Design Changes and/or New Options for the California.

[Amarillo]

Because I don't think they would want to drill a hole in the body work just for the California. Although as they make a cutout for the EHU maybe on that panel.

They have a way for 12 volt to come out for amber roof lights, for example, so a 12 volt terminal on the awning side is perfectly feasible. It doesn’t have to be on a panel, it could be under the bonnet, or attached to the chassis somewhere.

 

[Bellcrew]

I'd just like any new model not to rattle in the B post next to my right ear! It's not much to ask.

Any new VW model is only ever going to be a minor step change in design so most of the things that people have wished for just ain't gonner happen. You might get some new stuff that you don't need like a fancy Calos Fandango dash display but an electronic hand brake and hot water? No chance.

The Marco Polo shows the way the new California will go, the split worktop/lights appeared as if by magic as soon as the Mercedes arrived. VW will be driven to the electric handbrake because it is such an advantage in swivelling the seats etc and of course the MP has it.

 

[PMC67]

Let’s discuss possible Design Changes or New Options that could be incorporated in a future version of the California.
I’m talking about things that would enhance the vehicle for All, not just you personally.
eg: A manual roof. It is already available on the Beach and the Coast but VW Marketing haven’t decided to sell that version in certain countries, SO NOT for discussion.
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We have Cruise Control which maintains speed, but something on our Smart Car would , I think, be of benefit.
A Speed Limiter. The Smart has Cruise Control but also a Speed Limiter. So you can set a Limit, say 30mph, and have full throttle control upto that speed but no more. Useful in towns etc. On the Norwegian roads I travelled today the limit was 80 kph, but the road was so windy/undulating it was very easy to exceed and impossible to use Cruise Control as you were constantly switching it back on as you braked for sharp corners.

Handbrake. I’m not a fan of Electric Handbrakes, too many possible problems, but surely a better system could be devised. Possibly a Dashboard System, suitable for LHD and RHD Vehicles.

Leisure Batteries. A Lithium Battery could replace the 2 AGM Batteries and give more useable power, probably at no additional cost. In the Ocean the space freed up could be used to replace the toolbox behind the back seat.

Solar Panel Option

A decent pull out central cup holder that doesnt vibrate to hell and chuck your cup of tea everywhere!.. seems a small thing, but its seriously the only thing I can fault in my Ocean

 

[rod_vw]

So it’s not a T6 then. Plenty of aftermarket companies do them. VW aren’t going to do it because it would mean re-designing the water tank etc: if you saw the video of the assembly of the California it just wouldn’t happen unless it was part of the Kitchen / storage unit.

Early diesel T6s were Euro 5 i.e. no adblue, I have one.

 

[rod_vw]

A return of a lwb hardtop option like the Westfalia Joker and Grand California. I'd buy it.

VW made a prototype way back at the start of Cali production, I saw it at the vintage event at Hessisch Oldendorf 10 years ago. I believe the roof was from Polyroof. In early T5 days VW also sold a high roof SWB California, a couple brought one over from Germany to the British VW Festival to show us many years ago.

 

[briwy]

Ours is perfect, added personal things like solar, shelves, rear drawer etc. Nearly everything mentioned so far can be added on fairly easily. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Eber123]

Good afternoon,

I must admit that I didn't read all the posts. But still I would like to post my suggestions for improvements:

• Open mechanism for the 2-seater back bench from left to right (I believe it is more convenient to open the drawer from the outside if the leaver is closer to the door)
• More USB connectors
• USB connectors not only at the dashboard, but in front of the windscreen (there is so much equipment available that needs power. I hate those lose cables hanging around).
• Built in compass function in the dashboard (I now it is a gimmick, but I love it and maybe it makes some sense for a van designed for long distance travelling).
• Find a better accessible place for tools then under the back bench.
• Get the AdBlue tank better designed (AdBlue is essential for the environment and it should be also straight forward to fill this up like diesel).
• Change the material of the seats to something more robust - after all it is a camping motor (would save us the money to buy expensive seat covers).
• Better display for wast (grey) water (it sometimes comes as a suprise that the tank is full).
• Lid over water / electricity magnetic (I think it is a bit of a carfuffel to open, I don't trust that this plastic mechanism will last long).
• Ease the access to the hydraulic pump from the roof (it should be much easier and cheaper to get this repaired).
• Re-design the awning housing (I believe that many, many people have a rattling awning - sooo annoying).
• Offer, as a option, to only get drawers on the right cabinet.
• Improve the door rubber (many people have problems with rust - puuuh).
• 80 l tank as standard
• Mechanical theft prevention as an option (something like bear lock).
• Offer heavy duty rubber mats for the "living area".

If I think about it I could get more items, but I have to go back to work .

Regards,
Eberhard

 

[Walrus]

After a couple of years use:

Easily removable rear headrests.
Usb socket for roof bed.
Door mounted blind on the sliding door.
Bluetooth control panel app for my phone.

The rest I can work around.

 

[WelshGas]

Early diesel T6s were Euro 5 i.e. no adblue, I have one.

But not the early T6 Californias, I believe.

 

[Meoncoast]

A simpler method to lower the roof for the layperson if control panel fails and a control panel with push on buttons that can be replaced without removal of the panel to fit (better still some type of touch screen for the control panel with added remote control from a smartphone)

 

[Borris]

The Marco Polo shows the way the new California will go, the split worktop/lights appeared as if by magic as soon as the Mercedes arrived. VW will be driven to the electric handbrake because it is such an advantage in swivelling the seats etc and of course the MP has it.

Well I hope your right but forgive me if I don't hold my breath. The next model will be the so called T6-1 which, as usual, won't turn out to be that much different from the current T6. If they offer a whole raft of new inovations in a new model it would be the first time in their history.

 

[WelshGas]

Well I hope your right but forgive me if I don't hold my breath. The next model will be the so called T6-1 which, as usual, won't turn out to be that much different from the current T6. If they offer a whole raft of new inovations in a new model it would be the first time in their history.

But you can but hope they will innovate. Anything is possible , but probable is another story.

 

[sidepod]

Why wouldn’t the external 12 volt terminal fit that criteria, either as an option or standard?

I believe the industry standard for this is via the 13pin towbar socket so, in a sense, VW have that one covered.

 

[kp64zl]

I believe the industry standard for this is via the 13pin towbar socket so, in a sense, VW have that one covered.

but isn't that via engine battery not leisure battery?

 

[BeeBee]

only had the van a few weeks but agree with lots of the ideas previously posted.....find handbrake a little cumbersome so mid dash or electric, ability to close roof when solo may prove difficult to check outside clearance, darker colour options on interior as have been buying accessories to keep 'light seat covers / flooring' protected, DSG reverse gearing uphill needs addressing.

 

[sidepod]

I believe there are designated pins for a leisure supply to a caravan? Am I wrong?

If not it’s the easiest thing in the world to wire up a tow bar plug/skt to the leisure battery. Hey presto, your external supply for 12v

 

[WelshGas]

but isn't that via engine battery not leisure battery?

Interesting point. Quite possible.

 

[WelshGas]

I believe there are designated pins for a leisure supply to a caravan? Am I wrong?

If not it’s the easiest thing in the world to wire up a tow bar plug/skt to the leisure battery. Hey presto, your external supply for 12v

The designated pin on the Euro Socket is to charge the Caravan Leisure Battery and is ignition controlled, there is also an ignition controlled supply for the Caravan Fridge I think.

 

[Busted]

Beach: 2 sliding doors, but keep the table rail on one. And same parking heater programs as Ocean (why pointless downgrades for that and a few other things on the beach vs Ocean - come on VW how much are we spending?)

 

[Jay20cali]

Hinged/split rear parcel shelf
So the seat can go further back giving more floor space..my old reimo managed it many years ago ...

 

[jmf]

Comfortable beds would be my number one change.

 

[WelshGas]

Beach: 2 sliding doors, but keep the table rail on one. And same parking heater programs as Ocean (why pointless downgrades for that and a few other things on the beach vs Ocean - come on VW how much are we spending?)

There is the Twin slider Shuttle Model. But twin sliders would be a bit meaningless in the 2seat bench Beach with the storage box.

 

[WelshGas]

After a couple of years use:

Easily removable rear headrests.
Usb socket for roof bed.
Door mounted blind on the sliding door.
Bluetooth control panel app for my phone.

The rest I can work around.

How would a Sliding door blind work. You cannot add to the upper window frame thickness because the door wouldn’t slide and would you really want to have a smaller window height to fit a blind?

 

[westfalia]

An opening tailgate window with built in mosquito net.

 

[WelshGas]

An opening tailgate window with built in mosquito net.

So how would that work?
Opening outwards? Have to remove bike rack.
Sliding downwards? Probably have to lose chair storage.
Opening inwards? How would the net fit?