Newbie off to look at a T6 Ocean

[Spikewolf]

Hi gang, me and the management are off to look at an Ocean DSG 150HP with a 70k milage tomorrow, which if we buy it, will be our first campervan. Anything in particular we need to consider, and is there a printable buyers guide anywhere? (I've printed off two used Cali checklists).
I appreciate that you're all probably cheesed off at the same questions again, but I also thought I'd use this as a way to introduce myself.
Cheers,
Spikewolf

 

[JohnCalifornia]

Hi Spikewolf, what year T6 is it you are going to view? Is it a private sale or dealer? Make sure you check everything works no matter how long it takes. Especially the roof operation. Check the blinds work, hob works, tap works, seats spin around etc. Watch some YouTube videos on the T6 California before you view to know what to compare to. Look for body work damage, roof bellows damage, ask the seller if it has any known faults, hawk them if it has ever been in an accident, get a HPI check done. Check the service history and make sure it’s all been done to the VW schedule.I bought mine after months of research and didn’t really check anything as I was too exited. It was from a private seller and luckily everything worked as it should and an even bigger bonus was that it still had 1 years VW warranty left that the current owner didnt know it had so that was good. One thing that I have just had replaced on mine under warranty thank god was the touch screen radio sat nav system. The touch screen stops working eventually on the systems so check yours works. The radio in my van lasted 6 years before it failed. Good luck.

 

[Spikewolf]

Thanks JohnCalifornia, that's really useful intel - it's a 2017 from a dealer, and comes with a six month "in house" warranty, it'll be the first one we've looked at TBH. We've also seen on on this site for sale which looks nice, but the one at the dealer has about 20k lower mileage for roughly the same price.

 

[pchmlk]

I would check roof operation, diesel heater, fridge and then a normal test drive. Enjoy!

 

[Spikewolf]

Thanks pchmlk!

 

[JohnCalifornia]

If it’s from a dealer I wouldn’t be too concerned but it would be easier to get anything repaired that doesn’t work before you hand over the cash I imagine. So below is a list of things to check. I’m sure I’ll miss something…….
Roof operation
Tap
Shower if fitted
Hob
Fridge
Chairs operation
Tables, in and out
Outdoor chairs
Bottom bed operation
Wind out awning
Diesel heater inc remote
Roller blinds inc windscreen one
Tambour doors on wardrobe and back area
Hook up flap ( my spring had broken)
Emergency tie down kit ( mine was missing)
Service history
General wear and tear
Usual stuff when buying a used vehicle

Upload pics when you get it…….

 

[Chriskend]

Thanks JohnCalifornia, that's really useful intel - it's a 2017 from a dealer, and comes with a six month "in house" warranty, it'll be the first one we've looked at TBH. We've also seen on on this site for sale which looks nice, but the one at the dealer has about 20k lower mileage for roughly the same price.

Go look at a few more before making your mind up, always best to compare between them all.

 

[Spikewolf]

Okay, so, as usual everything goes out of the window and brain fog ensues when you actually go and take a look at one.
In the end a deposit was paid, and after bodywork refurbishment, DSG service, water pump and cam belt change, we'll be picking it up in a few days.
It won't be supplied with a gas bottle, so other than that, what do you recommend as a newbie starter kit - what essentials do I need to club together please?

 

[Meoncoast]

Do not overthink the equipping, otherwise you will have a load of stuff you carry around and never use.
Borrow bits from home to start with.
All our gaz bottles were picked up for a few £ from the recycling centre
You will need to decide what bedding, sleeping bags or duvets.

 

[Spikewolf]

Do not overthink the equipping, otherwise you will have a load of stuff you carry around and never use.
Borrow bits from home to start with.
All our gaz bottles were picked up for a few £ from the recycling centre
You will need to decide what bedding, sleeping bags or duvets.

Thanks Meoncoast

 

[colintfcolintf]

Mattress topper for sure, it’s damn uncomfortable without one! You could do worse than spend the first night on your driveway - easy if you’ve forgotten something critical and easy to sort what you do / don’t need - and it’s en-suite facilities

 

[Up10]

Definitely,

Do not overthink the equipping, otherwise you will have a load of stuff you carry around and never use.
Borrow bits from home to start with.
All our gaz bottles were picked up for a few £ from the recycling centre
You will need to decide what bedding, sleeping bags or duvets.

Don't buy anything until you have been on a site and had a look at equipment in use and chatted to other owners. Everyone has their own preferences including us. So take stuff from home (cutlery, crockery, bedding) then start making a list of what you feel you need once you start camping in earnest.

 

[Hawthorn37]

If it’s not supplied with a gas bottle you might need a bottle top valve (90 degrees shut off ). Most campervan accessories shop have them, plus the club shop online.

As already said, just book somewhere for a couple of nights, take essentials from home (can opener, plates, cups, knives forks and spoons ) then figure out what you’re missing. Any (and every) accessory will have been discussed on this forum, so treat us all as your camping buddies

Good luck and enjoy - Cali’s are just great !!

 

[Spikewolf]

Thanks folks - all info useful and really appreciated!

 

[Spikewolf]

Okay, so we have it, and are finally grubbing around to see what's what. Any of you aficionados out there know what these bits are please (see attached)?
Also, as our van has no parking sensors, what are your recommendations for having them (or a reversing camera) fitted?

 

[Betsycalifornia]

Okay, so, as usual everything goes out of the window and brain fog ensues when you actually go and take a look at one.
In the end a deposit was paid, and after bodywork refurbishment, DSG service, water pump and cam belt change, we'll be picking it up in a few days.
It won't be supplied with a gas bottle, so other than that, what do you recommend as a newbie starter kit - what essentials do I need to club together please?

Based on your location pop over to A2Z tent hire in Walsall. Cheapest gas around and lots of well priced accessories once you know what you need.

 

[Up10]

Okay, so we have it, and are finally grubbing around to see what's what. Any of you aficionados out there know what these bits are please (see attached)?
Also, as our van has no parking sensors, what are your recommendations for having them (or a reversing camera) fitted?

View attachment 148403

Possibly roof holding down kit for a roof mechanism failure (long plastic pieces and velcro) and a couple of elastic button toggles for a Thule Rain Screen (eg rain guard G2) which attaches to the cassette awning.
This is a starting point so I suggest you Google both to make sure I am not leading you down a garden path!

 

[Spikewolf]

Possibly roof holding down kit for a roof mechanism failure (long plastic pieces and velcro) and a couple of elastic button toggles for a Thule Rain Screen (eg rain guard G2) which attaches to the cassette awning.
This is a starting point so I suggest you Google both to make sure I am not leading you down a garden path!

Thanks Up10!

 

[deuteronomy78]

The Allen / torx bit is for tightening the VW bike rack to the right torque

 

[Hawthorn37]

Agree with others: emergency roof holding down kit, and a bike rack torque tool.