What have you bought for your Cali today :-)

[Viktorgeorge]

Interesting. Quite a shopping list!

I guess the 12v plug / battery indicator is meant for the starter battery, plugging in on the dash?
I‘ve not seen those low profile roof bars - something we’d consider if we mount the roof box we have.
The dash trim you have - not seen it before - what’s the purpose of this?
Water purity tablets - personally steered away from these, but everyone to their own.

Other things to consider that would be on our list:
1. Levelling ramps and wheel chocks.
2. Ridge Monkey cookware.
3. Hold down strap kit (Thule) for wind out awning. Club shop.
4. Hammer, for awning pegs (don’t laugh - we forgot ours when doing a trip and needed to buy another)
5. Side tarps for the wind out awning, for added shelter. Outwell or similar. Club shop.
6. Outdoor Revolution Mini Max air pump, plus connection for self inflating mattress (to add a bit more air for firmness, and to quickly deflate). Club shop. Not essential I guess.

Yes 12v adaptor with volts as you say.

Dash trim as my previous post.

We won’t be drinking or cooking with the tap water, bottle water for that, so I wanted only to avoid any bacteria harbouring in the tank.

I will study your list, thanks.

 

[Mowbotman]

As a first-time owner, I took delivery of my new Ocean last Wednesday (https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/new-t6-1-order-delays.35353/post-610597)
We
Prior to then I purchased:
- Seat to Summit ‘Campervan’ mattress (due to apparent scarcity)
- Johnboy low roof bar mounts https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...est-profile-option-for-t6-1.39672/post-567945 & https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...est-profile-option-for-t6-1.39672/post-529201
- Cheap non-slip mats and various ‘tupperware’ containers when noticed in Lidl
- Thetford 335 with Brandrup tray and strap from Campervantastic (ditto scarcity: CampervanBits out of stock at the time)
- Ecover zero tablets for the 335 (on assumption that the normal Thetford products smell awful) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07MDJY2FC/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- Zoflora to add as and when if necessary https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07S9VWZ8T/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- 12v battery indicator https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09LQ65DRF/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- Upholstery protector https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07N6MFY1G/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- Collapsible plastic wine glasses https://van-x.co.uk/product/portable-travel-wine-glass-bpa-free-plastic-set/

Since Wednesday I have purchased:
- 2 VW Transporter in door waste bins off EBay £10 each plus postage (missing on the California when supplied) and a safety triangle (ditto).
- Brandrup Water fill plus Puriclean, both from CampervanBits
- Water treatment pills https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B1BCF798/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- Water funnel https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/classifieds/water-tank-filler-funnel.1506/
- 2.5 litre Outwell kettle (tried 1.5 and 2.5 and decided the latter better suited with larger base for heat and not that much bigger when collapsed) in dark navy to match the Ocean: from Amazon as that colour unavailable on CampervanBit
- Adaptor for the EHU cable – allowing dual use of OEM cable both in UK (connected to extension lead at home, with bucket over connection when inclement) and abroad https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363880352117?var=633106999681
- Dash trim https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/374244420845
- SpareSafe CampervanBits
- Leisuregaz 007 £59.95, including £10.00 for cylinder.
- John Lewis Bin fits behind passenger seat https://www.johnlewis.com/umbra-skinny-can-waste-paper-bin/p4851389
- Fire Safety Stick https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RCHSPTS/?tag=vwcalifornia-21



I am still deliberating:
Other security such as Autowatch Ghost, Tracker (several alternatives), Bearlock, etc.

Also, since I ordered 4 keys, I have split one to make a ‘surf key’ as per Welsh Gas’s useful (as always) tip elsewhere on the forum.

My wife and I are off sometime soon to Portugal, for a while, self-catering so only ‘day camping’, what California specifics have I missed?

We are seasoned continental motorists in a normal saloon so have all the normal European car travel stuff (including assigned to the new number plate: Mago Mobilites, German Green Badge, Critair).

Ghost

 

[BeagleMum]

As a first-time owner, I took delivery of my new Ocean last Wednesday (https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/new-t6-1-order-delays.35353/post-610597)
We
Prior to then I purchased:
- Seat to Summit ‘Campervan’ mattress (due to apparent scarcity)
- Johnboy low roof bar mounts https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...est-profile-option-for-t6-1.39672/post-567945 & https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...est-profile-option-for-t6-1.39672/post-529201
- Cheap non-slip mats and various ‘tupperware’ containers when noticed in Lidl
- Thetford 335 with Brandrup tray and strap from Campervantastic (ditto scarcity: CampervanBits out of stock at the time)
- Ecover zero tablets for the 335 (on assumption that the normal Thetford products smell awful) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07MDJY2FC/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- Zoflora to add as and when if necessary https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07S9VWZ8T/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- 12v battery indicator https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09LQ65DRF/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- Upholstery protector https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07N6MFY1G/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- Collapsible plastic wine glasses https://van-x.co.uk/product/portable-travel-wine-glass-bpa-free-plastic-set/

Since Wednesday I have purchased:
- 2 VW Transporter in door waste bins off EBay £10 each plus postage (missing on the California when supplied) and a safety triangle (ditto).
- Brandrup Water fill plus Puriclean, both from CampervanBits
- Water treatment pills https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B1BCF798/?tag=vwcalifornia-21
- Water funnel https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/classifieds/water-tank-filler-funnel.1506/
- 2.5 litre Outwell kettle (tried 1.5 and 2.5 and decided the latter better suited with larger base for heat and not that much bigger when collapsed) in dark navy to match the Ocean: from Amazon as that colour unavailable on CampervanBit
- Adaptor for the EHU cable – allowing dual use of OEM cable both in UK (connected to extension lead at home, with bucket over connection when inclement) and abroad https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363880352117?var=633106999681
- Dash trim https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/374244420845
- SpareSafe CampervanBits
- Leisuregaz 007 £59.95, including £10.00 for cylinder.
- John Lewis Bin fits behind passenger seat https://www.johnlewis.com/umbra-skinny-can-waste-paper-bin/p4851389
- Fire Safety Stick https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RCHSPTS/?tag=vwcalifornia-21



I am still deliberating:
Other security such as Autowatch Ghost, Tracker (several alternatives), Bearlock, etc.

Also, since I ordered 4 keys, I have split one to make a ‘surf key’ as per Welsh Gas’s useful (as always) tip elsewhere on the forum.

My wife and I are off sometime soon to Portugal, for a while, self-catering so only ‘day camping’, what California specifics have I missed?

We are seasoned continental motorists in a normal saloon so have all the normal European car travel stuff (including assigned to the new number plate: Mago Mobilites, German Green Badge, Critair).

Highly recommend BearLock.

 

[66tim99]

Those stainless wine ‘glasses’ look interesting, not seen them before, can’t quite imagine wine from metal but could be swayed with the right content!

A great multi-purpose vessel. They are big enough for tea in the morning too, and don’t take on flavour because they’re stainless. Brilliant addition to the van as they are insulated, so keep your tea hot in the morning, and water or wine cold in the day and evening. Somehow the right shape for wine, and feels cold to the touch like glass.
Expensive though, but they feel like they’ll last a lifetime…

 

[Hawthorn37]

I understand the dash trim to be principally to stop small objects and dust etc. collecting in the gap. Others have suggested it previously in this string.

Those stainless wine ‘glasses’ look interesting, not seen them before, can’t quite imagine wine from metal but could be swayed with the right content!

The dash trim would make the use of our Brandrup Isolite internal window covers very difficult as they slip into this space.
]

 

[Hawthorn37]

Yes 12v adaptor with volts as you say.

Dash trim as my previous post.

We won’t be drinking or cooking with the tap water, bottle water for that, so I wanted only to avoid any bacteria harbouring in the tank.

I will study your list, thanks.

Interesting. We freely use the on board water, not bottled. Depends where you fill up I guess. There’s an interesting thread on this.

Fresh water tank vent

Hi all, just getting to grips with the new Ocean and todays task was sterilise the water system and flush it out, so I dropped in a couple of sterilising tabs, filled up the tank, waited 20 mins and then flicked on the tap and started to run it through. All was working fine until I heard a...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Webbah_in_Switzerland]

Interesting. We freely use the on board water, not bottled. Depends where you fill up I guess. There’s an interesting thread on this.

I use à double filter to purify the water before it goes in the tank. I then have Larq water bottles for drinking water that use UV-C light to kill anything that might have formed in the tank.


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[Viktorgeorge]

I use à double filter to purify the water before it goes in the tank. I then have Larq water bottles for drinking water that use UV-C light to kill anything that might have formed in the tank.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

+Webbah_in_Switzerland, did I not also see (in an earlier post) you suspend a silver water purifier in your tank? I tried to find something similar but failed.

I will look into the Larq bottles, thank you.

 

[Webbah_in_Switzerland]

+Webbah_in_Switzerland, did I not also see (in an earlier post) you suspend a silver water purifier in your tank? I tried to find something similar but failed.

I will look into the Larq bottles, thank you.

Yes, I do have that as well but am considering taking it out now that I have the filters and water bottles. I’m not sure how healthy it is to consume silver ions as what I’ve read these are absorbed in the body and not released easily.


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[Viktorgeorge]

Yes, I do have that as well but am considering taking it out now that I have the filters and water bottles. I’m not sure how healthy it is to consume silver ions as what I’ve read these are absorbed in the body and not released easily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you, I just read another posting suggesting the same concerns re. silver ions.

 

[Webbah_in_Switzerland]

Thank you, I just read another posting suggesting the same concerns re. silver ions.

Here’s a link to the water bottle:

Buy The LARQ Bottle PureVis | LARQ

The world's first self-cleaning water bottle and portable water purification system. Neutralizes up to 99.9999%* of harmful, odor-causing bacteria using UV-C light.

www.livelarq.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[66tim99]

I have the filters

What filters do you use please?
I have just been using these drops
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/katadyn-micropur-classic-water-purification

 

[Webbah_in_Switzerland]

What filters do you use please?
I have just been using these drops
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/katadyn-micropur-classic-water-purification

Apologies, but the site is only in German. These filters are very expensive but last a long time. I do a lot of overlanding so bought this kit:

rivaALVA EXPLORER OVERLAND Trinkwasserfilter | Für Reisen

Jetzt sicherer reisen. Die Trinkwasserfilterlösung für alle Reisemobile, Wohnwagen, Boote. Zum Festeinbau oder auch als Mobillösung. Gesünderes Wasser überall!

riva-filter.de

It's super easy to use as it has hose quick connects and I simply attach the filters to the source and then my hose goes directly into the tank. Doesn't restrict flow that much either and my large tank is full quickly. Very clean and tasty water too!

 

[M88GAV]

A great multi-purpose vessel. They are big enough for tea in the morning too, and don’t take on flavour because they’re stainless. Brilliant addition to the van as they are insulated, so keep your tea hot in the morning, and water or wine cold in the day and evening. Somehow the right shape for wine, and feels cold to the touch like glass.
Expensive though, but they feel like they’ll last a lifetime…

I have identical (apart from the brand). They’re also great for making porridge with sachets and boiling water

 

[Cath&Stef]

Our Transporter-based camper was always a tad noisy in the cab.
I came across this at 'Transporter HQ" and was amazed how much difference it made for £15.00. Dead easy to fit/apply.

I don't know if the Calis ship with this already installed, but I'd definitely recommend it for any Transporter owners.

VW Transporter T5-T6.1 - California Extra Door Rubber - "Sounds Like A Golf Seal"

With this Transporter door seal, your doors will close smoother and quieter, which is what leads to it being referred to as "sounds like a golf" seal.

transporterhq.co.uk

I also fitted their Dash Trim for £9.99.
Didn't make much difference to the cab nois but stops bits falling down between dash & windscreen.

VW Transporter T5/T6 - Dash Trim

Having some VW dash trim will keep your dashboard sealed and prevent any loose items from getting wedged in the awkward between the dash and the screen.

transporterhq.co.uk

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Our Transporter-based camper was always a tad noisy in the cab.
I came across this at 'Transporter HQ" and was amazed how much difference it made for £15.00. Dead easy to fit/apply.

I don't know if the Calis ship with this already installed, but I'd definitely recommend it for any Transporter owners.

VW Transporter T5-T6.1 - California Extra Door Rubber - "Sounds Like A Golf Seal"

With this Transporter door seal, your doors will close smoother and quieter, which is what leads to it being referred to as "sounds like a golf" seal.

transporterhq.co.uk

I also fitted their Dash Trim for £9.99.
Didn't make much difference to the cab nois but stops bits falling down between dash & windscreen.

VW Transporter T5/T6 - Dash Trim

Having some VW dash trim will keep your dashboard sealed and prevent any loose items from getting wedged in the awkward between the dash and the screen.

transporterhq.co.uk

Interesting that the ‘extra’ door seal is already factory fitted on a California Ocean.

 

[Bepto]

New Cali ordered in Sept this year so still a wait for me but spotted this earlier & on a whim thought why not... So I bought it.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

New Cali ordered in Sept this year so still a wait for me but spotted this earlier & on a whim thought why not... So I bought it.

View attachment 101599

Where from @Bepto? I didn’t think you could buy 2023 plates ahead of DVLA release dates?

 

[Bepto]

Where from @Bepto? I didn’t think you could buy 2023 plates ahead of DVLA release dates?

The 23 plates were released this morning.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Added VW letters at the rear end of my side bars. Halfords, self adhesive, £1.99 each.

 

[subthree]

Added VW letters at the rear end of my side bars. Halfords, self adhesive, £1.99 each.

View attachment 101602

You've got too much time on your hands

 

[Hawthorn37]

Added VW letters at the rear end of my side bars. Halfords, self adhesive, £1.99 each.

View attachment 101602

Nice rain effect too!

 

[Mattsv]

Ordered a Comfortz awning room and Cali wrap from the club shop - ready for winter weekend trips away.

 

[kurienp]

Ordered a Comfortz awning room and Cali wrap from the club shop - ready for winter weekend trips away.

Been considering one for long, but an important aspect for us is the ease of use - quick takedown and put up is a must. For that reason, currently gone with a front panel only. I know different use cases but thought - let me start with the front panel and then will see how that goes. We spend time sitting outside of the van only if it is sunny and it is only two of us.

 

[kernnowkarmann]

Added the most important sticker a Cornishman outside Cornwall can add....