Hooray...100% Optimised Storage in rear of Cali.....

[SRM]

Hey Guys, Having had my Cali a while and having taken an age searching the entire web for storage boxes with the exact dimensions to match the available space in the Cali I can now report that I have finally done it. I did consider the sliding drawer but was disappointed to find that it wastes such a lot of space which is absolutely at a premium in this vehicle.

I know that we all have different needs but you can now maximise ALL the space under the shelf in the rear of your pride and joy.






I achieved this by buying the following:

Qty 1 x 35 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx480mmxW390mmxD310mm
Qty 2 x 33 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx710mmxW440mmxD165mm

You can get these all over the internet including at www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk

1 x Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 plus holdall
1 x Thule Leveling Ramps plus holdall

These combine to make use of ALL the available space under the shelf and you even have room at the side for the windbreak.........

The rear tailgate closes perfectly!

Oh and the photo shows the comfort mattress in its own holdall.....this is a Kampa XL Carry Bag which was made for Recliner Chairs but it was made to measure for the mattress....

Hope this post helps out and saves some time.


All the Best. Happy Campings.

 

[Saesneg Shaun]

Hi Steward, Newbie question but what is the little grey square for just to the left of your shelf?
I don't remember seeing it on the Cali we viewed.

 

[Hotel California]

@Zooks , as your details says "T6.1 ocean" you should have this , i'ts the rear shower attachment.

 

[fozzybear]

Excellent - what size Thule levelling ramps do uou have?

 

[Saesneg Shaun]

@Zooks , as your details says "T6.1 ocean" you should have this , i'ts the rear shower attachment.

Thank you. My Ocean has only just been ordered. The shower extension was an optional extra.
I thought that it might have been a gas take off for a BBQ!

 

[Elly Swanson]

Hey Guys, Having had my Cali a while and having taken an age searching the entire web for storage boxes with the exact dimensions to match the available space in the Cali I can now report that I have finally done it. I did consider the sliding drawer but was disappointed to find that it wastes such a lot of space which is absolutely at a premium in this vehicle.

I know that we all have different needs but you can now maximise ALL the space under the shelf in the rear of your pride and joy.

View attachment 64391

View attachment 64392


I achieved this by buying the following:

Qty 1 x 35 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx480mmxW390mmxD310mm
Qty 2 x 33 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx710mmxW440mmxD165mm

You can get these all over the internet including at www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk

1 x Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 plus holdall
1 x Thule Leveling Ramps plus holdall

These combine to make use of ALL the available space under the shelf and you even have room at the side for the windbreak.........

The rear tailgate closes perfectly!

Oh and the photo shows the comfort mattress in its own holdall.....this is a Kampa XL Carry Bag which was made for Recliner Chairs but it was made to measure for the mattress....

Hope this post helps out and saves some time.


All the Best. Happy Campings.

Really useful boxes are fab. You can also get them cheaper sometimes in diy, stationery or craft stores.

The 9 litre fits perfectly in the gap between the passenger seat and the handbrake (handy for maps, books and odd bits, either when driving or camped. I have a piece of carpet glued to the top of ours as our short-legged dog uses it as a step to get to his bed/chill out space on the passenger seat when camped.

If your portaloo is a little too low the 18 litre underneath brings it up to a decent height.

 

[Erbster]

I often carry scuba equipment and also obsess about maximising the use of boot space, to the extent that I often sleep on the downstairs bed with only the topper on the shelf, so I can have it in the raised position.

Another vote here for RUBs.

CaliVentures

Adventures in a VW California camper van

caliventures364847572.wordpress.com

 

[BeagleMum]

Hey Guys, Having had my Cali a while and having taken an age searching the entire web for storage boxes with the exact dimensions to match the available space in the Cali I can now report that I have finally done it. I did consider the sliding drawer but was disappointed to find that it wastes such a lot of space which is absolutely at a premium in this vehicle.

I know that we all have different needs but you can now maximise ALL the space under the shelf in the rear of your pride and joy.

View attachment 64391

View attachment 64392


I achieved this by buying the following:

Qty 1 x 35 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx480mmxW390mmxD310mm
Qty 2 x 33 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx710mmxW440mmxD165mm

You can get these all over the internet including at www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk

1 x Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 plus holdall
1 x Thule Leveling Ramps plus holdall

These combine to make use of ALL the available space under the shelf and you even have room at the side for the windbreak.........

The rear tailgate closes perfectly!

Oh and the photo shows the comfort mattress in its own holdall.....this is a Kampa XL Carry Bag which was made for Recliner Chairs but it was made to measure for the mattress....

Hope this post helps out and saves some time.


All the Best. Happy Campings.

We wouldn’t be without our sliding drawer it’s a brilliant addition to the Cali. We actually are now in the position of having some unused / empty storage areas

 

[Dr-Snickers]

Hey Guys, Having had my Cali a while and having taken an age searching the entire web for storage boxes with the exact dimensions to match the available space in the Cali I can now report that I have finally done it. I did consider the sliding drawer but was disappointed to find that it wastes such a lot of space which is absolutely at a premium in this vehicle.

I know that we all have different needs but you can now maximise ALL the space under the shelf in the rear of your pride and joy.

View attachment 64391

View attachment 64392


I achieved this by buying the following:

Qty 1 x 35 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx480mmxW390mmxD310mm
Qty 2 x 33 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx710mmxW440mmxD165mm

You can get these all over the internet including at www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk

1 x Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 plus holdall
1 x Thule Leveling Ramps plus holdall

These combine to make use of ALL the available space under the shelf and you even have room at the side for the windbreak.........

The rear tailgate closes perfectly!

Oh and the photo shows the comfort mattress in its own holdall.....this is a Kampa XL Carry Bag which was made for Recliner Chairs but it was made to measure for the mattress....

Hope this post helps out and saves some time.


All the Best. Happy Campings.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I can’t tell you how useful this has been. I was trying to work out where I could go to try the different sizes. You’ve even answered my question about how to fit the boxes around the Thetford and allow a windbreak for our regular beach trips. I will be ordering ASAP!

 

[Amarillo]

Pah!

With the bench seat positioned on the rails for lowering into the bed, I can get all the following below the level of the Beach's multiflex.

2 x 68 litre crates
2 x 44 litre trays
1 x 62 litre drawer
2 x 49 litre drawer
1 x 35 litre drawer
1 x 24 litre gas storage box (2 x 907 bottles)
Gas stove
150cm x 38cm kitchen bench top

 

[OGII]

Pah!

With the bench seat positioned on the rails for lowering into the bed, I can get all the following

Storage Top Trumps, love it.

Any one store one of these in their conversion?

Google Image Result for https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GIG9P0lB1iA/maxresdefault.jpg

 

[Elly Swanson]

Storage Top Trumps, love it.

Any one store one of these in their conversion?

Google Image Result for https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GIG9P0lB1iA/maxresdefault.jpg

OMG, I could fill that easy, then I'd need to keep it extended and put some little wheels on the struts!

 

[JonnyS]

Oooooh. I love the mattress carrier. I’ve got a beach though so I wonder if they do a largeR size?

 

[Phoenix387]

This company looks like a good bet if you want a custom made bag. We keep debating whether to have one for our mattress.

Made To Measure Bags and Covers

Made to measure bespoke bags and covers

www.bagsandcoversdirect.co.uk

 

[Aubisque]

If you remove the ‘cover’ for the ski load area by the bottom drawer, it’s an excellent space for the levelling ramps....and helpfully means you can also access them from the cabin if you have bikes on the tailgate arriving at a location.

 

[Agnes]

Hey Guys, Having had my Cali a while and having taken an age searching the entire web for storage boxes with the exact dimensions to match the available space in the Cali I can now report that I have finally done it. I did consider the sliding drawer but was disappointed to find that it wastes such a lot of space which is absolutely at a premium in this vehicle.

I know that we all have different needs but you can now maximise ALL the space under the shelf in the rear of your pride and joy.

View attachment 64391

View attachment 64392


I achieved this by buying the following:

Qty 1 x 35 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx480mmxW390mmxD310mm
Qty 2 x 33 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx710mmxW440mmxD165mm

You can get these all over the internet including at www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk

1 x Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 plus holdall
1 x Thule Leveling Ramps plus holdall

These combine to make use of ALL the available space under the shelf and you even have room at the side for the windbreak.........

The rear tailgate closes perfectly!

Oh and the photo shows the comfort mattress in its own holdall.....this is a Kampa XL Carry Bag which was made for Recliner Chairs but it was made to measure for the mattress....

Hope this post helps out and saves some time.


All the Best. Happy Campings.

Nice. But I wouldn't be without the drawer. It makes it possible to get at everything in there without taking stuff out. And as for optimum storage with a drawer it's really hard to beat the fantastic post by howiedog 20th May 2020 (sorry not sure how to copy) . This is true genius.

 

[Vwcaliforniajapan]

Hey Guys, Having had my Cali a while and having taken an age searching the entire web for storage boxes with the exact dimensions to match the available space in the Cali I can now report that I have finally done it. I did consider the sliding drawer but was disappointed to find that it wastes such a lot of space which is absolutely at a premium in this vehicle.

I know that we all have different needs but you can now maximise ALL the space under the shelf in the rear of your pride and joy.

View attachment 64391

View attachment 64392


I achieved this by buying the following:

Qty 1 x 35 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx480mmxW390mmxD310mm
Qty 2 x 33 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx710mmxW440mmxD165mm

You can get these all over the internet including at www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk

1 x Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 plus holdall
1 x Thule Leveling Ramps plus holdall

These combine to make use of ALL the available space under the shelf and you even have room at the side for the windbreak.........

The rear tailgate closes perfectly!

Oh and the photo shows the comfort mattress in its own holdall.....this is a Kampa XL Carry Bag which was made for Recliner Chairs but it was made to measure for the mattress....

Hope this post helps out and saves some time.


All the Best. Happy Campings.

Congratulations with your plastic boxes

 

[flyingmm]

Pah!

With the bench seat positioned on the rails for lowering into the bed, I can get all the following below the level of the Beach's multiflex.
View attachment 64486
2 x 68 litre crates
2 x 44 litre trays
1 x 62 litre drawer
2 x 49 litre drawer
1 x 35 litre drawer
1 x 24 litre gas storage box (2 x 907 bottles)
Gas stove
150cm x 38cm kitchen bench top

Well done for solving the Beach Puzzle! Are your wooden boxes homemade? Also interested if anyone has tried this with aluminium boxes. Like the look of the Zarges .... but not the £££. That said guess they would last a lifetime.

 

[clarinetbcn]

Packing solution for Beach

Ok, I know there are lots of similar threads but this solution works for us...3 weeks in France before having to cut it short to avoid quarantine-quick unpack/repack. We are a family of 4 and a dog-We have the brilliant but very bulky Vanessa Mattress, Vanessa storage bags and are taking a Khyam...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Amarillo]

Well done for solving the Beach Puzzle! Are your wooden boxes homemade? Also interested if anyone has tried this with aluminium boxes. Like the look of the Zarges .... but not the £££. That said guess they would last a lifetime.

Yes, homemade. I had a local timber merchant cut the plywood to size and all I had to do was nail the bits together. The 20 pieces were cut from a single sheet of 8' by 4' 9mm plywood, and the cutting cost me £20.

I looked carefully at Zarges, but couldn't work out a fit. I have a 157 litre Zarges Eurobox, and they really are excellent quality.

 

[Troglodyte]

Hey Guys, Having had my Cali a while and having taken an age searching the entire web for storage boxes with the exact dimensions to match the available space in the Cali I can now report that I have finally done it. I did consider the sliding drawer but was disappointed to find that it wastes such a lot of space which is absolutely at a premium in this vehicle.

I know that we all have different needs but you can now maximise ALL the space under the shelf in the rear of your pride and joy.

View attachment 64391

View attachment 64392


I achieved this by buying the following:

Qty 1 x 35 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx480mmxW390mmxD310mm
Qty 2 x 33 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx710mmxW440mmxD165mm

You can get these all over the internet including at www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk

1 x Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 plus holdall
1 x Thule Leveling Ramps plus holdall

These combine to make use of ALL the available space under the shelf and you even have room at the side for the windbreak.........

The rear tailgate closes perfectly!

Oh and the photo shows the comfort mattress in its own holdall.....this is a Kampa XL Carry Bag which was made for Recliner Chairs but it was made to measure for the mattress....

Hope this post helps out and saves some time.


All the Best. Happy Campings.

It is always a challenge to fit all your camping and activity gear in the van, but also how different our needs are. There’s no room for boxes in mine as full already with:
Vango Kela V - drive away awning, pump and poles
Thetford 335 Porta Potti
Cadac BBQ and gas bottle
Brazier
That’s it, full up.

 

[Pitstop Penny]

Hey Guys, Having had my Cali a while and having taken an age searching the entire web for storage boxes with the exact dimensions to match the available space in the Cali I can now report that I have finally done it. I did consider the sliding drawer but was disappointed to find that it wastes such a lot of space which is absolutely at a premium in this vehicle.

I know that we all have different needs but you can now maximise ALL the space under the shelf in the rear of your pride and joy.

View attachment 64391

View attachment 64392


I achieved this by buying the following:

Qty 1 x 35 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx480mmxW390mmxD310mm
Qty 2 x 33 Litre Really Useful Box (Dimensions Lx710mmxW440mmxD165mm

You can get these all over the internet including at www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk

1 x Thetford Porta Potti Qube 335 plus holdall
1 x Thule Leveling Ramps plus holdall

These combine to make use of ALL the available space under the shelf and you even have room at the side for the windbreak.........

The rear tailgate closes perfectly!

Oh and the photo shows the comfort mattress in its own holdall.....this is a Kampa XL Carry Bag which was made for Recliner Chairs but it was made to measure for the mattress....

Hope this post helps out and saves some time.


All the Best. Happy Campings.

Super helpful! Thank you! I’ve just ordered a bag for the loo and all those boxes. I haven’t yet solved the boot, so this will really get us there.