Essential accessories for a new California

[Julian_Camper_Man]

These bags are brilliant for shelves!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016XWCE84

 

[Julian_Camper_Man]

Fits the awning a treat!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003AMNSTK/?tag=eliteelect-21

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00I445TVY/?tag=eliteelect-21

Fits perfect in the shelves under the cooker


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004N7093Y/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[WelshGas]

Just picked ours up and already found that a small washing up sponge is perfect to stop the table rattling when driving

The table shouldn't rattle if it is correctly secured into the catch when stowed.

 

[Pete M]

Just picked ours up and already found that a small washing up sponge is perfect to stop the table rattling when driving

If it parked correctly it will not rattle!
Push it into it's parked position then pull it forward (towards the front of the van) with pressure towards the seat as well and bingo no rattle.
It only moves a fraction but enough to stop it .

 

[IanFK]

We collected our van in August last year and wanted to go to Spain in September, so we had to move quickly. First a visit to a large and well stocked camping outlet. The list included:
Melamine dining set
Plastic glass set
Cadac BBQ
Two reclining camping chairs
Ground sheet/covering
Duvalays
Electric kettle
Hookup cable
Gas bottle
Electric single hob
Folding table for the Cadac BBQ to stand on
Small Tent

 

[BikerGran]

The table shouldn't rattle if it is correctly secured into the catch when stowed.

Mine rattles whatever I do - various sponges under, behind and at the rear end seem to make no difference. Getting used to it now.

 

[BikerGran]

Our van is a daily drive all stuff on board all the time{Just add clothes bedding and ready for the off)

Mine's my daily too - I've just discovered that a double duvet and two pillows fit nicely in the wardrobe if the duvet is rolled up and bungeed round the middle.

Most used items we have folding kettle lives in sink

My camping kettle from my tenting days fits in the sink but it's lost its whistle and seen better days so I'd like to replace it but haven't found another one small enough yet - what make is yours?

 

[Flood51]

Should someone start a thread about non essential accessories that you thought were essential but are now stored in a cupboard ? My advice to new owners is to take it slowly

 

[BikerGran]

I started by shifting all my tent camping stuff into the van - a lot of it has been taken out already, only had it a month!

(but I have spent quite a lot on 'nice' things cos the van's too lovely to have any old stuff put in it - shhhhh! )

 

[SheffieldSteel]

We are about to take delivery of our T6 Ocean (ordered Jan 29). It's all very exciting. I'd love to know what essentials you all think we should have before setting off on our first trip. So far we have seat covers and a bike rack. I'm thinking midge nets, levelling ramps, mattress topper, hook up cable, water supply hose, gas canister. I'm sure there are many more things we should take and would be grateful for any advice. Thanks!

Ive just spent 3 weeks in Freiburg at Waldsee and found these plastic boxes to be brilliant.

http://www.reallyusefulstorageboxes...ffkS4CECKPJy8W_VaR-1Ye5dC1xFEO5UpNhoCxy3w_wcB

The rear has 2 x 64 litre under the metal shelf and 6 18 litre above. They work like a cupboard.

The 18 litres ones also fit under the van at night if you need to use the bed.

 

[Hotel California]

Just picked ours up and already found that a small washing up sponge is perfect to stop the table rattling when driving

As @WelshGas said above , a rattling table does not need a sponge but a fix...

 

[GillianC]

Ive just spent 3 weeks in Freiburg at Waldsee and found these plastic boxes to be brilliant.

http://www.reallyusefulstorageboxes...ffkS4CECKPJy8W_VaR-1Ye5dC1xFEO5UpNhoCxy3w_wcB

The rear has 2 x 64 litre under the metal shelf and 6 18 litre above. They work like a cupboard.

The 18 litres ones also fit under the van at night if you need to use the bed.

My local Staples store has the 64 litre for £14.99 and if you buy 3 (can be mixed sizes) you get 20% off. I bought the 9 litre to go between the front seats as previous recommended others.

 

[Peddster]

Just picked ours up and already found that a small washing up sponge is perfect to stop the table rattling when driving

The table will never rattle - ever. The mechanism holds it in place very tight. You are most likely not storing it correctly. While pushing the table towards the end of the van, use your left hand to push the bottom of the table against the freezer. You will feel how it locks in place. If this does not work it is broken and you should see your dealer to have it fixed

 

[Andy Nickson]

The table will never rattle - ever. The mechanism holds it in place very tight. You are most likely not storing it correctly. While pushing the table towards the end of the van, use your left hand to push the bottom of the table against the freezer. You will feel how it locks in place. If this does not work it is broken and you should see your dealer to have it fixed

Thanks for the info, it does secure properly now I have practiced a few times. The manual is a bit vague.

 

[BikerGran]

As @WelshGas said above , a rattling table does not need a sponge but a fix...

I've just realised that we are talking about different tables - it's the one in my sliding door that rattles!

 

[Hotel California]

I've just realised that we are talking about different tables - it's the one in my sliding door that rattles!

Ok , have you used the search function using " table sliding door " , gives some posts on diffrent problems and taking of the trim ....also the catch on older types is diffrent then say mine ( 2012)
Are you sure it is the table , there's knowledge of a ratlle on that side coming from the wind out awning.

 

[Seaview]

We've recently bought an Outwell Collaps, fits in the basin when collapsed.

 

[Seaview]

A chopping board, part of the Outwell collaps range fits nicely in the kitchen unit. It's relatively expensive for a chopping board but having used it this weekend for the first time it is good quality and doesn't easily get the usual knife marks. The rubber feet on the corners help stabilise it so it doesn't slide around on the table.

 

[MattBW]

For my beach the absolute essentials:

Comfortz Mattress Topper - lovely nights sleep with this
2x 64L Really Useful boxes
Masterplug 4 socket surge protector with with 2x USB points. I had a 6 one but 6 seems excessive for the van so that was put in the house.
Inka waterproof seat covers (dogs make a mess).

 

[GillianC]

View attachment 14745

A chopping board, part of the Outwell collaps range fits nicely in the kitchen unit. It's relatively expensive for a chopping board but having used it this weekend for the first time it is good quality and doesn't easily get the usual knife marks. The rubber feet on the corners help stabilise it so it doesn't slide around on the table.

I bought this the other day..it has non slip feet on the bottom and could also be used for carrying stuff, serving drinks (as if!) and chopping.

http://www.dunelm.com/product/white-chop-n-serve-board-1000045926?searchTerm=chopping board

 

[WelshGas]

I've just realised that we are talking about different tables - it's the one in my sliding door that rattles!

Well, that is still a problem. Mine doesn't and is also my daily driver.
Do you still have the 2 Elasticated rubber cords in the door? or have they stretched. I really have to push the table in to get the catch engaged. There is no movement thereafter.

 

[Calicliff]

Ours goes in the drawer under the seat with the toaster, mini kettle and the Raskelf...

 

[BikerGran]

Well, that is still a problem. Mine doesn't and is also my daily driver.
Do you still have the 2 Elasticated rubber cords in the door? or have they stretched. I really have to push the table in to get the catch engaged. There is no movement thereafter.

They seem to be fine, and it latches quite tightly. I keep meaning to take it out just to check that it's the table that's rattling not the door itself.

 

[Paul Onions]

A tray so you can move everything off the top of the fridge is a must have accessory for me.

 

[Steve64]

Was having this discussion with another Cali owner recently who didn't have a bungee...like all these things, there are personal preferences. .

Excuse my ignorance here but what is the purpose of the bungee?