20 Months Living With A VW California - Your Questions Answered
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- We've had our Volkswagen California Ocean camper van for 20 months now so it's about time we told you guys what it's like to live with. Thank you to everyone who asked a question and sorry we couldn't answer all of them.
Visit our website www.ABusAndBeyond.co.uk
Filmed with
Sony RX100V - amzn.to/2mFMQdD
DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2D6rUma
Cooked with
Ridgemonkey XL - amzn.to/2B1PXAX
(affiliate links)
PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE AND LOOK OUT FOR NEW VIDEOS COMING SOON.
Music
Tape Machine - White Flag (Instrumental)
Gloria Tells - Shine On (Instrumental)
Velvet Moon - Red Red Red (Instrumental)
All available to download from www.epidemicsound.com
Thank you guys for taking the time to make the video's and just for being yourselves... that's why people come back..
The journey has just begun - so looking forward to the next chapter!
My wife and I were contemplating a California and now having watched your videos, especially this 20 month review we have made our mind up. A California it is! We live In Andalucia Southern Spain so for us it is the perfect second car and for just throwing a couple of bags in and heading off. Thanks. X
Congratulations on 20 months! Your van looks amazing. We've been in ours around 5. Happy travels! 😊
I follow a lot of Vanlifers with dogs on UA-cam and I find it amazing how friendly the dogs usually are. Not high maintenance as far as I noticed.
The ridgemonkey as my favourite van purchase too (from your recommendation Lizzy, thanks!) Also bought cafetière cups for a single cup of proper filter coffee which are fab and so easy to use. No faffing with large cafetière and extra washing up!
Luv the way our vans give us the options of full on camp out ,or a day out,or just simply a to b. Luv the freedom of choice.
Enjoy life and live it 😎👍🚐
Your videos are always brilliant! Thank you for your honest reviews it has really helped me with my Cali purchase. Keep up the great work and here is to the next 2,000,000 views.
Thanks for another great video. You checked the front of the roof for corrosion, but not under the seal of the pop top roof. Apparently that’s where some have problems, but as you say warranty in place for peace of mind!
I alway feel so inspired to just pack and hit the road after watching your videos! I don't even own a camper van but feel like going out to buy one every time I watch a video :-) Looks so much fun. Keep them coming guys and all the best! Greetings from a fan based in Austria... Aus Wiedersehen
Great video good to know about the camper van keep them coming
Great video. Thanks. Greetings from Portugal.
Wow nice video and advice wish you both well best wishes Ken xxx
Great video again you two, always enjoy ;))
Great videos solar is one of the best things I've fitted to my van 👍
Your content is so touching
Wish for you to have many more months with the Cali. Keep up the good work.
Peter
Thanks 😊
Excellent. Enjoyed that. 👍
Another great video guys ! We are on our second Volkswagen van. Now a California Beach and your channel has inspired me to share our experience of these great vans as well. See what you think of my efforts at Campervan Journey !
Great roundup!
Great video guys, x👍
Really interesting, thanks
Love this video guys! I am looking at VW campers today! Wish me luck! Thank you for your videos they have helped us greatly.
We're looking forward too some adventures with our dogs!
Keep up the amazing work!
If VW should offer this in the USA I’d be buying one straight away. I don’t think they plan it at all. Years ago I had a 65 T1 and loved it. Sadly I got ran into a tough stretch and had to sell. Love this channel.👍
@@kimhorton6109 , Many, many years ago I had a '71 VW camper. It took me over most of North America. Of all the vehicles I've ever owned, it is still my favorite! I'm so frustrated that Volkswagen refuses to sell the California here in the USA. And I live in California. The irony!
Best most natural vlog yet, I’ve heard about the wardrobe tambour doors being weak, would be interested to hear how much the repair cost would be , one question I didn’t hear (but may have missed) is would if cost wasn’t an issue have specified 4motion ? I found the sat nav while great at giving traffic issues ahead and alternative routes, was often a bit finicky to put destinations into but that could have been down to rural post codes being very general but often found some were unrecognised and it really didn’t seem to be much use in Poole city centre particularly
With regards to keeping warm.... cheapest and hottest method. Chinese diesel night heater! £115 used mine for months and its spot on!
Great Q&A 🤗
Love your videos! The Doggo needs to be interviewed aswell!!❤
thank You from Germany :-)
To avoid your water pump breaking down. Never put unfiltered water in your reserve and also you should do a flush at least once every 3 months.
Team Heko wind deflecters are the ones to get.
Maybe purchase another brand of wind deflectors and did you fit the clip correctly as it should dig into the felt molding up inside the top ie if you tried to pull the deflector down it would tear the molding
intro video is so cool
I think also if for me personally there was a high top full size roof bed option I would probably go for it, that said I still wish VW would build a long wheelbase California particularly as Westfallia have brought out the Klepper 60 on the long wheelbase
Have a look at Dubflecta for your wind deflectors.
I bought them due to numerous good reviews and I’ve had mine 3 years without a single issue
i bought some Dubflecta's for my Cali, the drivers side fitted no problems but the passenger side would not fit and the window broke (Not the glass just the electric winding mechanism).
Have a look at aftermarket LED bulbs available online to improve your headlights.
D P I just did that, also rear license plate,,and reverse lights on my car here, in the USA, 2013 FORD TAURUS 3.5 liter V6, 6spd auto, cheers from NJ
Hi, Thanks for a great video, can you tell me if the new off road tyres are noisier on road please?
Nice seatcovers
Congrats! Have you got a video about the ridgemonkey and why you like it so much? I heard you mention it in a couple of your vids now, but am still not sure why it's such a game changer for #vanlife? :)
Love you videos, looking to get a camper van for every day and touring. Need to ask about van security, what have you had done to secure your van and keep the insurance company happy.
Al
alan young shame you didn’t get a reply as I am keen to know the answer also
fantastic calefornia
Watched your rainbow pop top cover vid and was wondering could you not fit cover around the struts to avoid the hassle of having to feed the cover inside the struts
Cheers
Karl
Is there an induction cooktop that VW will let you spec for an Ocean? If the heat can be managed on battery power then you could do without that piece.
I am about to get a T3 VW and am looking forward to skipping to Socer tournaments around the country. I used to take my motorcycle and a tent trailer or my pickup but I spent piles on motels or with my friends. I like to take time in state and national parks for week long takes away from the house
Hi Shaun & Lizzie - great video, many thanks. Did you ever buy a dash cam? If so which one do you suggest? A Roav C1 Pro? Or a Viofo A119S perhaps? Or don't you approve of dash cams...? Keep up the good work. Best wishes.
You sure do love a “Liz Monkey” Lizzy. I should think their sales have gone through the roof since you have shared yours with us 😁 #ridgemonkeyshowLizthemoney!!!!
Haha would be amazing!
Hi there! Love your videos - thank you. I have booked a Camper Van for next weekend to take my 5 and 3-year old daughters camping. They are desperate to sleep up top. You mention a Pop-Top cover? Please can you confirm which one you reconmend that will ensure they can sleep up top if its cold? Huge thanks in advance... really looking forward to hearing from you. :)
The heater is good enough without a pop-top cover but the cover does make it even more comfortable. We highly recommend the Rainbow Thermal Screens one. Happy travels! Thanks for watching!
Hi Sean and Lizzie We have being following your videos .We like to ask you whether you use the bellow bungee . A bungee rope which goes round the bellow to prevent the bellow from been torn as you close the roof.
Yes we do
I think, I just figured the main reason that ‘your’ vehicle will Not be sold here (USA) is the engine, I know that’s it’s a diesel, but don’t think yours is a CLEAN diesel, by thatI mean, uses LOW SULPHUR diesel, uses DEF fluid, and has A SOOT FILTER., besides the sales quantities , sold.
This dog will kill me... i'm dying of cuteness :)
I LOVE YOU BENTLEY!!
Haha. Bentley says hi. 🐶
A great, big, huge, affectionate, kind, lovely kiss and hug to him from me :)
N.B: if you need any kind of editing, 3D something, opener, or anything (from a simple intro till an Epic blockbuster/thriller worthy of Tarantino), I'll be happy to help ^_^... just make a video only about Bentley please? 😍 😍 😊
Hi guys,how do you find the side sliding door being on the drivers side.Why don’t they do it on the passenger side which to me would be better for this country and safer if you have children.Do you find this a problem because it’s the only thing that is putting me off.Cracking videos as always.👍
Where do I get the lighting for the van instead of fairy lights thanks in advance
Great view video very informative as we are just about to get our new campervan albeit a ford ... so exciting times ... by the way where is the location you filmed at looked great
It's called Hatchet Pond in the New Forest 👍 thanks for watching and enjoy your new camper
You can still get the after market more improved LED headlights for the van. Don't go through VW.
Hi SL&B, Heres to another twenty months 14K how fantastic is that, ATB Glen
Thanks Glen 😊
i have same R17 wheels with 235/ tyres and it consumes around 36-37mpg before I used to get 42mpg running 80mph on R16 wheels... since changing to these ones you've got consumption increased, What tyres you had originally and was it on these rims and at what speed it consumed 42mpg??
cheers
Trying to decide on Capervan or Motorhome at the mo' - aiming for some wild camping and free Aires - only big concer [sorry to be personal] but how do you manage with toilet / washing ? Thanks
You can find showers at a lot of services. And we have a porta potti on board too.
Your mpg sounds impressive. I think you have a 150 HP DSG? I have a 204 HP DSG and lucky if I can get 35 mpg. In town, it can be more like 25 mpg. It could be I'm still getting use to driving an automatic.
PeterE I’ve got 150hp T6 DSG diesel . Have seen upto 45mpg on a long run keeping about 5mph below speed limits; on short stop-start journeys I’ve seen as low as 25mpg.
Hi, I’m a bit late to the question party, but I’m interested to know if the pop-top cover gives a decent amount of added sound insulation? Thanks.
It gives a bit but not a huge amount. Certainly reduces wind noise. Hope that’s helpful.
Would you buy a 4X4 or not?
Question! How much was your VW?
Hello! It looks like you have AstroTurf as a floor covering- is this for Bentley or another reason? Looks good. Apologies if you have covered this before 🙂
Yeah it's fake grass just to feel nice under foot and under paw 😊
Hi Shaun and Lizzy
just wondering where did you buy
the roof topper and the screen cover ? as i like to go off on winter weekends
thank you both for the fantastic videos over the last 20 months
😎
kind regards
Irish Sean
@@Kilex6522 Thanks
Yeah both the pop top and screen cover are from rainbow thermal screens
@@ABusAndBeyond Thank you 🙂
Do you get many annoying squeeks or rattles? I was gettitng them for a while, after buying it. It was driving me crazy trying to find them and then work out how to stop them. Now more or less ok, but they come and go. Often something minor like two bits of plastic rubbing together or because I didin't engage the stowaway table fully.
We find that little foam sticky circles that you can buy help with rattles. We don’t have any rattles now. 😊
How can a Canadian go about buying this vehicle.
How do I get one of these vans???
Hi guys, but your fuel mileage is probably using Imperial gallons, eh ?
Have you had any problems with the Adblue element of the diesel? Or, is yours a pre-Adblue version?
the LED headlights should of been the first and top of your spec list the standard lights are seriously awful
Wondering for how many night a year are you staying in the camper? You make me start to consider a campervan and a months long vacation :)
Do it! You won't regret it 😊
How long does the leisure battery last
If it’s only running the fridge around 5 or 6 days
Interesting, but it would have been much more helpful to have been shown each thing that was being talked about rather than pictures of the sceney: the shower attachent (did anyone know what it was?), the beds, etc
We have a VW T6 tour and a T6.1 tour on the channel where you can see all the features in full.
Hi, Quick question..... did you make any use of the awning/tent thing you tried out ? Basically, I am wondering if felt this was a useful addition or not. Thanks for all the lovely videos !
Which one do you mean? We’ve made vlogs on all the awnings we’ve tried. Do you mean the Glawning with the wood burning stove in?
@@ABusAndBeyond It's kinda any one, like maybe the Vango Airbug. I'm wondering, if you were packing for travels, would you normally take an awning with you ? Do you find them useful to extend the size of the living area, or do you mainly use the van and the pull-out bit ? We've got 2 dogs and ourselves, so thinking if we get a campervan, the extra space may be useful.
We only tend to use them if we are staying in one place for about 3 nights or more. Any shorter and it seems to take too long to set up to be worth the effort in our view
First 😀
can you just explain me if there's a way to keep the AC on during the night (4/5 hours)?
I’m afraid not, unless you left the engine running.
Are there stats regarding CamperVan security, or have you experienced any Security problems? ... as Vans in general are 'targetted' remorselessly by scumbags these days :-(
Not with a dog in such a small area.
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