Pull out boot shelf (Calicap)

[Jon Banks]

Just a quick one to say bought a Calicap - Calidrawer Beach (700mm) and highly recommend if you want a solution for your fridge etc (I am using a Waeco CFX 35 which fits well). Not cheap but in my view worth it. 700m is good size as seats can pretty much go right back and its a decent sized platform.

 

[Borris]

We've just purchased one as well. I agree the 700mm version is perfect as it doesn't compromise the other functions in the vehicle. It's also very well made!

We also have a CFX 35 and it will be living on this tray from now on. I'm just waiting for a delivery of some German manufactured Euro boxes to make maximum use of the tray. I will add some photos and an explanation once they've arrived.

 

[Gary&Heather]

We have just installed our Calicap.De 700mm version and it's perfect for the Beach no noticeable loss of space and we also have the CFX 35 and the quality of the Calidraw is spot-on.

 

[Meoncoast]

With have used one in our Ocean since 2016 one of the best extra's added to the van.

 

[Eber123]

Good evening,

I got the 800mm CaliCap for my Ocean. I thought about the pros and cons to have the bench 1.5 cm more forward (disadvantage) but the size is optimal for euro size boxes (advantage).

I decided to that the advantage to get most out of the space with euro size boxes is greater then "losing" the 1.5 cm in the living area.

I got the drawer in July of this year and love it. I take the boxes out and go shopping, for storage etc. It is expensive but well worth it.

Regards,
Eberhard

 

[BeachyBird]

This all sounds very tempting could we see some pictures please.

 

[Borris]

This all sounds very tempting could we see some pictures please.

I will post comprehensive photos of the tray and my Euro box storage solution in a few days. Unfortunately I've just had a minor op on my hand and am currently out of action.

 

[BeachyBird]

I will post comprehensive photos of the tray and my Euro box storage solution in a few days. Unfortunately I've just had a minor op on my hand and am currently out of action.

Thanks Borris whenever it’s convenient will be brill, it sounds like a good bit of kit.
Sorry to hear about the op hope your up and running soon.

 

[Borris]

Thanks Borris whenever it’s convenient will be brill, it sounds like a good bit of kit.
Sorry to hear about the op hope your up and running soon.

Yes, the pull out tray is superbly designed and very well made. It should be at that price!

The German manufactured Euro boxes are also very well made. There are a lot on the market, some not so well made. The reason that I chose this company was their wide range. Other companies didn't do the sizes I wanted.

Firstly I took a long hard look at what we actually needed to have in the van. If it wasn't needed it got thrown over board. Then I grouped everthing into catagories e.g Kitchen, Washing up, Water, Electrical etc then worked out the box sizes from there. The results are excellent and now very well organised.

Full stowage description to follow later although not until my paw is workable.

 

[Silver5urfer]

I went for the California-camper.de pull out draw.
I prefer that it is made from powder coated steel, and therefore stronger, I was worried about the weight of a fully loaded draw. It is also a bit cheaper.
The downside is that they only make the 800mm deep draw, which does mean that you loose some space if you want the bench to go back as far as possible. There is only 2 of us so we usually travel with bench in bed position anyway to save a bit of faffing.
It works well with my CF40 fridge, and some “really useful storage boxes”. Although I plan to make a kitchen box to go along side the fridge, a sort of “slidepod” with fridge.
I also bought the Van-essa window storage bags, which we found brilliant this summer.

 

[Borris]

View attachment 39081 View attachment 39082 View attachment 39083 View attachment 39084 View attachment 39085 View attachment 39086 View attachment 39087 View attachment 39088 View attachment 39089 I went for the California-camper.de pull out draw.
I prefer that it is made from powder coated steel, and therefore stronger, I was worried about the weight of a fully loaded draw. It is also a bit cheaper.
The downside is that they only make the 800mm deep draw, which does mean that you loose some space if you want the bench to go back as far as possible. There is only 2 of us so we usually travel with bench in bed position anyway to save a bit of faffing.
It works well with my CF40 fridge, and some “really useful storage boxes”. Although I plan to make a kitchen box to go along side the fridge, a sort of “slidepod” with fridge.
I also bought the Van-essa window storage bags, which we found brilliant this summer.

I looked at one of those and particularly liked the way the Multiflex holds it in place. However given the possible weights involved I felt that four fixings at the front were a better engineering solution to two at the sides. However what do I know!

It looks great.

 

[Silver5urfer]

I looked at one of those and particularly liked the way the Multiflex holds it in place. However given the possible weights involved I felt that four fixings at the front were a better engineering solution to two at the sides. However what do I know!

It looks great.

That’s a good point Borris. I’m hoping that since the rails and bolts holding the multiflex in place are fully crash tested they should be capable of holding the pull out draw.

 

[Borris]

That’s a good point Borris. I’m hoping that since the rails and bolts holding the multiflex in place are fully crash tested they should be capable of holding the pull out draw.

Don't worry, I'm sure they are.

Actually I was very impressed by the California-Camping tray. It looks like a very nice unit and the way the tray sides wrap up and over the top of the tray runners to keep the grit out is also a nice feature. Also with less fixings, it would be an easier unit to fit and remove than the Calicap. However in the end the reason that I chose the Calicap product came down to purely the choice of lengths they offered.

On a recent trip to Europe when we toured with the bed down all of the time, I then felt that what we needed was a 1000mm tray that went right under the Multiflex and bed thus enabling easy access to the whole length of the boot including that awkward space in front of the tray but behind the bench seat. However when not touring it would have to be removed. It would therefore end up being a nuisance and just take up space in the garage.

I ruled out the 600 as not being of sufficient size to make it worth while.

That left the 700 and 800 versions. The 800 was the ideal size for the Euro box storage that I had in mind however by going for the 700 and picking a good Euro box supplier we were able to achieve almost the same storage but with slightly more space in the cabin. In short this tray can stay in the boot all of the time whilst providing an excellent easy access storage facility without compromising any of the other many uses of the van.

So either the 700 or 800 version seem to be the best solutions although for anyone who like us, have a seven seat Beach, the 700 gives extra space in the rear cabin so you could carry seven without removing the tray.

Nice photos btw.

 

[Silver5urfer]

Yeah the 800mm length is a disadvantage, not sure it will work with middle seats, I haven't tried putting them in yet. The tray isn't particularly easy to fit and remove either, the VW bolts that hold the multiflex aren't quite long enough to twist around without popping the plastic end caps off and removing the circlip which stops the nut from unscrewing too far. This was a big issue when I first tried fitting the tray as the instructions were only in German and google translate must have lost something in translation as it made no sense. Worked it out in the end by myself though.

 

[Borris]

Yeah the 800mm length is a disadvantage, not sure it will work with middle seats, I haven't tried putting them in yet. The tray isn't particularly easy to fit and remove either, the VW bolts that hold the multiflex aren't quite long enough to twist around without popping the plastic end caps off and removing the circlip which stops the nut from unscrewing too far. This was a big issue when I first tried fitting the tray as the instructions were only in German and google translate must have lost something in translation as it made no sense. Worked it out in the end by myself though.

I'm wondering if you could change the fixings for something else more suitable e.g a couple of these:



Discard the looped section and use a bolt of the right length to suit. You'ld need a suitable sized socket and ratchet drive to fit and remove but that should'nt be an issue.

 

[Borris]

I can't see what's funny.

It was meant as a serious suggestion. If the VW Multiflex fixing isn't long enough to cope with the extra thickness of the tray chassis, then as a matter of safety the answer is to replace it with a longer bolt and hold down system.

In the absence of any other ideas, by buying two of these hold down eye brackets you should have all the components you would need. You may need a longer bolt and a large washer to go between the bolt head and Multiflex foot rail but you would definitely need the lower threaded plate which is specifically designed to locate securely on the floor rail system. Without that the Muliflex and tray assembly will not be locked in position.

Getting the bolt to locate in the lower plate would be a challenge and it's not an ideal solution. It would be far better to find longer VW hold down fixings if they are available.

 

[Borris]

I just had a look for the correct type of VW fixings and it appears that you can get them although I don't know if they'd be long enough.

 

[Silver5urfer]

I just had a look for the correct type of VW fixings and it appears that you can get them although I don't know if they'd be long enough.

View attachment 39119

Hi Borris, I have seen those on eBay, and they do come in various lengths up to 70mm. I have bought some with the eye bolts to use in the living area to attach to my dogs harness. The VW bolts do hold down the multiflex and pull out draw securely, it’s just a PITA to remove and fit as they aren’t quite long enough to twist around.

 

[Borris]

As promised I have finally been able to take some photos of the Calicap boot tray for those contemplating buying one or something similar.

Purchasing a pull out tray with suitable storage containers was the last stage in my Beach storage master plan. The Beach is such a versatile vehicle that any storage arrangements must compliment it and not restrict it's many and varied possible functions. Over the last thirty months since buying our Beach we have often tweeked our storage arrangements until we now have what we consider to be the optimum setup. It is adaptable, modular and easily reconfigured. See what you think. All comments and critisms are welcome as usual.

After much research we decided to buy the Calicap due to its excellent fixing system and quality. We chose the 700mm version as it seems to provide the optimum storage solution without effecting the superb versatility that the Beach offers. I hope to show in three separate posts 1. The unit fitted. 2. My tray storage for everyday use and camping. 3. Tray and Beach storage for extended touring.


So firstly the Calicap 700 tray fittment:






Unfortunately the light in the following photo makes it difficult to see the outer fixings which are identicle to the middle two.



The Calicap pull out tray needs to be assembled when received but this is a simple task. What is evident is that the whole thing is very well designed and made. Fitting it to the van is simple but the Multiflex has to be removed first. The tray itself is fixed down by four VW floor rail fixings at the front end.

 

[Borris]

Part 2. My tray storage for everyday use and camping:



Kitchen Box



We have found that items tend to drift back into the house or don't get put back into the various boxes after being washed up. So to prevent this, I being rather OCD, compiled a check list of standard essential kit for each box. It sounds a bit anoracky and it is but it's now a simple matter to check if everything is present and correct. The lists which can be easily updated on the computer have been encapsulated and placed in each box.



These two boxes are for Electrical equipment (EHU cable etc) and Washing up Equipment respectively.



These two boxes at the rear are for veg, groceries and other food stuffs. They only get used when we go away otherwise they remain empty apart from two empty large click top boxes for flours etc. The top box is shallow to take tins etc whilst the bottom box is useful for bulky goods. The water box contains 2 x 5 litres of fresh water. The Fridge/Freezer is a Waeco Dometic CFX 35. The spare 240v and Continental two pin electrical leads are stored in the small gap behind the fridge (front end of the vehicle) in the pull out tray along with a 19mm socket and breaker bar for wheel changing.



The Comforts Cali topper stores nicely in the space on top of the Euro boxes. The Comfortz awning room is stowed on top of the VW Comfort mattress on top of the Multiflex. I store a silicon rubber collapsible washing bowl and bucket along with a tray in the gaps between the Multiflex legs and the vehicle side trims



This photo shows the space in the rear compartment with the Calicap 700 fitted. The additional two captains swivel seats could be fitted as well if needed. Note: the bench seat could actualy go back a little further still but I still need to make up some form of rubber stop to prevent the plastic on the rear of the bench seat base coming in contact with the tray subframe when the bench is moved backwards on the floor rails. The rubber stop would prevent any damage to the plastic bench seat trim.

 

[Silver5urfer]

Looks fantastic Borris. It definitely gives you an additional 100mm of leg room with the extra 2 single seats in. I’ve put an extra seat in my Cali this weekend with my 800mm tray and there is very little leg room, only suitable for short people, or short trips.
I like the look of your euroboxes, would you mind sharing the link where you got them from.
My next purchase will be to upgrade the mattress topper, can I ask which one you went for?

 

[Borris]

Part 3. Tray and Beach storage for extended touring.

When going on an extended trip my wife and I usually sleep downstairs. The bed is bigger and it gives easier access to the bed side cabinets (Van Essa window bags).










When carrying these extra storage boxes the fridge/freezer would be stowed behind the front passenger seat. If anyone wants to know the precise sizes of Euro boxes we ordered then please ask.

If any of these boxes are not needed then it takes only two ticks to remove them.

I hope this has been useful.


Please ignore this last photo. It's not relevant to this section and I have been unable to delete it.

 

[LemonDrop]

This is a brilliant set-up Borris, exactly what we want to do once our beach arrives.

+1 to please share the link to the euro boxes (and what sizes you've got if not too much of a hassle).

 

[Borris]

The Euro Boxes were supplied by Auer Packaging.



If you would like to know the sizes that we chose please ask.

The total height of the boxes on the tray is 400mm which leaves a good working clearance. The specific sizes were ordered after I had assessed what we actually needed to take with us on different types of trip. If it hadn't been used or wasn't needed then it wasn't included. The equipment was grouped into categories and the box sizes worked out accordingly. Therefore the range we have ordered gives us maximum flexibility without compromising the versatility of the Beach.

The three 400x300x270mm lidded boxes in front of the tray but behind the bench seat fill the void when the bench seat is correctly positioned to be made into the downstairs bed. They still allow a little extra storage on top even with the downstairs bed down. Awning room, carpet mat and tarp for example. These boxes can be accessed from the rear across the tray when the tray contents are removed or via the side door with the bench seat back folded forward. With the bench seat back upright the bedding can be stored behind the seat back on top of these boxes. Some of the possible long range/duration storage uses could be:
Box 1. Walking boots and wet gear.
Box 2. Spare Campingaz 907 cylinder and spare Campingaz Carena stove.
Box 3. Additional 20litres of fresh water.

 

[Borris]

This is a brilliant set-up Borris, exactly what we want to do once our beach arrives.

+1 to please share the link to the euro boxes (and what sizes you've got if not too much of a hassle).

Hello Lemondrop,
We ordered the following:
1 x 600x400x270mm box and lid (Length x Width x Height) for the kitchen box.
2 x 400x300x120mm boxes and lids for the Eletrical and Washing up boxes which sit on top of the kitchen box.
1 x 400x300x220mm box and lid for the lower grocery box.
1 x 400x300x170mm box and lid for the upper grocery box.
2 x 300x200x170mm boxes. One lid only. One box is for the water box. It takes two Sainsburys 5 litre containers.The other box can replace the upper grocery box if you need to carry extra tall items in the lower grocery box. Then only half of the lower box will have a restricted height of 220mm.
3 x 400x300x270mm boxes with lids for beneath the downstairs bed.
1 x 600x400x320mm box. No lid. (The 75mm tray forms the lid). Extra storage for extended trips.
1 x 600x400x75mm box and lid. Odds and sods storage tray.

They are very good quality and not too expensive at £143.89 inc P and P. Although that doesn't include the three 400x300mm lids we forgot to order.