Your best Cali shopping hacks

[Calimili]

Use the additional tray on the back wall, held in place by the fridge rack, to stop things sticking to the wall

I use 2.3 L Lock&Lock boxes, got rid of the useless rack. With big boxes I find it easier to get food out, instead of having to search among the pile of food that topple over constantly .
Food stays cooler with less heat/cold exchange every time the lid is opened, doesn't stick to the back wall.

 

[Camperfamily]

I use 2.3 L Lock&Lock boxes, got rid of the useless rack. With big boxes I find it easier to get food out, instead of having to search among the pile of food that topple over constantly .
Food stays cooler with less heat/cold exchange every time the lid is opened, doesn't stick to the back wall.

Good idea. We store drinks in the fridge too so would need to be able to fit those in somehow. Have you got a photo of your 2.3 litre setup? I’m assuming you can fit quite a few of those in

 

[Calimili]

Good idea. We store drinks in the fridge too so would need to be able to fit those in somehow. Have you got a photo of your 2.3 litre setup? I’m assuming you can fit quite a few of those in

I fit all this in the fridge. They are 16cm x23. So side by side like above they are 32cm , leaving 8cm available for a bottle of milk, beers etc.
The ones with the green lid are from Ikea.

 

[dripster]

I'd have one of those in there, leaving 24cm for beer...

 

[Camperfamily]

I was also thinking that my fridge’s beer:food ratio is quite different to @Calimili

 

[Calimili]

I was also thinking that my fridge’s beer:food ratio is quite different to @Calimili

I carry a dedicated Waeco CDF26 for beer. It keeps them reliably at +1° C.

 

[Camperfamily]

Brilliant @Calimili. I’m jealous

 

[cathylw]

Yes it didn’t effect anything in the vehicle. The reversing sensors - I presume you mean the beeping - aren’t part of the stereo system. My 2008 T5 didn’t have any steering wheel stereo controls, which I think would be tricky to make work. You can connect a reversing camera to it apparently. It has a microphone that was placed near the rear view mirror that is for phone calls and controlling the stereo with your voice.

I use Waze (free) for satnav and have an Amazon Music account and Apple Music account. With my iPhone connected you can either say ‘Hey Siri play .....’ (or press the volume button instead of saying Hey Siri) and it’ll play practically anything. You can also dictate or listen to WhatsApp messages etc without taking your hands off the wheel. We also listen to audio books. For me Apple CarPlay is just brilliantly easy.
The original 2008 stereo was pretty useless. It cost about £240 for the DAB version and I paid £200 for someone to fit it.

Ok so we decided to buy one and fit ourselves! Nearly complete, awaiting fixing panel and usb plugs and we’re done.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Yes it didn’t effect anything in the vehicle. The reversing sensors - I presume you mean the beeping - aren’t part of the stereo system. My 2008 T5 didn’t have any steering wheel stereo controls, which I think would be tricky to make work. You can connect a reversing camera to it apparently. It has a microphone that was placed near the rear view mirror that is for phone calls and controlling the stereo with your voice.

I use Waze (free) for satnav and have an Amazon Music account and Apple Music account. With my iPhone connected you can either say ‘Hey Siri play .....’ (or press the volume button instead of saying Hey Siri) and it’ll play practically anything. You can also dictate or listen to WhatsApp messages etc without taking your hands off the wheel. We also listen to audio books. For me Apple CarPlay is just brilliantly easy.
The original 2008 stereo was pretty useless. It cost about £240 for the DAB version and I paid £200 for someone to fit it.

For steering wheel controls you need one of these adaptors.

Volkswagen Steering Wheel Control Stalk Adaptors

Volkswagen Car Stereo Steering Wheel Control Adaptor, Stalk Adaptor For After Market Car Stereo Installation, car stereo installation lead for Alpine, Sony, Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer, Zenec, Beat

www.dynamicsounds.co.uk

 

[Elly Swanson]

I use two of these side by side in the boot. They fit perfectly and work as giant drawers and slide easily on rubber floor. The one on the right I use without the lid and keep dirty things in it like wellingtons, washing up bowl and even portapotti which fits perfectly. The left one has sleeping bags etc. I also have another which on long trips I put above. Then when we arrive at campsite and put up pup tent it’s easy to transfer a lot of things in one go. I think 64L is correct size but perhaps worth checking dimensions.
I see people building slide out platforms, but this is an easy, cheap alternative.
View attachment 72460

These really are really useful boxes.

The 48l really useful box with the high lid is useful to fit in taller stuff, like my 1.5l Kellie kettle or a gas camping stove in its plastic case (the type with 1 burner and a 250g cannister). Sorry no pic with my kit in.


The lower one makes for a great portaloo raiser. Great if your knees are feeling a bit “dodgy”.


The 9l is great between the driver’s and passenger seats. A bit of rug on top means the dog can use it as a step up to his bed on the passenger seat, without slipping.

 

[Calimili]

These really are really useful boxes.

The 48l really useful box with the high lid is useful to fit in taller stuff, like my 1.5l Kellie kettle or a gas camping stove in its plastic case (the type with 1 burner and a 250g cannister). Sorry no pic with my kit in.
View attachment 74480

The lower one makes for a great portaloo raiser. Great if your knees are feeling a bit “dodgy”.
View attachment 74482

The 9l is great between the driver’s and passenger seats. A bit of rug on top means the dog can use it as a step up to his bed on the passenger seat, without slipping.
View attachment 74479

Hi Elly, can the lower box really hold the weight of the PP335 and a person sitting on it?
Also the 9L, how difficult it is to go from the cabin to the living area with that box in the middle?
Thank you!

 

[Elly Swanson]

Hi Elly, can the lower box really hold the weight of the PP335 and a person sitting on it?
Also the 9L, how difficult it is to go from the cabin to the living area with that box in the middle?
Thank you!

1/ Yes, Calimili, it really will take a lot of weight. I’m seriously no lightweight.
2/ It’s really easy to slide the box backwards or forwards to get it out of the way.

 

[Skylark2.0]

Agreed, but a microfiber cloth won't prevent products inside the fridge from getting wet by the water buildup on the bottom.

I use a cheap flannel in the bottom. It stops the bottles rattling and absorbs the condensation. At the end of the trip, I wipe out the fridge with it and chuck it in the wash. When not on a trip it stays in the top on the lock to stop the lid shutting which allows air flow.

 

[cathylw]

Yes it didn’t effect anything in the vehicle. The reversing sensors - I presume you mean the beeping - aren’t part of the stereo system. My 2008 T5 didn’t have any steering wheel stereo controls, which I think would be tricky to make work. You can connect a reversing camera to it apparently. It has a microphone that was placed near the rear view mirror that is for phone calls and controlling the stereo with your voice.

I use Waze (free) for satnav and have an Amazon Music account and Apple Music account. With my iPhone connected you can either say ‘Hey Siri play .....’ (or press the volume button instead of saying Hey Siri) and it’ll play practically anything. You can also dictate or listen to WhatsApp messages etc without taking your hands off the wheel. We also listen to audio books. For me Apple CarPlay is just brilliantly easy.
The original 2008 stereo was pretty useless. It cost about £240 for the DAB version and I paid £200 for someone to fit it.

After 3 weekends and 3 trips to Halford’s and online ordering we completed the installation today, it’s great except haven’t got the FM radio to work yet, but DAB is fine. Feel quite proud of ourselves, and it a nice diversion in these dull times

 

[LoveBirds_1964]

Dreamled rechargable motion light for in all the cupboards. So incredibly handy!

Dreamled Rechargeable Indoor Motion Lights - 4 pack (RIML-400) | bol

Dreamled Rechargeable Indoor Motion Lights - 4 pack (RIML-400). Set van 4 herlaadbare indoor LED lampen met bewegingssensor. - Multifunctionele...

www.bol.com

 

[Jenny H]

This is a great thread - have bought the fridge tray, sheets, & storage boxes, & now theres another great thread about a mattress cover - really helps to save the pennies where we can.

 

[66tim99]

This is a great thread - have bought the fridge tray, sheets, & storage boxes, & now theres another great thread about a mattress cover - really helps to save the pennies where we can.

Which storage boxes did you go for Jenny?

 

[Jenny H]

Which storage boxes did you go for Jenny?

I bought the 35litre boxes with lids from B&Q at £20.00 each, having read the posts about the new mechanism getting in the way so measured for fit first. Ive started with 2 but can get 4 in if required athough Im not at all sure I will need them Ive got them if I do!

 

[66tim99]

I bought the 35litre boxes with lids from B&Q at £20.00 each, having read the posts about the new mechanism getting in the way so measured for fit first. Ive started with 2 but can get 4 in if required athough Im not at all sure I will need them Ive got them if I do!

These? 31cm high is the most you can fit comfortably under the bed?
https://www.diy.com/departments/really-useful-clear-35l-plastic-storage-box/5060456657482_BQ.prd

 

[Jenny H]

These? 31cm high is the most you can fit comfortably under the bed?
https://www.diy.com/departments/really-useful-clear-35l-plastic-storage-box/5060456657482_BQ.prd

Yes thats them sorry I meant £10.00 each - yes I measured that 35cm high is the maximum

 

[jimmywease]

Hi Elly, can the lower box really hold the weight of the PP335 and a person sitting on it?
Also the 9L, how difficult it is to go from the cabin to the living area with that box in the middle?
Thank you!

I got a the charcol colour 9 litre from amazon and there was a picture demonstrating its strength, although it might not be legit...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00H1F6YD4/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

 

[IanE]

I use 2.3 L Lock&Lock boxes, got rid of the useless rack. With big boxes I find it easier to get food out, instead of having to search among the pile of food that topple over constantly .
Food stays cooler with less heat/cold exchange every time the lid is opened, doesn't stick to the back wall.

Such a good tip! We've been doing this for years (I did a post on it). So simple and effective. Also means you can pack the fridge boxes in the house and make much better use of space in the fridge. No problems with soggy food either!

 

[JunglieD]

Delighted to be able to finally contribute to this thread. I was picking up some vinyl floor tiles in B&Q and walked past their bargain/clearance bucket.... saw these ‘paint roller trays’ (think they’re intended to roll excess paint off) for 10p and thought 2 might just work next to each other as a base for the fridge to keep food dry....

Tiny bit of modification with a Stanley knife and jobs a good’un (price stickers to be removed clearly)

 

[Stu@rt]

Delighted to be able to finally contribute to this thread. I was picking up some vinyl floor tiles in B&Q and walked past their bargain/clearance bucket.... saw these ‘paint roller trays’ (think they’re intended to roll excess paint off) for 10p and thought 2 might just work next to each other as a base for the fridge to keep food dry....
View attachment 75294
Tiny bit of modification with a Stanley knife and jobs a good’un (price stickers to be removed clearly)
View attachment 75295

Oh wow - You win hands down! This will take some beating!

 

[Maverik]

Draw cutlery holder spacer, a variation on what I've seen on here - frees up a bit more space under the cutlery tray. Piece of pine from B&Q.

Ikea hanging storage - if you use the original installed cupboard rail you loose some space behind it.
So installed another hanging rail, so from ebay- "2x White Rail End Supports Brackets Oval Wardrobe Rails Poles 20mm" and a piece of "300mm x 20mm OD aluminium round pipe" and some "extreme gorilla mounting tape".
And voila. - much better fit.

Shift the rear seats front stop forward.
Also outlined elsewhere on here that removing the stop is helpful and easy, a couple more pics to show - its actually important to move the stop not just remove completely as it stops the seat from falling into the gap in the rails that allows you to remove it.
1) Pop out the plastic end cap as per the pic (insert a suitable tool to disengage the plastic tang)
2) slide the aluminium rail cover sections towards the front of the vehicle and then they just lift up (might need a bit of a jiggle)
3) unscrew the "stopper" screw move the location - re tighten - make sure its quite tight you need to keep screwing it down in the new location until the screw goes through the plastic cover in the bottom of the rail until it bites on the steel.
4) re assemble as in reverse to dismantle.