burko73
VIP Member
- Messages
- 180
- Vehicle
- T5 SE 180
Hi
After picking our Cali up at easter we've either been ill or busy at work or have had rubbish weather.
We finally managed to get away to Dorset last weekend in the Cali to give it it's first outing with us.
We've had a t4 for the last 5 yrs that I converted myself which had all the usual equipment such as Smev hob sink, propex heater, waeco fridge. Nopoptop although after 5 yrs we were a bit nervous with a new van as its almost like moving house. Would it all work ok, would our usual stuff fit in, where would the awning store... Would the pop top be cold, flappy, windy?
Anyway it was great. Loads of overtaking power from the 180 engine, air con, room for everything due to the sliding bench seat and plenty of space in the cupboards. The fridge has lots of usable room and stays cold, the hob was good, plenty of water despite the tank being only 40 percent of the capacity of our t4 tank, the diesel heater was amazing even compared to our propex one in the t4, the pop top was absolutely amazing, loads of room, comfortable, airy but warm enough with the Cali topper. With the roof up we didn't need to move the dog cage off the rear shelf each night to sleep. The tinted glass was great as we're the sun/ night blinds. We could get into the cupboards and draw even when the seat was forward/ table was up etc. the table is great as well, didn't see the need for the rail system in the t4 but it really works in the Cali. People camp
Ing next to us we're amazed by the seats and table In the doors.
We loved it and will be off again soon.
Just a couple of niggles:
1. Swivelling the drivers seat is an a£&e. Why oh why didn't VW lower the handbrake or have a dash mounted one. My mums golf has a push button handbrake that would be great. This is especially painful n sloping sites when using ramps to level the van. The van always moves when you let the handbrake off. Even with a wheel chock.
2. The pop top sliding door always comes open when you accelerate or go up a steep hill. Is there a fix for this? Is it a warranty job?
3. There's load of roomin the wardrobe but we don't hang stuff up on the rail. It could do with some shelves in there as loose stuffsacs of items can get rub on the door slats.
4. The sink isn't very big.
Apart from the above it was great...
After picking our Cali up at easter we've either been ill or busy at work or have had rubbish weather.
We finally managed to get away to Dorset last weekend in the Cali to give it it's first outing with us.
We've had a t4 for the last 5 yrs that I converted myself which had all the usual equipment such as Smev hob sink, propex heater, waeco fridge. Nopoptop although after 5 yrs we were a bit nervous with a new van as its almost like moving house. Would it all work ok, would our usual stuff fit in, where would the awning store... Would the pop top be cold, flappy, windy?
Anyway it was great. Loads of overtaking power from the 180 engine, air con, room for everything due to the sliding bench seat and plenty of space in the cupboards. The fridge has lots of usable room and stays cold, the hob was good, plenty of water despite the tank being only 40 percent of the capacity of our t4 tank, the diesel heater was amazing even compared to our propex one in the t4, the pop top was absolutely amazing, loads of room, comfortable, airy but warm enough with the Cali topper. With the roof up we didn't need to move the dog cage off the rear shelf each night to sleep. The tinted glass was great as we're the sun/ night blinds. We could get into the cupboards and draw even when the seat was forward/ table was up etc. the table is great as well, didn't see the need for the rail system in the t4 but it really works in the Cali. People camp
Ing next to us we're amazed by the seats and table In the doors.
We loved it and will be off again soon.
Just a couple of niggles:
1. Swivelling the drivers seat is an a£&e. Why oh why didn't VW lower the handbrake or have a dash mounted one. My mums golf has a push button handbrake that would be great. This is especially painful n sloping sites when using ramps to level the van. The van always moves when you let the handbrake off. Even with a wheel chock.
2. The pop top sliding door always comes open when you accelerate or go up a steep hill. Is there a fix for this? Is it a warranty job?
3. There's load of roomin the wardrobe but we don't hang stuff up on the rail. It could do with some shelves in there as loose stuffsacs of items can get rub on the door slats.
4. The sink isn't very big.
Apart from the above it was great...
