Rough Road California.

[sidepod]

just don’t drive like a tw*t with the dog on your avatar in the van.

I cringe at the thought of him being dug out of your shunt.

 

[Skewif]

just don’t drive like a tw*t with the dog on your avatar in the van.

I cringe at the thought of him being dug out of your shunt.

LOL LOL LOL.... and a very merry Christmas to you too!...Xxxx PS: He does most of the driving, I'm normally far too pissed.

 

[Kmann]

I did look into VB. Their main line of business is smooth soft suspension for mobility transport, heavy equipment etc. While it is without doubt a truly wonderful bit of kit for something like the Cali it's focus of design was not rough road. There is more to making a worthy off roader than just changing to an adjustable hight spring. Due to an increasing demand for more rugged off road vehicle's (more raising less slamming) I have it from good authority that they are looking into a more off road suited version. VB by all accounts is a very reliable system. Cost was a factor but I feel it's money well spent if it benefits your style.
At the end of the day I have very particular requirements. By building it myself I can swap components in and out to tune it to how I want. This is my first attempt at tuning a Cali and so far I'm really chuffed with the results. After a couple of months up in the mountains I may want to do more.
There is a spanner in the works though. Yesterday I was invited to test in extreme conditions a pre production extra rugged UK modified T6. I just hope doing so doesn't pop my happy little bubble.

Skid plates are made by Rival. More than strong enough for my needs.

Thanks for the reply. They have used the VB for i.e. the Dakar Rally for several years, so I thought they would be fine for my needs (going a little further). I have done quite some enduro trips (on Motorbike) thru the alps in Europe, and maybe there is still a little leftover in the blood (even it is many years ago) since I always get tempted by a dusty stoney road. And the VB has a great advantage when levelling itself before sleep - but It might be more fragile in really harsh conditions? Nevertheless its very interesting to see your project move on …

 

[Skewif]

Thanks for the reply. They have used the VB for i.e. the Dakar Rally for several years, so I thought they would be fine for my needs (going a little further). I have done quite some enduro trips (on Motorbike) thru the alps in Europe, and maybe there is still a little leftover in the blood (even it is many years ago) since I always get tempted by a dusty stoney road. And the VB has a great advantage when levelling itself before sleep - but It might be more fragile in really harsh conditions? Nevertheless its very interesting to see your project move on …

I have no experience of VB but did pose the question to a VB dealer (who specialises in off road transporters) friend I know well regarding how robust it would be for up in the mountains tracks with all the very harsh abrasive dust found there. His response was it will be fine, no problems at all. If you just want to potter off road and up tracks (like I do) I don't think it matters what suspension you have. Though it's helpful to have a bit more ground clearance on the rear as most limiting factor regarding getting to places of joy. If you want to go fast off road it's Seikel or Seikel. Its amazing stuff but more aimed at the serious. I too dream one day of having the magic auto level button.

 

[GrannyJen]

You all make me totally jealous.

Mountains and wild places are my soul, my whole spiritual raison d'être. My days driving the MR Emergency vehicle are long over but guys and girls, enjoy the wild, the barren, the rough and the less than smooth.

 

[GrannyJen]

And ... if you ever need Gran with her blues and two's land rover ........

Do have the wine poured first

With respect to Langdale mountain rescue team and that great, wonderful legend, Sid Cross, xxxxxxxxx

 

[Skewif]

Mountains and wild places are my soul, my whole spiritual raison d'être

I couldn't be more with you on that one.. Merry Christmas Granny Jen.Xx

 

[GrannyJen]

I couldn't be more with you on that one.. Merry Christmas Granny Jen.Xx

Merry Christmas Steve and should we meet somewhere on the Col Del Hove then we can share a memory or two... well, you can, mine was left in the clinic years ago

 

[Skewif]

Merry Christmas Steve and should we meet somewhere on the Col Del Hove then we can share a memory or two... well, you can, mine was left in the clinic years ago

Any chance we could change the heart button from welcome to I love you? Want to send that message but no option to do it Xxx

 

[Skewif]

Any chance we could change the heart button from welcome to I love you? Want to send that message but no option to do it Xxx

..... errr...maybe not.... judge says no as against my bail conditions

 

[GrannyJen]

Sod the judge, talk to the head nurse in my institution ......

 

[Skewif]

Sod the judge, talk to the head nurse in my institution ......

Okay... can we have a "I love you" button anyway... even if I have to do time.

 

[sidepod]

I would never say I'm a guru, but I may have a better than average idea of how it all works

Sarcasms lost on you as well then.

 

[Freeley]

Sarcasms lost on you as well then.

I just hope I'm never anywhere near him on a roundabout, overtaking and testing the limits of his newly improved van.
Save that for the race track

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Skewif]

I just hope I'm never anywhere near him on a roundabout, overtaking and testing the limits of his newly improved van.
Save that for the race track

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Mate I ain’t no loon. I do not speed or ever endanger other road users. In fact I’d say I’m a very courteous and considerate driver. Limits of a van can be found at a relatively sedate pace. Finding limits then staying within them is far safer than not knowing where the limits are when faced with the unexpected. When was the last time you did a random emergency stop at speed to fully understand your stopping distance?

 

[HectorPascal]

WARNING! This post contains pictures of a modified California using non VW parts that some readers may find distressing.

Mission to create a way more capable rough road camper is complete and the difference is huge! Loads more ground clearance (R +~60mm, F +~30mm) massive increase in departure angle (was~14º now ~25º), much nicer to drive on and off road, tons less roll, vastly increased cornering ability, zero bouncy / wollowiness, no longer need to slow down for most speed bumps, no feeling/look of sagginess. Much more stable at speed on bumpy roads. no more bottoming out when fully loaded, less crashiness, shorter breaking distance on bumpy roads, whole van feels much lighter and more car like, can go many more places off road than before.

HD springs and shocks on the rear. HD shocks and TÜV approved spring spacers on the front plus all the bushes, the ball joints, drop links, top mounts have also been replaced with better than OEM Meyle HD parts. Also fitted full set of underbody skid plates for tank, engine/gearbox, rear diff and exhaust. Oh and some Michelin Latitude Cross boots just to finish it all off.

I spent hours and hours researching all the options available and every part was carefully chosen. Can be returned back to std easily if I ever sell. The suspension cost ~£800 all in fitted including 4 wheel laser alinement. To me that’s a bargain for the transformation in driving pleasure.

Not many peoples cup of tea I’m sure. But to me and the kind of places ( https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/love-wild-camping-go-italian-alps.21430/ ) I like to camp this is a game changer.

Only problem now is having to wait months for the snow to melt high in the Alps. Where's all this global warming when you really need it!!!

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I have to say I admire your confidence and clarity of purpose. Don't know how you did all that for £800. Gold star from me.

 

[Skewif]

I have to say I admire your confidence and clarity of purpose. Don't know how you did all that for £800. Gold star from me.

Thank you. £800 was just for suspension parts and fitting.

Merry Christmas.

 

[Freeley]

Mate I ain’t no loon. I do not speed or ever endanger other road users. In fact I’d say I’m a very courteous and considerate driver. Limits of a van can be found at a relatively sedate pace. Finding limits then staying within them is far safer than not knowing where the limits are when faced with the unexpected. When was the last time you did a random emergency stop at speed to fully understand your stopping distance?

I do emergency stops as and when I need to do them, I don't practice or play at it.
I've driven vans of various sizes for nearly 30 years now so have a fair understanding of stopping distances and driving safely.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[BikerGran]

I just hope I'm never anywhere near him on a roundabout, overtaking and testing the limits of his newly improved van.
Save that for the race track

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

I'd love to be near him on a roundabout - well prolly behind him in all honesty, on my trike! He could demonstrate the roadholding and I could demonstrate the drifting!

(No need for Mr Sidepod to be concerned as I don't actually ride the trike any more )

 

[Skewif]

I'd love to be near him on a roundabout - well prolly behind him in all honesty, on my trike! He could demonstrate the roadholding and I could demonstrate the drifting!

(No need for Mr Sidepod to be concerned as I don't actually ride the trike any more )

I do hear the next new movie hit will be: The fast and the Furious: California...and Trike Drift. Xxx

 

[sdes]

Well, back to the initial post, and that looks like just the sort of camper I wanted. Also looked at the VB Air suspension option as gives other advantages, but seems to be that you've created most of what I was after for les that ⅓ of the VB cost, so hats off. I've driven my 2007 4Motion up some alpine tracks on the French side, and at standard ride height, it was pretty sketchy.

You should collaborate with whatever garage you used to fit it and offer a service....

The other VW offerings for more "off road" seem to only be available in Europe, I was looking at putting a Cali interior into a VW Rockton - or trying to purchase the suspension components off a Rockton for the Cali.....either way would have cost as much as the VB.

Two questions,
1. What did it do to your insurance premiums?
2. Did VB give any timeframe for their "off road" targeted offering?

Having just driven about 2000 miles on French Autoroutes over Xmas down to the Pyrenees (4 motion more use there than in London), having to pay extra for a 30mm higher vehicle doesn't appeal!

 

[sdes]

Oh, sorry, third question, have you tried those Michelin Latitude Cross tyres in snow / ice? It looks as if you might have done at some point. I couldn't seem to find reviews fro them in winter conditions and they are listed as a "Summer Tyre". Ended up going with Michelin Pilot Alpins, which seemed very good, but certainly not an all season option.

 

[B J G]

What weight was added to the unladen weight figure, or how much load capacity did you lose?

 

[Skewif]

Well, back to the initial post, and that looks like just the sort of camper I wanted. Also looked at the VB Air suspension option as gives other advantages, but seems to be that you've created most of what I was after for les that ⅓ of the VB cost, so hats off. I've driven my 2007 4Motion up some alpine tracks on the French side, and at standard ride height, it was pretty sketchy.

You should collaborate with whatever garage you used to fit it and offer a service....

The other VW offerings for more "off road" seem to only be available in Europe, I was looking at putting a Cali interior into a VW Rockton - or trying to purchase the suspension components off a Rockton for the Cali.....either way would have cost as much as the VB.

Two questions,
1. What did it do to your insurance premiums?
2. Did VB give any timeframe for their "off road" targeted offering?

Having just driven about 2000 miles on French Autoroutes over Xmas down to the Pyrenees (4 motion more use there than in London), having to pay extra for a 30mm higher vehicle doesn't appeal!

Thank you.
I agree, standard ground clearance is the most limiting factor. What's surprising is how a mere 50/30mm lift can make such a big difference when on challenging terrain.

No change in insurance cost but did put across a logical case that changes purely intended to reduce chance of damage (and insurance claim) when traveling to places like Morocco, Iceland etc.

The VB info came from the owner of a company launching this month that will be the UK's first official Seikel dealers who hope to also fit VB. I'm visiting them later this month so will find out in what way they think it could be made better for rough road. Seems many members on here have VB to take them off the beaten track so must be pretty good in std form.

Re Rockton, if you fit Seikel suspension you'll have basically the same thing for £1200+fitting. Stick on some Rival skid plates (£1100) and a pair of Seikel rock slider side bars (£460) and you'll have one super tough go anywhere camper for less than the cost of just fitting VB.

Re tolls, Loz posted on page 1 saying his Cali is a couple cm higher than mine but still registers as class 1 most of the time at the tolls. You can get the few class 2 corrected to class 1 easily if you use Sanef Tag.

The Latitude Cross tyres are not the best in very cold/frosty conditions I found. They are a summer tyre with quite a hard compound to resist damage from gravel tracks, rocks etc. They offer more sure footed grip on road than my previous 4 seasons did and expect them be way better in really hot weather. I'd swop to winters if going on a long trip anywhere really cold with likelihood of snow.

Will post the Seikel dealers details when they open.

 

[Skewif]

What weight was added to the unladen weight figure, or how much load capacity did you lose?

The Rival underbody protection for 4motion model comes in at 44kg. Most of this is the engine/gearbox and fuel tank skid plates. I'd say you loose less than 20kg capacity on the rear.