Newbie from Glos

[Arlene]

Just bought an ex-hire 2018 Ocean, but not actually got it yet! Starting to look around for a bike rack, awning, mattress and portaloo! Do I need anything else??!!

 

[AlisonF]

Welcome to Cali ownership. You’ll find things for sale on the forum, and can also post ‘wanted’ items as well. If you search around you will find heaps of advice (and opinions) on what you need, or don’t. It all boils down to how you want to use your Cali as to what you need or don’t.
Many advise a few trips first before spending on accessories. I didn’t, bought everything up front before van was delivered and didn’t regret it. Had never driven a Cali till I took it home on the day...

 

[Arlene]

Thanks Alison! I'm hoping to pop in to the Cali meet in Slimbridge this weekend to see different setups/get advice, if they'll let me visit without my Cali! Won't get it until 10th Oct as it's currently near Loch Lomond! (I studied in Aberdeen)

We hired one this summer and loved it - SO much better than camping!!

 

[AlisonF]

That would be great if you can get to the meet. A great bunch of people. You’ll have a great time.

 

[westfalia]

That would be great if you can get to the meet. A great bunch of people. You’ll have a great time.

Hang on...

Not long ago you were complaining about covidiots,
now you're heralding a meet.

 

[AlisonF]

Hang on...

Not long ago you were complaining about covidiots,
now you're heralding a meet.

Hoho, I’m assuming any meet would meet with current guidelines.
Now, back to the topic... ?

 

[Moakesy]

Just bought an ex-hire 2018 Ocean, but not actually got it yet! Starting to look around for a bike rack, awning, mattress and portaloo! Do I need anything else??!!

Congrats on getting your new vehicle, bet you can’t wait to pick it up!!

I’ve had a van for 5 years and don’t use three of the four things listed, which is probably a good example of why you should be sure of your needs before purchasing.

For the record, I had a bike rack, but sold it and got a tow bar rack instead. I have a mattress but always sleep upstairs so never used it and never wanted a portaloo. I do use an awning almost every trip. This suits me and your needs could be completely different of course....different strokes and all that.

As a starter as a ‘for consideration‘ list....

> Collapsible kettle
> Brandrup cutlery drawer (so much better than the original)
> Cadac safari chef for outdoor bbq times
> Levelling ramps
> Seat covers / carpets if you like muddy sports (or have muddy kids / dogs etc)
> Decent plastic wine glasses & corkscrew
> External window cover for the front window

All of the above are optional really and somewhere to get started. Most of the above can be found in the club shop or with a quick google search.

 

[Arlene]

Thanks very much for advice!
We will definitely need a bike rack of some sort and I assumed installing a tow bar to go with a tow bar rack would be hideously expensive?
We are already campers so thought we'd just make do with our camping gear to start with and work out what we need after a few trips...

 

[Arlene]

Would be interested in any awning recommendations though, ideally one that could be used to sleep in (in case I kick the teenagers out!)

 

[Moakesy]

Thanks very much for advice!
We will definitely need a bike rack of some sort and I assumed installing a tow bar to go with a tow bar rack would be hideously expensive?
We are already campers so thought we'd just make do with our camping gear to start with and work out what we need after a few trips...

Yeah, if you don’t have a tow bar (or at least the two bar prep option) then it can be expensive to be retro fitted. Bike rack is ok, but I found it easier not to have to lift the bikes all the time.

 

[Elly Swanson]

Air vents for the cab windows (helps prevent condensation). Isotop internal pop top insulation. Seat covers if you’re going to worry about dirt/stains. Locking key/lock for spare wheel. Carpets/mats. Steering wheel lock.

 

[ThomasHJ]

Congratulations! Now for the wait... ;-) Luckily you can spend your waiting time browsing the forums. The search function doesnt always work well if you ask me, but if oyu search using google and add 'vwcaliforniaclub' to your search query, you'll find that most questions you have (awnings, bike racks, etc), have at least been asked once and probably answered a few times on the forums throughout the years.

I'll put in my 2 cents for a suggested accessory: a slide out tray for the back of the van. Best accessory I have.

 

[Wildcamper]

Just bought an ex-hire 2018 Ocean, but not actually got it yet! Starting to look around for a bike rack, awning, mattress and portaloo! Do I need anything else??!!

Bike rack - don't like VW's we use a tow bar mounted one.
Awning - hated it. Sold
Mattress - yes
Portaloo - ours is plumbed in.

 

[dartmoordingoe]

Just ordered our Coast ... for the Spring .... but come from T2 and then a Danbury Brazilian I can't help thinking that its worth trying out before buying big things.
When the kids were at home we bought a Khyam Motordome Sleeper which is huge and sleeps four. Now there is just the two of us so we have diminished to the Khyam Motordome 200 ....shelter awning. That is big enough to put the table out side and give cover ..and of course keep your place if in a camp site ... the big old awning will have to go.
I have ordered a tow bar .. great for bikes and you can use it for other things when needed.

Plastic Glasses / Collapsible kettle teapot/ You can get collapsible pans etc.

Mats and covers ... get early if you want them.

INTRIGUED +++ by slide away tray for back of van .. where to find Thomas ?

One good kitchen knife/ bread knife.

Small plastic boxes to organise kitchen ? ? Large ones to organise other stuff below back seat?( reallyuseful boxes and others.

Games/Cards to keep kids happy in the rain.

Wine /Beer / Gin ......

 

[Arlene]

Can anyone advise me whether I need to have car insurance or van insurance for a 2018 T6? And which modifications do I need to declare? Are tinted windows, awnings, parking sensors all standard on a Cali?
Picking up my T6 tomorrow but realised insurance is not that straighforward!! I was just about to confirm my car insurance quote with Admiral and realised maybe I should add the awning?? But they told me it had to be van insurance if I wanted the awning added as a modification??!! Help??!

 

[AlisonF]

Can anyone advise me whether I need to have car insurance or van insurance for a 2018 T6? And which modifications do I need to declare? Are tinted windows, awnings, parking sensors all standard on a Cali?
Picking up my T6 tomorrow but realised insurance is not that straighforward!! I was just about to confirm my car insurance quote with Admiral and realised maybe I should add the awning?? But they told me it had to be van insurance if I wanted the awning added as a modification??!! Help??!

There are a few threads on insurance - many car companies won’t insure a Cali. The caravan and motorhome club does, along with a few others.
Tinted windows and awnings are not standard (awning is on T6.1 I believe). Not sure about parking sensors.

 

[Arlene]

THankyou

 

[Wildcamper]

Can anyone advise me whether I need to have car insurance or van insurance for a 2018 T6? And which modifications do I need to declare? Are tinted windows, awnings, parking sensors all standard on a Cali?
Picking up my T6 tomorrow but realised insurance is not that straighforward!! I was just about to confirm my car insurance quote with Admiral and realised maybe I should add the awning?? But they told me it had to be van insurance if I wanted the awning added as a modification??!! Help??!

Call the insurance companies and tell them what you have, California, and that you want insurance. They will soon say if they do not cover it. Alternatively put "campervan insurance" into Google and you will find several. Saga, Scenic, A-Plan (they have a specialist business for these), Caravan and Motor Home Club - theses all do Campervan. You do not want van insurance as this is expensive. Also look as the comparison sites, most do campervan cover.

 

[dartmoordingoe]

Pretty sire Camping and Caravan Club do ... they have insured my T2