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The limited space in our Calis is one of the most common issues. I was checking and considering various options and at the end bought the Thule Residence G3.
The model Residence G3 5102 is custom made for the VW awning (Thule 5102) and is the most sophisticated solution on the market.
It offers a an excellent space for cooking, lounging, drying clothes, PortaPotti, storing. The best part is that it is sealed enough to be a mosquito free space (with integrated mosquito nets) and in winter you can effectively heat it up with the Cali aux heater!
Comparing to other solutions it uses the whole width of the awning. There are two heavy-duty ALU traverses that along with a system of pegs make a rigid and stable tent. Thule guarantees that you can use it in wind up to 6 bfs (up to 49 km/h) which is much more than most of the typical camping tents. Thule Hold Down Side Strap kit is an obligatory accessory.
And the Residence is waterproof in most situations. This makes a nice and cosy winter garden with big windows.
However, there are downsides... It is expensive. It is heavy and bulky - it doesn't fit in the Cali's trunk. It is recommended to take heavy pegs out of the bag and put it in the roof box. The first setup needs some drilling and sawing, so I asked the dealer to do it.
After you get used to it, the basic setup takes around 20 minutes, but if you want to install all pegs, it takes cca. 10 minutes more.
For one night stands the setup may be too time consuming.
And after you setup everything, you will not even think to move the Cali for possible daily trips or shopping...
All in all - it is an excellent awning tent with mentioned limitations. And it is easier to setup than drive-away awnings.
The model Residence G3 5102 is custom made for the VW awning (Thule 5102) and is the most sophisticated solution on the market.
It offers a an excellent space for cooking, lounging, drying clothes, PortaPotti, storing. The best part is that it is sealed enough to be a mosquito free space (with integrated mosquito nets) and in winter you can effectively heat it up with the Cali aux heater!
Comparing to other solutions it uses the whole width of the awning. There are two heavy-duty ALU traverses that along with a system of pegs make a rigid and stable tent. Thule guarantees that you can use it in wind up to 6 bfs (up to 49 km/h) which is much more than most of the typical camping tents. Thule Hold Down Side Strap kit is an obligatory accessory.
And the Residence is waterproof in most situations. This makes a nice and cosy winter garden with big windows.
However, there are downsides... It is expensive. It is heavy and bulky - it doesn't fit in the Cali's trunk. It is recommended to take heavy pegs out of the bag and put it in the roof box. The first setup needs some drilling and sawing, so I asked the dealer to do it.
After you get used to it, the basic setup takes around 20 minutes, but if you want to install all pegs, it takes cca. 10 minutes more.
For one night stands the setup may be too time consuming.
And after you setup everything, you will not even think to move the Cali for possible daily trips or shopping...
All in all - it is an excellent awning tent with mentioned limitations. And it is easier to setup than drive-away awnings.
