surfboard storage in california

[jonathanweaver]

Hey Guys,

I have seen my dream California. Low kms ready to go.
I have two kids and a wife and really want to be able to travel with all of us and two boards in the vw whilst driving.
questions
1) possible to remove the drawer under the rear bench and then slide a board under there?
2) with rear seats back, could you get a board between that rear bench and up through the middle?
Thanks so so much!!!

Jon

 

[Camperfamily]

I think you have the answer to #1 here:
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...ar-bench-on-2019-california.42939/post-556617

 

[steve_b]

boards on the roof, job done.. taking the drawer out is a 2 minute job (unless anything has changed since my 2008 model) and you could in theory get a board in there if you take the toolkit out but I have never tried it. They will always fit on the roof!

 

[jonathanweaver]

boards on the roof, job done.. taking the drawer out is a 2 minute job (unless anything has changed since my 2008 model) and you could in theory get a board in there if you take the toolkit out but I have never tried it. They will always fit on the roof!

ah thanks man. yeah basically just wanna make sure if travelling with the family, that I can have boards in the vehicle instead of on the roof.

 

[MrAdam]

2) Yes, if your board isn't longer than 6'6 and you only have one. We did a 4k km trip like that and it worked fine although it is an extra hassle to get it in and out and you lose easy access to the drawers and cupboards.

 

[jonathanweaver]

2) Yes, if your board isn't longer than 6'6 and you only have one. We did a 4k km trip like that and it worked fine although it is an extra hassle to get it in and out and you lose easy access to the drawers and cupboards.

ah so you removed the drawer underneath easy enough?

 

[Drpps]

I have found the lower profile roof bars and the boards on the roof work well without adding much height and don't seem to alter the fuel consumption or noise levels either.
If you need to transport 4 people plus boards inside then you might find one of these works better for you.

Kepler Six | Westfalia Mobil GmbH

westfalia-mobil.com

 

[MrAdam]

ah so you removed the drawer underneath easy enough?

No, 6'6 fits as you described "with rear seats back, could you get a board between that rear bench and up through the middle".

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Hey Guys,

I have seen my dream California. Low kms ready to go.
I have two kids and a wife and really want to be able to travel with all of us and two boards in the vw whilst driving.
questions
1) possible to remove the drawer under the rear bench and then slide a board under there?
2) with rear seats back, could you get a board between that rear bench and up through the middle?
Thanks so so much!!!

Jon

Put them on the roof with lockable straps.

Having them inside will restrict your use of the kitchen etc and likely to be stepped on by kids etc; Also more likely to put them under the van , until the day you pull away and realise you have accidentally driven over them (see photo -Tyre tracks courtesy of twin wheel base motor home!):

 

[flying banana]

Just make the downstairs bed. You will fit them in the van then easy

 

[Webbah_in_Switzerland]

Put them on the roof and use LockRack to secure them. Fantastic kit!

Lockrack Europe - get your ultimative Watercraft Carrier here

Lockrack is the ultimative Watercraft Carrier for your Kayak ✓ Canoe ✓ Stand up Paddle Board ✓ Surf Board ✓ and more ✓ Get your Lockrack ➜ Lockrack Europe

lockrack.eu

 

[Drpps]

Just make the downstairs bed. You will fit them in the van then easy

Indeed but OP wants to travel with 4 and the boards inside.

 

[oceanson]

That is the reason why i ordered a Beach Camper and not a Coast,to be able to travel with my longboards and 4 persons inside,i really dislike roof racks. The 4 seater Beach Camper is perfect to carry boards

 

[Cal’ish]

This seems to work out ok. 3 of us going to France to surf this summer, at least we’ll always have one board in case we pull up to a perfect evening swell and the local rent shop has closed for the day.

 

[steve_b]

I took out the toolkit (2 thumb nuts) and the drawer (2 screws) the other day to try and get a surfboard (well, technically a surf rescue board) inside and out of the way.

It did work but there is actually surprisingly little height in the gap exposed - there are 2 metal plates that stick out from the seat belt reels that obstruct things mightily.

This is the view from the rear looking under the rear set towards the front. Note that you have to tape up the slide rails on each side to stop them banging around