How paranoid should I be?

[Elly Swanson]

Vw do a locking bolt for the spare wheel for about £10, works like a locking wheel bolt. Bulbs and fuse will only really be needed if you take your cali abroad. Hope you enjoy your new van.

the shop attached to this site do a very good security bolt for the spare wheel.

 

[westfalia]

Hi vis vests, definitely a requirement in France - one for each person in the vehicle. IMO an important safety item anyway, for driving in any country.

Breathalysers used to be required but no longer, in effect. (See: https://www.drive-france.com/faqs/france-breathalyzer-law/)

Agree there,
Hi Viz vests in all vehicles, you just know it makes sense.

 

[WelshGas]

Vw do a locking bolt for the spare wheel for about £10, works like a locking wheel bolt. Bulbs and fuse will only really be needed if you take your cali abroad. Hope you enjoy your new van.

Unfortunately, the VW Locking Bolt, on its own, is easily removed with a mole wrench as the head is not shrouded as it would be when fitted on an Alloy Wheel. The Spare Safe, sold in the Shop and on eBay, does shroud the head so that the special socket has to be used.

 

[Jabberwocky]

1. Is a requirement if Travelling on the Continent

Spare bulbs? What to do if you have LED headlights?

 

[Wild Bob]

Hi.
I picked up my new/used T6 Ocean a few weeks ago and after reading a lot of stuff online and watching youtube videos, I decided n the following.


Bellow Bungee Cord for pop top - Ebay
Comfortz Cali Topper - With Windows - from the Cali Club
Hook up cables - Amazon
Hook Up Cable Storage Bag - Cali Club
UK Hook Up Adapter for use at Home - Cali Club
Assorted Fuses - Cali Club
Multi Purpose non slip mat for front and rear cupboards and work tops - Amazon & B&M
VW T5 T6 'Volkswagen' Step Mats - 3 Piece Set - Black - Cali Club
Deluxe Carpet Full Set for VW California T5/T6 Black - SE / Ocean 2 Rails - Cali Club
Inverter Adapter to UK 3 Pin + USB - Cali Club
Spirit Level - Amazon
First Aid Kit - Amazon
Fire extinguisher - Amazon
CO2 detector - Amazon
Fire blanket - Amazon
USB Charger/Connector - Amazon
12v TV - Amazon
Dashcam - Amazon
Toaster Grill thingy - Amazon
Tracker - Amazon
Mattress Topper - IKEA
Parking Levellers - Amazon
Sterile Wipes - Amazon
Gas Bottle (907) - Local camping gas shop £55
Kettle - B&M
Cadac Chef 2 Pro - Amazon

To be fair I don't get out much, LOL! and have gone a bit nuts, but then I intend to keep my Cali for many years to come, so I'll use the majority of stuff over time.

Hehehehe we had the same list plus Awnings, yes 2 small for 2 days larger for longer stays lol

 

[WelshGas]

Spare bulbs? What to do if you have LED headlights?

Exactly. We are now seeing all LED Rear Light Units as well and you aren't going to be carrying a Spare R & L units. The regulations have not moved with the times.

 

[Wild Bob]

Exactly. We are now seeing all LED Rear Light Units as well and you aren't going to be carrying a Spare R & L units. The regulations have not moved with the times.

We don't intend to travel abroad in our Cali but yes led front and rear lights too.

 

[steve_b]

Exactly. We are now seeing all LED Rear Light Units as well and you aren't going to be carrying a Spare R & L units. The regulations have not moved with the times.

Could probably pick up a red and a white led for a few pence in order to technically satisfy a regulation if it says you must have a spare bulb.

No practical way of using them of course but ticks a box

 

[Elly Swanson]

Unfortunately, the VW Locking Bolt, on its own, is easily removed with a mole wrench as the head is not shrouded as it would be when fitted on an Alloy Wheel. The Spare Safe, sold in the Shop and on eBay, does shroud the head so that the special socket has to be used.

Kalikev told us all about the spare wheel bolt when we were up in the shop at a meet. It was the first thing we bought. Gives us peace of mind. Make sure you carry the part for removing it in the van though.

 

[Karlos]

Exactly. We are now seeing all LED Rear Light Units as well and you aren't going to be carrying a Spare R & L units. The regulations have not moved with the times.

Thanks Welsh Gas, welded up a shroud for mine but yes if you just had the bolt I can see that could be a problem.

 

[Eber123]

Good afternoon,

I am just back from a small trip. After I cleaned the van from the inside a bit (no point from the outside) I remembered this threat and took this photo:



In the additional small drawer I only added things I believe might be handy for emergencies. Items for camping are mainly under the big drawer under the back bench.

• 2x yellow vests (for my wife and me)
• Fire extinguisher (required in several countries, but simple a good idea to have anyway)
• H7 spare bulbs (just to fulfill the requirement of some countries. But if there is a problem I will call for help)
• Breathalyzer (semi required in France. They are only a few Euros so no harm to have it)
• 2x emergency lights (offer from LIdl. I only bought 2x. If they are on offer again I buy more)
• Shovel (just looks good)
• Saw (one never know)
• Pocket knife
• Gloves

During the spring clean (hopefully in a few weeks), I will move the following items into the small drawer as well:

• Warning triangle
• First aide kit
• Rope

These items are already in the van, but on different places.

I will buy some tools:

• Several screw drivers
• 2x different pliers
• Hammer

I am sure all this will fit nicely into the new small drawer under the back bench.

Happy California,

Eberhard

 

[Meoncoast]

@haydnw2 How Paranoid should I be? I think more so than when you posted the question.

Think - what is a legal requirement where you plan to travel. What supports security ie locking wheel safe.
what you may need for little emergencies on the road. Otherwise, you will buy stuff you will never use and need a trailer to take it all with you.

 

[Meoncoast]

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Robust and easy to carry you can just pocket or pack the inReach Mini 2 and keep in touch anywhere whether it’s an emergency or a message to your family

www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

 

[haydnw2]

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Robust and easy to carry you can just pocket or pack the inReach Mini 2 and keep in touch anywhere whether it’s an emergency or a message to your family

www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

One of my favourite toys! I use it when I go off running on my own, to cover areas where there's no mobile signal.

Thanks all for the suggestions. I think I'll get the security spare wheel bolt from the shop, but it's only a steel wheel so doesn't seem much point going for the platinum-standard version.

I've also added one of these to the first aid kit, which otherwise looks fairly reasonable:

Site is undergoing maintenance

If you are not redirected within 5 seconds please click below. REDIRECT ME

www.reliancemedical.co.uk

 

[Elly Swanson]

@haydnw2 How Paranoid should I be? I think more so than when you posted the question.

Think - what is a legal requirement where you plan to travel. What supports security ie locking wheel safe.
what you may need for little emergencies on the road. Otherwise, you will buy stuff you will never use and need a trailer to take it all with you.

Also think about what you will worry about not having.If you feel you want/need something to give you peace of mind, you should include that too.

 

[kurienp]

Also think about what you will worry about not having.If you feel you want/need something to give you peace of mind, you should include that too.

@Elly Swanson , that's then calling for a trailer behind the Cali

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[SimonB]

Exactly. We are now seeing all LED Rear Light Units as well and you aren't going to be carrying a Spare R & L units. The regulations have not moved with the times.

I suppose if you had a tow bar and socket you could use a trailer board with your reg number on it. I imagine that would be legal.

 

[Meoncoast]

Question. As some countries say by law you must carry spare bulbs. In law is an LED light a bulb?

 

[WelshGas]

I suppose if you had a tow bar and socket you could use a trailer board with your reg number on it. I imagine that would be legal.

I'm sure the LED headlights or Rear Light units are less likely to fail and that if they did fail the Police would understand whilst escorting you to the nearest VW Dealership for them to replace the unit. Unlikely the Dealership would have a Unit in their Parts Bin but I'm sure it would only take a maximum 72 hrs to get one.