The windscreen cover is great on campsites, but I'd never recommend fitting one if wild camping or stealth camping, as it's impossible to drive off if your van is attacked or being broke into without getting out of the van door.
Think i may have evaluate my essentials as i have my electric guitar, acoustic guitar, amp, effects pedal down on my list :-) My wife has, hair dryer, stying tongs, make up kit and wine rack :-)
We agree with all of those… tried not to buy too much ‘stuff’ that’s not going to be used! Best buy for us though…magnets off Amazon which we use to fix our drive away awning to van … quick, effective & so easy!!! Plus an electric multi cooker …. cooks everything from brekkie to paella, spag bol, curry! one pot wonder
One of my essentials is my van matching green left-handed spork. Used every day and especially good when eating stir fry...don't waste the juice, particularly if it is of the red wine variety!!
I'm starting to become a big fan of your videos. Now, we too have previously traveled with a small campervan and still do (T4 westfalia california from 1991) and so we already know quite a bit about what to carry around and leave what at home. Still, I enjoy videos like this one of yours now. Let's think along: collapsible kettle: sure; a second to run on electricity? We don't take with us two items that participate in the same things (and many items better have dual uses). Wine glass: nice (we use smaller ones); the towels: for sure! These are more compact than regular ones and dry very quickly. Good tip for everybody. Porta potti: good that you are talking about it; we too have the same and use it; many have commented on carrying a toilet and indeed you learn that there is a toilet almost everywhere but at night for emergencies it is a must. Ridge Monkey: again this is praised, I may still buy it but my pots and pans set from when I was 18 and still traveled with the tent is not worn out yet. Mosquito light: ok We use candles that keep the critters away, cozy too. We don't have and don't want an awning, so no straps for us. Spare safe: must get one (our T6.1 coast has been ordered but not yet delivered...). For the rest, we don't take any extra things with use on electricity as you described. The bowl is handy, we also have a similar one. We do not use a windscreen (we have only used it once, so no longer with us). What's in our top 10: certainly cable ties (zip ties/tiewraps), duct tape but also extra cash for emergencies (nicely tucked away). We take out what we haven't used for a year. Keep it up, it's nice to see and hear you. Greetings from Belgium
Fantastic tips in there, thank you! We too had a big clear out of stuff we carried around in our T6 and never used when we packed our T6.1. Congrats on the order too, hope you don’t have too long to wait 😀👍
I don't have a fancy campervan, just my old Pontiac Montana minivan. So my essential for power is my Bluetti EB70s (800W) with the 200W folding solar panel. I just got a 12 V fridge/freezer that I'll use as a freezer two frozen juice jugs that I'll alternate in my 12 V cooler. This will make my groceries last longer, but not take up more power. The Bluetti is great for charging my I-phone, my solar/USB light, my electric gooseneck lighter and running my USB fan.. I've used it during power outages. :) I almost bought a bug zapper, not as fancy as yours, but cancelled as it wouldn't arrive at Walmart when the other purchases did. Of course, then the orders only dribbled in, so I should have kept it in my shopping cart. It's over an hour drive to get there, so I hope the rest all come together. Most of my camping gear came from Canadian Tire, the camp cot, 3" foam mattress, cooler, camping cookware (with a kettle so small it will only make enough for my two cup teapot), and my Luggable Loo, which has come in handy when my house's water inlet froze and I couldn't flush. The hand pump for my 5 gal. jug was put to use, too. The rest of my gear, the butane stove and fuel came from other places. I just got a folding wooden TV tray and plastic organization cubes and have ordered a folding camping chair that I hope will be comfortable. My adventures will have to be small day trips as I have two old cats at home who might not travel well. But they might just surprise me. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada
Thank you. Fab. Love it. Your posts make a big difference because if it’s just me & the kids, it’s good to have some other thoughts/advice/wisdom & safety tips. Appreciated.
Great video, Campervan Time! 🚐 We’re about to get our camper soon (next week!), so this is exactly the kind of content we’ve been searching for. Your insights on the Cali accessories are super helpful, and it’s great to see how they enhance the camper experience. We’ve been looking for inspiration on what to get for our own setup, and your video gave us some fantastic ideas. Can’t wait to start customizing ours just like you’ve done here. Thanks for sharing such valuable tips, and keep the awesome content coming!
Watch it doesn't build dry because it will burst into flames. I had one in my tent and the next thing I knew was black toxic smoke and a big hole in my ground sheet.
I've just ordered my very 1st vw t6.1 camper van. It is yet to be built so I love watching your videos as it gives me a greater insight into what items I will need to buy before our camper arrives 👍
Glad to be of service! Remember these are only our favourites though. One of great things about campers is personalising and making them your own. That said, who doesn’t need a kettle eh!! Thanks for watching 👍
Love it!!! I went straight online for the ridge monkey skillet and they are back ordered. And then I ordered the mosquito light. I just keep adding everything to my Amazon account for the day that I actually get a van! Lol Safe travels my friends I just subscribed.
Great video again! I’ve also been using the PP 335 for three years, and conducted several experiment at home with toilet paper. In the end could not find any advantage on the thetford paper or competitors and reverted to use normal 3 ply high cellulose toilet paper that you buy at the supermarket and never ever had a problem emptying the cassette and clean it properly. The thetford paper doesn‘t dissolve any quicker, it just breaks apart when you need it!
Same here re the toilet paper. We use normal everyday shop bought toilet paper in our 335, and have never had a problem when it comes to emptying the waste.
I quite agree. Any septic safe toilet paper will work. Buying special TP for RVs is just a waste of money. If you really want to check your Thetford against regular septic safe toilet paper, get two jars, put a sheet in each jar, add water, and shake. Shake again in an hour and you can see how much each dissolves. Jon in rural BC, Canada
Hi Guys just joined California Time and love the videos they are a great help. We will be getting our new Cali Ocean in 4 weeks and now looking at getting the essentials, so we have taken many notes from your top tips. I would like to get a thermal screen cover, can you tell use what one you have as it seems well made and having looked there are loads and we like to go on recommendation. Looking forward to the next video, Nicky & David.
Congratulations! Our windscreen cover is this one: vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/vw-t5-t6-thermal-windscreen-cover we find they're well made and durable. Nice that it also packs down into the chairs in the tailgate.
Nice video, we found it's the little things that make the difference as well. Would add a small 5lt collapsible water carrier for the times you need a little bit more but don't want to move the van, or taking advantage of a public tap.
You needs a shower/toilet tent and a solar shower. 35 quid all in from go outdoors a couple of years ago. Super fun and a million times better than making the van pong.😅😅
Big thank you for this video. We have purchased our first camper van and purchased most of your suggested items. Just returned from first night away to test everything and found all of the item brilliant. Only wished we had ordered the fan heater and plug in thermostat, which we are ordering right now 🙂
We have a Brabantia 13L Bin that fit nicely between the front seats when in camping mode and behind the passenger seat when travelling. It’s quite tall but not very wide. It takes a couple of days worth of rubbish before needing emptying. Also, a set of Joseph Joseph chopping boards that fit nicely on top of the kitchen drawer in the Cali.
Don't have any of that my essential list is:- No 1. is a reliable van. 2. A comfortable bed. 3. A cook/cooker. 4. An uncramped interior. 5. Swivel front seat. 6. Two duvets, one for summer, another duck and down for winter. 7. 3 pillows. 8. Table for inside and out and two folding chairs. 9. Tool kit with bits and pieces, tape etc. 10. Book of maps. Bonus:- Sense of adventure. Heating:- 1500watts is way too much heat, ours is 500watts.
I don't think many of those fit under the category "Accessories". I really liked this one. There are a lot of videos about good setup and essentials. These accessories brings their personality the van. And as a fellow traveler; making my van into a home, is on my essential list.
Initially I bought the internal windscreen and side window covers, the morning condensation was a major problem, to help alleviate this, I bought a USB powered fan which I turned on in the morning to clear the windscreen.
I would have added hooks of some sort (back of the seats or special shaped ones to go in the ridge at the top of the roof/below bed) and A BIN!! There’s a good IKEA one which fits behind the passenger seat. Oh, and a flask to store all your leftover boiled water so you can wash up! And finally something to get water into your van with. We use the Colapz system.
Fantastic suggestions and we 100% agree on them all. So hard to try to pick only 10!! We got our bin from Camper Centrum in Amsterdam when we visited because it’s a moulded plastic tub to the exact shape next to the kitchen and behind the front seat, it’s great 😀.
You guys have give us a great insight to the Cali, been buying things for almost 18 months and finally took delivery three weeks ago Can you tell me where you got you’re coloured ball lights from please
Charming folks, a few good things in there. Microfibers towels are the biggest mistake everyone does. P-A-R-E-O… in natural fibers like rayon, they absorb everything (hod it as a ball and pat yourself dry), they dry in minutes, less than 20, if a sunny and windy 10 minutes at the most, they don’t stink, they weight nothing, a large one can fit a ziploc bag, men and women can use it as a garment coming out of the shower, from the beach or hanging around in hot weather. Please no microfiber towels, they need chemicals not to stink, they serve only one purpose and they do take some time to dry. On top of it, they are tiny. Call it a Sarong, pareo or one of the many Polynesian names, it does everything.
Other essential’s: 1- NorthCore magnetic hook up. (Strong rubber sealed magnet with loop, hook, karabiner attachments) ideal for hanging wet suits or towels. We use 2 and string solo twist washing line between them. 2- collapsible ottoman.(great foot stool and storage) 3- multi compartment pan for fry ups.(less washing up). 4- barbers handheld paddle mirror. (Fits perfect in net pockets). 5- box of spare fuses. 6- maypole mini rapid compressor. (Does my tyres from 0 - 50psi in under a minute).
We have a French-registered LHD California Coast Edition. On the B and C pillars there is a small hook and a passenger grab strap on the RHS but not on the LHS. If VW would add 2 of those hooks it would be possible to run a line around the passenger compartment along the top of the sliding door and kitchen windows and across if you want, to hang items such as tea-towels and clothes items as needed. We have rigged up something like this and it is very useful. Similarly in the roof there are 4 little rubber hangers which will just take a coat hanger, but if they were a little more substantial you could run a clothes-line across the inside of the roof to keep loose clothes, socks etc from disappearing into a smelly heap at the shallow end of the roof usually.
Very helpful guys! We are awaiting our first ever Cali fingers crossed in November. You have certainly answered some questions I had there ! Great video as always 😁
You mention doing a video of stuff you bought and ended up selling as you didn’t use it. Sounds like a good one if you ever get chance. Keep up the good work :-)
Great video to get a few tips cheers. We get our Ocean next June 2022 ! Long wait yes, but my query is which factory fitted extras if any would you have or recommend as we can still change the spec. I’ve only added the two tone paint and the 4 keys.
We’ve actually done a video on exactly that - why we chose our options and why. It’s long, but we think it’s worth it 😀. See it here: ua-cam.com/video/A0FEqAFUQkc/v-deo.html
Hi Will and Sarah. Continuing to really enjoy your informative and entertaining videos! Could you please provide the link for the rubbish bin that fits between the cupboard and the passenger seat? Thanks v much, Andrew and Caroline.
Thanks v much. Having some issues with their website, but have contacted them by email to try and resolve. Another quick query….we have no cup holder in the rear, and this is proving difficult….I’d there one you know of that can be fitted (i.e to the rail that the table sits on?) Thanks again and keep up the good work!
@@andrewchamen3551 Hello! If you have an Ocean, they actually come with a plastic cup holder for the rear that clips in to the rail on the side of the kitchen. If you're missing this then I am sure you should be able to buy one as a spare part. It comes in two sections from what I can remember. If you get stuck, email us and I'll see if I can find part numbers on ours.
Thanks so much for the v quick response. We have a Coast and we’re actually given a 2 part cup holder by our VW dealer yesterday. However it doesn’t appear to fit in the kitchen rail. No rush, but if you could send the part number when you have a chance we can check that with them…..(the one from yesterday doesn’t have a part number on it unfortunately…). Thanks again.
Good question - VERY, in our opinion. Sarah and I had an argument about if they should be in the top 10 (well, 11) or not, and I said they would be personal preference so maybe not. When we were on our recent two weeks in the Outer Hebrides we used them EVERY day on many different sites. The level meter in the T6.1 makes you a bit, erm, attentive(!) to the levels more than it really should !!
Great video guys…. We ordered our van last month and it’s almost the same spec as yours. Is there anything you wish you hadn’t added to the vehicle and anything you wish you had but didn’t? Thanks Pete
We’re really happy with everything we’ve ordered BUT… the longevity of the wheels being diamond cut bothers us (but we wanted a change from the normal ones we had before). We should have ordered the comfort mattress for downstairs from new (we bought ours second hand after). Also, the standard satnav on our van (model year 21) doesn’t do map on both screens so we might have pushed the boat out to have the bigger nav unit also (but, it can do map on dash and CarPlay on satnav, which is cool). We also missed off the second under-bench-seat drawer, which I am looking to retro-fit now, so would add that for sure. Hope that helps :)
Great video cheers guys, I’ve just bought my first camper and am looking to get all my equipment. Can you please tell me the make of the windscreen cover as it looks a lovely fit mines a 6.1 . Take care paul.
Sure - it's just a basic dry bag, but I will measure it / check the litre capacity it is. They roll up so small and are super useful. I'll look tomorrow for you.
Thanks for the details esp the links. Have bought the towel and the chopping board - and the wetsuit magnets from comment. *which windscreen cover do you show pls - silver or black? I have asked on their website but no answer.
We have the black windscreen cover although it is silver on the inside. It’s this one from Campervanbits - vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/vw-t5-t6-thermal-windscreen-cover
Getting Hooked on your videos since ordering our new Cali. Thanks, all very useful stuff to us ‘newbies’. Just followed the link to the collapsible bowl-you say Outwell but the link is Kampa. Are they the same company??
Good question! I don't think they are but the Kampa washing up bowl is basically the same as the outwell one and a bit cheaper too. Sorry for the confusion !
Hi - we use these for our cutlery (fits perfectly in the T6.1 cutlery drawer): vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/kampa-dometic-kensington-cutlery-set. We don't use sleeping bags at all. Have had them before, feel too trapped in them. We use a 4.5 tog dorma all cotton duvet (double size) in a 100% cotton cover from Dunelm. Full size part-memory foam pillows for us too. No bottom sheet now on our sea 2 summit mattress, but we do wear PJs !! Brilliantly comfortable for us. All of that lot goes inside one Ikea DIMPA storage bag on the back shelf when not on the bed. www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/dimpa-storage-bag-transparent-10056770/
@@CampervanTime Thanks for taking the time to reply properly. Appreciated. Actually ordered the wine glasses as the first essential ( despite other comments🙄) After all we’ve a year to get it all together no doubt
Wine glasses are quite a personal thing to be honest and the thought of plastic ones didn’t fill us with joy at first but they are just so neat and practical.
Just cable - we tried a roll up wheel thing for it and it just took up too much space and was a bit of a pain in use. Having the cable on its own does mean one or two tangles now and again but it’s not that bad really.
Hi - yes and no. Yes but you do have to slip off the cover from the top of the door where it hooks over. Can’t just walk straight up and open door wide open.
Hi again. I have a question about the diesel blown air heater. Is it very noisy in operation and if so is that why you prefer using the Kampa electric heater when hooked up? Cheers Jim
Hi Jim - the diesel blown heater isn't that noisy, they are about the same I'd say. It is more about being able to conserve diesel and use the hook up if we are on a pitch that has it - plus the thermostat plug means you can get the temperature in the van a bit easier (Ie 19c, 20c etc) rather than just a number between 1-10 on the diesel heater. Nothing wrong with the diesel heater at all - it is very effective.
Folding kettle very heavy and hardly saves any space . Do not worry about the expansive toilet paper . Just the thin saver type dissolves just the same. External screen nightmare if you wake up to lashing down with rain.
Where do fou store your big windshield? My top Cali stuff would be : the carpet I've in the living area, it folds at very specific area. The same air mattress you have, the Italian mokka, some stuff I 3d printed to hold the paper, the ikea box that fits perfectly the cupboard, the box that also perfectly fit the trunk, a small toolbox to screw your chairs back when they get loose, and oh! The brandrup 20L water filling tank is perfect! We use the Thule choke every single time
We store the front window cover in the tailgate in one of the chairs. It squashes down really flat so you can keep it in there. Thanks for sharing your top tips too, will help a lot of people !
This came up in my feed. An interesting video, but where are the ESSENTIALS? Basic tool kit with spare fuses etc, head torch for trekking to the loo at night, first aid kit, carbon monoxide detector, the list goes on! All things that 'beginners' really need to know about.
Thanks for watching! Absolutely agree that everyone will have their own essentials. We've taken it as a given that some simple things they'd already have considered but you're right, those are essentials too of course.
Three things... 1. Thank you for the great suggestions. 2. Never talk over your wife and you do it all the time. 3. You need to have 6-8 kids with this girl. You both would make great kids because both of you are good looking and very smart
@@CampervanTime Thank you for the info. Gee, I was fine with the £20.83 cost plus some reasonable shipping to Canada but they actually want a GOUGING price of £150.00 shipping... That sure is a deal breaker, come on that's $250 just for shipping. I wish they'd sell those someplace else.
It's worth ringing them or using their online chat function as they are nice people who try to help. I suspect the website is just being daft and trying to auto-calculate shipping costs based on a silly algorithm. I know there was someone else somewhere who was international and there was a funny issue with shipping that was resolved.
The windscreen cover is great on campsites, but I'd never recommend fitting one if wild camping or stealth camping, as it's impossible to drive off if your van is attacked or being broke into without getting out of the van door.
Good points re wild camping 👍
Good points
Think i may have evaluate my essentials as i have my electric guitar, acoustic guitar, amp, effects pedal down on my list :-) My wife has, hair dryer, stying tongs, make up kit and wine rack :-)
Your list sounds more fun than ours !!
We agree with all of those… tried not to buy too much ‘stuff’ that’s not going to be used!
Best buy for us though…magnets off Amazon which we use to fix our drive away awning to van … quick, effective & so easy!!!
Plus an electric multi cooker …. cooks everything from brekkie to paella, spag bol, curry! one pot wonder
Great! You'll have to email us a link over to those magnets, always interested in anything that helps with the drive away awning!!
My thankful for keeping it short, speaking clearly at a noteable pace, & practical suggestions.
Just looked @ yr vdeo for the first time & it's really helpful for newbie campervaners like us. Will be watching more for sure. Thank you
Welcome aboard!
One of my essentials is my van matching green left-handed spork. Used every day and especially good when eating stir fry...don't waste the juice, particularly if it is of the red wine variety!!
We must get a couple of those for us to try. Have seen them for sale a few times and just never bought them.
Great video guys! Waiting to pick up my T5 Camper next week so already ordering lots of essentials, including the fold up kettle and ridge monkey.
I'm starting to become a big fan of your videos. Now, we too have previously traveled with a small campervan and still do (T4 westfalia california from 1991) and so we already know quite a bit about what to carry around and leave what at home. Still, I enjoy videos like this one of yours now.
Let's think along: collapsible kettle: sure; a second to run on electricity? We don't take with us two items that participate in the same things (and many items better have dual uses). Wine glass: nice (we use smaller ones); the towels: for sure! These are more compact than regular ones and dry very quickly. Good tip for everybody. Porta potti: good that you are talking about it; we too have the same and use it; many have commented on carrying a toilet and indeed you learn that there is a toilet almost everywhere but at night for emergencies it is a must. Ridge Monkey: again this is praised, I may still buy it but my pots and pans set from when I was 18 and still traveled with the tent is not worn out yet. Mosquito light: ok We use candles that keep the critters away, cozy too. We don't have and don't want an awning, so no straps for us. Spare safe: must get one (our T6.1 coast has been ordered but not yet delivered...). For the rest, we don't take any extra things with use on electricity as you described. The bowl is handy, we also have a similar one. We do not use a windscreen (we have only used it once, so no longer with us).
What's in our top 10: certainly cable ties (zip ties/tiewraps), duct tape but also extra cash for emergencies (nicely tucked away).
We take out what we haven't used for a year.
Keep it up, it's nice to see and hear you.
Greetings from Belgium
Fantastic tips in there, thank you! We too had a big clear out of stuff we carried around in our T6 and never used when we packed our T6.1. Congrats on the order too, hope you don’t have too long to wait 😀👍
I don't have a fancy campervan, just my old Pontiac Montana minivan. So my essential for power is my Bluetti EB70s (800W) with the 200W folding solar panel. I just got a 12 V fridge/freezer that I'll use as a freezer two frozen juice jugs that I'll alternate in my 12 V cooler. This will make my groceries last longer, but not take up more power. The Bluetti is great for charging my I-phone, my solar/USB light, my electric gooseneck lighter and running my USB fan.. I've used it during power outages. :)
I almost bought a bug zapper, not as fancy as yours, but cancelled as it wouldn't arrive at Walmart when the other purchases did. Of course, then the orders only dribbled in, so I should have kept it in my shopping cart. It's over an hour drive to get there, so I hope the rest all come together.
Most of my camping gear came from Canadian Tire, the camp cot, 3" foam mattress, cooler, camping cookware (with a kettle so small it will only make enough for my two cup teapot), and my Luggable Loo, which has come in handy when my house's water inlet froze and I couldn't flush. The hand pump for my 5 gal. jug was put to use, too.
The rest of my gear, the butane stove and fuel came from other places.
I just got a folding wooden TV tray and plastic organization cubes and have ordered a folding camping chair that I hope will be comfortable.
My adventures will have to be small day trips as I have two old cats at home who might not travel well. But they might just surprise me. :)
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Sounds like you've got a great setup there !
Thank you for doing this, its all still very relevant and so helpful to someone like me who is just setting out on his Campervan journey.
Thanks guys! Very helpful! “On the brink” of buying our first Cali so thanks again!
Just bought our first CV and am absolutely thrilled to have found your site. So so helpful thank you
Thank you. Fab. Love it. Your posts make a big difference because if it’s just me & the kids, it’s good to have some other thoughts/advice/wisdom & safety tips. Appreciated.
You are so welcome!
Great video, Campervan Time! 🚐 We’re about to get our camper soon (next week!), so this is exactly the kind of content we’ve been searching for. Your insights on the Cali accessories are super helpful, and it’s great to see how they enhance the camper experience. We’ve been looking for inspiration on what to get for our own setup, and your video gave us some fantastic ideas. Can’t wait to start customizing ours just like you’ve done here. Thanks for sharing such valuable tips, and keep the awesome content coming!
Great video guys 😎🍷🚍⚓️🇬🇧👍
Thanks 👍
just got a VW van, this was GOLDEN. Thanks so much for the practical advice and commen sense insights!
Glad it was helpful!
Watch it doesn't build dry because it will burst into flames.
I had one in my tent and the next thing I knew was black toxic smoke and a big hole in my ground sheet.
Couldn’t agree more about the screen cover. Great video. I like the look of the mozzy killing light too
Thank you and thanks for watching 😀
I've just ordered my very 1st vw t6.1 camper van. It is yet to be built so I love watching your videos as it gives me a greater insight into what items I will need to buy before our camper arrives 👍
Glad to be of service! Remember these are only our favourites though. One of great things about campers is personalising and making them your own. That said, who doesn’t need a kettle eh!! Thanks for watching 👍
We’ve just ordered a T6.1 coast as well in cherry red not our first van but so excited.
@@christinahogg3752 Fantastic!! Congratulations !
@@christinahogg3752 we ordered also in cherry red! And can‘t wait to get it.
I bought the wine glasses and the ridgemonkey. Thanks!
Great stuff!
Love it!!! I went straight online for the ridge monkey skillet and they are back ordered. And then I ordered the mosquito light. I just keep adding everything to my Amazon account for the day that I actually get a van! Lol Safe travels my friends I just subscribed.
Couple of great recommendations in here esp the stackable / nesting glasses. There are also stainless steel ones that look really nice.
Lovely couple, like all your tips. Enjoyed watching
Thanks so much! 😊
Massive help thankyou, perfect for us as we're new to this, keep them coming x
You’re very kind and very welcome 👍
Thank you some great tips here. Literally bought our first Campervan yesterday and this is a great guide.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video again! I’ve also been using the PP 335 for three years, and conducted several experiment at home with toilet paper. In the end could not find any advantage on the thetford paper or competitors and reverted to use normal 3 ply high cellulose toilet paper that you buy at the supermarket and never ever had a problem emptying the cassette and clean it properly. The thetford paper doesn‘t dissolve any quicker, it just breaks apart when you need it!
That’s really helpful and thorough, thank you for sharing without giving away too much detail !!
Same here re the toilet paper. We use normal everyday shop bought toilet paper in our 335, and have never had a problem when it comes to emptying the waste.
I quite agree. Any septic safe toilet paper will work. Buying special TP for RVs is just a waste of money.
If you really want to check your Thetford against regular septic safe toilet paper, get two jars, put a sheet in each jar, add water, and shake. Shake again in an hour and you can see how much each dissolves.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Hi Guys just joined California Time and love the videos they are a great help. We will be getting our new Cali Ocean in 4 weeks and now looking at getting the essentials, so we have taken many notes from your top tips. I would like to get a thermal screen cover, can you tell use what one you have as it seems well made and having looked there are loads and we like to go on recommendation.
Looking forward to the next video, Nicky & David.
Congratulations! Our windscreen cover is this one: vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/vw-t5-t6-thermal-windscreen-cover we find they're well made and durable. Nice that it also packs down into the chairs in the tailgate.
Great video again guys. Really appreciate all the advice.
You’re very welcome, thanks for watching 😀
Nice video, we found it's the little things that make the difference as well. Would add a small 5lt collapsible water carrier for the times you need a little bit more but don't want to move the van, or taking advantage of a public tap.
Great tip!
Great reviews - obviously 😊
You needs a shower/toilet tent and a solar shower. 35 quid all in from go outdoors a couple of years ago. Super fun and a million times better than making the van pong.😅😅
Just ordered a windscreen cover through your link. Thanks for great tips 👍
Excellent, Hope you enjoy it!
Great video. Love the windscreen cover
It's brilliant, we love it!
Big thank you for this video. We have purchased our first camper van and purchased most of your suggested items. Just returned from first night away to test everything and found all of the item brilliant. Only wished we had ordered the fan heater and plug in thermostat, which we are ordering right now 🙂
Fantastic! Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful thank you!
Thank you, we've just got a Campervan, and your video is so helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
We have a Brabantia 13L Bin that fit nicely between the front seats when in camping mode and behind the passenger seat when travelling. It’s quite tall but not very wide. It takes a couple of days worth of rubbish before needing emptying. Also, a set of Joseph Joseph chopping boards that fit nicely on top of the kitchen drawer in the Cali.
Is this a cylindrical bin or rectangular cuboid?
Rectangular
Totally brilliant 👍 Learnt so much
Don't have any of that my essential list is:-
No 1. is a reliable van. 2. A comfortable bed. 3. A cook/cooker. 4. An uncramped interior. 5. Swivel front seat. 6. Two duvets, one for summer, another duck and down for winter. 7. 3 pillows. 8. Table for inside and out and two folding chairs. 9. Tool kit with bits and pieces, tape etc. 10. Book of maps. Bonus:- Sense of adventure.
Heating:- 1500watts is way too much heat, ours is 500watts.
I don't think many of those fit under the category "Accessories". I really liked this one. There are a lot of videos about good setup and essentials. These accessories brings their personality the van. And as a fellow traveler; making my van into a home, is on my essential list.
@@d.hansen2384 Personality?....It's a van.
Initially I bought the internal windscreen and side window covers, the morning condensation was a major problem, to help alleviate this, I bought a USB powered fan which I turned on in the morning to clear the windscreen.
I would have added hooks of some sort (back of the seats or special shaped ones to go in the ridge at the top of the roof/below bed) and A BIN!! There’s a good IKEA one which fits behind the passenger seat. Oh, and a flask to store all your leftover boiled water so you can wash up! And finally something to get water into your van with. We use the Colapz system.
Fantastic suggestions and we 100% agree on them all. So hard to try to pick only 10!! We got our bin from Camper Centrum in Amsterdam when we visited because it’s a moulded plastic tub to the exact shape next to the kitchen and behind the front seat, it’s great 😀.
I need 100 of those mosquitoe lights 🤣🤣
Thanks from a camper van newby.
Our pleasure!
Great help - thanks
Hi guys very good video & I’ve just ordered thermal cover after your review. Had cheaper internal covers but weren’t great. Cheers
Brilliant stuff, I don't think you'll be disappointed 👍
Hello can you tell me the brand name off the thermal cover ,many thanks 😊
It’s from Campervan Bits - vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/
THANKS FOR TIPS , NEW BE THE CAMPER VAN 👍
Have fun!
You guys have give us a great insight to the Cali, been buying things for almost 18 months and finally took delivery three weeks ago
Can you tell me where you got you’re coloured ball lights from please
Cable and Cotton 👍
Charming folks, a few good things in there. Microfibers towels are the biggest mistake everyone does. P-A-R-E-O… in natural fibers like rayon, they absorb everything (hod it as a ball and pat yourself dry), they dry in minutes, less than 20, if a sunny and windy 10 minutes at the most, they don’t stink, they weight nothing, a large one can fit a ziploc bag, men and women can use it as a garment coming out of the shower, from the beach or hanging around in hot weather. Please no microfiber towels, they need chemicals not to stink, they serve only one purpose and they do take some time to dry. On top of it, they are tiny. Call it a Sarong, pareo or one of the many Polynesian names, it does everything.
Thanks, will check them out!
AI Overview
Rayon is not a natural fibre


+7
No, rayon is not a natural fiber, but rather a semi-synthetic fiber
Great info guys 👍
Other essential’s:
1- NorthCore magnetic hook up. (Strong rubber sealed magnet with loop, hook, karabiner attachments) ideal for hanging wet suits or towels. We use 2 and string solo twist washing line between them.
2- collapsible ottoman.(great foot stool and storage)
3- multi compartment pan for fry ups.(less washing up).
4- barbers handheld paddle mirror. (Fits perfect in net pockets).
5- box of spare fuses.
6- maypole mini rapid compressor. (Does my tyres from 0 - 50psi in under a minute).
Some fantastic additions there, thanks v much for sharing!
We have a French-registered LHD California Coast Edition. On the B and C pillars there is a small hook and a passenger grab strap on the RHS but not on the LHS. If VW would add 2 of those hooks it would be possible to run a line around the passenger compartment along the top of the sliding door and kitchen windows and across if you want, to hang items such as tea-towels and clothes items as needed. We have rigged up something like this and it is very useful. Similarly in the roof there are 4 little rubber hangers which will just take a coat hanger, but if they were a little more substantial you could run a clothes-line across the inside of the roof to keep loose clothes, socks etc from disappearing into a smelly heap at the shallow end of the roof usually.
Great shout on hooks. Just ordered 2. Also for hangers inside. Ty.
Great video
Love the look of that potty
Very helpful guys! We are awaiting our first ever Cali fingers crossed in November. You have certainly answered some questions I had there ! Great video as always 😁
Great stuff, glad these are useful for you
Some great idea 😁 thanks
You mention doing a video of stuff you bought and ended up selling as you didn’t use it. Sounds like a good one if you ever get chance. Keep up the good work :-)
Good reminder, thanks!
Excellent not sure about the plastic wine glasses though 😀
🤣
Have the same heater very good
Great video, tho we don't have a van & have NO intention of getting one.
Great video to get a few tips cheers. We get our Ocean next June 2022 ! Long wait yes, but my query is which factory fitted extras if any would you have or recommend as we can still change the spec. I’ve only added the two tone paint and the 4 keys.
We’ve actually done a video on exactly that - why we chose our options and why. It’s long, but we think it’s worth it 😀. See it here: ua-cam.com/video/A0FEqAFUQkc/v-deo.html
Great vlog
Thank you!!
Thanks for the tips, just starting our VW Maxi Caddy Conversion, we now have a longer Christmas wish list.
Very cool, can’t wait to see that conversion 👍 good luck !
Glad 2c that a toilet is on your list. I don't see how anyone can survive without one.
What brand of cab thermal wrap do you have? Brilliant hacks thank you!
Hi! It's one of these; vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/vw-t5-t6-thermal-windscreen-cover
Great thanks
Glad it's helpful!
Hello. Great tips and ideas. Please can we ask for hat make windscreen cover you have?
Hi, it’s one of these: vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/vw-t5-t6-thermal-windscreen-cover
Getting a strong Martin Lewis Vibe
Hi Will and Sarah. Continuing to really enjoy your informative and entertaining videos! Could you please provide the link for the rubbish bin that fits between the cupboard and the passenger seat? Thanks v much, Andrew and Caroline.
Hi, sorry for the delay! You can find it here: www.campervanshop.eu/en/products/camper-interior/storage/bin-behind-the-front-seat/
Thanks v much. Having some issues with their website, but have contacted them by email to try and resolve. Another quick query….we have no cup holder in the rear, and this is proving difficult….I’d there one you know of that can be fitted (i.e to the rail that the table sits on?) Thanks again and keep up the good work!
@@andrewchamen3551 Hello! If you have an Ocean, they actually come with a plastic cup holder for the rear that clips in to the rail on the side of the kitchen. If you're missing this then I am sure you should be able to buy one as a spare part. It comes in two sections from what I can remember. If you get stuck, email us and I'll see if I can find part numbers on ours.
Thanks so much for the v quick response. We have a Coast and we’re actually given a 2 part cup holder by our VW dealer yesterday. However it doesn’t appear to fit in the kitchen rail. No rush, but if you could send the part number when you have a chance we can check that with them…..(the one from yesterday doesn’t have a part number on it unfortunately…). Thanks again.
Sure, will check ours out and let you know.
Another great video, well done. How important are levelling blocks, are they also needed?
Thanks.
Good question - VERY, in our opinion. Sarah and I had an argument about if they should be in the top 10 (well, 11) or not, and I said they would be personal preference so maybe not. When we were on our recent two weeks in the Outer Hebrides we used them EVERY day on many different sites. The level meter in the T6.1 makes you a bit, erm, attentive(!) to the levels more than it really should !!
I am about to start a camper adventure and this vid is v helpful 👍Can you tell me the brand of the external insulated screen cover TIA👍
It’s a CampervanBits one
Great video guys…. We ordered our van last month and it’s almost the same spec as yours.
Is there anything you wish you hadn’t added to the vehicle and anything you wish you had but didn’t? Thanks Pete
We’re really happy with everything we’ve ordered BUT… the longevity of the wheels being diamond cut bothers us (but we wanted a change from the normal ones we had before). We should have ordered the comfort mattress for downstairs from new (we bought ours second hand after). Also, the standard satnav on our van (model year 21) doesn’t do map on both screens so we might have pushed the boat out to have the bigger nav unit also (but, it can do map on dash and CarPlay on satnav, which is cool). We also missed off the second under-bench-seat drawer, which I am looking to retro-fit now, so would add that for sure. Hope that helps :)
@@CampervanTime That’s great advice, thanks ever so much….. loving all your videos they are very very useful and informative
We are on our third California and we have almost the same as you but I wouldn't call them essential. Each to their own. Thanks for posting.
Great video cheers guys, I’ve just bought my first camper and am looking to get all my equipment. Can you please tell me the make of the windscreen cover as it looks a lovely fit mines a 6.1 .
Take care paul.
Sure, this is a comfortz one - the link is in the video description 👍
Many thanks. Had a converted T6 for 3 yrs. just ordered towel and lamp.
Will. What make is that thermal outdoor windscreen wrap please. I prefer black.
Hi Ian! It is a campervanbits one - bit.ly/3njTvdx
great! subbed
Hi 👋🏻 can you tell me details of the ‘dry bag’ you put the windscreen screen in if wet please and thanks 🙏
Sure - it's just a basic dry bag, but I will measure it / check the litre capacity it is. They roll up so small and are super useful. I'll look tomorrow for you.
Thanks 😊 where did you buy it?
Really can't remember to be honest, but plenty of places do them. Amazon, for example - if you just search for dry bag.
Thanks for the details esp the links. Have bought the towel and the chopping board - and the wetsuit magnets from comment. *which windscreen cover do you show pls - silver or black? I have asked on their website but no answer.
We have the black windscreen cover although it is silver on the inside. It’s this one from Campervanbits - vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/vw-t5-t6-thermal-windscreen-cover
For Heating get a Ecomat, that‘s much better.
Getting Hooked on your videos since ordering our new Cali. Thanks, all very useful stuff to us ‘newbies’.
Just followed the link to the collapsible bowl-you say Outwell but the link is Kampa. Are they the same company??
Good question! I don't think they are but the Kampa washing up bowl is basically the same as the outwell one and a bit cheaper too. Sorry for the confusion !
@@CampervanTime Thanks. Just like to have stuff recommended 🤦🏻♂️ What do you guys use for cutlery? And the very taxing question of sleeping bags….
Hi - we use these for our cutlery (fits perfectly in the T6.1 cutlery drawer): vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/kampa-dometic-kensington-cutlery-set. We don't use sleeping bags at all. Have had them before, feel too trapped in them. We use a 4.5 tog dorma all cotton duvet (double size) in a 100% cotton cover from Dunelm. Full size part-memory foam pillows for us too. No bottom sheet now on our sea 2 summit mattress, but we do wear PJs !! Brilliantly comfortable for us. All of that lot goes inside one Ikea DIMPA storage bag on the back shelf when not on the bed. www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/dimpa-storage-bag-transparent-10056770/
@@CampervanTime Thanks for taking the time to reply properly. Appreciated. Actually ordered the wine glasses as the first essential ( despite other comments🙄) After all we’ve a year to get it all together no doubt
Wine glasses are quite a personal thing to be honest and the thought of plastic ones didn’t fill us with joy at first but they are just so neat and practical.
Are the portable wine glasses plastic or glass? Assuming plastic
Yes, plastic :)
Great video :) What extension lead set up do you use? Roller or just cable?
Just cable - we tried a roll up wheel thing for it and it just took up too much space and was a bit of a pain in use. Having the cable on its own does mean one or two tangles now and again but it’s not that bad really.
@@CampervanTime Thanks! Yes that was my train of thought :) All the best the vids are great.
Could you do a Video in use of the thermostat please? Bought one and threw out instructions 🤦🏽♀️🤷♀️ thanks
Happy to help - pop us an email to contact@californiatime.co.uk and we can explain or do you a quick video if needs be 👍
Great video, which model of ridge monkey is that? The standard or XL?
Hi, it’s the XL - superb bit of kit!!
@@CampervanTime Great, thanks! Going to order one now.
Great insights. Where did you get the thermal windscreen cover?
Hi! It's this one: vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/vw-t5-t6-thermal-windscreen-cover
Can you still open the doors to get in if the windscreen cover is installed?
Hi - yes and no. Yes but you do have to slip off the cover from the top of the door where it hooks over. Can’t just walk straight up and open door wide open.
Are Ridge Monkeys available in USA? Sure would like to have one of those, but can't find one. Loved this video!
Yes I believe so, try sending a DM to @ridgemonkeyus on Insta :)
Hi again. I have a question about the diesel blown air heater. Is it very noisy in operation and if so is that why you prefer using the Kampa electric heater when hooked up?
Cheers Jim
Hi Jim - the diesel blown heater isn't that noisy, they are about the same I'd say. It is more about being able to conserve diesel and use the hook up if we are on a pitch that has it - plus the thermostat plug means you can get the temperature in the van a bit easier (Ie 19c, 20c etc) rather than just a number between 1-10 on the diesel heater. Nothing wrong with the diesel heater at all - it is very effective.
That’s good info thank you 🙏 👍
Tnx
Would you remember where you had your windscreen cover from please? Recently bought a T6 and so many versions about 😳
Yes of course, it's this one: vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/vw-t5-t6-thermal-windscreen-cover
Folding kettle very heavy and hardly saves any space .
Do not worry about the expansive toilet paper . Just the thin saver type dissolves just the same. External screen nightmare if you wake up to lashing down with rain.
We carry a small roll up dry bag in case it rains so we can put the screen cover in there - but agree, it is a bit frustrating!
Hi good video where did u get your screen cover thanks
Hi! It' one of these: vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/vw-t5-t6-thermal-windscreen-cover
Thanks
Very useful video thank you! Cant help but notice how much you interrupted her throughout the video though! Let her speak!
Can you tell us the maker of your thermal screen cover please?
It’s CampervanBits
do you set your toilet up in your awning or in the van?
We tend to set it up inside the van, easy with the blinds then if it needs to be used
@@CampervanTime thanks for replying
With that lamp you actually almost selectively kill a really important and beneficial insects and almost no mosquitoes.
Do you have link for heater?
Hi - there is a link for it in the video description 👍
What make is the window screen cover please
It's a Comfortz one from CampervanBits
Where do fou store your big windshield? My top Cali stuff would be : the carpet I've in the living area, it folds at very specific area. The same air mattress you have, the Italian mokka, some stuff I 3d printed to hold the paper, the ikea box that fits perfectly the cupboard, the box that also perfectly fit the trunk, a small toolbox to screw your chairs back when they get loose, and oh! The brandrup 20L water filling tank is perfect! We use the Thule choke every single time
We store the front window cover in the tailgate in one of the chairs. It squashes down really flat so you can keep it in there. Thanks for sharing your top tips too, will help a lot of people !
This came up in my feed. An interesting video, but where are the ESSENTIALS? Basic tool kit with spare fuses etc, head torch for trekking to the loo at night, first aid kit, carbon monoxide detector, the list goes on! All things that 'beginners' really need to know about.
Thanks for watching! Absolutely agree that everyone will have their own essentials. We've taken it as a given that some simple things they'd already have considered but you're right, those are essentials too of course.
Where did you buy the screen cover from?
Hi - it's from Campervanbits - if you google them they have a load of options, thanks for watching
I love a California but I sort of wish UK buyers would boycott them until they put the kitchen and sliding door on the correct side for the UK.
Three things... 1. Thank you for the great suggestions. 2. Never talk over your wife and you do it all the time. 3. You need to have 6-8 kids with this girl. You both would make great kids because both of you are good looking and very smart
6-8 kids... !!!!
@@CampervanTime Yes, lots of them. Life will be so much better
I cannot find that Ridgemonkey model ANYWHERE :-( Any tips?
I think they've just updated it a bit - take a look at: vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/ridgemonkey-toaster-xl-granite
@@CampervanTime Thank you for the info. Gee, I was fine with the £20.83 cost plus some reasonable shipping to Canada but they actually want a GOUGING price of £150.00 shipping... That sure is a deal breaker, come on that's $250 just for shipping. I wish they'd sell those someplace else.
It's worth ringing them or using their online chat function as they are nice people who try to help. I suspect the website is just being daft and trying to auto-calculate shipping costs based on a silly algorithm. I know there was someone else somewhere who was international and there was a funny issue with shipping that was resolved.