If money is not a problem...

[Stephen T]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had the dream list of accessories. We are looking to travel around Europe for a year or two (hopefully more!) using a combination of camper and house rentals. We love the creature comforts so we can’t imagine using the van for extended periods (probably not more than a couple of weeks at a time) However we will be using it as a regular vehicle for getting around. We have owned a VW Golf and currently use a Tiguan, so we are very familiar with VW’s in general.
My question is... if you could pick any vehicle or accessories which would it be?

 

[DrJuanKerr]

My question is... if you could pick any vehicle or accessories which would it be?

Far too many variables in the question to give an answer tbh

 

[kp64zl]

Parking heater

 

[Stephen T]

Fair enough, I was hoping to get a list of options people wouldn’t do without! I am trying to distill the essence of what would make a great setup. We don’t care for electric doors for example as they seem like something that could go wrong easily whereas an after market bed mattress and a insulated lining for the pop up seem to make a lot of sense.

 

[sapto]

Dear Stephan T

Welcome here!

Just to mention a few:
- An idea where to go (the shopping list depends a „little“ on the goals and destinations)
- a good insurance
- a good set of tyres to start with (you can cha ged it during your trip from summer to winter if needed)
- time
- plan B set up (what do do if we do not like it, can we easily return home?)
- just do it

Of course you can get a lot of lists what features are „absolutly“ needed in a California and there are a lot of opinions on that - even if the Cali is the right vehicle for your purpose.

- FWD vs AWD
- Beach vs Coast vs SE/Ocean
- All weather vs summer/winter tyres
- parking heater yes/no?
- Brandrup vs Comfortz vs ...
- inside isolation/calicap

and the list goes on. I tend to be more in the corner: Grap what you‘ve got and use it, buy something when you need it or adapt the things you‘ve got.

I hope you get an idea and maybe people can help better than I did when they know where you‘re going to go in this year travel

Happy camping!

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Fair enough, I was hoping to get a list of options people wouldn’t do without! I am trying to distill the essence of what would make a great setup. We don’t care for electric doors for example as they seem like something that could go wrong easily whereas an after market bed mattress and a insulated lining for the pop up seem to make a lot of sense.

Products I've bought from www.calicap.de that are awesome and I wouldn't do without.
1. Rear Draw --> https://shop.vwcamper.de/heckauszuege/264/calidrawer-ocean-heckauszug
2. Drawers in Cabinet --> https://shop.vwcamper.de/moebelzubehoer/213/schubladenerweiterung-t6
3. Boxes from https://www.bigdug.co.uk/ to fit in the rear draw

Brandrup Isotherm to keep "upstairs" draught free
Brandrup carpets. Great quality and tough

Anker Soundcore Mini Bluetooth speaker. Absurdly good sound in a tiny package --> https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01HTH8F3K/?tag=eliteelect-21

Premium Leather look club shop seat covers --> https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/premium-leather-look-seat-covers-vw-california-t6-ocean

Spare safe from club shop --> https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/p...l-locking-device-including-locking-wheel-bolt

Vehicle specific:
4WD, Aux heater, rear camera, tow bar fitment

 

[MarkVw2017]

A basic California is all ya need. It has a steering wheel, engine, 2 double beds, a table and 2 chairs, oh ye, a kitchen if you get an Ocean.
Honestly, don't overthink options, it can consume you and they really are a personal choice at the end of the day.

Options are very pricey and these forums have some brilliant ways to get some of the popular option perks for much lower . Eg vw Parking heater £1.5k or aftermarket ceramic heater £25, vw magnetic flashlight £85 or aftermarket poundland torch £1, the list goes on..

 

[gvick]

All very individual and subjective
Some people like led headlights some say too expensive
Some like 4wd some prefer 2wheel drive etc
My top 3 must haves
Parking Heater as ur extends usable camping season
Fridge for food and drink storage
Good quality bbq like cadac2.

 

[john mar]

The ACC , I am very very very happy with and the LED headlights lights. The aux heater , my top three.

. And I am a beginner.

 

[steve and lisa]

Yes, ACC and LED lights up in the top 3

 

[Stephen T]

Thanks to all replies as it’s good to get everyone’s perspective. I have the idea that we will need a 4wd as we could be travelling in Northern Europe for some of our time. There seems to be a suggestion that these aren’t as popular due to extra weight of the vehicle but I guess that’s just the trade off.
I think we would go with the heater option as well as there doesn’t seem to be any great after market options.

 

[Hotel California]

Money was never a problem.....i got money....
The only problem is prices are to high.

 

[ArunAlec]

If money wasn't an issue when buying I assume it won't be a problem long term, so I'd load it up with all the toys and be prepared for high running costs!
But I guess the one thing that I reckon is essential is the heater.