New option for the California

[Amarillo]

Lying in bed last night I had a genius idea for the boffins in Hannover to make a few extra €€€s. And also their awning supplier in Malmö.

A tickable option when ordering a VW California for an awning with integrated lighting and a 12 volt socket.

What genius option ideas do you have for the California.

 

[TripleBee]

The hydraulic roof that clicks in a slot when opened, so the pressure can be released from the hyrdraulic system.
On closing the roof, the pressure builds up again and unlocks the slot, and then starts closing the roof.

 

[66tim99]

An under-bench seat freezer drawer.
Mood lighting, which you can change the colour of and set to transition, like you get in many cars these days would be fun.

 

[johna]

A quick release lever for the backs of the two front seats, so you can angle them forward without having to wind the knob at the base.

 

[EddieEagle]

Sort out the handbrake for turning the seats.

 

[Stu@rt]

Internal insulation option for the pop top (VW's own IsoTop preinstalled)

 

[Stu@rt]

Sort out the handbrake for turning the seats.

Yeah with electrically operated rotation with memory. One touch of a button chair rotates - another touch and its back in your preferred position, avoiding the need to set it all up again from scratch!

 

[Ocean Spirit]

Lying in bed last night I had a genius idea for the boffins in Hannover to make a few extra €€€s. And also their awning supplier in Malmö.

A tickable option when ordering a VW California for an awning with integrated lighting and a 12 volt socket.

What genius option ideas do you have for the California.

Thought the same thing actually about awning lights a while back. The homogeny of such would feel like the under kitchen top strip light but they screwed that up

 

[kurienp]

The hydraulic roof that clicks in a slot when opened, so the pressure can be released from the hyrdraulic system.
On closing the roof, the pressure builds up again and unlocks the slot, and then starts closing the roof.

Make it electric. The world has moved on since they installed the boffins at VW installed the hydraulics for the first time.

 

[kurienp]

A quick release lever for the backs of the two front seats, so you can angle them forward without having to wind the knob at the base.

Another vote for that one.

 

[Calimili]

self locking tailgate struts, to keep the tailgate open, with bikes on the rack, also in winter

 

[WelshGas]

Many of these suggestions are personal, not all, but 2 that could be simply introduced without adding complexity are;
1. Swop the floor mounted handbrake to a Dashboard mounted version, mechanical not electric which have their own problems. The present models are all DSG due to emissions so the use of the handbrake is reduced in normal driving in comparison to a manual vehicle.
2. Move the boot 12v socket to the top of the rear D pillar trim. Easier access from outside for awning lights etc.

 

[andyinluton]

2. Move the boot 12v socket to the top of the rear D pillar trim. Easier access from outside for awning lights etc.

go one step further & put in an external socket under a flap.

 

[WelshGas]

go one step further & put in an external socket under a flap.

It's an added complexity, cutting an additional hole in the body panel, compared with just moving a hole in a plastic molding and adding a few feet to a wiring loom. Also an external socket could foul the sliding door.

 

[Amarillo]

It's an added complexity, cutting an additional hole in the body panel, compared with just moving a hole in a plastic molding and adding a few feet to a wiring loom. Also an external socket could foul the sliding door.

@andyinluton suggestion is just the sort of add-on tickable option intended by the thread. The thread was not intended for general design improvements, though these too are welcome.

I’d happily have paid an extra £100 for an external 12v waterproof socket. Integrating such a socket with the awning along with built in lighting was my original genius idea for the Hannover boffins. I reckon VW could charge an extra £200 for such an option.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Lying in bed last night I had a genius idea for the boffins in Hannover to make a few extra €€€s. And also their awning supplier in Malmö.

A tickable option when ordering a VW California for an awning with integrated lighting and a 12 volt socket.

What genius option ideas do you have for the California.

A light on the awning…?
What, to help attract all the critters to the van.
I hope the option comes with a lifetimes worth of deet too.

 

[Amarillo]

A light on the awning…?
What, to help attract all the critters to the van.
I hope the option comes with a lifetimes worth of deet too.

So there's another idea: awning with integrated critter zapper.

 

[wilburthewombat]

A light on the awning…?
What, to help attract all the critters to the van.
I hope the option comes with a lifetimes worth of deet too.

Yeah - what you really need is a light to hang on *somebody else's* awning...

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

1. External co-ax connector for TV aerial. (Maybe under EHU flap)
2. Finer mesh in pop-top vents (Midge proof)
3. Factory fitted solar panels (or wiring only with external connector in pop-top roof)

 

[Amarillo]

1. External co-ax connector for TV aerial. (Maybe under EHU flap)
2. Finer mesh in pop-top vents (Midge proof)
3. Factory fitted solar panels (or wiring only with external connector in pop-top roof)

I like #3, factory fitted solar panels. Is that an option with the Grand California or does it come as standard? It shows VW have considered it.

 

[JohnnyP]

An external gas connection for BBQs (like the T3 Atlantic)
Integrated bottle opener mounted on the internal and or external tables.
Factory fitted gearbox Bearlock (very Ltd availability in UK)
Aux heater vent for the pop top

 

[CaliAzur]

Factory option real 4WD conversion, heightened suspension, BF Goodrich tyres, reinforced interior fittings for true off road.

 

[Camperfamily]

Flux capacitor

 

[Camperfamily]

General Lee horn

 

[Camperfamily]

Serious suggestion, make the foldable Multi-Flex (as designed by @Max-Felix) which is available on new Beaches an option on the Ocean/ Coast.

It’s already been designed and executed in Beach, just needs to be implemented with the kitchen unit.