First time owner VW California T6

[Beerdos]

I have finally taken the plunge and bought an all 'bells and whistles' T6 California Ocean and I could not be more chuffed with it. Having no experience what so ever with any type of Campervan it was a bit of a 'leap of faith' but it is everything and more I could imagine ownership to be. I went above my budget and got one that was in near perfect condition so now I am scared of anything touching it. I have a few niggles with it I could do with some advice on but so far so good. It even has VB Air Suspension kit for auto-levelling!! View attachment van-clear.jpg

 

[Up10]

I have finally taken the plunge and bought an all 'bells and whistles' T6 California Ocean and I could not be more chuffed with it. Having no experience what so ever with any type of Campervan it was a bit of a 'leap of faith' but it is everything and more I could imagine ownership to be. I went above my budget and got one that was in near perfect condition so now I am scared of anything touching it. I have a few niggles with it I could do with some advice on but so far so good. It even has VB Air Suspension kit for auto-levelling!! View attachment 145613

Ooh very pretty. You'll have so much fun in that.
You've learnt the first lesson of Cali ownership! You always spend more than you budget.
We bought our first (non Cali) van just short of 4 years ago and swapped to a Cali last winter. We have never camped before nor owned any sort of van. Wise money suggests we should have hired a van for a week first but where's the commitment in that!
Near or far, there is so much to see and do and we've always found the camping community welcoming and helpful so I know you won't look back.
Have a great time and don't be afraid of your beautiful new member of the family.

 

[Beerdos]

Ooh very pretty. You'll have so much fun in that.
You've learnt the first lesson of Cali ownership! You always spend more than you budget.
We bought our first (non Cali) van just short of 4 years ago and swapped to a Cali last winter. We have never camped before nor owned any sort of van. Wise money suggests we should have hired a van for a week first but where's the commitment in that!
Near or far, there is so much to see and do and we've always found the camping community welcoming and helpful so I know you won't look back.
Have a great time and don't be afraid of your beautiful new member of the family.

Thank you and yes we are exactly the same - should have rented one first but decided to gamble and came out trumps! Just currently trying to think of a trip for this Easter holiday with family of 4. I think the biggest issue we have found is not having enough room for all our stuff lol.

 

[Sad]

Cali Edition is it?

How're you finding the ride with air suspension?

 

[Up10]

Thank you and yes we are exactly the same - should have rented one first but decided to gamble and came out trumps! Just currently trying to think of a trip for this Easter holiday with family of 4. I think the biggest issue we have found is not having enough room for all our stuff lol.

Parr for the course!
Be strict. Just pack essentials! Take nothing you 'might' need and take stuff you 'will' need. And take a claw hammer for tent pins!
If you are away for just a few days, it will be an excellent learning experience and you may well end up taking things out after the trip.
We pack warm coats in cushion covers and jammas in another one so they are easy to find. We pack clothes in a transparent plastic boxes (one each) on the back shelf so we can see where our items are from the outside. Undies go in a packing cube, also in the box but could go in a cupboard. We have soft boxes in the kitchen cupboards for food, they act like drawers.
There are other excellent ideas out there, these are just our favourites.
Have fun planning your expedition!
Why not try the New Forest? Not too far from you and lots of love lovely sites there.