External pod

kave · Jan 26, 2016

This seems like a great idea, I imagine one can use the standard bicycle holder to also transport bikes at the same time

http://t5-wiki.de/wiki/Heckbox#Die_...em_Campingplatz_.2F_Externes_K.C3.BCchenmodul

18hunts · Jan 26, 2016

Every great idea has a disadvantage equal to or exceeding the greatness of the idea.
If you are not careful you could be hanging far too much weight of the back of the Cali and with bikes as well it would increase the weight where you don't want it.

kave · Jan 26, 2016

Oh yes, but comparing four bikes and a box with kitchen stuff with a caravan of 2 tonnes?

The Alubox in itself doesn't weigh much. The Thule 929 which I intend to use as platform has a load capacity of 60kg plus its own weight of 25kg.

zeratul · Jan 26, 2016

It doesn't look like you can open the tailgate with this thing. And it's cooking in the rain.
Unless you take it off for every cup of coffee.

18hunts · Jan 26, 2016

A tow bar has a nose weight restriction and I think the Cali is about 100 kg but I'm sure somebody will correct me if wrong. So any device you put onto the tow bar, caravan or box with Thule 929, should not exceed the nose weight restriction. It often gets overlooked but the bike rack and bikes also need taking into account when considering how much weight you hang of the back of the vehicle. That combined weight effects not just the rear suspension but also the handling of the vehicle. Anybody who has towed and badly loaded trailer/caravan will tell you how scary that can be!
I'm not saying don't use one just be mindful of the weight being added.

owen_h · Jan 26, 2016

18hunts said:
A tow bar has a nose weight restriction and I think the Cali is about 100 kg but I'm sure somebody will correct me if wrong.

your not wrong, from https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/range/camper-vans-t6/california-ocean/specification : "Roof load limit: 100kg (with two roof carriers) or 150kg (with at least four roof carriers). Trailer nose weight: 100kg."

I can see the external pod could be an option for long trips where it gets moved into an awning when on site. Prefer the Slidepod or internal pod options though.

Bigted · Jan 26, 2016

owen_h said:
your not wrong, from https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/range/camper-vans-t6/california-ocean/specification : "Roof load limit: 100kg (with two roof carriers) or 150kg (with at least four roof carriers). Trailer nose weight: 100kg."

I can see the external pod could be an option for long trips where it gets moved into an awning when on site. Prefer the Slidepod or internal pod options though.

The Cali roof limit is 50kg I believe.

owen_h · Jan 26, 2016

VW should probably update the specifications section of their website then as its current saying 100kg. (same as the panel van).

sidepod · Jan 26, 2016

At home would you remove the sink and cooker from the kitchen and plonk them outside on the patio, right by the door so you can't use it and you have to stand outside in the elements to make a brew?

Didn't think so.

WelshGas · Jan 26, 2016

I think that box is a very good idea - for Warmer Climates, such as Southern Europe etc:
For the UK and Northern Europe - not so much.

A trip out today with such a box and it would be filthy - just what you need for your kitchen.

kave · Jan 26, 2016

I would say it is more a storage box, if you like to use the burner inside then just do it. Even bigger problem with the UK produced slidepod since that is not very easy to bring inside.
The whole idea is that it tilts down so you can open the rear door.

I own a Thule Bike rack and I think it is a great idea to mount a alubox on it to transport certain items ( since ordering the Cali I seem to have forgot the bad weather we usually have i Sweden

).
I see myself cooking outside the whole summer

Going over 50kg of equipment, in this example it is 153Liters of storage, I imagine that will be quite hard.

jts46 · Jan 27, 2016

I have a box similar to this that i mounted onto my thule bike rack, i use it mainly for extra storage space on our trips in europe. It is an "enders aluminium box". Very useful.

John