave at home.

I have bought the Waeco CF40 compressor fridge with a nice jacket (£475) that sits behing the passenger seat and will make a Pod unit to sit behind the drivers seat. Clearcut will supply the board and parts. http://clearcutconversions.co.uk/. They also do pods, but don't have one that fits in the space I have http://clearcutconversions.co.uk/product-category/kitchenette-pod-units/.

For cooking I bought this. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006I56J/ actually cheaper to buy from Amazon USA (incl shipping and tax) and is more powerful than the model sold in UK. Runs off unleaded so no problems running out of gas.

I have bought a pair of the VW flexiboard floor fittings to anchor it to the rail (about £40) and will buy this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Caravan-a...ervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item3a719bd7d0 along with some proper construction board http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Clearcut-Conversions/Campervan-Construction-/_i.html?_fsub=3902964017. I don't need the cooker but thought it would be handy to make a cuppa in the morning or by the roadside. I'll make the unit in MDF first and use that as a template to avoid any costly mistakes :doh .

Andy

 

[James]

I think all these are very interesting - may a forum partner and a discount would be interesting.

I like the module system beneath the multiplex board - that's tempting. I wouldn't want the kitchen.

I think the kitchen pos is amazing but probably makes more sense buying a Beach 2nd Hand and adding it.

I'd love to see on n a Beach to understand it


james

 

[Goldie]

Having just posted all that, I just thought I'll see how easy it would be to make a platform for the fridge too, as they'll be some board left over and this doesn't look too difficult. http://www.maxxcamp.de/en/shop/products/197_Refrigerator-Floor-Fitting-System.php

The VW quickfit bolts are bout £10 each and there is a part number on here somewhere. If someone wants them I'll dig them out.

Waeco do a fixing kit. http://www.waeco.com/tmp/UFK-C_e_de_en_01.pdf

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003N198IS/?tag=eliteelect-21

I can feel a bit of DIY coming on - where's the router

Andy

 

[rippers]

Having just posted all that, I just thought I'll see how easy it would be to make a platform for the fridge too, as they'll be some board left over and this doesn't look too difficult. http://www.maxxcamp.de/en/shop/products/197_Refrigerator-Floor-Fitting-System.php

The VW quickfit bolts are bout £10 each and there is a part number on here somewhere. If someone wants them I'll dig them out.

Waeco do a fixing kit. http://www.waeco.com/tmp/UFK-C_e_de_en_01.pdf

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003N198IS/?tag=eliteelect-21

I can feel a bit of DIY coming on - where's the router

Andy

That does make it very feasible, I actually think its something I'll have a go at.. once I've bought the 3 seat topper, roof topper and Sportline bits and million and one Brandrup items :lol:

 

[owen_h]

Sounds like there are going to be some people busy building Beach accessories & pods in the near future :clap :clap Doing a mock up in MDF first is a very good plan, what appears to be a good idea on paper is not always feasible or even desirable when you see it in the van. I've just started part2 of my pods, a storage box that will sit on top of the multiflex board. Should give me somewhere to store bedding and also extra worktop surface for when I don't want to get the table out.
I saw the vanessa module at a show in Bournemouth last year. Looked really solid and well made. But always having to have the tailgate open would not suit how I use the Beach. Often I have bikes on the back and a big attraction if I've been out for the day cycling/swimming/windsurfing etc is to be able to quickly make a cup of coffee or soup in the warm.
As I said in my original thread last year ( viewtopic.php?f=104&t=4130 ) Maxxcamp was where I got a lot of inspiration for my pod. Still not managed to see one for real though and its a lot of money to spend based on pictures on a website.
I've now had my Beach a year and its a really versatile vehicle, all of us use them in different ways and with some clever thinking they adapt well.

 

[James]

Maxcamp also have a great shop and although this could be done by someone - they have a hook up design.

http://www.maxxcamp.de/en/options-and-e ... /index.php


And check out their solar option!

James

 

[Goldie]

Maxcamp also have a great shop and although this could be done by someone - they have a hook up design.

http://www.maxxcamp.de/en/options-and-e ... /index.php


And check out their solar option!

James

Must agree with Owen on this, Maxxcamp are good for inspiration and ideas, but a little pricey especially when carriage is included. The great thing about the Beach is the flexibility and with a little ingenuity and DIY skills you can make a very good vehicle great. I think of the options and things you could do by changing things around as you have blank canvas.

Here is another vehicle designed to carry differ Pods, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbird_2_pod_vehicleswondering whether it is available in Sunny Yellow :laugh2

Andy

 

[Speedbird]

I like their hook up solution but presumably they won't fit them for UK customers. Anyone know who could fit it over here? Anything electrical and I'm nervous installing myself!

 

[Goldie]

I like the "James 2.0" from http://www.California-camping.de for a really simple take on a removable beach kitchen.

https://www.california-camping.de//kuec ... -startline

Again okay for the 3 seater bench Beach, but no good for the 2 seater bench Beach. I'm surprised that no one makes them. Maybe the units are designed for a Caravelle and just fit the Beach as well.

Andy

 

[owen_h]

I like their hook up solution but presumably they won't fit them for UK customers. Anyone know who could fit it over here? Anything electrical and I'm nervous installing myself!

If you drove the 800km to their base in southern Germany I'm sure they would be delighted to fit them. Probably only really an option if combining with a holiday though.
In the UK you are probably looking at getting a similar thing done by a local converter or auto electric fitter. This person gets good comments on the T4 forum http://www.travelvolts.com/ . The charger that Maxxcamp use is a CTEK one and that is readily available for around £100 in the UK. Hookup under the bonnet is quite common in T5 conversions. Not sure where the consumer unit goes, probably under the passenger seat if there is room.

 

[James]

I like their hook up solution but presumably they won't fit them for UK customers. Anyone know who could fit it over here? Anything electrical and I'm nervous installing myself!

If you drove the 800km to their base in southern Germany I'm sure they would be delighted to fit them. Probably only really an option if combining with a holiday though.
In the UK you are probably looking at getting a similar thing done by a local converter or auto electric fitter. This person gets good comments on the T4 forum http://www.travelvolts.com/ . The charger that Maxxcamp use is a CTEK one and that is readily available for around £100 in the UK. Hookup under the bonnet is quite common in T5 conversions. Not sure where the consumer unit goes, probably under the passenger seat if there is room.

I think there is a confidence from people like me of someone else doing a job. I am not technical and nor would i have the confidence to start doing bits to poor old Betty Custard.

The idea of a more geared up service for the Beach is appealing, at present if you want big alloys or you desperate for another 20bhp then then there's plenty to occupy you and yes, there certainly are some great conversion and tinkering companies who no doubt would happily fit hook up.

What I like or what appeals is the idea of someone geared up for the Beach. In Europe the Beach is just a descendent of the Westy Multivans and they've been doing this stuff for years. You can't expect the the same in the UK but it's an interesting difference in culture.

If you look at the shop their parts blend very well into the Beach interior.

Interesting regarding the Caravelle, I wonder how easy it would be to just take out the existing seats, sell them, fit one of those kitchen pods and buy a set of Beach Seats and fit them, you won't have the pop top but surely that's got to be a clever camper conversion.

You would have the issue of two sliding doors unless you bought a one slider leftie


James

 

[owen_h]

In the year I've had Clara my confidence in doing jobs myself has grown. I didnt start out intending to do much if any of the fit out myself but it became more of a necessity. Trying to find someone to build a pod fit hookup etc left me getting more & more frustrated. getting any sort of dialog going with most converters as to what was possible with a Beach was impossible and I was being quoted (eventually) either vague amounts of mega £. Lots of
If i'm coming across as dismissive of Maxxcamp thats not my intention, the products on their site look really well thought out and well made. Had they been local(ish) or had a UK distributer / been at any UK show there would probably be one of their units in my van now. Its to late for me but the impression I get is that the Beach is becoming more well known and understood. Maybe in the near future there will become a market in the UK for Beach specific units.
I regard myself as a practical person but even so I hadn't done anything much beyond assembling flat pack furniture since O level days. There is loads of info out there on the web to help and my overall time could probably be divided into 3rds, Research/practice/build for real. My day job is mostly sat in front of a PC so to actually make something physical that I'm proud of has been a great by-product of Cali ownership (along with more tools, boys always like tools ).
Having said that there are limits to what I will do, e.g when I get round to having a parking heater installed that will be installed by someone who has done it before. Not going to mess with fuel systems or drilling big holes in the van.
Owen

 

[James]

In the year I've had Clara my confidence in doing jobs myself has grown. I didnt start out intending to do much if any of the fit out myself but it became more of a necessity. Trying to find someone to build a pod fit hookup etc left me getting more & more frustrated. getting any sort of dialog going with most converters as to what was possible with a Beach was impossible and I was being quoted (eventually) either vague amounts of mega £. Lots of
If i'm coming across as dismissive of Maxxcamp thats not my intention, the products on their site look really well thought out and well made. Had they been local(ish) or had a UK distributer / been at any UK show there would probably be one of their units in my van now. Its to late for me but the impression I get is that the Beach is becoming more well known and understood. Maybe in the near future there will become a market in the UK for Beach specific units.
I regard myself as a practical person but even so I hadn't done anything much beyond assembling flat pack furniture since O level days. There is loads of info out there on the web to help and my overall time could probably be divided into 3rds, Research/practice/build for real. My day job is mostly sat in front of a PC so to actually make something physical that I'm proud of has been a great by-product of Cali ownership (along with more tools, boys always like tools ).
Having said that there are limits to what I will do, e.g when I get round to having a parking heater installed that will be installed by someone who has done it before. Not going to mess with fuel systems or drilling big holes in the van.
Owen

No not at all Owen - this thread wasn't just about Maxxcamp - it was to see what people are doing and what can be done - your input is really interesting

James

 

[cleve]

You would have the issue of two sliding doors unless you bought a one slider leftie
James

If they sold a twin slider beach, I'd buy one tomorrow. Nothing like sleeping in 36 degree humid heat & having both doors open!

Back to the pods.... we love the reimo pantry. I've posted some pics on the t4 forum but it won't let me post the url atm but the thread is easily found searching Google images for reimo pantry if you want to see the photos of the unit in situ.

If we go for a beach, the only thing I'd change is having a big drawer under the multiflex to save rummaging for things at the back & have a taller pod made like the reimo but with the addition of a cupboard underneath to store a porta potti & raise height of the sink to make it more suitable for standing height with the pop top.

 

[greendog]

Hi Guys,were thinking of developing a unit for such a situation, it would have a small sink with a combi shower tap, portable hob, draw, and 18 liter compressor cool box. is this the sort of thing your after? I've done a few basic drawings to check what i can fit in here:

Any thoughts or comments are welcome .

Jon

 

[Goldie]

I still think it would be too big for the Beach with the two seat rear bench. I've decided to make one myself to fit between the back of the drivers seat and the bed in the folded position using SMEV 8221 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Campervan...ervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item3ccbbebf12

I reckon on a footprint of around 380mm x 600mm at floor level and 480mm x 600mm at a height of somewhere between 670mm to 720mm - haven't made my mdf mock-up yet. It will overhang the front of the seat / bottom of the bed by around 150mm, which isn't a problem as the bed is massive. Main thing is that it is light and removable to an awning if stopping for a few days, or could stay in the Cali and meet NZ self containment regulations.

The 3 seat bench Beach is easier to design / build for, I guess the bed must be quite a bit shorter.

Andy

Andy

 

[greendog]

Ok .So when your bed is flat out what space do you have between the end of bed and back drivers seat?

 

[owen_h]

I would need to re check but looking back at previous posts I measured it a while back at floor level as 44cm from end of bed to touching front seat base. At bed level this had tapered to 37cm and would of course taper further at worktop level. Unless you cantilever the worktop over the bed which it sounds like Goldie is planning to do.
Found this photo (scroll to bottom) of a 2 seater bench interior http://www.ridgeway.co.uk/volkswagen-co ... alifornia/
When the Bed is made up it comes to the end of the storage box shown on the nearside.

Your design looks good for the 3 seater bench, does it have a cover over the hob/sink?