daniel_thomason
VIP Member
After taking delivery of my 2025 Grand California 600 a couple of weeks ago, my Industrial Product Designer head sprung in to action. With the help of my new BambuLab P2S printer (which is absolutely amazing), I swiftly went about producing x4 products, which instantly improve storage niggles, and one which will help disguise an AirTag which is covertly positioned within the vehicle engine bay.
Item no.1 Cutlery Caddy. I was shocked to find that unlike the California Ocean (my previous vehicle), there was no cutlery tray included with the Grand California. And, thinking back to that one, and sure other people feel the same, I was sick of the constant rattling of 'silverware' sliding about. So taking reference photos, I made an offset outline of my cutlery pieces and produced a customised caddy. Yes, I still use small bands to hold the handles together, but I have to say, the optimisation of space is fantastic. So much so, I can fit plates into the drawer same space.
Item no.2 Step Hook. As with most individuals who own a Grand California, I needed a step to access the bed. Yes, I could have rested it, collapsed on the floor, but a simple solution is to hook it onto the lower divider between the living area and the garage. Yes, the step still clatters on itself, but I did add a piece of foam on the rear side of the step to avoid rattle between the step and the divider.
Item no.3 Tea Caddy. Maybe a hard-sell on this one, but my wife and I drink different tea varieties. So I produced a dual chamber tea caddy which seals off each compartment, to avoid cross contamination of flavours (okay, I said it was a hard-sell
) However, it fits perfectly into the lower storage cupboard, and maximises use of height.
Item no.4 Covert AirTag Housing. As with other people, on my previous California Ocean, I concealed an Apple AirTag within the vehicle. Yes, I know it's not an official tracker, but gave me some 'peace of mind'. However, as we all know, AirTags are now designed to be located by a third-party to stop unwanted tracking. This makes it less effective. My idea was to disguise the AirTag in an inconspicuous housing (black box) and position it within an area where it is disguised with other black plastic housings. My thought being, safety in numbers, wood for the trees, etc.
I know people on this forum have (or have access to) 3D Printers, so I'm not thinking I'm anything special... But for those who do not, I'd be happy to supply these items (and future designs) to members of vwcalifornia club. Please get in touch.
Clearly the Cutlery Caddy is customised to my cutlery, but If I am supplied with photos and overall dimensions, you too could own a rattle reducing / space optimisation custom caddy
To sum up. It is my intention to produce products which improves my camping lifestyle. But if I think they could benefit others, I'll share here.
Thanks for reading.
Item no.1 Cutlery Caddy. I was shocked to find that unlike the California Ocean (my previous vehicle), there was no cutlery tray included with the Grand California. And, thinking back to that one, and sure other people feel the same, I was sick of the constant rattling of 'silverware' sliding about. So taking reference photos, I made an offset outline of my cutlery pieces and produced a customised caddy. Yes, I still use small bands to hold the handles together, but I have to say, the optimisation of space is fantastic. So much so, I can fit plates into the drawer same space.
Item no.2 Step Hook. As with most individuals who own a Grand California, I needed a step to access the bed. Yes, I could have rested it, collapsed on the floor, but a simple solution is to hook it onto the lower divider between the living area and the garage. Yes, the step still clatters on itself, but I did add a piece of foam on the rear side of the step to avoid rattle between the step and the divider.
Item no.3 Tea Caddy. Maybe a hard-sell on this one, but my wife and I drink different tea varieties. So I produced a dual chamber tea caddy which seals off each compartment, to avoid cross contamination of flavours (okay, I said it was a hard-sell
) However, it fits perfectly into the lower storage cupboard, and maximises use of height.Item no.4 Covert AirTag Housing. As with other people, on my previous California Ocean, I concealed an Apple AirTag within the vehicle. Yes, I know it's not an official tracker, but gave me some 'peace of mind'. However, as we all know, AirTags are now designed to be located by a third-party to stop unwanted tracking. This makes it less effective. My idea was to disguise the AirTag in an inconspicuous housing (black box) and position it within an area where it is disguised with other black plastic housings. My thought being, safety in numbers, wood for the trees, etc.
I know people on this forum have (or have access to) 3D Printers, so I'm not thinking I'm anything special... But for those who do not, I'd be happy to supply these items (and future designs) to members of vwcalifornia club. Please get in touch.
Clearly the Cutlery Caddy is customised to my cutlery, but If I am supplied with photos and overall dimensions, you too could own a rattle reducing / space optimisation custom caddy
To sum up. It is my intention to produce products which improves my camping lifestyle. But if I think they could benefit others, I'll share here.
Thanks for reading.
