Collecting the new Cali - optimism or pessimism ?

[ParachuteMan]

Hi all. I‘m collecting my new Cali Ocean on Monday. It’s a 150PS with the only extras as shower attachment and comfort mattress. Yes, I’m quite excited and I’ve been gathering various accessories, based on ideas on the forum. However:

Should I be optimistic - after all it’s a VW and I’ve had several Golfs with no problems. Why should the CalI be different ?

Or should I be pessimistic - it’s a complex vehicle, both mechanically and electronically and the forum has highlighted several issues with new Calis

What should I prepare for ?

 

[Borris]

Don't worry. You will love it.

Just plan a trip, take the basics and take things one step at a time.

Good luck on Monday and don't drive away without them giving you a full comprehensive hand over.

Have you purchased the Extended Factory Warranty? It's really worth having and gives you exactly the same cover as the original three year manufacturers warranty. It gives you an extra two years cover. It needs to be purchased when new though.

 

[ParachuteMan]

Don't worry. You will love it.

Thank you - I think I’m probably overthinking it …

 

[yossarian]

How exciting! I'm sure you will be delighted with it and get on with the business of enjoying it.

 

[Borris]

Btw, if you look in the resources section (I think), you should find a check list. If you were to print one off and take it with you, it may help to ensure that you come away with everything it should have.

 

[temporarysecretary]

Just remember an online forum on any subject will always highlight the best points along with the worst. Don't get scared by the faults as they will always be in a higher concentration online.

California Chris will get you through the first month and fill in the gaps the dealer missed.

https://youtube.com/@CaliforniaChris?si=xS83wJ5hahttfbrk

Enjoy it.

 

[two-saabs]

Hi all. I‘m collecting my new Cali Ocean on Monday. It’s a 150PS with the only extras as shower attachment and comfort mattress. Yes, I’m quite excited and I’ve been gathering various accessories, based on ideas on the forum. However:

Should I be optimistic - after all it’s a VW and I’ve had several Golfs with no problems. Why should the CalI be different ?

Or should I be pessimistic - it’s a complex vehicle, both mechanically and electronically and the forum has highlighted several issues with new Calis

What should I prepare for ?

Good question - Boris has covered it but just weighing in too: do the handover, step by step, you’re all covered with the warranty.

I like to think that this is not just a VW but also a van sold in high numbers so the basics are all extremely well tested and refined.

 

[ParachuteMan]

Btw, if you look in the resources section (I think), you should find a check list. If you were to print one off and take it with you, it may help to ensure that you come away with everything it should have.

Thanks. Indeed I have, and it’s reassuring to see others have thought the same way

 

[ParachuteMan]

Just remember an online forum on any subject will always highlight the best points along with the worst. Don't get scared by the faults as they will always be in a higher concentration online.

California Chris will get you through the first month and fill in the gaps the dealer missed.

https://youtube.com/@CaliforniaChris?si=xS83wJ5hahttfbrk

Enjoy it.

Many thanks for your grounded thoughts. And yes, i have watched a whole range of California Chris videos with some great tips.

 

[ParachuteMan]

Good question - Boris has covered it but just weighing in too: do the handover, step by step, you’re all covered with the warranty.

I like to think that this is not just a VW but also a van sold in high numbers so the basics are all extremely well tested and refined.

Thanks for your much more logical view than mine ! Perhaps I'm letting my heart rule my head …

 

[temporarysecretary]

I'm letting my heart rule my head …

That's why we all own them!

 

[ParachuteMan]

Don't worry. You will love it.

Just plan a trip, take the basics and take things one step at a time.

Good luck on Monday and don't drive away without them giving you a full comprehensive hand over.

Have you purchased the Extended Factory Warranty? It's really worth having and gives you exactly the same cover as the original three year manufacturers warranty. It gives you an extra two years cover. It needs to be purchased when new though.

Thanks. Yes, I’ve got some “learning trips“ planned and I have bought the EFW, taking it to the 5 years. The dealer recommended it and I didn't feel it was to make his bonus..

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

I pick mine up on Monday, have to be optimistic! or why buy in the first place. There may be issues but all cars/vans have them. Hope for the best, plan for the worst ( I.e get a Cali topper, wrap or similar). Good luck.

 

[SusiBus]

It will be fine.
Two things I would check though are:-
All the bits and pieces are there, mosquito screens, washing up bowl etc.
The roof goes up OK, not wonky one side. No holes in the canvas. Careful when lowering it for the first time. Remember door or window open.
Enjoy.

 

[dspuk]

Don’t be either - be excited and ecstatic to finally pick up your escape to a new world. The minute you start to drive away and that slow grin we in our household call the “Cali Smile” starts to uncontrollably take over the corners of your mouth you will understand everything.

Do your checks, for sure, we took an hour, and be ready for a learning curve roller coaster, but you will never once regret it.

 

[ParachuteMan]

It will be fine.
Two things I would check though are:-
All the bits and pieces are there, mosquito screens, washing up bowl etc.
The roof goes up OK, not wonky one side. No holes in the canvas. Careful when lowering it for the first time. Remember door or window open.
Enjoy.

Thanks very much - two good tips.

 

[ParachuteMan]

Don’t be either - be excited and ecstatic to finally pick up your escape to a new world. The minute you start to drive away and that slow grin we in our household call the “Cali Smile” starts to uncontrollably take over the corners of your mouth you will understand everything.

Do your checks, for sure, we took an hour, and be ready for a learning curve roller coaster, but you will never once regret it.

Thanks very much - you are all restoring my confidence and anticipation

 

[Borris]

From your avatar, I assume that you are a lady. (Probably can't even say that nowadays! ). In which case you won't have the problem that us gentlemen often suffer from. That is not reading the hand book first before carrying out a given task. Don't try and read the whole thing first as the plot is non existant and the ending poor. It will also put you into a coma! However, in order to prevent mishaps, it's well worth familiarising yourself with the correct procedure before trying out a particular feature/function. Not doing so could lead to issues if the manufacturers instructions aren't followed. Raising and lowering the roof is a good example. Some of the issues that members have reported in the past could have been avoided if they had read and understood what was required before trying out that function. So make yourself a nice cuppa and read each action first before trying it.

 

[ParachuteMan]

From your avatar, I assume that you are a lady. (Probably can't even say that nowadays! ). In which case you won't have the problem that us gentlemen often suffer from. That is not reading the hand book first before carrying out a given task. Don't try and read the whole thing first as the plot is non existant and the ending poor. It will also put you into a coma! However, in order to prevent mishaps, it's well worth familiarising yourself with the correct procedure before trying out a particular feature/function. Not doing so could lead to issues if the manufacturers instructions aren't followed. Raising and lowering the roof is a good example. Some of the issues that members have reported in the past could have been avoided if they had read and understood what was required before trying out that function. So make yourself a nice cuppa and read each action first before trying it.

Many thanks for sound advice. I see the online manual has a separate California section so I’ll be studying that !

 

[WelshGas]

Many thanks for sound advice. I see the online manual has a separate California section so I’ll be studying that !

Just read the thinner California handbook first. It explains all the camping stuff.
As far as the ongoing saga regarding the bellows, you have a warranty and it will be sorted. Ask the Dealership about it. If he Denys all knowledge then test it over winter and start a warranty claim if necessary. If he accepts there is a problem then get a Topper and just enjoy. It saves having to dry the canvas before lowering it for extended periods.

 

[ParachuteMan]

Just read the thinner California handbook first. It explains all the camping stuff.
As far as the ongoing saga regarding the bellows, you have a warranty and it will be sorted. Ask the Dealership about it. If he Denys all knowledge then test it over winter and start a warranty claim if necessary. If he accepts there is a problem then get a Topper and just enjoy. It saves having to dry the canvas before lowering it for extended periods.

Thanks for the advice. I’ve bought a topper as I want to go winter camping. And I know the bellows problem will rumble on and I don’t want to be back and forth to the dealer. I’ll wait for any recall. Thx again

 

[Robert&Catherine]

Hi all. I‘m collecting my new Cali Ocean on Monday. It’s a 150PS with the only extras as shower attachment and comfort mattress. Yes, I’m quite excited and I’ve been gathering various accessories, based on ideas on the forum. However:

Should I be optimistic - after all it’s a VW and I’ve had several Golfs with no problems. Why should the CalI be different ?

Or should I be pessimistic - it’s a complex vehicle, both mechanically and electronically and the forum has highlighted several issues with new Calis

What should I prepare for ?

I would recommend that you ask the dealer to open the canopy and extend the legs. The first time you do it is very stiff and me and 5 fellow campers all chickened out from locking the leg shut (it is so easy once you have done it a couple of times but the initial resistance is scary).

 

[ParachuteMan]

I would recommend that you ask the dealer to open the canopy and extend the legs. The first time you do it is very stiff and me and 5 fellow campers all chickened out from locking the leg shut (it is so easy once you have done it a couple of times but the initial resistance is scary).

Ah. A useful tip. Thanks.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Mechanically it’s a bombproof Transporter and VW garages and others can fix anything. It’s a great vehicle we all love.

The camping stuff the VW garages often don’t really understand. It’s a good idea to get across how this stuff works a little bit. I’ve owned mine for 15 years and had a maybe 5 problems but in 15 years that’s pretty good. The forum can answer any questions often very quickly.

By far the most difficult thing is putting the roof down on a windy day!

 

[ParachuteMan]

Mechanically it’s a bombproof Transporter and VW garages and others can fix anything. It’s a great vehicle we all love.

The camping stuff the VW garages often don’t really understand. It’s a good idea to get across how this stuff works a little bit. I’ve owned mine for 15 years and had a maybe 5 problems but in 15 years that’s pretty good. The forum can answer any questions often very quickly.

By far the most difficult thing is putting the roof down on a windy day!

Again, many thanks for a very reassuring response. That's a third of a problem a year ! I think I was being a bit Eeyorish...Less than 48 hours now ...