OCEAN - TOP 5 Aftermarket upgrades and accessories?

[The Tall Luthier]

Thanks.
Do you know if the medium or the large fits better?

Mine is approximately 60x45x30cm and it fits a treat.
The back half fits our bbq, hose, cable bits and bobs. The front half fits boots, cycling shoes trainers etc.

Once in there is still room at the back of the van load for our wedges, just!

 

[Kingfisher]

Thanks for the links! I'm based in Hungary, so you're links work well.

1) Any comments on why this this Calibed Roof III T6.1 mattress better than the factory, or even the Vanessa Mattress ?
4) I'm trying to figure out if I will use the tray... My paragliding wing/backpack takes up about half the garage floor space. Any storage suggestions for above the rear shelf? We won't be using the lower bed, just the upper.
5) Any specific wind deflectors you like?

* Which wardrobe shelves do you like?

1) The Calibed mattresses (I have the older Roof II, for the T6) for me are much better than factory. They provide more support (I no longer feel the slats in the T6 bed), while at the same time they are softer and more ‘anschmiegsam’, which I cannot translate even to Dutch. Also warm in winter, breathable in summer. The trick seems to be in the two layers of high quality foam, combined with an extremely breathable, supple and elastic outer fabric. Other suppliers may achieve the same, although I haven’t seen anyone else do iterative improvements quite like the Calibed series. The Vanessa Mattress only seems to replace the inner foam by a two-layer foam, using the VW outer fabric.

The T6.1 bed should be more comfortable already with the dished design, so I would only upgrade after trying the original for a few months. For me any mattress has to store in-place, with no faffing about, so no toppers and inflating mattresses.

4) I have the downstairs mattress and duvets on top of the rear shelf, and throw my coats on there. If you don’t sleep downstairs, you could store lots there. Maybe something like the Thule packing boxes would work well for organising the space? In the boot I use euro boxes.
As for the sliding boot tray: just start without, and if you miss it you will know.

5) I now have HEKO wind deflectors. Not happy: they are a shade too dark for my liking (blocking the view out) and one of them fell out during the heat wave this summer. Before I had some other brand that fitted with a small screw instead of just double-sided sticky tape. That worked better, they also had a lighter colour. I will try to order those again, once I remember the brand name ;-)

* For the wardrobe shelves I prefer these: https://calitop.eu/product-13-14.html?language=en . I prefer to keep some space in front of the shelves for hanging fancy clothes if needed.

 

[M88GAV]

Thanks.
Do you know if the medium or the large fits better?

You can get very similar storage boxes to the Thule, a lot cheaper from Amazon. I have 2 of these in the boot space below the parcel shelf. Space in between for my Cadac 2 cook Pro and space on top for other bits and pieces (small pop up shelter etc)

Vinsani Deluxe Car Boot Storage Organiser Bag Anti Slip Foldable Large Tool Box Interior Accessories Declutter Solution Sport Camping Kit Organizer - Suitable for All Vehicles (Black) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BCTJG5L/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

 

[Chris Ratay]

1) The Calibed mattresses (I have the older Roof II, for the T6) for me are much better than factory. They provide more support (I no longer feel the slats in the T6 bed), while at the same time they are softer and more ‘anschmiegsam’, which I cannot translate even to Dutch. Also warm in winter, breathable in summer. The trick seems to be in the two layers of high quality foam, combined with an extremely breathable, supple and elastic outer fabric. Other suppliers may achieve the same, although I haven’t seen anyone else do iterative improvements quite like the Calibed series. The Vanessa Mattress only seems to replace the inner foam by a two-layer foam, using the VW outer fabric.

The T6.1 bed should be more comfortable already with the dished design, so I would only upgrade after trying the original for a few months. For me any mattress has to store in-place, with no faffing about, so no toppers and inflating mattresses.

4) I have the downstairs mattress and duvets on top of the rear shelf, and throw my coats on there. If you don’t sleep downstairs, you could store lots there. Maybe something like the Thule packing boxes would work well for organising the space? In the boot I use euro boxes.
As for the sliding boot tray: just start without, and if you miss it you will know.

5) I now have HEKO wind deflectors. Not happy: they are a shade too dark for my liking (blocking the view out) and one of them fell out during the heat wave this summer. Before I had some other brand that fitted with a small screw instead of just double-sided sticky tape. That worked better, they also had a lighter colour. I will try to order those again, once I remember the brand name ;-)

* For the wardrobe shelves I prefer these: https://calitop.eu/product-13-14.html?language=en . I prefer to keep some space in front of the shelves for hanging fancy clothes if needed.

Thanks Mate - really appreciate the thorough answers

 

[dspuk]

We had a Thetford in our Defender camper and found it uncomfortably low. Instead we use his/hers Nalgene bottles (wife has a she-wee) that we had in our Roof Top Tent.

Later we upgraded to a 6.4m coach van and moved the bottles to the bathroom. Easy to dump outside in drains or ditches, and avoids having to frequently empty the cassette toilet. We only poop in the toilet in emergencies.

View attachment 103222

Hard pass.

 

[5i1ver8ack]

1) Solar panels. Makes for easy extended off-grid camping. (From https://solarcampersolutions.co.uk/index.php/en/shop)

2) Lazer Lamps. For late night trips through mid-Wales and a planned trip to Norway. (From https://www.lazerlamps.com/integration-kits.html)

3) Cooker ignition upgrade. How VW should have made it. (https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/hob-ignition-upgrade.41598/)

4) Eriba 325GT caravan. For our disabled daughter who we can leave in a safe space in a field when she cant get up but we need to go out in the van. (Second hand from https://www.leisurefirst.com/approved-used/familia/)

5) AAWireless. Allows wireless connection to Android Auto for Navigation etc without having to use a USB cable. (From https://www.aawireless.io/)

6) (Bonus entry). Decent sleeping bags for use in the middle of winter without worrying about keeping warm, leaving the windows open (for ventilation) or having to leave the heater on all night.

 

[The Merle]

How do you turn the seats with the seat bags attached? They seem pretty hard to turn with nothing attached.

Passenger seat turns fine as long as it’s not reclined loads.
I never bother turning drivers seat as only travel max two.
It will turn and not much more fuss than when there’s no bag as the drivers seat need the door open to turn (making life easier).
The extra storage is very handy.

 

[Californication69]

1) The Calibed mattresses (I have the older Roof II, for the T6) for me are much better than factory. They provide more support (I no longer feel the slats in the T6 bed), while at the same time they are softer and more ‘anschmiegsam’, which I cannot translate even to Dutch. Also warm in winter, breathable in summer. The trick seems to be in the two layers of high quality foam, combined with an extremely breathable, supple and elastic outer fabric. Other suppliers may achieve the same, although I haven’t seen anyone else do iterative improvements quite like the Calibed series. The Vanessa Mattress only seems to replace the inner foam by a two-layer foam, using the VW outer fabric.

The T6.1 bed should be more comfortable already with the dished design, so I would only upgrade after trying the original for a few months. For me any mattress has to store in-place, with no faffing about, so no toppers and inflating mattresses.

4) I have the downstairs mattress and duvets on top of the rear shelf, and throw my coats on there. If you don’t sleep downstairs, you could store lots there. Maybe something like the Thule packing boxes would work well for organising the space? In the boot I use euro boxes.
As for the sliding boot tray: just start without, and if you miss it you will know.

5) I now have HEKO wind deflectors. Not happy: they are a shade too dark for my liking (blocking the view out) and one of them fell out during the heat wave this summer. Before I had some other brand that fitted with a small screw instead of just double-sided sticky tape. That worked better, they also had a lighter colour. I will try to order those again, once I remember the brand name ;-)

* For the wardrobe shelves I prefer these: https://calitop.eu/product-13-14.html?language=en . I prefer to keep some space in front of the shelves for hanging fancy clothes if needed.

5. Climair
I have to fit mine today.
ClimAir CLI0033277 Window Visors compatible with Volkswagen Transporter T5 2003-2015 & T6 2015- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0030E6A48/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
I have the smoke and it’s the choice between black and clear !

 

[Kingfisher]

5. Climair
I have to fit mine today.
ClimAir CLI0033277 Window Visors compatible with Volkswagen Transporter T5 2003-2015 & T6 2015- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0030E6A48/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
I have the smoke and it’s the choice between black and clear !

ClimAir! That’s the one, thank you for reminding me.

 

[Californication69]

ClimAir! That’s the one, thank you for reminding me.

You’re very welcome. Fitting mine this afternoon

 

[Chris Ratay]

5) AAWireless. Allows wireless connection to Android Auto for Navigation etc without having to use a USB cable. (From https://www.aawireless.io/)

I like the idea of this. How quickly does the phone battery drain if you're running Waze and Music if not plugged in?

Normally it drains quickly when using the phone screen in a cradle, so need it plugged in. Wondering if by using AA the screen would be off so maybe the phone battery drain might be considerably slower?

 

[Chris Ratay]

Passenger seat turns fine as long as it’s not reclined loads.
I never bother turning drivers seat as only travel max two.
It will turn and not much more fuss than when there’s no bag as the drivers seat need the door open to turn (making life easier).
The extra storage is very handy.

We turn both seats... dog is our Team Leader and sits in the driver's seat when we're parked.

 

[The Merle]

We turn both seats... dog is our Team Leader and sits in the driver's seat when we're parked.

View attachment 103288

View attachment 103289

Zebedee ends up where ever he wants.
First pic is my old Cali rest are joker or kombi

 

[5i1ver8ack]

I like the idea of this. How quickly does the phone battery drain if you're running Waze and Music if not plugged in?

Normally it drains quickly when using the phone screen in a cradle, so need it plugged in. Wondering if by using AA the screen would be off so maybe the phone battery drain might be considerably slower?

Too quickly. Not enough battery power on a longer journey. But I’m more likely to have my phone plugged in anyway on a longer journey.

I find AAWireless useful on short journeys. No messing about with plugging and unplugging the phone – just jump in and go. I’ll often leave my phone in my computer bag if I’m out and about working, so handy not to have to dig it out to connect.