Hello, I now have my new Cali Ocean on my drive. There are a lot of things to learn!!!

[Croydongirl]

Thanks to those of you who helped me when I was trying to decide whether to go ahead and buy a new van unseen and with no chance of a handover due to Covid restrictions. The company were as helpful as they could be given the circumstances - but we are now going to be learning as we go along. And sheesh -there is a lot to learn! We have been out for a first day trip and tried out the satnav etc, but have not slept in it yet as we need to stock up on a bit of kit and decide what to do about the all important potty question!!
California Chris videos are coming in very useful so far.
One question - is there an alternative to getting a purpose built step ladder to get up into the roof? I gather one cannot stand on the armrest but we do need a boost of about 6 inches.
Thanks

 

[LucyYorkshire]

Congratulations that you’ve had your Cali delivered - I wish you all the happiness with your new adventures ahead. I might be wrong but I think you can stand on the arm rest.... but my Cali hasn’t been delivered yet so I guess I’m not a ‘qualified helper’!

 

[Mr T]

Congratulations that you’ve had your Cali delivered - I wish you all the happiness with your new adventures ahead. I might be wrong but I think you can stand on the arm rest.... but my Cali hasn’t been delivered yet so I guess I’m not a ‘qualified helper’!

I wouldn’t advise using the arm rest, you will break it.
I climb up by standing on the edge of the seat then using the top of the back rest for a final push up.

 

[LucyYorkshire]

I wouldn’t advise using the arm rest, you will break it.
I climb up by standing on the edge of the seat then using the top of the back rest for a final push up.

Thank you My T - A good thing someone else has asked this question before my Cali is delivered!

 

[Corradobrit]

Is it possible to stand on a Thetford porta potti? That would kill 2 birds with one stone providing the convenience of a potty and a boost into the upper sleeping compartment.

 

[2into1]

I reckon 90% of us manage the ascent without any equipment. Another 8‰ bought a ladder so want to use it. 1% really need a ladder. The other 1% got up and can't get down and haven't been heard from in a while.
Don't stand on the armrest. You may get away with it at the joint, but not further down, but it's generally not necessary.

 

[Perfectos]

Croydon girl,

The secret to accessing the upper bed is lots of alcohol, but you won’t remember how you did it in the morning!

edit: it’s easier than you think! Think face plant !

 

[kurienp]

Is it possible to stand on a Thetford porta potti? That would kill 2 birds with one stone providing the convenience of a potty and a boost into the upper sleeping compartment.

but that will not fit between the two seats ... and, no, it is too low for that purpose - lower than the seat sides

 

[David Eccles]

for past 10 years we've been using a version of this...available in similar from various places. Position sideways in gangway up to side by pull back section....we love it
but there are other ideas out there do a search
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NCGT8LV/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[AlisonF]

Also don’t stand in the middle of the seat as it can damage the heated seat.
Telescopic ladder for me works brilliantly.
Congrats on your new van!

 

[Corradobrit]

but that will not fit between the two seats ... and, no, it is too low for that purpose - lower than the seat sides

OP said they only needed a 6" boost, I assume so they can stand on the corner of the seat. I don't think it needs to fit between the seats to be useful.

 

[GillianC]

I am 5ft 5 ins but really wish I had an extra 2 inches in height. It would make all the difference in both accessing the top bed and also pulling down the top bunk prior to lowering the roof. For the latter I have to stand on tip toes and jump a bit.
I have a ladder but frankly think the chance Is greater doing myself injury if it, or I slipped.
Meanwhile I am continuing with the Pilates to try and build my upper body strength

 

[Bellcrew]

OP said they only needed a 6" boost, I assume so they can stand on the corner of the seat. I don't think it needs to fit between the seats to be useful.

Don't overthink it, a plastic folding portable step will give you enough height when positioned on the seat, multiple other uses, takes up next to no room, £10 will buy one from camping shops/Amazon etc.

 

[66tim99]

These are great. Better than a flushing lump because it is light and collapsible
https://www.amazon.co.uk/your-order...es=&returnUnitMappingId=&shipmentId=DwhTrnLD3

 

[GillianC]

The link doesn’t come up?

 

[66tim99]

The link doesn’t come up?

Does this?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0813G6NHW/?tag=eliteelect-21

Does this?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0813G6NHW/?tag=eliteelect-21

Or this?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0813G6NHW/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[GillianC]

Or this?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0813G6NHW/?tag=eliteelect-21

Yes! A bivvy loo

I personally am a fan of the BIAB
(Bog in a bag)!

 

[Dark Ocean]

Thanks to those of you who helped me when I was trying to decide whether to go ahead and buy a new van unseen and with no chance of a handover due to Covid restrictions. The company were as helpful as they could be given the circumstances - but we are now going to be learning as we go along. And sheesh -there is a lot to learn! We have been out for a first day trip and tried out the satnav etc, but have not slept in it yet as we need to stock up on a bit of kit and decide what to do about the all important potty question!!
California Chris videos are coming in very useful so far.
One question - is there an alternative to getting a purpose built step ladder to get up into the roof? I gather one cannot stand on the armrest but we do need a boost of about 6 inches.
Thanks

Hey Croydongirl, congrats on your new wheels!! Don’t forget to post the all important pics!!
Have fun and enjoy!!

 

[sapto]

Welcome here!

Wish you all the best with your new van/dreammachine!

 

[Lambeth Cali]

I usually spin the drivers seat only. This means I can stand on that seat and get a leg up on the top of passenger backrest.
We only tend to have 3 sat in the van. Even if it’s raining I tend to take the dad position cowering under the awning.

 

[HansS]

Ladder hefdak | Campervanshop.eu

De ladder voor het hefdak is ontwikkeld voor de California T5, T6 en T6.1. Met de ladder heeft u een comfortabele toegang tot het bovenbed. De ladder past tussen de voorstoelen, en is in te klappen, waardoor deze ruimte bespaart bij het opbergen. 145 cm lang, 29 cm breed, opgevouwen: 82 cm...

www.campervanshop.eu

 

[GrannyJen]

I find the best thing to do is to remain terribly calm, open a bottle of wine, pour a glass, think it through then pour another glass for courage.

Then you will be able to stand on the edge of the seat turned round, use the "shoulders" of the seat not turned round for leverage, get one's butt on to the edge of the bed and squirm in.

Of course depending upon the size of wine glass you might just fall into a crumpled heap half way through in which case I would recommend pouring another glass before opting to sleep downstairs.

 

[Croydongirl]

These are great. Better than a flushing lump because it is light and collapsible
https://www.amazon.co.uk/your-order...es=&returnUnitMappingId=&shipmentId=DwhTrnLD3

Thanks for reply- but it won't let me look at your Order oage 66tim99...?Tim? Shame I could have made a few extra orders of kit ;-)

Congratulations that you’ve had your Cali delivered - I wish you all the happiness with your new adventures ahead. I might be wrong but I think you can stand on the arm rest.... but my Cali hasn’t been delivered yet so I guess I’m not a ‘qualified helper’!

Hope yours comes soon Lucy

 

[66tim99]

Thanks for reply- but it won't let me look at your Order oage 66tim99...?Tim? Shame I could have made a few extra orders of kit ;-)


Hope yours comes soon Lucy

Sorry (and phew!)
Here you go
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0813G6NHW/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[B J G]

I use a rope ladder hooked over the headrest and go up backwards, heels on rungs.

like this one>

Trem Folding Rope Ladder 3 Steps

Trem Folding Rope Ladder 3 Steps

www.marinesuperstore.com

Or make your own

Nuova Rade Plastic Step for Rope Ladder

Nuova Rade Plastic Step for Rope Ladder - Order from Marine Super Store.

www.marinesuperstore.com