I pick up our new (used) T6 on Friday, and I've been having lots of fun choosing all manner of accessories to festoon it with on arrival. However, there are some less exciting, emergency-related items that have struck me as possibly useful and possibly just overkill. Does anyone have any/all of the below, and would you view them as absolute necessities, or just nice-to-haves?!
- Spare fuse/bulb set
- Spare wheel security lock
- Pop-top lash straps (in case electric roof breaks)
- Roof canvas repair kit
I'm just starting to wonder if the excitement is getting the better of me...
Good morning,
That is an interesting list.
Spare bulb
If you travel to the continent you have to have a spare bulb with you. So I bought a set for a few Euros from Lidl.
Have I said that. Changing the bulb on a modern car can be a pain. I don't want even imagine how it is to be on a french motorway at 11 pm chaning it. I don't believe I would be able to. Meaning I would ring for help anyway.
Have I said that, it didn't happen on the van nor on the Tiguan I had (combined 7 1/2 years, and on the other cars before).
By the way, I wonder what the poeple do with LED lights...
Spare fuse
I have the van for 2 1/2 years and never needed a fuse.
Spare Wheel Security lock
Maybe a good idea. I thought I will need one, but never got around to order one here from the shop.
Emergency roof tie down kit
Should have come with the van. I read the instructions and ensure that it is in the van all the time. Saying this, I will scan in the instructions in case I need it. My memory is not getting better.
Roof canvas repair kit
Well, that is serious. I never hope that the canvas gets damaged. If it happens I would not rush into a repair. I would take pictures of the damage, post them here and ask for advise. Discuss this with my VW dealer and other potential repair companies.
This is all ok if I am not far away from home. During last years europe trip I have not thought about it at all. Further away from home this might be a problem.
I think for shorter or medium trips the California has everything on board to enjoy vanlife. To get to know the van, we went on short trips first anyway (long weekend in Donegal with strong rain and winds over night proofed that the canvas of the van is more resistant than I expected).
At the end it is important that you feel well with the van. It took me over a year to get it in the way I wanted it:
- Dashcam = with proper installed cable (done by my VW dealer, long story)
- 2nd drawer = took a while to get this organized (done by my VW dealer, long story)
- All season tyres = never liked the Turanza tyres. Got a set of Michelin (my wife still has not forgiven me)
- Seat cover = the original VW seat covers are a dirt magnet. Got a set, they are fine for what they cost. Good seat covers are so expensive that it is almost worth to get them protected by seat cove.....
- App connect = I wanted the navigation tool on the radio screen.
It is still work in progress, but I feel now better with the van.
Happy California,
Eberhard