Question from Beginners: Knowing what you know now, what would be your top five "must-have" accessories for the Cali?

[Brino]

Great Question
Enjoying & Learning from the responses.

Ok...based 2 x Adults 1 x Vizsla

1. Comfortz VW Awning Kit
Started with the Vango AirHub Hexaway. OMG what a monster, great if your a family but 2 x adults way too much. Awning kit rocks, keeps agile, super quick to put up, flexible panels, quick to pack and go.

2. Cafetière French Press
Forget the dangerous glass, or the possible explosion of Italian express maker, keep it simple. Amazon link below
French

3. Cornillon Seat and Storage
Fits perfectly behind passenger seat when driving. Make no mistake get one
Seat and Store

4. Premium Dog Tie-Out stack
Enough said

5. DAB radio to power off the leisure battery BT to speaker
DAB

 

[Agnes]

We're getting our VW California Ocean in less than two weeks and are taking everyone's advice, in that, we won't be buying any accessories until we've had a few trips out in it. You know, to see what we actually need.

But I'm curious. Many of you will be lucky enough to have had a Cali or converted Transporter for a while. You've been there. You've learnt the lessons. You've camped in warm and cold weather. You've done weekend breaks and longer road trips. You've been through a lot together.

With all of your collected wisdom, what would you say are the top five accessories for the van? You know, to help the beginners amongst us.

Personally, we've got our eye on some seat covers, carpet and Portapotti all from Brandrup (and the obvious stuff like electric plug-up thingy, gas bottle, etc). But what else? Or can you confirm these are wise first investments? Cheers, Kate

Shelf above the kitchen gives sooo much more room for stuff when cooking and even when roof is down.

 

[Loz]

Where do you get additional drawers from, what do they look like?

Calicap.de.

 

[Ferring-about]

Ask 100 Cali owners and you,lol get 110 different opinions, all completely subjective.

Here’s mine. Not sure of the logic of having seat covers AND carpet. Presumably you want seat covers cos you’re messy, have mucky pups etc.? If so, do you really want carpets, to catch all that crud, rather than brush-out, wipe clean flooring.?

(Rather than carpet, We just have a nice Welsh woven rug, that we shake out every morning, and goes in the washing machine once in a while).

We use old towels, dog towels to be precise, as the dogs sleep in between the front and rear seats mostly. Two over the rear seats and a couple on the floor to absorb the inevitable moisture brought in! We are thinking about front seat covers but are not yet sure.

 

[Frans_T5]

We're getting our VW California Ocean in less than two weeks and are taking everyone's advice, in that, we won't be buying any accessories until we've had a few trips out in it. You know, to see what we actually need.

But I'm curious. Many of you will be lucky enough to have had a Cali or converted Transporter for a while. You've been there. You've learnt the lessons. You've camped in warm and cold weather. You've done weekend breaks and longer road trips. You've been through a lot together.

With all of your collected wisdom, what would you say are the top five accessories for the van? You know, to help the beginners amongst us.

Personally, we've got our eye on some seat covers, carpet and Portapotti all from Brandrup (and the obvious stuff like electric plug-up thingy, gas bottle, etc). But what else? Or can you confirm these are wise first investments? Cheers, Kate

One of our best investments
Mosquito net sliding door and sliding window.

Two of the 110 opinions

Greets from the Neterlands...

 

[Frans_T5]

One of our best investments
Mosquito net sliding door and sliding window.

Two of the 110 opinions

Greets from the Neterlands...

View attachment 49253

Netherlands pffff sorry...

 

[Houchen]

1. Carpet for the front of the van - the brandrup one is good - could live without but it’s the first thing we bought (protects that area between the front seats that is not particularly well carpeted)
2. Cadac stove/portable bbq - it’s superb
3. Ridge monkey
4. Outdoor mat/rug
5. Levelling ramps

Other things worth a mention.

• Coleman event shelter if going away with other a nice place to sit and chat in the evening - without the dew soaking you.
• We have a beach - we use a Coleman insulated cool box. This is excellent and does not require power - just swap out of ice packs.
• A decent windbreak.
• Jetboil for quick brews.
• Small trug for washing up.
• Some lights to hang off the awning - for the festival vibe

Things I’d like to get but haven’t yet - calitopper, van cover (as it won’t fit in the garage), in our beach an alternative to the standard vw ‘comfort mattress’ - as the one that comes with the van is about as comfortable as a brick.

 

[DavidGPhillips]

We're getting our VW California Ocean in less than two weeks and are taking everyone's advice, in that, we won't be buying any accessories until we've had a few trips out in it. You know, to see what we actually need.

But I'm curious. Many of you will be lucky enough to have had a Cali or converted Transporter for a while. You've been there. You've learnt the lessons. You've camped in warm and cold weather. You've done weekend breaks and longer road trips. You've been through a lot together.

With all of your collected wisdom, what would you say are the top five accessories for the van? You know, to help the beginners amongst us.

Personally, we've got our eye on some seat covers, carpet and Portapotti all from Brandrup (and the obvious stuff like electric plug-up thingy, gas bottle, etc). But what else? Or can you confirm these are wise first investments? Cheers, Kate

My list would be seat covers, porta potti, collapsible kettle, levelling Ramos and awning tie-down.

 

[threetone]

1. Upgrade for the matresses.
2. Little garbage bin that fits behind the seat.
3. Ikea boxes for organising the kitchen and boot.
4. Vw Monster mats for the front section.
5. Still looking for a similar quality rubber mat for the living room section.

 

[Frans_T5]

Netherlands pffff sorry...

Ahhhh forgotten to mention,
Besides all the seat covers we have, we also have the Brandrup seat pockets.
A must to have, highwind guidelines for the awning.
Make sure you have the roof rail on both sides.
I have fabricated a transparent rain protection which I can slide in the rail above the sliding kitchen window, so we can leave this window open during rainfall. It is simple but most effective.
We also have a small electric heater 300-600Watt, we use our axillary diesel heater but she is noisy.. so not convenient over longer periods.
I probably have forgotten something..items

 

[Jill&Graeme]

We are newbies and the Cali we bought had carpet and seat covers and would highly recommend.
Next would be the electric hook up cable - 25m, with winder; travel adaptor with USB; chargeable mosquito with light.
If sleeping downstairs topper is a must.
Washable double duvet set with small double fitted sheet.
Kettle, collapsible bucket.

 

[RichardH]

We're getting our VW California Ocean in less than two weeks and are taking everyone's advice, in that, we won't be buying any accessories until we've had a few trips out in it. You know, to see what we actually need.

But I'm curious. Many of you will be lucky enough to have had a Cali or converted Transporter for a while. You've been there. You've learnt the lessons. You've camped in warm and cold weather. You've done weekend breaks and longer road trips. You've been through a lot together.

With all of your collected wisdom, what would you say are the top five accessories for the van? You know, to help the beginners amongst us.

Personally, we've got our eye on some seat covers, carpet and Portapotti all from Brandrup (and the obvious stuff like electric plug-up thingy, gas bottle, etc). But what else? Or can you confirm these are wise first investments? Cheers, Kate

Persian Rug (to go on top of fitted carpet).
Faux wolf-skin throw (to go on top of duvet in winter).
Stove-top expresso coffee maker.
Porcelain cups and nice wine glasses.
Fitted sheets.
Water filter (for making drinkable tea once your tankful of Yorkshire water runs out).
ACSI and France Passion memberships.
Carbon Monoxide sensor (just in case).

Plus all the usual necessities such as collapsing kettle, collapsing bucket, plug for overseas sinks, long electrical connector lead, water hose pipe, loo that fits under the sink, Cadac / Cobb, covers for mattress & rear luggage cushion, mat for outdoors and door-mat, tool-kit.

Don’t bother with seat covers (the originals are robust and easy to clean), toppers, levellers, extra storage units.

But that’s just the way we like it. For others it will be quite different. That’s one of the great things about the Cali - it’s flexible and competent enough to fit into many different life-styles, it doesn’t force you into its own!

 

[clarinetbcn]

Agree with @andyinluton and if you take the spare wheel safe to your collection our dealer fitted it for me on the spot (saved me bodging it later)
I bought the cadac and so far not used it but I’ve used my little cartridge stove extensively £10 in go outdoors sale and £10 for 8 cartridges versus £135 for the cadac safari chef - just saying.

I love my decathlon cheap cartridge stove, but it’s useless outdoors if it’s a little windy.

 

[clarinetbcn]

1. Carpet for the front of the van - the brandrup one is good - could live without but it’s the first thing we bought (protects that area between the front seats that is not particularly well carpeted)
2. Cadac stove/portable bbq - it’s superb
3. Ridge monkey
4. Outdoor mat/rug
5. Levelling ramps

Other things worth a mention.

• Coleman event shelter if going away with other a nice place to sit and chat in the evening - without the dew soaking you.
• We have a beach - we use a Coleman insulated cool box. This is excellent and does not require power - just swap out of ice packs.
• A decent windbreak.
• Jetboil for quick brews.
• Small trug for washing up.
• Some lights to hang off the awning - for the festival vibe

Things I’d like to get but haven’t yet - calitopper, van cover (as it won’t fit in the garage), in our beach an alternative to the standard vw ‘comfort mattress’ - as the one that comes with the van is about as comfortable as a brick.

Do you have it upside down? Tapered edges go down to even out the seat, soft flat side goes up to sleep on.

 

[peregrinus]

1: 5m length of water hose
2: Ladder - convinced me only after we had both fallen whilst climbing into the roof (sleepy or drunk or both)
3: Ikea toppers for the beds
4: Silver screen for the front windows
5: Folding rubber bucket for washing up, recycling, whatever

 

[Eber123]

Good evening,

I forgot one item which is vital for us - the "Brandrup Water fill-in 10 L".

I prefer to use the Water fill-in to fill up the water tank than a hose. I get the drinking water from approrpiated, most cleanest sources. Ok, I have to do this trip 3x times, but it is actually not that time consuming as it sounds.

On tour I normally top up the fresh water tank daily, which often means I have to top up not more than 10 l.

Regards,
Eberhard

 

[Jay20cali]

After 30yrs of camping and campers
I see no reason why u need more than
1 Level chocks
2 hook up cable
3 cadac safari chef
4 pots pans kettle
5 the quilt and pillows from home .
The first two Are not essential but it’s nice to have a bed that’s straight and flat I’m a bit ocd about that now...
But the more beer I drink the less important it is....
.
The rest is food drink ect.....
No alcohol for you but I always like a few beers when I’m on my holidays

 

[CaliKate]

After 30yrs of camping and campers
I see no reason why u need more than
1 Level chocks
2 hook up cable
3 cadac safari chef
4 pots pans kettle
5 the quilt and pillows from home .
The first two Are not essential but it’s nice to have a bed that’s straight and flat I’m a bit ocd about that now...
But the more beer I drink the less important it is....
.
The rest is food drink ect.....
No alcohol for you but I always like a few beers when I’m on my holidays

Thank you for all the tips! Drink wise, we love the alcohol-free beers and hear there are many decent options in Europe. So we’ll be fine! Yay!

Thanks for all your super suggestions! Nine days or so until we get the Cali. I am not sure if I’m dreaming or this is real!!

 

[Karlos]

When on hook up we have a double electric hob and electric griddle come barbecue. Other things I wouldn't be without are Folding table for cooking on. Screw in pegs for awning and Bike Rack.

 

[J & S Saldanha]

- Brandrup Utilty pockets for small kitchen window (in the shop on this website) - ours came with the van as we bought second-hand, but they are so handy and neat for torches, herbs, salt, packs of cards etc.
- Chopping board that fits over the sink top and doubles up as more worktop space.(we made ours out of an Ikea chopping board and shaped it to fit.)
- Ladder for the top bunk
- Bungee thingy to put round the bellows in case it's windy when you lower the roof.
- Cosy Topper for the roof when it gets cold.

 

[Asprin]

We're getting our VW California Ocean in less than two weeks and are taking everyone's advice, in that, we won't be buying any accessories until we've had a few trips out in it. You know, to see what we actually need.

But I'm curious. Many of you will be lucky enough to have had a Cali or converted Transporter for a while. You've been there. You've learnt the lessons. You've camped in warm and cold weather. You've done weekend breaks and longer road trips. You've been through a lot together.

With all of your collected wisdom, what would you say are the top five accessories for the van? You know, to help the beginners amongst us.

Personally, we've got our eye on some seat covers, carpet and Portapotti all from Brandrup (and the obvious stuff like electric plug-up thingy, gas bottle, etc). But what else? Or can you confirm these are wise first investments? Cheers, Kate

For us:
1 Cali topper: Additional protection and neatens the look of the Cali, but more importantly (for me), when its percipitating profusely you can lower the roof without the canvas getting wet so you don't have to wait for a fine day to pop the roof to dry it out.
2. Front windscreen wrap/cover. Adds insulation in winter, prevents condensation on front windscreenand easier than faffing with the blinds. (2012 T5 blinds)
3. Thetford porta poti: A must unless you like the midnight hike to the toilets.
4.Wind out awning ground sheet. Prevents grass and mud getting into the van.
5. Bike rack: you don't need a bike although we have, but for me it's a bit of bling. A cali looks naked withiout it.(My opinion)

These are the things that we've found to be a good investment.

If you look on the forum there's a chap from Tiawan called Chilli who has some good storage ideas, worth a look. Certainly help us out for storage ideas.

 

[CaliKate]

For us:
1 Cali topper: Additional protection and neatens the look of the Cali, but more importantly (for me), when its percipitating profusely you can lower the roof without the canvas getting wet so you don't have to wait for a fine day to pop the roof to dry it out.
2. Front windscreen wrap/cover. Adds insulation in winter, prevents condensation on front windscreenand easier than faffing with the blinds. (2012 T5 blinds)
3. Thetford porta poti: A must unless you like the midnight hike to the toilets.
4.Wind out awning ground sheet. Prevents grass and mud getting into the van.
5. Bike rack: you don't need a bike although we have, but for me it's a bit of bling. A cali looks naked withiout it.(My opinion)

These are the things that we've found to be a good investment.

If you look on the forum there's a chap from Tiawan called Chilli who has some good storage ideas, worth a look. Certainly help us out for storage ideas.

Thanks so much! Very helpful. I intend to get a topper and windscreen cover. They sound great! And I’m already clued up on Chilli! His videos are so good.

Great idea about the ground sheet. Never considered that. And the Potti has been purchased too. I hate those midnight trips to the loo. Thank goodness for Pottis!!

 

[Asprin]

Thanks so much! Very helpful. I intend to get a topper and windscreen cover. They sound great! And I’m already clued up on Chilli! His videos are so good.

Great idea about the ground sheet. Never considered that. And the Potti has been purchased too. I hate those midnight trips to the loo. Thank goodness for Pottis!!

What about the bling. It also doubles as a washing line.

 

[clarinetbcn]

What about the bling. It also doubles as a washing line.

Also hanging rack for fresh pasta.

 

[Asprin]

Also hanging rack for fresh pasta.

The uses are endless