Just collected my California Coast last Monday 23/5/22. I've been going over the vans functions . Thought I would just watch this Video again. As always Will, an excellent Presentation. Well done , and Thank You.
Sure - this specifically is the measurement of the combined leisure battery voltage (not starter battery), the 13V, then the -1A bit is the current draw or input. A negative number is draw on the batteries (ie how many amps are being discharged from them) and if it is positive, it’s how many amps the are being charged at.
Hi! The inverter only powers the single socket in the base of the seat on the T6.1. On the T6 and prior the inverter is in the b pillar on the kitchen side, but still only powers it’s own socket and not the 3 pin on the end of the kitchen itself.
I was told that the "max charge" was only to augment the power when idle if we strugle to charge(like in city). Also I took the "improved generator" option even if I'm not sure what it does. Did you?
We've found that general driving around in the Cali sees the leisure batteries at 80% full and then no more. To get a full 100% charge we use the max charge function, although on a very long drive (ie 400 miles coming back from Scotland) we did notice the batteries were at 100%. However, we were on hookup the night before, so we would have left with them at 100% too. No we didn't buy the 'improved generator' as we were informed it was predominately for vehicles that were doing A LOT of city stop/start driving (ie couriers, hence the bigger starter battery capacity too). The T6.1 certainly has a bit of mind of it's own, that's for sure!
Two interesting facts I’ve learned (1) the max charge function taking the batteries to 100%. I have the updated engine battery and alternator so hopefully these play a part in lessening the load / stress on Charging (2) the inverter max output is 300 watts - that’s great news and I haven’t used mine yet - I’ve heard they hum, is this true?
Great informative video, quick question, if I connect my folding solar panel to the leasure battery under the front seat, will it charge both batteries, are they wired in series do you know?
Good question. I’ve not used or installed a solar panel on a Cali so I can’t answer that. I bet another one of our subscribers has so let’s see if anyone can help.
I guess the 12V plug next to the sliding door is drawing power from the starter battery? (I.e don't use it for something power hungry during camping without external hookup if you want to make sure you can start your engine the next day)
Hi, sorry about that. I did look inside it on the T6 we had and the space was tight in there. Some people have fitted small charging units (instead of the VW one) in there above the battery but the space is really limited. Here is a link to an image: www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fk3yak.com%2F2019%2F09%2F&psig=AOvVaw0YWfQ_UV4YR4_jr8lRPRNb&ust=1632558489455000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCMCX0riYl_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAU
Hi Will, appreciate you might be slightly biased on this since you own a Cali, but what are your thoughts on the whole scrapping of new diesels that's coming in a number of years. We are thinking of buying a new Cali now but worry that we might want to sell it in say 5 years and there might not be a second hand market anymore? Love the videos by the way, please keep them coming (both of you).
Hi, that is an interesting question. Well, a new van today meets all of the current EU emissions standards so it will give you as long a life as it is possible to have. I think the answer comes in two parts - future value and then future access/restrictions. Future value - VW finance are happy to give strong residual values on their PCPs that are 4 years out, so they obviously think there is good value/market for them in the future. Future access/restrictions - we are seeing some ULEZ areas with restrictions but these allow the latest diesel tech in, plus if it's older they just charge you a fee to enter - so it isn't about NOT being allowed in anywhere, yet. Vans, Lorries etc will still be running on diesel for a while I feel as there is not really a properly viable alternative yet for heavy vehicles to do decent ranges. Hydrogen possibly but the tech needs to mature. Not an easy question to answer.
Hi Will, We just bought a VW Ocean, looking at all your all videos, getting lots of ideas and help. Can you remember where you bought the none slip mats from? for the 3 shelves in your Cupboard in the back of your Cali? Spotted then when you were showing the isolating switch. Cheers xx
Yes - they are Brandrup ones. Have a chat with CampervanBits as they stock them. Just make sure you tell them what model you have (T6 / T6.1) as they are slightly different.
I have a California coast and my 12v system is not working,keeps telling me to charge battery but my batteries are both fully charged so will not let me get into switch fridge on or anything in the van, been to vw and they keep telling me there is a up date coming almost year I have been waiting even on hock up can't access the computer to switch fridge on. Campervan that doesn't work. Have you heard any other people having this problem. By the way your videos are perfect.
Both batteries were fully charge, but always telling me they were needing charge. I have take my van back to VW and sold it back to them for a loss, the longer it goes on the more my van would go down in value, as they more or less told me that they were not sure if the up date will come in on February but they were told it would be, like they were told it would be in October, then November. very sad day for me.
I had this problem on my Ocean 6.1. It is some kind of software bug and you need to reboot the "camper computer" The way to do this is to unplug a few fuses (Can't remember the fuse numbers, but the info is out there on the Internet) or disconnect both the leisure batteries at the same time and connect them again. The computer will reboot and everything works again.
A guy is interested in adding an Ecoflow Alternator Charger to a 2023 VW California T6.1 Beach. I think he might be in Yank Land. Any comments on how all the battery balancing etc might go?
I think that one can only charge the EcoFlow battery (like the Delta). I had the alternator charger in my Landcruiser and will now install it in my 2013 (T5) California for charging my EcoFlow Delta 2. So not for charging any of the existing household batteries in the Cali.
Just watched this video and found it very interesting. It seems there is a shunt fitted to every battery (on the negative terminal) ... this must be how the camping unit measures how much is going in and out of the batteries .... would be great to know what happens to it all when the van has solar panels and a MPPT solar battery charger attached. Obviously the negative connection needs to be made on the car side of the shunt - but does this confuse the CU? or mess up the bypass relay?
Hi Will, I came across this really useful video. I use my Cali just once in a while and I am worried about the additional battery health. Could you please advice how often should I explicitly charge my Cali to keep everything in good shape on the long run?
I just leave ours plugged in to a hookup cable at home. Always have done since our 2018 Cali and haven’t ever had any issues. If you are worried then you could leave it plugged in for a week, then unplug for a week, the plug back in etc
Great tutorials👍 Very well done and very informative. I would very much like to see a video on the emptying/cleaning of the various reservoirs of the VW california ocean 6.1. Thank you 😊
@@CampervanTime I have already inquired a little to find out what type of product makes it possible to clean the two water tanks as well as possible, for example Micropur or Bleach... But I would be very interested to know your tips and tricks.
We've used Milton before to clean our tanks, although we don't tend to do it very often and we've never had any problems. Maybe 3 or 4 times in a total of 2 years of ownership. Fill the tanks, add Milton, drive around a bit to get it to properly swill around, empty both tanks and refill with clean fresh water (ideally then drive around again) then empty again and you're done. 👍
@@CampervanTime Ok thanks for the information. I think I'll try it a few times with white vinegar first and if that doesn't work very well I'll move on to something stronger 😄
Hi Will, thank you for your great videos. Can you please tell me if on hook up and after charging the leisure batteries the starter battery also charges? Cheers from Portugal.
Sorry to trouble you again Will can you tell me how you manage of a night time as you have a large dog when you need to use the porta potti is there enough room we have 2 small cavalier king charles and was wondering if there would be enough room to do that.many thanks 😊
Well, if you sleep in the pop top there is no issues at all with what you suggest. 2 dogs downstairs with the portapotti no problem. If the weather is terrible then you might be forced downstairs with roof down. The Cali does feel smaller then with the bed out. Not really enough space for potti then other than to store it ready for morning when you put the bed away.
Good question - I'm not entirely sure but it has its own circuit breaker in the back and it's capable of running a 3000w fan heater or fast boil kettle, so pretty much 13A. Obviously this then needs the right hookup cable and campsite supply!
Thanks for the reply. That info helps. Yes of course depends on the campsite. We're hoping to use a double induction hob to save on gas usage while at the campsite. Most I have seen go up to 2800w. So should be perfect.
Hi, the Cali only comes as a short wheel base (SWB) and also only in automatic DSG. If you want 4 motion 4 wheel drive then your only choice is an Ocean with the 204 engine too. If you are ok with 2 wheel drive, then you can choose the 150 engine in the Ocean, or the 204 engine. Hope this helps.
Well, it depends if you want a VW Transporter based camper or if you are looking wider than that. The Mercedes Marco Polo is LWB and is a competitor to the California (and the spec is now pretty decent too, like the Ocean). The other interesting option is the Ford L2 Nugget, as that is LWB too. There are many converters out there too who can do a LWB VW conversion if you wanted too...
@@gillnicholls9665 brilliant! You can always email us if you want to chat things through if you’re unsure about how you might get on? Happy to help. Our email address is in the video description 👍
Hi 👋 I recently discovered that there are "two types" of caravan/campervan extension cord, the one with a 1,5 mm2 section and the one with a 2,5 mm2 section. From what I understood the one with a section of 1,5 mm2 do the job perfectly but it would be better to get an extension cord with a section of 2,5 mm2 beyond 25 meters long. Could you tell me what type of extension cord do you use (brand, length, diameter of the section...) and give me you opinion on the matter ? Thank you very much 😃
Hi, this is quite a complex subject matter but what I know is that 1.5mm2 is generally just fine for 10A continuous loads but not 13A. For that you'd need 2.5mm2 cable. The difference in voltage drop between say 10m and 25m is a couple of % so not really that much of a factor, but obviously if going longer than 25m with two cables etc then 2.5mm cable will help mitigate that drop. Many caravans have electric blown air heating that is very electric current heavy and thus they tend to use 2.5mm cable (as they'll also have a TV on, lighting, charge the leisure battery etc etc). In the Cali you can plug a kettle, fan heater etc in to the 240v hookup socket but generally you aren't drawing as much current so 10A / 1.5mm is fine. I can't remember off the top of my head what we use, but will check and post up later on. I think it is a 25m 1.5mm2 cable and we've not had any issues at all.
Hi, I have just checked ours and it is 1.5mm2 25m cable. Not sure on the make as it doesn’t have one on it, so I’d just suggest getting one from a local camping shop if you have one. We’ve never had any kind of overheating or problems with ours at all and we’ve ran small heaters, 1500w kettle (individually), electric milk frother etc etc.
Well it depends really on what setting you have the fridge on, but realistically you can go off grid for 2-3 days including the odd bit of heater use typically. Charging up does take a while, so needs a long drive or plug in the mains.
I have recently had an issue with EHU not charging my leisure batteries, currently getting sorted under warranty. So whilst in France in up to 35°C, fridge setting 3, using lights and a few other bits we could stretch to 3 days effectively off grid.
Does the charging cable come with the Cali or does it need to be purchased separately? Also can you confirm does the engine running charge the leisure batteries or just the under the bonnet 12v. Thanks for all the info in the video.
Hi! The charging cable doesn’t come with the Cali, no, but readily available. Engine running does charge the leisure batteries and also the 12v engine/starter battery too.
Hi Will, great videos. Two takes from this video; I didn't understand the max charge function and from my T6 I thought I had lost the inverter!! A couple of quick questions from this video but not relating to it. You have a little plastic box to hold the electric cable on the pillar by the sink (presumably for your LED fairy lights), could you advise what I am looking for as I'd like to purchase one to take the weight of excess cable. Also the matting in the front window (shown when explaining the 12V socket) does it just stay there unaided or is it stuck down. If stuck down can I ask with what? Many thanks Kenton (PS just ordered Carista following frustration with bings and seeing your video!)
Hi - in answer to your questions; 1) that plastic box is actually the on/off switch built in to the usb cable for the lights. We just held the cable up with 3m command plastic clips. Matting is not stuck down on the dash, it just sits there. We have replaced this now with black silicone mat (thin) cut to shape.
Good Morning we just bought a 2018 California and the small screen for setting things up is different to the screen on your video we were told by the VW dealer we bought it from it was a 6.1 is that correct or is it something different
You have a T6, not a T6.1 - the 6.1 was launched (from memory) in mid 2020. The control panel you have is far more simple and less likely to freeze / crash or stop working. T6 is great, enjoy ☺️
Thank you when we went to view the van the dealer tod us it was 6.1 and being new to this we did not know any different until i watched your videos thank you
Does the heater definitely run off the leisure batteries? I had a sales rep tell me that it runs off the diesel in the engine, which sounds right for a conversion with a diesel heater, but not a 2023 California
The heater is diesel fired (same tank as the engine) but needs electric to operate (glow plug and fans) and it gets this electric from the leisure batteries.
@@CampervanTimeGreat, thank you. So the leisure batteries will recharge as you’re driving? On the verge of buying a California and worried that if we go away without electric hook up in winter with two kids we’ll be out of heat within a day 🤔
Yes that's right, leisure batteries recharge as you drive. Typically the California can last for 2 days off grid if using the heater, fridge, lights etc, but it does depend how much you use it. Some people get more, some less. You can install a couple of solar panels on the roof that will help charge the batteries too.
Thanks for yet another super video Will. May I ask, the 3 pin socket behind the passenger seat is 240V when hooked up, but what (pardon the pun) is the maximum wattage permitted as I think you said you run a 1500W kettle off of it? I though 300W was the maximum? I would appreciate any clarification that you might be able to offer.
Hi Alan! The 3 pin socket behind the passenger seat is only powered when you are on hookup, so that is how it can cope with a 1500w kettle. The 300w maximum is for the one in the drivers seat as it is a 12v to 240v inverter. Remember on the T6 California the inverter is only rated to 150w and is in the B pillar by the kitchen instead. Hope that helps :)
@@CampervanTime is it possible to install a inverter with 1500watt output for the Nespresso machine? Or is the battery not strong enough? www.omvormer-omvormers.nl/contents/nl/p493_zuivere-sinus-omvormer-PPI-1500-Watt-12V-230V-1500W--3000W.html
We haven’t, but then it’s rare we stay still on a pitch without moving around (ie running the engine) for more than 24 hours, so not really a big issue for us. We love to explore as much as we can!
Thanks, I'll have to do a bit of testing as I didn't think it did. Easy to check by watching the amps drawn from the leisure batteries when it is turned on/off etc (especially at higher volumes as it will draw more). Will report back !
I am also very interested in this….I really hope the T6.1 can run the infotainment off the leisure battery but do you still need the key in the ignition to make this work? I have seen people talking about the auto cut-off time of 30 mins when doing so. If you can find out & make a video on this that would be super-helpful! Thanks.
Well, after some testing on our MY21 T6.1 Cali, the infotainment runs of the starter 12v battery, not the leisure batteries I am 99.9% confident. It also shuts off after the 30 mins too. There is a VW app called VW Media Control that goes on your phone that is supposed to connect to the infotainment and allows you to stop the auto-switch off, however I cannot get it to connect to the car. It is possible it doesn't support it. The question I wonder about is if the 12v battery actually runs down at all if you have the infotainment on, whilst the Cali is plugged in to hookup - as that is supposed to charge all 3 batteries in the car.. That might take some extensive testing with my voltmeter...
Love your channel , a complete beginner and you have helped so much.🎉❤
Thank you for this video. It’s exactly what I was searching for.
Just collected my California Coast last Monday 23/5/22. I've been going over the vans functions . Thought I would just watch this Video again.
As always Will, an excellent Presentation. Well done , and Thank You.
Thank you! Congratulations on the new van, happy travels!
Do you have a link for the little Anker usb extension please
Very interesting thanks
Great video thank you for posting it.
Can you explain a bit more about what the 13V/-1A really means?
Thanks
Sure - this specifically is the measurement of the combined leisure battery voltage (not starter battery), the 13V, then the -1A bit is the current draw or input. A negative number is draw on the batteries (ie how many amps are being discharged from them) and if it is positive, it’s how many amps the are being charged at.
Great video, thanks! :)
Great tutor video but does the inverter only work on the drivers seat socket and on the one at the kitchen top
Hi! The inverter only powers the single socket in the base of the seat on the T6.1. On the T6 and prior the inverter is in the b pillar on the kitchen side, but still only powers it’s own socket and not the 3 pin on the end of the kitchen itself.
very helpful 👏🏽
Great ! many thanks
I was told that the "max charge" was only to augment the power when idle if we strugle to charge(like in city). Also I took the "improved generator" option even if I'm not sure what it does. Did you?
We've found that general driving around in the Cali sees the leisure batteries at 80% full and then no more. To get a full 100% charge we use the max charge function, although on a very long drive (ie 400 miles coming back from Scotland) we did notice the batteries were at 100%. However, we were on hookup the night before, so we would have left with them at 100% too. No we didn't buy the 'improved generator' as we were informed it was predominately for vehicles that were doing A LOT of city stop/start driving (ie couriers, hence the bigger starter battery capacity too). The T6.1 certainly has a bit of mind of it's own, that's for sure!
thx buddy very helpful
With regards to the 300w inverter on the 6.1. Can you use it while driving?
Two interesting facts I’ve learned (1) the max charge function taking the batteries to 100%. I have the updated engine battery and alternator so hopefully these play a part in lessening the load / stress on Charging (2) the inverter max output is 300 watts - that’s great news and I haven’t used mine yet - I’ve heard they hum, is this true?
Great informative video, quick question, if I connect my folding solar panel to the leasure battery under the front seat, will it charge both batteries, are they wired in series do you know?
Good question. I’ve not used or installed a solar panel on a Cali so I can’t answer that. I bet another one of our subscribers has so let’s see if anyone can help.
I guess the 12V plug next to the sliding door is drawing power from the starter battery? (I.e don't use it for something power hungry during camping without external hookup if you want to make sure you can start your engine the next day)
Great information but am disappointed you didn't show the leisure battery compartment. I'm wondering if it can be used to store anything else?
Hi, sorry about that. I did look inside it on the T6 we had and the space was tight in there. Some people have fitted small charging units (instead of the VW one) in there above the battery but the space is really limited. Here is a link to an image: www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fk3yak.com%2F2019%2F09%2F&psig=AOvVaw0YWfQ_UV4YR4_jr8lRPRNb&ust=1632558489455000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCMCX0riYl_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAU
@@CampervanTime Thanks,that quickly disabused me of any notion that I could put anything there, lol.
Hi Will, appreciate you might be slightly biased on this since you own a Cali, but what are your thoughts on the whole scrapping of new diesels that's coming in a number of years. We are thinking of buying a new Cali now but worry that we might want to sell it in say 5 years and there might not be a second hand market anymore? Love the videos by the way, please keep them coming (both of you).
Hi, that is an interesting question. Well, a new van today meets all of the current EU emissions standards so it will give you as long a life as it is possible to have. I think the answer comes in two parts - future value and then future access/restrictions. Future value - VW finance are happy to give strong residual values on their PCPs that are 4 years out, so they obviously think there is good value/market for them in the future. Future access/restrictions - we are seeing some ULEZ areas with restrictions but these allow the latest diesel tech in, plus if it's older they just charge you a fee to enter - so it isn't about NOT being allowed in anywhere, yet. Vans, Lorries etc will still be running on diesel for a while I feel as there is not really a properly viable alternative yet for heavy vehicles to do decent ranges. Hydrogen possibly but the tech needs to mature. Not an easy question to answer.
Hi Will, We just bought a VW Ocean, looking at all your all videos, getting lots of ideas and help. Can you remember where you bought the none slip mats from? for the 3 shelves in your Cupboard in the back of your Cali? Spotted then when you were showing the isolating switch. Cheers xx
Yes - they are Brandrup ones. Have a chat with CampervanBits as they stock them. Just make sure you tell them what model you have (T6 / T6.1) as they are slightly different.
Thanks brilliant thank you so much x
I have a California coast and my 12v system is not working,keeps telling me to charge battery but my batteries are both fully charged so will not let me get into switch fridge on or anything in the van, been to vw and they keep telling me there is a up date coming almost year I have been waiting even on hock up can't access the computer to switch fridge on. Campervan that doesn't work. Have you heard any other people having this problem. By the way your videos are perfect.
Hi! No, not heard of that particular problem before. I presume you have tried resetting the control panel?
I’m interested to know the specs of your two leisure batteries - wattage, amp hours?
Both batteries were fully charge, but always telling me they were needing charge. I have take my van back to VW and sold it back to them for a loss, the longer it goes on the more my van would go down in value, as they more or less told me that they were not sure if the up date will come in on February but they were told it would be, like they were told it would be in October, then November. very sad day for me.
I had this problem on my Ocean 6.1. It is some kind of software bug and you need to reboot the "camper computer" The way to do this is to unplug a few fuses (Can't remember the fuse numbers, but the info is out there on the Internet) or disconnect both the leisure batteries at the same time and connect them again. The computer will reboot and everything works again.
A guy is interested in adding an Ecoflow Alternator Charger to a 2023 VW California T6.1 Beach. I think he might be in Yank Land. Any comments on how all the battery balancing etc might go?
I think that one can only charge the EcoFlow battery (like the Delta). I had the alternator charger in my Landcruiser and will now install it in my 2013 (T5) California for charging my EcoFlow Delta 2. So not for charging any of the existing household batteries in the Cali.
Just watched this video and found it very interesting. It seems there is a shunt fitted to every battery (on the negative terminal) ... this must be how the camping unit measures how much is going in and out of the batteries .... would be great to know what happens to it all when the van has solar panels and a MPPT solar battery charger attached. Obviously the negative connection needs to be made on the car side of the shunt - but does this confuse the CU? or mess up the bypass relay?
Good question! I can’t answer that one I’m afraid, but if you ask these guys, they will know: www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk/index.php/shop/vwcalikit
Hi Will, I came across this really useful video. I use my Cali just once in a while and I am worried about the additional battery health. Could you please advice how often should I explicitly charge my Cali to keep everything in good shape on the long run?
I just leave ours plugged in to a hookup cable at home. Always have done since our 2018 Cali and haven’t ever had any issues. If you are worried then you could leave it plugged in for a week, then unplug for a week, the plug back in etc
Great tutorials👍 Very well done and very informative. I would very much like to see a video on the emptying/cleaning of the various reservoirs of the VW california ocean 6.1. Thank you 😊
Great suggestion! I am sure we can do something around the water aspects of the Cali, no problem 👍
@@CampervanTime Thank you 😊
@@CampervanTime I have already inquired a little to find out what type of product makes it possible to clean the two water tanks as well as possible, for example Micropur or Bleach... But I would be very interested to know your tips and tricks.
We've used Milton before to clean our tanks, although we don't tend to do it very often and we've never had any problems. Maybe 3 or 4 times in a total of 2 years of ownership. Fill the tanks, add Milton, drive around a bit to get it to properly swill around, empty both tanks and refill with clean fresh water (ideally then drive around again) then empty again and you're done. 👍
@@CampervanTime Ok thanks for the information. I think I'll try it a few times with white vinegar first and if that doesn't work very well I'll move on to something stronger 😄
Hi Will, thank you for your great videos. Can you please tell me if on hook up and after charging the leisure batteries the starter battery also charges? Cheers from Portugal.
Yes I believe it does, thanks for your kind comments.
@@CampervanTime Thanks for your quick answer. Keep going with your tutorials, you rules.
Not on a t6 it doesn’t and never leave the radio on it will drain the battery even on hook up
Hi, does the hookup charge the vehicle starter battery as well?
Yes it does!
@@CampervanTime Thanks for your reply.
Hi Will, just noticed that you have the engine cover on your van, did it come like this or did you fit it yourself? Cheers
Hi! It came like this, we haven’t changed anything under the bonnet 👍
Thanks!
Sorry to trouble you again Will can you tell me how you manage of a night time as you have a large dog when you need to use the porta potti is there enough room we have 2 small cavalier king charles and was wondering if there would be enough room to do that.many thanks 😊
Well, if you sleep in the pop top there is no issues at all with what you suggest. 2 dogs downstairs with the portapotti no problem. If the weather is terrible then you might be forced downstairs with roof down. The Cali does feel smaller then with the bed out. Not really enough space for potti then other than to store it ready for morning when you put the bed away.
Whats the max wattage of the 240v socket on the kitchen unit? (when connected to campsite cable).
Good question - I'm not entirely sure but it has its own circuit breaker in the back and it's capable of running a 3000w fan heater or fast boil kettle, so pretty much 13A. Obviously this then needs the right hookup cable and campsite supply!
Thanks for the reply. That info helps. Yes of course depends on the campsite.
We're hoping to use a double induction hob to save on gas usage while at the campsite. Most I have seen go up to 2800w. So should be perfect.
Hi Will can you advice us on what cali as an ocean spec could we have in a long wheel base 204 dsg auto. 4motion?
Hi, the Cali only comes as a short wheel base (SWB) and also only in automatic DSG. If you want 4 motion 4 wheel drive then your only choice is an Ocean with the 204 engine too. If you are ok with 2 wheel drive, then you can choose the 150 engine in the Ocean, or the 204 engine. Hope this helps.
Do you know of a lwb with the same spec as an ocean.xx
Well, it depends if you want a VW Transporter based camper or if you are looking wider than that. The Mercedes Marco Polo is LWB and is a competitor to the California (and the spec is now pretty decent too, like the Ocean). The other interesting option is the Ford L2 Nugget, as that is LWB too. There are many converters out there too who can do a LWB VW conversion if you wanted too...
Thankyou so much but it's got to be the ocean then and will manage ok I think.xx
@@gillnicholls9665 brilliant! You can always email us if you want to chat things through if you’re unsure about how you might get on? Happy to help. Our email address is in the video description 👍
Hi 👋 I recently discovered that there are "two types" of caravan/campervan extension cord, the one with a 1,5 mm2 section and the one with a 2,5 mm2 section. From what I understood the one with a section of 1,5 mm2 do the job perfectly but it would be better to get an extension cord with a section of 2,5 mm2 beyond 25 meters long. Could you tell me what type of extension cord do you use (brand, length, diameter of the section...) and give me you opinion on the matter ? Thank you very much 😃
Hi, this is quite a complex subject matter but what I know is that 1.5mm2 is generally just fine for 10A continuous loads but not 13A. For that you'd need 2.5mm2 cable. The difference in voltage drop between say 10m and 25m is a couple of % so not really that much of a factor, but obviously if going longer than 25m with two cables etc then 2.5mm cable will help mitigate that drop. Many caravans have electric blown air heating that is very electric current heavy and thus they tend to use 2.5mm cable (as they'll also have a TV on, lighting, charge the leisure battery etc etc). In the Cali you can plug a kettle, fan heater etc in to the 240v hookup socket but generally you aren't drawing as much current so 10A / 1.5mm is fine. I can't remember off the top of my head what we use, but will check and post up later on. I think it is a 25m 1.5mm2 cable and we've not had any issues at all.
@@CampervanTime Thank you for your very prompt and complete response. Let me know which extension cord you have when you have the time. 👍😊
Hi, I have just checked ours and it is 1.5mm2 25m cable. Not sure on the make as it doesn’t have one on it, so I’d just suggest getting one from a local camping shop if you have one. We’ve never had any kind of overheating or problems with ours at all and we’ve ran small heaters, 1500w kettle (individually), electric milk frother etc etc.
@@CampervanTime Great! I will take your advice and get one from a local camping store. Thank you very much 😊
How much power does the fridge drain with the 60hr battery? And how long does it take to fully charge l?
Well it depends really on what setting you have the fridge on, but realistically you can go off grid for 2-3 days including the odd bit of heater use typically. Charging up does take a while, so needs a long drive or plug in the mains.
I have recently had an issue with EHU not charging my leisure batteries, currently getting sorted under warranty. So whilst in France in up to 35°C, fridge setting 3, using lights and a few other bits we could stretch to 3 days effectively off grid.
Does the charging cable come with the Cali or does it need to be purchased separately? Also can you confirm does the engine running charge the leisure batteries or just the under the bonnet 12v. Thanks for all the info in the video.
Hi! The charging cable doesn’t come with the Cali, no, but readily available. Engine running does charge the leisure batteries and also the 12v engine/starter battery too.
Hello why you choose indium grey
Under the sun white is more resonable choise
Because we don't really get sun in the UK! In all seriousness, we really like the dark grey / red bellows combination and think it looks smart.
Hi Will, great videos. Two takes from this video; I didn't understand the max charge function and from my T6 I thought I had lost the inverter!! A couple of quick questions from this video but not relating to it. You have a little plastic box to hold the electric cable on the pillar by the sink (presumably for your LED fairy lights), could you advise what I am looking for as I'd like to purchase one to take the weight of excess cable. Also the matting in the front window (shown when explaining the 12V socket) does it just stay there unaided or is it stuck down. If stuck down can I ask with what? Many thanks Kenton (PS just ordered Carista following frustration with bings and seeing your video!)
Hi - in answer to your questions; 1) that plastic box is actually the on/off switch built in to the usb cable for the lights. We just held the cable up with 3m command plastic clips. Matting is not stuck down on the dash, it just sits there. We have replaced this now with black silicone mat (thin) cut to shape.
Good Morning we just bought a 2018 California and the small screen for setting things up is different to the screen on your video we were told by the VW dealer we bought it from it was a 6.1 is that correct or is it something different
You have a T6, not a T6.1 - the 6.1 was launched (from memory) in mid 2020. The control panel you have is far more simple and less likely to freeze / crash or stop working. T6 is great, enjoy ☺️
Thank you when we went to view the van the dealer tod us it was 6.1 and being new to this we did not know any different until i watched your videos thank you
Does the heater definitely run off the leisure batteries? I had a sales rep tell me that it runs off the diesel in the engine, which sounds right for a conversion with a diesel heater, but not a 2023 California
The heater is diesel fired (same tank as the engine) but needs electric to operate (glow plug and fans) and it gets this electric from the leisure batteries.
@@CampervanTimeGreat, thank you. So the leisure batteries will recharge as you’re driving?
On the verge of buying a California and worried that if we go away without electric hook up in winter with two kids we’ll be out of heat within a day 🤔
Yes that's right, leisure batteries recharge as you drive. Typically the California can last for 2 days off grid if using the heater, fridge, lights etc, but it does depend how much you use it. Some people get more, some less. You can install a couple of solar panels on the roof that will help charge the batteries too.
@@CampervanTime Great - thank you!
Thanks for yet another super video Will. May I ask, the 3 pin socket behind the passenger seat is 240V when hooked up, but what (pardon the pun) is the maximum wattage permitted as I think you said you run a 1500W kettle off of it? I though 300W was the maximum? I would appreciate any clarification that you might be able to offer.
Hi Alan! The 3 pin socket behind the passenger seat is only powered when you are on hookup, so that is how it can cope with a 1500w kettle. The 300w maximum is for the one in the drivers seat as it is a 12v to 240v inverter. Remember on the T6 California the inverter is only rated to 150w and is in the B pillar by the kitchen instead. Hope that helps :)
@@CampervanTime Thanks Will. Appreciated.
@@CampervanTime is it possible to install a inverter with 1500watt output for the Nespresso machine? Or is the battery not strong enough?
www.omvormer-omvormers.nl/contents/nl/p493_zuivere-sinus-omvormer-PPI-1500-Watt-12V-230V-1500W--3000W.html
Cheers, simplifies it all 👍
No problem 👍
Ever considered a solar panel, 350w flexible, and lithium?
We haven’t, but then it’s rare we stay still on a pitch without moving around (ie running the engine) for more than 24 hours, so not really a big issue for us. We love to explore as much as we can!
On mine the panel doesn't power up just says second battery low any ideas
Hmmm, that's odd but it may well be that it is low. Is your van a T6.1 with this same panel? Sounds like it needs checking under warranty if so.
@@CampervanTime same panel as yours Gona Check the cube fuse
Which battery does the electric roof of
That's a very good question. I'm not 100% sure but I think it will be the leisure batteries.
The 12v socket under the seat stays on all the time is that right and in the back ?
I think the infotainment runs off the leisure battery also
Thanks, I'll have to do a bit of testing as I didn't think it did. Easy to check by watching the amps drawn from the leisure batteries when it is turned on/off etc (especially at higher volumes as it will draw more). Will report back !
@@CampervanTime yeah according to California Chris it dose which is great 👍🏻
I am also very interested in this….I really hope the T6.1 can run the infotainment off the leisure battery but do you still need the key in the ignition to make this work? I have seen people talking about the auto cut-off time of 30 mins when doing so. If you can find out & make a video on this that would be super-helpful! Thanks.
I will do bit of research and see what I can turn up.
Well, after some testing on our MY21 T6.1 Cali, the infotainment runs of the starter 12v battery, not the leisure batteries I am 99.9% confident. It also shuts off after the 30 mins too. There is a VW app called VW Media Control that goes on your phone that is supposed to connect to the infotainment and allows you to stop the auto-switch off, however I cannot get it to connect to the car. It is possible it doesn't support it. The question I wonder about is if the 12v battery actually runs down at all if you have the infotainment on, whilst the Cali is plugged in to hookup - as that is supposed to charge all 3 batteries in the car.. That might take some extensive testing with my voltmeter...
Thanks !
No problem!