Upgrades and improvements list

[fred]

who's made what general technical improvements to their T5/5.1? I don't mean maintenance, cosmetic or personal touches but real improvements that fix / improve the design. I've no doubt someone somewhere has done something cool to improve their bus that I'd also do if I'd known about it...

1. LED interior lights
2. Glove box interior light
3. USB port in glovebox
4. Roof light bulb upgrade
5. coil over suspension upgrade / lowering springs
6. adding 3rd seat rail
7. roof bellows bungee
8. electric tailgate catch manual override
9. reversing camera installation
10. reversing light and number plate LED upgrade

 

[calikev]

I changed the flexi light to a 12v socket

 

[Meoncoast]

fitted LED (only battery but not need changing yet 18 months) in large rear cupboard by fridge

fitted extra 12v socket on dash tray top (now standard)

 

[Hotel California]

I find upgrading to LED only wise if the original lightbulb in question is broken...
If not broken changing the bulb is to me just spending money....
Why does one need just spending money .....becouse everyone else does it...NOT

 

[fred]

LEDs are way brighter. Especially for reversing lights at night, a massive improvement. Also (in theory) they don't fail!

 

[larrylamb]

LEDs are way brighter. Especially for reversing lights at night, a massive improvement. Also (in theory) they don't fail!

Easier on the battery too when camping.

 

[2CV67]

My list:

Bellows bungee
USB socket for GPS
Fast sink drain
LED bulb upstairs lamp
Flat wipers & repositioned so can lift off screen
Filed fridge catch so lid always locks
Plastic tube to block crevasse behind windscreen
Deflectors for ventilation without rain ingress
Inked line on front (LHD roller-type) blinds for easier restowing

 

[bvddobb]

Well, now, let's see:

• added solar panels (camping wild for prolonged periods)
• fitted cruise control (lazy foot!)
• fixed the 'diode issue' (issue for nearly all 2008-2010 Calis)
• fitted air suspension
• Comfortz topper (winter camping)
• Comfortz isolated windscreen cover (winter camping)
• isolated back sides of kitchen cupboards (winter camping)
• added additional 12V socket (hate the console ash tray/cup holder socket!)
• changed the hanging wardrobe to a cupboard (more storage space!)
• removed rear speakers out of the backside 'plane' cupboard (more storage space!)
• changed the sink drain siphon for the new fast model
• fixed the earth shunt issue with Caliground (solved a lot of weird leisure electricity issues, and an issue we had with the camping heater)
• raised the drive train air vents to have greater wade depth (better protection off road)
• changed plastic bottom protection plate for metal (better protection off road)

Believe that's about it...

 

[briwy]

LED strip in the rear

Rear net

Shelves in cupboard

Rear door catch, needs finishing off

Old £20 Fiamma rack modified to carry skis

Snap connector on gas bottle

Air suspension
CaliCozi
Awning LEDs wired in to switch in the van
Got to wire radio into leisure battery yet on the new van.

 

[calicasas]

Easier on the battery too when camping.

Yep, I changed mine because it was easier on the battery, intense use of interior lighting and small period of ignition killed my battery when in Germany last year.. Move to LED has made a difference...

 

[WelshGas]

Comfort Topper
Brandrup Window vents
iBoost WiFi
Brandrup line + Hooks over kitchen unit
Brandrup Stay for rear door
Storm Awning for winter use - cheap and cheerful
Quick release Gas Valve - as above.
Stainless steel side rails + Front stainless steel rail
Smart water labelling
Comfortz Waterproof mattress cover for Pop-Top mattress
Comfort Mattress cover for VW Comfort Mattress
Reversing lights LED upgrade
Mainbeam and Foglight bulbs changed to Nightbreaker Bulbs

 

[2CV67]

I forgot a few points in my original list.

Original list:
Bellows bungee
USB socket for GPS
Fast sink drain
LED bulb upstairs lamp
Flat wipers & repositioned so can lift off screen
Filed fridge catch so lid always locks
Plastic tube to block crevasse behind windscreen
Deflectors for ventilation without rain ingress
Inked line on front (LHD roller-type) blinds for easier restowing

EDIT:
Wardrobe shelves - with extra-deep angle brackets after the originals fell off...
Shorter parcel-shelf prop for easier access.
Black-faced window blinds for stealth.
Removed rear headrests to gain space.

 

[Blackwell]

LEDs are way brighter. Especially for reversing lights at night, a massive improvement. Also (in theory) they don't fail!

And they use far less power. Over the years they can represent a worthwhile fuel saving.