All the gear, no idea!

[Dunetune]

Hi all,
I've had my California beach (2018 plate) for about 18 months but not really made full use of it up until now. I've left it late as I'm not very organised but does anyone have any recommendations for a fridge that will fit underneath the multiflex board and will plug into the 12v? I've seen threads mention Domestics but they're a bit out of my price range as my budget is more like £200 - £300. If not i might have to go for a cool bag set up for now.

Also we're are just about to do a shortish trip where I'll be driving from Southern Spain (Marbella area) back to Calais (over 5 days). I want to do the West Coast of France but the question is does anyone have any route recommendations from Southern Spain to France possibly via the Pyrenees? Thanks in advance.

 

[dspuk]

From search.

Amazon.co.uk

 

[Dunetune]

That looks ideal and a good price for the black one at the moment. Thanks alot Dave

 

[Ch1pbutty]

From search.

Amazon.co.uk

Only downside is that they are quite noisy versus dometic units, so also invest in a pair of earplugs if you are a light sleeper.

 

[dripster]

Is it a three-seat bench, I think the multiflex is different heights on the two and three seat models?

We have a three seat and we have a Delonda 50l that just fits perfectly.

50L Portable Car Fridge, Freezer, 12/24/230V Dual Zone Compressor - DL132

Large Capacity - 50L portable compressor fridge freezer cool box, plenty of room for a small party or picnic to use. Enjoy the Outdoors - Ideal for long road trips, camping or fishing trips, caravan holidays and general travel use. Fitted with two wheels and handle for easy manoeuvrability...

www.dellonda.co.uk

 

[Kayleigh]

Hi all,
I've had my California beach (2018 plate) for about 18 months but not really made full use of it up until now. I've left it late as I'm not very organised but does anyone have any recommendations for a fridge that will fit underneath the multiflex board and will plug into the 12v? I've seen threads mention Domestics but they're a bit out of my price range as my budget is more like £200 - £300. If not i might have to go for a cool bag set up for now.

Also we're are just about to do a shortish trip where I'll be driving from Southern Spain (Marbella area) back to Calais (over 5 days). I want to do the West Coast of France but the question is does anyone have any route recommendations from Southern Spain to France possibly via the Pyrenees? Thanks in advance.

You don’t say if your Beach has the two-seat bench or three. If two, you are going to have problems finding one to go under the multiflex. For the three seater, a 35L fridge will fit, if you need something that big.

You are not going to get a Dometic for you budget unless second hand and that would be an old one.

You could check out the TotalCool fridges. As another option, the 18L model will fit between the front seats. It looks very similar to the Indel B TB18, but much cheaper. TotalCool has 2 year warranty as well.

Cheaper fridges are going to be louder and less efficient than Dometic / Indel B equivalents. The Beach battery would likely last one day with a 35L fridge and about 2 days for the 18L one, but as you are driving that shouldn’t be a problem.

 

[Dunetune]

Thanks for all the replies everyone it's much appreciated. We have the 3 seater bench but to be honest I've already ordered the Alpicool 35L option because we are going this Friday (I did say I was unorganised)! I think the price was pretty reasonable so if we end up learning the hard way then it's not so bad. Also and excuse the ignorance but I'm guessing if it's too loud we could
always unplug it of a nighttime and food items should stay cold enough until the morning?

Another separate question I'm afraid, just recently the media screen on the dash just seems to flip onto something else on its own i.e it goes from the radio to FM settings without me touching it. Does anyone know why it's suddenly doing this? Many thanks.

 

[dripster]

I think Alpicool and Delonda are branded versions of the same fridges, they certainly identical 35l/50l ones. This is the same as our Delonda: https://uk.carfridge.alpicool.com/products/alpicool-t50
I don't think you'll find you need to unplug it. We've slept with the Delonda in the boot and in the cabin and it's fine, just like sleeping in the kitchen at home... I wouldn't risk anything going off unless you're a very light sleeper.

 

[Dunetune]

in

I think Alpicool and Delonda are branded versions of the same fridges, they certainly identical 35l/50l ones. This is the same as our Delonda: https://uk.carfridge.alpicool.com/products/alpicool-t50
I don't think you'll find you need to unplug it. We've slept with the Delonda in the boot and in the cabin and it's fine, just like sleeping in the kitchen at home... I wouldn't risk anything going off unless you're a very light sleeper.

Thank you for your reply. Ok that's great, the noise might only effect the kids as they're probably be still awake from my snoring! On a serious note that's put my mind at rest so thanks again.

 

[jaydisc]

The Igloo range use Dometic compressors, but skip all the Bluetooth, WiFi, app business and are about half the price.

(looks like Dometic acquired Igloo in 2021, so that explains it)

 

[shudycamps]

Hi all,
I've had my California beach (2018 plate) for about 18 months but not really made full use of it up until now. I've left it late as I'm not very organised but does anyone have any recommendations for a fridge that will fit underneath the multiflex board and will plug into the 12v? I've seen threads mention Domestics but they're a bit out of my price range as my budget is more like £200 - £300. If not i might have to go for a cool bag set up for now.

Also we're are just about to do a shortish trip where I'll be driving from Southern Spain (Marbella area) back to Calais (over 5 days). I want to do the West Coast of France but the question is does anyone have any route recommendations from Southern Spain to France possibly via the Pyrenees? Thanks in advance.

 

[shudycamps]

We travel down from England 2-3x a year, using DFDS Ferry from Dieppe to Amboise, 2 o/n stay, then onto Oloron Sainte Marie in the Pyrénées for one over night. From the Pyrénées to Oliva, Spain we travel A23, E7 (Zaragoza), onwards to Valencia, south towards Oliva on the E15 to Potries (final destination). About 7 hrs drive.

 

[Dunetune]

Thanks very much I'll take a look at that route for the way back. We just did the Ferry from Portsmouth to Santander which was 2 nights on the ferry which I was really impressed with.

 

[Jude]

Hi all,
I've had my California beach (2018 plate) for about 18 months but not really made full use of it up until now. I've left it late as I'm not very organised but does anyone have any recommendations for a fridge that will fit underneath the multiflex board and will plug into the 12v? I've seen threads mention Domestics but they're a bit out of my price range as my budget is more like £200 - £300. If not i might have to go for a cool bag set up for now.

Also we're are just about to do a shortish trip where I'll be driving from Southern Spain (Marbella area) back to Calais (over 5 days). I want to do the West Coast of France but the question is does anyone have any route recommendations from Southern Spain to France possibly via the Pyrenees? Thanks in advance.

I lived for 22 years in the Pyrenees so I know the route. If you want a senic route go via Andorra (and pick up the lowest priced whiskey you'll get anywhere). It is senic, through the mountains, the roads are excellent. You can either go towards to Toulouse from Andorra or via Perpignan. From Perps and Montpelier via Clermont Ferrand up through Paris which is dead easy because the signs for Lille are really huge and go up well before you enter the guts of Paris - just follow the huge blue signs LILLE and you'll gallop through. With your GPS it is a doddle. The route via the Millas Bridge is relaxing and lovely. If you want to stop overnight just pick a motorway service station, some even have showers and washing machines.

 

[Dunetune]

Thanks for your reply. Going through the Pyrenees sounds fantastic so I will be definitely looking to go that way. I worked quite close to Perpignan many years ago so might check that out for
memories sake. Definitely looking for a scenic route as I have 2 teenagers with me but was thinking more of the West Coast of France?

 

[Esandar#1]

If you want to go left of the Pyrennes... then visiting Pamplona and walking (or jogging for effect) the Bull Run route was an unexpected bonus of out last Euro Roadtrip. As you will know San Sebastian in beautiful, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is supposed to be too, Biarritz is a glitzy surf town that still has grandeur but for us Bordeaux was the real unexpected treasure. We are from Bristol which is twinned with Bordeaux and, despite thinking Bristol is a fab City by UK standard, whichever Bristolian 'sold the Twinning deal' with their equivalent in Bordeaux pulled off a blinder for us! Bordeaux has endless beautiful streets full of bars, restaurants and people enjoying life...

We went over the Pyrennes, going France to Spain via a high mountain pass that included tunel de Bielsa-Aragnouet and, as well as seeing a wolf, enjoyed some terrific scenery. Part of our route then took us east from Boltana on the famous N260 towards Laspules (where there is a lovely campsite with fab well priced food) but the N260 road was in places so narrow (being upgraded) with rocky overhangs and nets to catch the falling bolders. Quite an adventure!

 

[Dunetune]

Thanks for some great info about route options, especially the stuff on the Pyrenees it does sound like you had quite the trip. Is the campsite you mentioned actually in Laspules - I don't suppose you know the name of it because it sounds like it's worth a visit. Haha sounds like Bristol did well with it's twinning of Bordeaux, they must of got them plastered!

 

[Esandar#1]

Thanks for some great info about route options, especially the stuff on the Pyrenees it does sound like you had quite the trip. Is the campsite you mentioned actually in Laspules - I don't suppose you know the name of it because it sounds like it's worth a visit. Haha sounds like Bristol did well with it's twinning of Bordeaux, they must of got them plastered!

There must be numerous ways to cross the Pyrenees and I don’t confess to know many of them, but your route after that will determine you best crossing point. The Pyrenees are very green & big hill-like’ (compared to the Alps) but if you search routes over the Pyrenees on here or YouTube, you will probably find your answer!

The one top tip I can offer is buy some clear plastic underbed storage boxes (42litres, 79cm x 40x18 with lids) as these are brilliant for storing so many things, they stack-pack in the Beach and when you reach any site, you simply slide them under the van to create space inside! You can buy them at ASDA about £6-8. We always have at least 4 on every trip with all the things we need to have a great trip!

 

[Esandar#1]

Thanks for some great info about route options, especially the stuff on the Pyrenees it does sound like you had quite the trip. Is the campsite you mentioned actually in Laspules - I don't suppose you know the name of it because it sounds like it's worth a visit. Haha sounds like Bristol did well with its twinning of Bordeaux, they must of got them plastered!

And if you want a stunning ‘wild camping’ experience (don’t worry, there is a toilet up there) go to the lake at (below) though be aware it is a 45 minute road to nowhere (and back the next day) but a stunning drive & location with very good walks. It is a favoured spot for serious climbers to start their adventures, with a massive dam / reservoir & stunning scenery…
Lac de Cap de Long
Hautes-Pyrénées
France

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Haha sounds like Bristol did well with it's twinning of Bordeaux, they must of got them plastered!

Not far off!…

//

The historical connection between Bristol and Bordeaux dates back over eight centuries to the marriage of Henry Plantagenet (Henry II) and Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152. During this period, Bordeaux fell under English rule until the conclusion of the Battle of Castillon in 1453, marking the end of the Hundred Years’ War and a flourishing of the Gascon wine trade. Bristol held a strategic advantage over London due to its proximity and more straightforward sea route, which allowed ships to bypass the English Channel’s French interception risk.

Throughout history, Bristol remained a central hub of the English wine trade, fostering strong ties with Bordeaux suppliers. This relationship laid the foundation for the selection of Bordeaux as Bristol’s twinned city, a gesture of post-war reconciliation.

//

 

[Esandar#1]

Not far off!…

//

The historical connection between Bristol and Bordeaux dates back over eight centuries to the marriage of Henry Plantagenet (Henry II) and Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152. During this period, Bordeaux fell under English rule until the conclusion of the Battle of Castillon in 1453, marking the end of the Hundred Years’ War and a flourishing of the Gascon wine trade. Bristol held a strategic advantage over London due to its proximity and more straightforward sea route, which allowed ships to bypass the English Channel’s French interception risk.

Throughout history, Bristol remained a central hub of the English wine trade, fostering strong ties with Bordeaux suppliers. This relationship laid the foundation for the selection of Bordeaux as Bristol’s twinned city, a gesture of post-war reconciliation.

//

Thank Ch1pbutty. I do love it when a little extra bit of education comes off the back of a route through Europe. Everyday is a school day. I just shared your insight with my wife & lads.

 

[Dunetune]

Thanks all for some great input. We're starting our journey back through Spain and France on Tuesday. No doubt I will start off too late so god knows where we will end up but I guess that's part of the adventure - but try telling my teenagers that! Many thanks