New Member just ordered first California Ocean

[Caney2]

Hi All

Hope everyone is well, I'm new to the campervan world and I hope to be quite an active member and will be asking lots of question and seeking lots of advice as time goes by.

I have just ordered a new California Ocean 6.1 to the following spec...

Manufacturer Options Special solid - Candy white
Art velours microfleece - Titanium black/Palladium + seat centre section with seat bolsters in leather
Chrome pack - California
Bed extension with comfort sleeping mat
Removable/lockable towbar includes trailer stabilisation
Tyre mobility kit in lieu of spare wheel Includes 12V compressor and tyre sealant
Floor covering in wood effect
Discover media pro navigation system including streaming and internet
First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest
Trailer assist including park assist, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera and side protection
255/45 R18 tyres with super low rolling resistance
18" Palmerston diamond turned alloy wheels
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (direct measurement)
Inlays - Bright brushed grey
Cupboard in graphite grey slate effect with outdoor shower connection
Driver assistance package plus - California Ocean
Power sliding door on the right in passenger compartment
Hill descent control
Lockable storage compartment
Heated front windscreen

We've decided on Candy White with a Blue wrap to be done at time of delivery.

One of the options I'm considering adding is the Differential to the 4 x 4.

Does anyone recommend this or any other notable upgrades, some site I've been camping are very uneven and bumpy, if it worth adding

Any advice would be great.

Best

David

 

[Chris_BLG_Ocean]

First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest

Hello and welcome

The Cali comes with a first aid kit and warning triangle as standard so all you’re paying for is a safety vest and if I remember correctly it’s a £60 ish option right??

Also have you considered the 80L tank??


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[BigJohn]

Hello and welcome! We're in the same boat, ordered in April, expecting maybe Feb.

You didn't mention ordering the 4Motion version, which is the 4x4...you can't order the diff lock without it being a 4Motion. We went for both, but a lot people say they never use the diff lock.

We also went for the 80l tank, but I think there has since been a change to remove it from the 4Motion option.

4 x keys might be a handy option so that each member of your party can have a key so that they don't all need to arrive back at the 'van at the same time, if that makes sense.

 

[M88GAV]

Hello and welcome! We're in the same boat, ordered in April, expecting maybe Feb.

You didn't mention ordering the 4Motion version, which is the 4x4...you can't order the diff lock without it being a 4Motion. We went for both, but a lot people say they never use the diff lock.

We also went for the 80l tank, but I think there has since been a change to remove it from the 4Motion option.

4 x keys might be a handy option so that each member of your party can have a key so that they don't all need to arrive back at the 'van at the same time, if that makes sense.

That’s correct regarding the 80L tank on the 4motion as I couldn’t add it to my recent order

 

[pluc99]

Hi and welcome.
I would add the air and water auxiliary heater, heated seats and insulated windows.

 

[66tim99]

Hi and welcome.
I would add the air and water auxiliary heater, heated seats and insulated windows.

I don’t think the aux heater is an option in the U.K. Heated seats are standard as are double glazed windows in the rear. I understand you can’t spec the laminated cab glass alone in the U.K. Z2C glass option only come with eg. sports pack.

 

[Caney2]

Hi All

Thanks for the replies, the model ordered is

VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 2.0 TDI Ocean 204 5dr 4MOTION DSG

I was tempted by the differential and wanted to know what people's thoughts were, it may come in handy for rough ground.

The aim is to do some travelling around Europe so considering some of the terrain on the continent it might be worth it.

I didn't get the option for a 80L tank.

The sports pack was tempting but I unless you have bigger wheels i didn't see the point, I really like the 18" Palmerston's. so going form 18" to 17" didn't make sense.

Chris, interesting what you said about the first aid kit, I asked about this because isn't the California a commercial vehicle and legally they have to supply this? I'll ask again as I can just buy hi vis top for a lot less than £60.

I can't wait for it to arrive but ned to be patient

Thanks everyone

 

[Caney2]

Also the dealer asked if i wanted the Paint and Fabric Protected for £300

I have said yes, but can cancel anytime, I think its worth it but interested on other people opinions.

 

[Chris_BLG_Ocean]

Also the dealer asked if i wanted the Paint and Fabric Protected for £300

I have said yes, but can cancel anytime, I think its worth it but interested on other people opinions.

I’m getting mine done after at a detailer as IMO a professional detailer will do a better job.


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[Saesneg Shaun]

Congrats on the new order. Very nice spec list there

 

[66tim99]

Hi All

Thanks for the replies, the model ordered is

VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 2.0 TDI Ocean 204 5dr 4MOTION DSG

I was tempted by the differential and wanted to know what people's thoughts were, it may come in handy for rough ground.

The aim is to do some travelling around Europe so considering some of the terrain on the continent it might be worth it.

I didn't get the option for a 80L tank.

The sports pack was tempting but I unless you have bigger wheels i didn't see the point, I really like the 18" Palmerston's. so going form 18" to 17" didn't make sense.

Chris, interesting what you said about the first aid kit, I asked about this because isn't the California a commercial vehicle and legally they have to supply this? I'll ask again as I can just buy hi vis top for a lot less than £60.

I can't wait for it to arrive but ned to be patient

Thanks everyone

Sports Pack gets you black 18" Springfields - the only way to get OEM Springfields. Palmerstons look great, but I wondered for how long, as they're diamond cut, and quite intricate to keep clean.

 

[Kayleigh]

Maybe ditch the heated windscreen. It’s not that great and easier to use the remote parking heater to clear all the windows

 

[66tim99]

Also the dealer asked if i wanted the Paint and Fabric Protected for £300

I have said yes, but can cancel anytime, I think its worth it but interested on other people opinions.

With so many potential dealer options to consider near delivery, amazing you were offered this so early in the process. I wonder if s/he mentioned the much more cost-effective 2 year extended warranty... no?
I would recommend cancelling the paint/fabric protection - it isn't value for money - and put it towards proper ceramic paint protection (such as Gtechniq). I've done some research, happy to answer questions but the magnifying glass (top right) will help if you search ceramic. I'm using Azuri, who will also PPF the front end and protect the bellows and interior.
Unless you are towing I'd delete 4Motion - not necessary and permanently harms mpg/emissions; the 204hp engine - just doesn't need it and makes it scrabbly without 4M; the safe - just takes up cupboard space, and what will you use it for?; the heated windscreen - rarely useful and heater does the trick; and the comfort mattress - Sea to Summit are better - lots of 'comfort' mattresses come up for sale on here 2nd hand because people are upgrading.
I'd then add the 80L tank - might save the day one day - for heating or for racing for a ferry?; the Dynamic Chassis Control to sort out the wallowy ride - lots upgrade their suspension after market and the extended warranty (to 5 years) .
The £saving will also insure the Cali until its out of warranty.

 

[Kayleigh]

With so many potential dealer options to consider near delivery, amazing you were offered this so early in the process. I wonder if s/he mentioned the much more cost-effective 2 year extended warranty... no?
I would recommend cancelling the paint/fabric protection - it isn't value for money - and put it towards proper ceramic paint protection (such as Gtechniq). I've done some research, happy to answer questions but the magnifying glass (top right) will help if you search ceramic. I'm using Azuri, who will also PPF the front end and protect the bellows and interior.
Unless you are towing I'd delete 4Motion - not necessary and permanently harms mpg/emissions; the 204hp engine - just doesn't need it and makes it scrabbly without 4M; the safe - just takes up cupboard space, and what will you use it for?; the heated windscreen - rarely useful and heater does the trick; and the comfort mattress - Sea to Summit are better - lots of 'comfort' mattresses come up for sale on here 2nd hand because people are upgrading.
I'd then add the 80L tank - might save the day one day - for heating or for racing for a ferry?; the Dynamic Chassis Control to sort out the wallowy ride - lots upgrade their suspension after market and the extended warranty (to 5 years) .
The £saving will also insure the Cali until its out of warranty.

All really good advice! Dealer fit coilovers (Eibach I think) are another alternative to DCC and warranty safe. Probably around the same price. I actually find the comfort mattress on the T6 to be fine but the 6.1 version has been changed.

 

[M88GAV]

With so many potential dealer options to consider near delivery, amazing you were offered this so early in the process. I wonder if s/he mentioned the much more cost-effective 2 year extended warranty... no?
I would recommend cancelling the paint/fabric protection - it isn't value for money - and put it towards proper ceramic paint protection (such as Gtechniq). I've done some research, happy to answer questions but the magnifying glass (top right) will help if you search ceramic. I'm using Azuri, who will also PPF the front end and protect the bellows and interior.
Unless you are towing I'd delete 4Motion - not necessary and permanently harms mpg/emissions; the 204hp engine - just doesn't need it and makes it scrabbly without 4M; the safe - just takes up cupboard space, and what will you use it for?; the heated windscreen - rarely useful and heater does the trick; and the comfort mattress - Sea to Summit are better - lots of 'comfort' mattresses come up for sale on here 2nd hand because people are upgrading.
I'd then add the 80L tank - might save the day one day - for heating or for racing for a ferry?; the Dynamic Chassis Control to sort out the wallowy ride - lots upgrade their suspension after market and the extended warranty (to 5 years) .
The £saving will also insure the Cali until its out of warranty.

I watched a review on the sea to summit mattress the other day. I’ve used SIM’s for camping and they’re very good. However, seems like a faff to have to inflate/deflate every evening and morning if you’re using it on the lower bed and want to “make” the bed. Have you thought of a way around that?

 

[M88GAV]

All really good advice! Dealer fit coilovers (Eibach I think) are another alternative to DCC and warranty safe. Probably around the same price. I actually find the comfort mattress on the T6 to be fine but the 6.1 version has been changed.

I’m considering the Eibach coilovers too to keep the warranty intact. I’d get them done at a specialist like Bognor Motors etc rather than VW though…

 

[Lexlogie]

The 4motion is pretty useless without diff lock! I’ve seen 2wd California with bfg tyres fair much better than the 4 motion( once tyres get caked then it’s game over) in muddy fields!! A 4motion with diff and off road tyres is pretty formidable though!

yeah £60 high vis!!
Safe is pretty useless and every thief will know where it is
Wood floor will eventually be covered with carpet
heated front window…again pretty useless
Sliding doors will do your head in with that beep
The inlays don’t look as good as the standard in my opinion

I would do some research on this site before specking it out and prob save yourself a shed load

 

[Buds]

Comes with firstaid and triangle
We went standard flooring and got carpets which are warm underfoot
Didn’t bother with sliding door it’s got power latching on standard dooe
Got the 80 litre tank great for long journeys
Got the all weather tyres
Upgraded the tyre pressure option and happy with it
Factory fitted mud flaps
Had a safe put in think it’s a good option

 

[pcevanrulo]

Same as advice above. We have a MY'22 150hp.
Didn't bother the 4M, because you're bringing it all year around only for the 2 times a year it might be usefull. Better invest in good M+S tyres.
80liter tank: I wanted this, but eventually bought a 10L jerrycan as you can leave it at home when not needed and e.g. in Czech Republic you need to bring one anyway.
remove sliding door beep!
The floor is a smart option. We use a rugas, but it cleans very well compared to the standard flooring.