The best addition to your California?

[CamperFam]

So - we bought our first California (2019 199 Ocean) last week, and like many of you i'm sure, we're like deers in the headlights when it comes to adding accessories. We've got a single night booked next weekend (4th July, so no doubt a feeding frenzy of folks when we arrive, given COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being eased), for the sole purpose of figuring out what we're missing. Better to find out after a single night and 50 miles from home, rather than on the continent for a week or two!

We've got our own personal list, but it's all based on hypothesis and assumption. So for those who are inducted into Hallf of Fame, what would you choose?

Bikerack?
Seat Covers?
Carpet?
Packing Cubes?
Matress Toppers?
Copious amounts of wine in the fridge?
Numerous other ideas that escape me!

If you were to 'do it all again', what would be that number one accessory you wish you had (and perhaps did?!) have from the very start?

 

[Brian’s Dad]

Extra draws under the sink. So much more efficient!

 

[Perfectos]

Copious amounts of wine, the rest doesn’t matter

 

[Ting Tong]

Welcome: We have all those except the topper and wine in the fridge (because we drink red) . Don’t forget the mains hook up lead and something to fill the water from a tap. Just use it and see what you need.

 

[CamperFam]

Welcome: We have all those except the topper and wine in the fridge (because we drink red) . Don’t forget the mains hook up lead and something to fill the water from a tap. Just use it and see what you need.

An individual of sophistication, clearly! I recall my ex's god-father giving a full-blown description of french wines, and the regions in which they came from one evening. I can confidently say, it all went over my head - except I needed to drink more. That last part i've achieved though!

How beneficial are those toppers? Weighing them up versus the inconvenience of having the put them up/down each time. (Similar thouhts to drive-away awnings).

 

[gvick]

So - we bought our first California (2019 199 Ocean) last week, and like many of you i'm sure, we're like deers in the headlights when it comes to adding accessories. We've got a single night booked next weekend (4th July, so no doubt a feeding frenzy of folks when we arrive, given COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being eased), for the sole purpose of figuring out what we're missing. Better to find out after a single night and 50 miles from home, rather than on the continent for a week or two!

We've got our own personal list, but it's all based on hypothesis and assumption. So for those who are inducted into Hallf of Fame, what would you choose?

Bikerack?
Seat Covers?
Carpet?
Packing Cubes?
Matress Toppers?
Copious amounts of wine in the fridge?
Numerous other ideas that escape me!

If you were to 'do it all again', what would be that number one accessory you wish you had (and perhaps did?!) have from the very start?

Hi @Kallista we are based in North Essex too - look out for a red and white two tone ocean.

Our best buys
- seat covers essential with a dog and children.
- cadac for bbqing outside
- ridge monkey for cooking inside
- 25m hook up cable.

Less is more with a Cali especially if you like traveling round so don’t rush the accessories plenty on the forum will advise have a few trips before you decide what you need.

 

[CamperFam]

Hi @Kallista we are based in North Essex too - look out for a red and white two tone ocean.

Our best buys
- seat covers essential with a dog and children.
- cadac for bbqing outside
- ridge monkey for cooking inside
- 25m hook up cable.

Less is more with a Cali especially if you like traveling round so don’t rush the accessories plenty on the forum will advise have a few trips before you decide what you need.

Glad to see your post gvick! We've picked up a Ridgemonkey already (looked like a swiss-army-knife of the cooking variety), as well as negotiating with the dealer on the OEM waterproof covers. Not the most comfortable (lots of sliding/slipping), but with a grubby handed 20mo daughter (and another due in November) we're no doubt going to need them!

We've grabbed a 25m - albeit doubting we'll need the full distance. But better be safe than sorry!

We'll add the cadac to our 2021 plans, i'm sure! Albeit the prerequisite is that I learn how to cook.....

 

[Elly Swanson]

An individual of sophistication, clearly! I recall my ex's god-father giving a full-blown description of french wines, and the regions in which they came from one evening. I can confidently say, it all went over my head - except I needed to drink more. That last part i've achieved though!

How beneficial are those toppers? Weighing them up versus the inconvenience of having the put them up/down each time. (Similar thouhts to drive-away awnings).

Toppers are great if you’re staying put for a while. If you drive about a lot and the weather’s good putting them on and off is a pain, but manageable. If it’s raining though it’s a real pain in the butt as they get heavier and the insides get wet. Also even if you stay put, if the weather gets so bad in the night you need to get the top down, you’re out in the weather getting the covers off first. This applies to both types, the toppers and the side panels. That’s why we’ve now gone for the isotop Internal insulation. Once fitted, it stays in, you just have to be a bit more mindful when you lower the roof.

 

[Elly Swanson]

So - we bought our first California (2019 199 Ocean) last week, and like many of you i'm sure, we're like deers in the headlights when it comes to adding accessories. We've got a single night booked next weekend (4th July, so no doubt a feeding frenzy of folks when we arrive, given COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being eased), for the sole purpose of figuring out what we're missing. Better to find out after a single night and 50 miles from home, rather than on the continent for a week or two!

We've got our own personal list, but it's all based on hypothesis and assumption. So for those who are inducted into Hallf of Fame, what would you choose?

Bikerack?
Seat Covers?
Carpet?
Packing Cubes?
Matress Toppers?
Copious amounts of wine in the fridge?
Numerous other ideas that escape me!

If you were to 'do it all again', what would be that number one accessory you wish you had (and perhaps did?!) have from the very start?

Be prepared for it to be an ongoing process and a constant work in progress!

 

[Elly Swanson]

Ridgemonkey pans are handy for cooking in the van as they’re easy to store and clean. You can cook all sorts in them from toasties to pizzas and chips (even cup cakes, seen but not tried). Close the lid to keep the steam in. Great For camping, at home and cooking outdoors, on gas, over fire or charcoal. I have 3 toastie XLs (2 old style and one new version).
In the van, cooking Uncle Ben’s rice from a pouch (just add a spoon of water).

 

[Elly Swanson]

An individual of sophistication, clearly! I recall my ex's god-father giving a full-blown description of french wines, and the regions in which they came from one evening. I can confidently say, it all went over my head - except I needed to drink more. That last part i've achieved though!

How beneficial are those toppers? Weighing them up versus the inconvenience of having the put them up/down each time. (Similar thouhts to drive-away awnings).

Driveaway awnings are great if you’re on site or at a festival and need/want extra space. In bad weather they’re a “buffer zone“ where you can put wet coats and boots, dry off yourselves/kids/dogs and outdoor cook under shelter. You can sleep extra people, put the loo in there and even rig up a shower (with drip tray). They also give you room to spread out a bit and hold your pitch if you go offsite.

If you are going to get one look at the packed dimensions (to make sure you can fit it in when travelling with all your other stuff) and then add some as you’ll never ever get it back to that size again.

 

[GrannyJen]

Bikerack - Atera ML2 tow ball rack

Seat covers .. 2 or 3 microfibre towels where the dog sits (rear bench) and none when no dog

Sheepskin rug ... have the yacht-type flooring

Packing cubes .... eBags

Mattress topper ..... comfort but looking long and hard at S2S SIM

White and sparking n the fridge, red in a case (s) in the boot

 

[Georgiegirl]

The most important thing you need on your first trip is patience. It takes a while to get organised and into a routine - especially when making the beds up and putting them away. Don’t panic that you’ve made the wrong decision just because it doesn’t go very well the first time you use it. You’ll soon get into the swing of things and what works best for your family

 

[sapto]

So - we bought our first California (2019 199 Ocean) last week, and like many of you i'm sure, we're like deers in the headlights when it comes to adding accessories. We've got a single night booked next weekend (4th July, so no doubt a feeding frenzy of folks when we arrive, given COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being eased), for the sole purpose of figuring out what we're missing. Better to find out after a single night and 50 miles from home, rather than on the continent for a week or two!

We've got our own personal list, but it's all based on hypothesis and assumption. So for those who are inducted into Hallf of Fame, what would you choose?

Bikerack?
Seat Covers?
Carpet?
Packing Cubes?
Matress Toppers?
Copious amounts of wine in the fridge?
Numerous other ideas that escape me!

If you were to 'do it all again', what would be that number one accessory you wish you had (and perhaps did?!) have from the very start?

Great move to test it for a single night
We got the van third hand so alot came with it. Best things and still in use:

- Cadac Safari and extra bottle of gas

- Calicap because our upstairs tent is pretty vintage (15 years now)
- Hookup cable
- Decent coffee
- Seatcovers for the front seats
- Vanessawindow bag

But basically and elsewhere said: Keep it simple first amd buy smart rather than buy twice, recycle/use thing you‘ve already got at home (sleeping bags/duvet/pans).

Enjoy your first night out and post some pics

 

[gvick]

Glad to see your post gvick! We've picked up a Ridgemonkey already (looked like a swiss-army-knife of the cooking variety), as well as negotiating with the dealer on the OEM waterproof covers. Not the most comfortable (lots of sliding/slipping), but with a grubby handed 20mo daughter (and another due in November) we're no doubt going to need them!

We've grabbed a 25m - albeit doubting we'll need the full distance. But better be safe than sorry!

We'll add the cadac to our 2021 plans, i'm sure! Albeit the prerequisite is that I learn how to cook.....

@Kallista What colour ocean do you have and I’ll keep a look out for you ? Not many of us about in North Essex.

 

[AliceRClark]

So - we bought our first California (2019 199 Ocean) last week, and like many of you i'm sure, we're like deers in the headlights when it comes to adding accessories. We've got a single night booked next weekend (4th July, so no doubt a feeding frenzy of folks when we arrive, given COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being eased), for the sole purpose of figuring out what we're missing. Better to find out after a single night and 50 miles from home, rather than on the continent for a week or two!

We've got our own personal list, but it's all based on hypothesis and assumption. So for those who are inducted into Hallf of Fame, what would you choose?

Bikerack?
Seat Covers?
Carpet?
Packing Cubes?
Matress Toppers?
Copious amounts of wine in the fridge?
Numerous other ideas that escape me!

If you were to 'do it all again', what would be that number one accessory you wish you had (and perhaps did?!) have from the very start?

We have just bought one too. But it has arrived without manuals. Would you mind giving me a list of yours so I know what to ask the dealer for?

 

[Perfectos]

Hope this helps, in addition to what’s in the photo there should be a VW assist supplement ( mines kept in the van)

 

[The Merle]

So - we bought our first California (2019 199 Ocean) last week, and like many of you i'm sure, we're like deers in the headlights when it comes to adding accessories. We've got a single night booked next weekend (4th July, so no doubt a feeding frenzy of folks when we arrive, given COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being eased), for the sole purpose of figuring out what we're missing. Better to find out after a single night and 50 miles from home, rather than on the continent for a week or two!

We've got our own personal list, but it's all based on hypothesis and assumption. So for those who are inducted into Hallf of Fame, what would you choose?

Bikerack?
Seat Covers?
Carpet?
Packing Cubes?
Matress Toppers?
Copious amounts of wine in the fridge?
Numerous other ideas that escape me!

If you were to 'do it all again', what would be that number one accessory you wish you had (and perhaps did?!) have from the very start?

Ridge monkey for cooking is definitely a must!
Brandrup driver and passenger seat pockets (hang off the back of seats loads of storage pockets) I thing there’s cheaper versions. Passenger one has a chill pocket for wine.

 

[AliceRClark]

Hope this helps, in addition to what’s in the photo there should be a VW assist supplement ( mines kept in the van)
View attachment 61754

Brilliant thank you

 

[Karlos]

So - we bought our first California (2019 199 Ocean) last week, and like many of you i'm sure, we're like deers in the headlights when it comes to adding accessories. We've got a single night booked next weekend (4th July, so no doubt a feeding frenzy of folks when we arrive, given COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being eased), for the sole purpose of figuring out what we're missing. Better to find out after a single night and 50 miles from home, rather than on the continent for a week or two!

We've got our own personal list, but it's all based on hypothesis and assumption. So for those who are inducted into Hallf of Fame, what would you choose?

Bikerack?
Seat Covers?
Carpet?
Packing Cubes?
Matress Toppers?
Copious amounts of wine in the fridge?
Numerous other ideas that escape me!

If you were to 'do it all again', what would be that number one accessory you wish you had (and perhaps did?!) have from the very start?

Wine should be the first thing into the van. Then after that its a case of trial and error. I have never cooked in either of ours yet so either cook on electric when on EHU or use a Trangia.

Never had a topper, we use the duvet and pillows off our bed and travel light. We do take our bikes on a tailgate rack but I am toying with changing that for a tow bar mounted rack.

There are folks on here with ingenious solutions for storage and all manner of gadgets but I am happy with what we have in the Ocean and never felt the need to over complicate the standard package.

Extra camping table and a couple of chairs are always useful. Best of luck on your first night.

 

[WelshGas]

Less is more.
Aside from crockery, cutlery and kettle and pots, everything else is a luxury rather than a necessity.
If its a weekend you should be able to roll up. Roof up and kettle on. If you can't do that then you've got too much stuff.

 

[McGons]

We’ve had our Cali for a year so not used it loads but haven’t bought anything extra until now.

We have ordered some second skin seat covers from Inca as our seats were getting grubby, though I’ve just cleaned them and they have come up looking clean again.

We’ve got a beach so the other thing we’ve got on order is window bags but will use packing cubes with them as they are so handy. We used them for travelling before we had the van, the Amazon basics ones have been good for us.

 

[Alan Andrews]

If you are thinking about accessories, then simply do a search on here and read up on the pros and cons.

You'll get real world opinions on what works well and not.

You'll read about alternatives that may work better for you.

Don't be afraid to walk up to other Cali owners and have a chat. You might see something that you have not even thought about.

 

[Drpps]

Something big and bright to attach to the steering wheel to remind you to turn off the gas and unplug the electric hook up before you drive off (and clip shut the hook up flap)

Less is more. I am generally removing stuff now rather than adding.
Packing cubes.
Seat covers you have

A small tent/awning for the car seat and other day to day spare stuff/drying/loo when on site a small cheap tent will be enough for a single night. My two group 3 seats will (Just) fit in the boot under the shelf and allow you to make up the bed but the slightly bigger group 1s might not go under. Front footwell or front passenger seat. Once No 2 comes along you might need to think again, but we don’t need the tent for weekend trips now.

Also, if you have a 20 month old don’t be too despondent after one night if the excitement of sleeping in the Cali leads to frayed nerves, a long late night and an early morning, Our older children still get too excited on the first night away even now, but usually crash the next night.

 

[Calimili]

Ridgemonkey pans are handy for cooking in the van as they’re easy to store and clean. You can cook all sorts in them from toasties to pizzas and chips (even cup cakes, seen but not tried). Close the lid to keep the steam in. Great For camping, at home and cooking outdoors, on gas, over fire or charcoal. I have 3 toastie XLs (2 old style and one new version).
In the van, cooking Uncle Ben’s rice from a pouch (just add a spoon of water).View attachment 61736

Love your hooks clamped to the sink lid' underside