First three nights.... a few questions...

[Michael Minta]

Hi all

Just had our first trip out in our Cali (purchased in January!...so so pleased...

A few random questions if I may from the gathered expertise...

The spring broke at some point on the flap covering the charging point..is this easy to replace?
If I get a second ridge monkey, will it be interchangeable eg. Two lids for together?
The floor seems a bit squashy/soft in places, eg between the front seats...should I be worried or is this normal?
This is a 2010 - is is possible to replace the cooker/sink hood/cover for two separate ones (as in newer vans) or has anyone got suggested alternatives to put either over the sink when cooking or over the hobs when washing up?

I won’t ask right now about the different toppers, as we were fine with out for the three nights....

Thanks all.

 

[Bill R]

Hi all

Just had our first trip out in our Cali (purchased in January!...so so pleased...

A few random questions if I may from the gathered expertise...

The spring broke at some point on the flap covering the charging point..is this easy to replace?
If I get a second ridge monkey, will it be interchangeable eg. Two lids for together?
The floor seems a bit squashy/soft in places, eg between the front seats...should I be worried or is this normal?
This is a 2010 - is is possible to replace the cooker/sink hood/cover for two separate ones (as in newer vans) or has anyone got suggested alternatives to put either over the sink when cooking or over the hobs when washing up?

I won’t ask right now about the different toppers, as we were fine with out for the three nights....

Thanks all.

The soft floor between the front seats is normal. It is the route for wiring and is the same in all Calis

 

[Seaview]

This is a 2010 - is is possible to replace the cooker/sink hood/cover for two separate ones (as in newer vans) or has anyone got suggested alternatives to put either over the sink when cooking or over the hobs when washing up?

Don’t believe you can as a straightforward swap. Hinge placement for a start is different. Also, retaining catch x 2 required etc.

 

[Meoncoast]

Hi all

Just had our first trip out in our Cali (purchased in January!...so so pleased...

A few random questions if I may from the gathered expertise...

The spring broke at some point on the flap covering the charging point..is this easy to replace?
If I get a second ridge monkey, will it be interchangeable eg. Two lids for together?
The floor seems a bit squashy/soft in places, eg between the front seats...should I be worried or is this normal?
This is a 2010 - is is possible to replace the cooker/sink hood/cover for two separate ones (as in newer vans) or has anyone got suggested alternatives to put either over the sink when cooking or over the hobs when washing up?

I won’t ask right now about the different toppers, as we were fine with out for the three nights....

Thanks all.

Not aware of a spring on the hookup cover they will flap if not pushed shut so people add self-stick velcro or magnets if they have an issue. The split cooker top is not an up-grade and the floor is normal. We have never felt the need for topper.

 

[Louis II]

There is a chopping board that goes over the washing up bowl on the sink

Sink-Top Chopping Board / Work Surface for VW California T6.1/T6/T5

Sink-Top Chopping Board / Work Surface for VW California T6.1/T6/T5, space saving solutions, extra work space, california accessories

vwcaliforniaclub.com

I also seem to remember seeing something that goes over the hob but can't remember where.Personally I find these things mostly just get in the way. Consequently if you do want the chopping board I have on that you can have for £15 + postage which has barely been used.

 

[Ting Tong]

The spring broke at some point on the flap covering the charging point..is this easy to replace?

No but you can buy the whole black surround with flap. There’s a post on here somewhere about where to get them: they’re not exclusive to VW.

Did you use it correctly: You don’t force the black flap up. The blue flap on the plug on the end of the lead points forward and goes inside the Cali socket above the O-shaped part.

If I get a second ridge monkey, will it be interchangeable eg. Two lids for together?

Yes if they’re the same product.

The floor seems a bit squashy/soft in places, eg between the front seats...should I be worried or is this normal?

Yes

This is a 2010 - is is possible to replace the cooker/sink hood/cover for two separate ones (as in newer vans) or has anyone got suggested alternatives to put either over the sink when cooking or over the hobs when washing up?

It can’t be done easily or cheaply: the glass sink lid alone is nearly £400. You can get a chopping board shaped to fit over the sink and an Ikea chopping board fits the cutlery drawer to allow it to be pulled out and used as a shelf.

welcome btw

 

[Chiroshi]

There is a chopping board that goes over the washing up bowl on the sink

Sink-Top Chopping Board / Work Surface for VW California T6.1/T6/T5

Sink-Top Chopping Board / Work Surface for VW California T6.1/T6/T5, space saving solutions, extra work space, california accessories

vwcaliforniaclub.com

I also seem to remember seeing something that goes over the hob but can't remember where.Personally I find these things mostly just get in the way. Consequently if you do want the chopping board I have on that you can have for £15 + postage which has barely been used.

We have one of these: Calisolar Chopping board
It fits neatly over the hobs, and still allows you to close the glass.

 

[Michael Minta]

The soft floor between the front seats is normal. It is the route for wiring and is the same in all Calis

Phew....thank you...

 

[Michael Minta]

There is a chopping board that goes over the washing up bowl on the sink

Sink-Top Chopping Board / Work Surface for VW California T6.1/T6/T5

Sink-Top Chopping Board / Work Surface for VW California T6.1/T6/T5, space saving solutions, extra work space, california accessories

vwcaliforniaclub.com

I also seem to remember seeing something that goes over the hob but can't remember where.Personally I find these things mostly just get in the way. Consequently if you do want the chopping board I have on that you can have for £15 + postage which has barely been used.

Thank you and thanks for the offer...not sure we will want to do at the moment.

 

[Michael Minta]

No but you can buy the whole black surround with flap. There’s a post on here somewhere about where to get them: they’re not exclusive to VW.

Did you use it correctly: You don’t force the black flap up. The blue flap on the plug on the end of the lead points forward and goes inside the Cali socket above the O-shaped part.



Yes if they’re the same product.



Yes



It can’t be done easily or cheaply: the glass sink lid alone is nearly £400. You can get a chopping board shaped to fit over the sink and an Ikea chopping board fits the cutlery drawer to allow it to be pulled out and used as a shelf.

welcome btw

Thanks. Yes, used it properly, unsure why the spring broke.

 

[Camperfamily]

We have one of these: Calisolar Chopping board
It fits neatly over the hobs, and still allows you to close the glass.

Not seen that before. I do like that!

 

[Ting Tong]

We have one of these: Calisolar Chopping board
It fits neatly over the hobs, and still allows you to close the glass.

That’s nice....reassuringly expensive too.

 

[JerryB]

Couple of pounds chopping board from Wilco cut to fit.

 

[Chiroshi]

That’s nice....reassuringly expensive too.

It came with our second hand Ocean, not sure we would have bought it new, but it does work great. It is perfectly sized so that when you take it out, it is the same length as the fridge lid.

 

[steve_b]

Here is a "how to" to replace the entire hookup point

How to guide - replace the electrical hookup unit (broken flap)

Hi All If anyone is interested I replaced the EHU unit on the side of the Cali today. Mine is a 2008 SE but I imagine the later models are identical. I have some pictures and narrative in case it helps anyone in future. The difficulty level is on a par with re-wiring a plug - if you wouldn't...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

If you buy a new unit which was something like 10 quid and the spring is removable and would clip in I would try that first, but replace the whole unit wasn't a big job if you are comfortable re-wiring a plug

 

[Michael Minta]

Here is a "how to" to replace the entire hookup point

How to guide - replace the electrical hookup unit (broken flap)

Hi All If anyone is interested I replaced the EHU unit on the side of the Cali today. Mine is a 2008 SE but I imagine the later models are identical. I have some pictures and narrative in case it helps anyone in future. The difficulty level is on a par with re-wiring a plug - if you wouldn't...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

If you buy a new unit which was something like 10 quid and the spring is removable and would clip in I would try that first, but replace the whole unit wasn't a big job if you are comfortable re-wiring a plug

Thank you, much appreciated.

 

[Zebedee]

We have a chopping board from Poundland which is just the right size to go over the sink avoiding the plug and can remain in situ with the glass lid down.

 

[alan middleton]

Thanks. Yes, used it properly, unsure why the spring broke.

Could you send a picture please? I didn’t think there’s a spring.

 

[Michael Minta]

Could you send a picture please? I didn’t think there’s a spring.

There is definitely something making it spring back in place...interestingly not what I thought though as I have just bought a new one (as recommended on here) and the ‘spring’ isn’t where I thought it might be! I Now think it might just be the catch that’s broken and the spring just old!

 

[Perfectos]

Hi Michael

The flaps do flap, due to distortion of the plastic in heat

Have a look at this thread

I used two small neodymium magnets to keep mine in place, neat and unobtrusive but effective ( you still need to shut the flap but the magnets then keep it in place when driving

EHU inlet flap

My EHU inlet flap doesn’t catch when I close it and I have the pleasure of watching it flap around in my offside mirror as I drive along. Before I get the gaffer tape out has anyone: Had the same problem and fixed it. Know if it’s covered by the warranty (I doubt it is) If you fixed it was it...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Michael Minta]

Hi Michael

The flaps do flap, due to distortion of the plastic in heat

Have a look at this thread

I used two small neodymium magnets to keep mine in place, neat and unobtrusive but effective ( you still need to shut the flap but the magnets then keep it in place when driving

EHU inlet flap

My EHU inlet flap doesn’t catch when I close it and I have the pleasure of watching it flap around in my offside mirror as I drive along. Before I get the gaffer tape out has anyone: Had the same problem and fixed it. Know if it’s covered by the warranty (I doubt it is) If you fixed it was it...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Thanks...it was all ok...but something changed...I like the magnet idea but have new flap to fit with a good/better catch...

 

[Big Ron]

There is definitely something making it spring back in place...interestingly not what I thought though as I have just bought a new one (as recommended on here) and the ‘spring’ isn’t where I thought it might be! I Now think it might just be the catch that’s broken and the spring just old!

View attachment 62715

View attachment 62716

You seem to have a miniature person living inside your hook up point....either that or you have a gigantic hook up point.

Either way, just check the sales description to see if they were included in the sale ....are you responsible for them....servicing requirements etc....?
I know people like to personalise....just seems an odd ‘extra’ to put on a Cali?

 

[Pat]

This is a 2010 - is is possible to replace the cooker/sink hood/cover for two separate ones (as in newer vans) or has anyone got suggested alternatives to put either over the sink when cooking or over the hobs when washing up?

Mine is a 98 so maybe your 2000 is different - but you are aware that there is a stainless steel tray/food prep/draining board that folds down out of the lid to sit on the gas burners? I ask because it was a week or two before I noticed it!

 

[Michael Minta]

Oh. No, had no idea...I’ll investigate today...any chance of a picture in case I’m really clueless please?

 

[AndyWT]

Mine is a 98 so maybe your 2000 is different - but you are aware that there is a stainless steel tray/food prep/draining board that folds down out of the lid to sit on the gas burners? I ask because it was a week or two before I noticed it!

All T4 Cali’s have the stainless steel tray, it’s actually a draining board for wet dishes, if it not there I’m not surprised as it rattles like hell unless you stuff something soft between it and the burners.