Your California starter kit
Congratulations on your new California! We’re sure you’re eager to get started. To help make your first trip as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a practical checklist. Inside, you’ll find seven essential tips and tricks to ensure you enjoy your first adventure to the fullest.
Step 1: Get to know each other
Wherever you’re planning to take your California, start by stepping just outside your front door. It’s the safest and easiest way to get familiar with the basic features before heading off on your first big adventure.
How do I open and close the pop-up roof? How do I empty the waste water tank and connect the external power supply? How do I operate the gas hob and set up the lower bed? You’ll find short how-to videos to help you in our California app or our How-to page.
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Step 2: You won’t get far without water and gas
For your outbound journey, you’ll only need around 10 litres of fresh water in the tank. This helps keep the weight down and saves on fuel. You can top up the tank once you arrive at your destination. Be sure to pack a funnel and a water canister, as not all campsites provide a hose for refilling. If you’re planning to cook with gas, make sure you bring a suitable, full gas cylinder. Campingaz R904 and R907 cylinders can be easily replaced across Europe.
Has your California been parked up for a while? Make sure the camper battery is charged. An additional power bank can be useful for smaller devices.
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Step 3: Plan, plan, plan
Campsites are great – when you can get a pitch. The most popular ones often book up quickly, especially during peak season. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance and make your reservations early.
With the California app finding the perfect spot is easy. Start small! Your first trip doesn’t need to be a grand tour from Norway’s North Cape to Sicily. A simple weekend away nearby is all it takes to ease into van life.
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Step 4: Make the most of the space
Space is always at a premium when you’re camping, but there are clever ways to make the most of it. Window and seat-back bags add extra storage without taking up floor space. Magnetic clips or hooks that attach to metal surfaces are great for hanging towels and kitchen utensils. Wall organisers are less bulky, but just as spacious as shelves. Storage boxes under the seats and in the rear help to keep everything tidy and organised.
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Step 5: Travel ultralight
A multifunctional outfit might not be the height of style, but it’s incredibly practical. It works in all weathers and helps save space. Avoid cotton, as it takes longer to dry and doesn’t keep you warm. Instead, opt for merino wool – it’s lightweight, regulates temperature, and even has self-cleaning properties.
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Step 6: Leave no trace
Nature’s beauty is what makes every adventure special – and it’s up to us to protect it. That means taking plenty of rubbish bags, using the California app to find the right places to dispose of waste water, and packing sustainable alternatives like reusable dinnerware and water bottles, along with biodegradable washing-up liquid
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Step 7: Leave the everyday at home
Finally, the most important step: have fun! Be open to new and unexpected experiences, and enjoy your first trip in your Volkswagen California. Follow our tips and you’ll reduce the chances of anything going wrong – but if something does, just see it as part of the adventure and a chance to learn.
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