New [to me] Grand Cali - Yay

[oryx white]

That's what I love about this forum. Enjoy. In the meantime I'll boil my kettle as usual in the Cali ...

 

[Chainline]

Bugger! Discovered whilst worrying about fitting new wheels on my drive (when they arrive) , that the toolkit in my GC is ALL missing! I checked for gloop and a compressor before leaving the dealer and they provided them as not present. I didn't realise that the rest of the kit should have been in the under floor location. bottle jack, wheel brace etc. Suspect it was 'transferred' to another crafter when that was missing. Dealer has been good, sales chap was mortified (handed vehicle by Service as good to go) and sorting now so can't knock the dealer response

 

[andyinluton]

Bugger! Discovered whilst worrying about fitting new wheels on my drive (when they arrive) , that the toolkit in my GC is ALL missing! I checked for gloop and a compressor before leaving the dealer and they provided them as not present. I didn't realise that the rest of the kit should have been in the under floor location. bottle jack, wheel brace etc. Suspect it was 'transferred' to another crafter when that was missing. Dealer has been good, sales chap was mortified (handed vehicle by Service as good to go) and sorting now so can't knock the dealer response

@Chainline
Unless you ordered a spare wheel you don't get any sort of toolkit / jack etc on a GC. My Compressor was in the big brown box that had the gas hoses & bed safety net in.

 

[Chainline]

@Chainline
Unless you ordered a spare wheel you don't get any sort of toolkit / jack etc on a GC. My Compressor was in the big brown box that had the gas hoses & bed safety net in.

Wow! I also got no gas hoses and no safety net as a GC680. Dealer is supplying toolkit which I'm happy about. No toolkit at all is ridiculous!

 

[andyinluton]

Wow! I also got no gas hoses and no safety net as a GC680. Dealer is supplying toolkit which I'm happy about. No toolkit at all is ridiculous!

If you have gas heating you should get 4 gas hoses 2x each type. If you have diesel heating you get 2 hoses. Also in the box were things like the manufacturers instruction books for the truma heater, Wc etc I'm sure there was something else in there as well but can't think what it was.

What do you expect to use the toolkit for? Although I now have a spare wheel I've no intention of fitting it myself anywhere other than at home.

 

[Mr T]

We should come up with a handover checklist, much like has been done for the California T's.

@Jester you have experienced the handover of a new Grand Cali a couple of times, any nuggets of info you could share such that we could compile a check list?
Maybe should be a new thread.

 

[Chainline]

I found out what I should have got afterwards when I watched the Cali Chris handover stuff about gas, I ended up buying two crash protected hoses at a cost of £60 when I sourced the (difficult to get) new cylinders as otherwise I would not have had any chance to use the Cali until the (3hrs away) dealer managed to sort. I am missing one hose still but I'll fit Gaslow like Jester at some point so not concerned about that now.

I will fit my new wheels at home when they arrive (maybe, might get a tyre guy to come, either way I either put wheels on garage for now OR I would have to transport in the van to a tyre place) I am also debating whether to add a spare wheel or not, I would like to get an idea of my typical payload before I decide to add another 25kg.

I now want to know if I have the electric heating or not...will test later. Not on VMS but neither was the inductive charging cradle so I'm not sure its a totally accurate printout.

Why don't VW just take the vehicle to 4.1T. As far as I can see there is no advantage to 3.88t license wise? The Sven Hedin and other crafters can be replated at 4.1T, the speed limits apply as soon as it goes above 3.5T. Puzzles me.
Could be tyres/wheels load rating maybe, you'd have to make sure the axle loading was right?

 

[andyinluton]

I now want to know if I have the electric heating or not...will test later. Not on VMS but neither was the inductive charging cradle so I'm not sure its a totally accurate printout.

I think the electric heating & hot water is standard for Uk vans?

VMS didn't list the SOG toilet vent, the awning or most importantly the upstairs bed on our van. The dealer sent me the print out after I had paid the deposit & panicked when the bed was missing!

 

[andyinluton]

Why don't VW just take the vehicle to 4.1T. As far as I can see there is no advantage to 3.88t license wise? The Sven Hedin and other crafters can be replated at 4.1T, the speed limits apply as soon as it goes above 3.5T.

On the German website there are a few GC owners that have upgraded to 4.2tnne they all seem to have had air suspension fitted to the rear.

As to speed limits in the UK its an unladen weight of under 3050kg that dictates car speed limits for a Motor Caravan.
Up plating your van makes no difference to your unladen weight so car limits still apply.
Abroad its a different matter, In France for example its the plated max weight that applies so 3.88T = reduced speeds.

 

[Chainline]

Ah you're right, the SOG toilet was another I budgeted for a retrofit but it was fitted but not listed. I hope it is std.

 

[Chainline]

On the German website there are a few GC owners that have upgraded to 4.2tnne they all seem to have had air suspension fitted to the rear.

As to speed limits in the UK its an unladen weight of under 3050kg that dictates car speed limits for a Motor Caravan.
Up plating your van makes no difference to your unladen weight so car limits still apply.
Abroad its a different matter, In France for example its the plated max weight that applies so 3.88T = reduced speeds.

For GC680 I'm gonna check. IS rubber mats in cab std. I just read it is and I had to buy those too!

 

[andyinluton]

For GC680 I'm gonna check. IS rubber mats in cab std. I just read it is and I had to buy those too!

I'm sure they are about £60 dealer fit option.
We went with the VW shagpile carpet, about £220 but covers the whole van except the underbed area. lovely underfoot on a cold morning.

 

[The Yorkshireman]

The mats didn’t come as standard on ours; we did get a couple of filters for the sog and gas filters though.
On the documentation I was sent (it was a demo) it was fitted with a Sat dish but on viewing I had to politely point out it wasn’t there. I am sure there are some great VW sales staff, but the ones I have dealt with wouldn’t know there a#** from there elbow.

 

[Chainline]

both the GC600 and GC680 unladen weight as std in brochure (90% fuel, 20kg water) are over 3050kg. with std specification. 600 at 3080, GC680 2wd at 3279kg at

 

[andyinluton]

both the GC600 and GC680 unladen weight as std in brochure (90% fuel, 20kg water) are over 3050kg. with std specification. 600 at 3080, GC680 2wd at 3279kg at

Brochure unladen weight includes driver at 75kg, 20kg water, approx 50kg fuel, etc take those off & you are down to 2935kg for a GC600 - if thats still too close, things like the mattresses, camping chairs & tables are removable & need not be included in the unladen weight under the DVLA definition.




The DVLA definition of unladen for speed limits is:

"Unladen weight
The unladen weight of any vehicle is the weight of the vehicle when it’s not carrying any passengers, goods or other items.

It includes the body and all parts normally used with the vehicle or trailer when it’s used on a road.

It doesn’t include the weight of fuel"

So a GC600 should qualify for the higher speed limit even with a few options. I don't think a GC680 ever could.

 

[Chainline]

I shall trundle… for the planet

Separate point No 3.5t signs laden, unladen or plated?

What surprises me is how many vans are hacking round over 3.5t one guy I follow on insta in his 3.5t Norantz TGE 6m, no c1 was trundling round Norway when they pulled him into weighbridge with family and a few weeks worth of stuff, 3.9t.. this must be very common.
He thought he might be close to 3.5 but was surprised how far over. I think they had to offload quite a lot of gear. Not sure how that went!
Are you insured if you crash?
My thought was to plate the680 to 4.1t and not worry!

There’s another Compromise I thought about, a non load bearing high top roof, but you get all that interior height and a high bed, bigger garage…

Sorry, has my thread got a bit Rambly now. Is that allowed. It’s really useful for me!

 

[Calfe600]

We should come up with a handover checklist, much like has been done for the California T's.

@Jester you have experienced the handover of a new Grand Cali a couple of times, any nuggets of info you could share such that we could compile a check list?
Maybe should be a new thread.

Hi Chris, the below is what I will expect - numerous items missing from my previous 2 GC’s on Handover. We are having diesel heating so only 2 gas pipes/straps etc. the gas powered vans get 4.

2 sets car keys
Front window blinds (3) / rods (2)
4 (2?) x gas pipes
4 (2?) x gas straps
4 (2?) x gas collars / straps
1 X Truma key (plastic)
2 x partition boards
4 x sink / shower plugs
2 x remote / keys + 2 x tracker??
2 x water filler cap keys
1 X Tyre inflation kit
4 X Locking wheel / spare nuts
Locking wheel nut key bolt(s)
Instruction manuals / Thetford fluid sample bottle / gas filter
1 X Air con remote control
1 X Auxiliary heater remote control
1 X Rear shower head

Hope this helps?

Alun

 

[Mr T]

Hi Chris, the below is what I will expect - numerous items missing from my previous 2 GC’s on Handover. We are having diesel heating so only 2 gas pipes/straps etc. the gas powered vans get 4.

2 sets car keys
Front window blinds (3) / rods (2)
4 (2?) x gas pipes
4 (2?) x gas straps
4 (2?) x gas collars / straps
1 X Truma key (plastic)
2 x partition boards
4 x sink / shower plugs
2 x remote / keys + 2 x tracker??
2 x water filler cap keys
1 X Tyre inflation kit
4 X Locking wheel / spare nuts
Locking wheel nut key bolt(s)
Instruction manuals / Thetford fluid sample bottle / gas filter
1 X Air con remote control
1 X Auxiliary heater remote control
1 X Rear shower head

Hope this helps?

Alun

Amazing, thanks Alun, I overlooked the fact that you were a GC handover expert now!
Many thanks. Hopefully we’ll be at the dealers ticking off this list very soon.

 

[Jester]

Hi Chris, the below is what I will expect - numerous items missing from my previous 2 GC’s on Handover. We are having diesel heating so only 2 gas pipes/straps etc. the gas powered vans get 4.

2 sets car keys
Front window blinds (3) / rods (2)
4 (2?) x gas pipes
4 (2?) x gas straps
4 (2?) x gas collars / straps
1 X Truma key (plastic)
2 x partition boards
4 x sink / shower plugs
2 x remote / keys + 2 x tracker??
2 x water filler cap keys
1 X Tyre inflation kit
4 X Locking wheel / spare nuts
Locking wheel nut key bolt(s)
Instruction manuals / Thetford fluid sample bottle / gas filter
1 X Air con remote control
1 X Auxiliary heater remote control
1 X Rear shower head

Hope this helps?

Alun

Think Alun has covered it,
1 x euro EHU lead
Make sure you sign up to WeConnect as I think you only have 3 months to do so.

Will

 

[Chainline]

Hi Chris, the below is what I will expect - numerous items missing from my previous 2 GC’s on Handover. We are having diesel heating so only 2 gas pipes/straps etc. the gas powered vans get 4.

2 sets car keys
Front window blinds (3) / rods (2)
4 (2?) x gas pipes
4 (2?) x gas straps
4 (2?) x gas collars / straps
1 X Truma key (plastic)
2 x partition boards
4 x sink / shower plugs
2 x remote / keys + 2 x tracker??
2 x water filler cap keys
1 X Tyre inflation kit
4 X Locking wheel / spare nuts
Locking wheel nut key bolt(s)
Instruction manuals / Thetford fluid sample bottle / gas filter
1 X Air con remote control
1 X Auxiliary heater remote control
1 X Rear shower head

Hope this helps?

Alun

I think I did okay but some missing and yeah most sales guys seem to know next to nothing!
I don’t have a Truma key, non locking nut spares not included, no sample bottle and I had to ask for sealant and a compressor but the rest were there!

 

[Calfe600]

I think I did okay but some missing and yeah most sales guys seem to know next to nothing!
I don’t have a Truma key, non locking nut spares not included, no sample bottle and I had to ask for sealant and a compressor but the rest were there!

The Truma key is a small black plastic spanner to tighten gas connectors, to help not over-tighten I think, not a great loss if it’s missing. I get the impression that GC awareness is improving at dealers, when we spoke to Terry the other day he mentioned he had a good experience at the Swansea dealer - that was very encouraging as previously we had nothing but negatives about them. They are our nearest. Enjoy your van
Alun

 

[Chainline]

Well these arrived today. Just got to find a local wheel/tyre place that can take the 680 now!
Does your regular ATS or Kwik fit handle our van?

Also booked in for tap…’specialist’ at dealer said ‘we will undertake a diagnostic and assess best course of action’ I said ‘I believe there is a technical note issued and a warranty replacement, reply…. There are backlogs of parts from Germany we may have to replace the water tank. I am now full of confidence…notes I can get the Reich ceramic twist IP rated tap in 33mm next day for ~£70 (I think this is what VW replace with)

 

[Mr T]

Well these arrived today. Just got to find a local wheel/tyre place that can take the 680 now!
Does your regular ATS or Kwik fit handle our van?

Also booked in for tap…’specialist’ at dealer said ‘we will undertake a diagnostic and assess best course of action’ I said ‘I believe there is a technical note issued and a warranty replacement, reply…. There are backlogs of parts from Germany we may have to replace the water tank. I am now full of confidence…notes I can get the Reich ceramic twist IP rated tap in 33mm next day for ~£70 (I think this is what VW replace with)
View attachment 94322

Big boots! Look forward to seeing them fitted

 

[The Merle]

Just a heads up anyone thinking of adding all terrain BFG etc, had them on my joker they are great but awful with fuel consumption.
Especially on tall vehicle like joker/GC I’ve switched to M/S Michelin latitude cross and getting about 6mpg more and they are still not that great for fuel only C rated (still chunky swamper looking).
If it’s just for the look I would hold off until fuel prices come down (hopefully they will or my upgraded 80l tank was pointless as to scared to fill right up).

 

[dominichayhoe]

Just a heads up anyone thinking of adding all terrain BFG etc, had them on my joker they are great but awful with fuel consumption.
Especially on tall vehicle like joker/GC I’ve switched to M/S Michelin latitude cross and getting about 6mpg more and they are still not that great for fuel only C rated (still chunky swamper looking).
If it’s just for the look I would hold off until fuel prices come down (hopefully they will or my upgraded 80l tank was pointless as to scared to fill right up).

I tried to get them in an 18, but Michelin don't make any tyres with a high enough load rating for the GC in an 18.