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Californication69

Californication69

Bill
Top Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
Messages
2,170
Location
UK
Vehicle
T6.1 Ocean 204 4 motion
Put in my order for a 6.1 4M Ocean.
DTD have mentioned, at present, they cannot order with the optional electric sliding door.
So should I order without it.
It was going to be a “nice to have” rather than “needed”
I understand they are troublesome after 5 years and need maintaining.

Other questions I’d enjoy your input on.
Cheers

If I choose Heated windscreen with heat reflecting glass £528
It removes Acoustic package with heated windscreen which is the same cost £528.
What’s the difference between the two packs.

Is it worthwhile having the increased alternator capacity if I’m having solar panels from Roger ?

What’s EU2 option at £96

Is it worth having high beam package ?
Will install the Lazer lamps in the front grill for country lane zombie killing :/

Traffic sign recognition if I always use Waze ?

Options on colour of bellows, stay with Grey on a Met Black?

What’s the Pro upgrade consist of with regards the discover Media?
If I don’t choose the Pro, Will it still have the digital cockpit as standard on an Ocean?

What is a bed extension with comfort mattress, if I remember correctly is it just the mattress which I don’t need as I use a S2S ocean cut out self inflating mattress.

4 keys are worthwhile as can pop one in a safe underneath. Ghost2 will be installed, so even if they locate key, they cannot start it.

Is the direct tyre pressure monitoring system worth £186?
I’ll know if I have a leak as it has tyre inflation warning as standard ?
 
My thoughts:

electric sliding door - something else to go wrong. Manual door with the 'soft close' is fine

Heated windscreen - a right pain in direct sunlight. Ordered on mine and wish I hadn't as I won't use it enough in the winter, and even then it's not quick to defrost

increased alternator capacity - no, standard is fine.

high beam package - if that's the auto-dip funciton then definite 'yes'

Traffic sign recognition - useful for speed signs. Saved me from a speeding ticket a couple of times

Colour of bellows - stick with Grey

What’s the Pro upgrade consist of with regards the discover Media - I have 'pro' - you get a bigger screen but at the expense of real knobs. Having all touch controls is a pain

If I don’t choose the Pro, Will it still have the digital cockpit as standard on an Ocean - believe so

Comfort matress - don't bother - buy one of the many recommended toppers/inflating matresses

Is the direct tyre pressure monitoring system worth £186? Not really - I have a very accurate racing-spec pressure gauge and the readings from direct monitoring are about 0.4 bar out

I’ll know if I have a leak as it has tyre inflation warning as standard - correct
 
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My thoughts:

electric sliding door - something else to go wrong. Manual door with the 'soft close' is fine

Heated windscreen - a right pain in direct sunlight. Ordered on mine and wish I hadn't as I won't use it enough in the winter, and even then it's not quick to defrost

Iincreased alternator capacity - no, standard is fine.

high beam package - if that's the auto-dip funciton then definite 'yes'

Traffic sign recognition - useful for speed signs. Saved me from a speeding ticket a couple of times

Colour of bellows - stick with Grey

What’s the Pro upgrade consist of with regards the discover Media - I have 'pro' - you get a bigger screen but at the exptense of real knobs. Having all touch controls is a pain

If I don’t choose the Pro, Will it still have the digital cockpit as standard on an Ocean - beleive so

Comfort matress - don't bother - buy one of the many recommended toppers/inflating matresses

Is the direct tyre pressure monitoring system worth £186? Not really - I have a very accurate racing-spec pressure gauge and the readings from direct monitoring are about 0.4 bar out

I’ll know if I have a leak as it has tyre inflation warning as standard - correct
Thank you, that’s good to have a think about.
I agree on the heated windscreen, I can switch on the heating from the house before I go out and it’s toasty and melted the front screen.
 
"Increased alternator capacity" option is accompanied by a higher capacity AGM engine battery, which is the real reason to check it on the list
 
My ocean has none of these things. Do I want or would order them? Traffic sign recognition discussed here is unreliable. Just look at the signs yourself. It's how we used to do it. As you said waze or Google tells you anyway fo free. Electric door? No no and a big fat no from me.
 
My thoughts:

electric sliding door - something else to go wrong. Manual door with the 'soft close' is fine

Heated windscreen - a right pain in direct sunlight. Ordered on mine and wish I hadn't as I won't use it enough in the winter, and even then it's not quick to defrost

increased alternator capacity - no, standard is fine.

high beam package - if that's the auto-dip funciton then definite 'yes'

Traffic sign recognition - useful for speed signs. Saved me from a speeding ticket a couple of times

Colour of bellows - stick with Grey

What’s the Pro upgrade consist of with regards the discover Media - I have 'pro' - you get a bigger screen but at the expense of real knobs. Having all touch controls is a pain

If I don’t choose the Pro, Will it still have the digital cockpit as standard on an Ocean - believe so

Comfort matress - don't bother - buy one of the many recommended toppers/inflating matresses

Is the direct tyre pressure monitoring system worth £186? Not really - I have a very accurate racing-spec pressure gauge and the readings from direct monitoring are about 0.4 bar out

I’ll know if I have a leak as it has tyre inflation warning as standard - correct
What @nickb77 said. Apart from Pro nav. Love the bigger screen and lack of knobs. Same on our Tiguan. Yes - you do still get the digi cockpit. Comfort we have. It's in the garage. We always sleep upstairs.
 
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The only thing Ive heard about the electric door is that it "bings" when it opens/closes so not great at night if you want to exit the van quietly.
Very quiet on a 6.1 so IMO wouldn’t disturb anybody.
Having said that i’m not sure I would specify if ordering again? I sometimes switch it off on the dahboard and open it manually.
 
The electric door has disappeared from the configurator now.
 
Is it worthwhile having the increased alternator capacity if I’m having solar panels from Roger ?
No, pointless. Your three batteries should be charged at less than 75A combined, 50A max for the leisure batteries. Larger alternator means higher chance of exceeding this limitation.

Options on colour of bellows, stay with Grey on a Met Black?
I'm very happy with black. Hate the thought of waking up to blue or red. [Edit see @andyinluton's response below. But have a look at some early California time videos to see how internally distressing the red is without an isotop or similar with the old fabric]

Is the direct tyre pressure monitoring system worth £186?
I’ll know if I have a leak as it has tyre inflation warning as standard ?
I have this and I find it useful. Saves you spending a quid and the time waste of queueing for the compressed air bay and checking the tyre pressures.

The alternative warning is an indirect sensing of the tyre circumference. Probably good enough for government work but I prefer to see the numbers.
 
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No, pointless. Your three batteries should be charged at less than 75A combined, 50A max for the leisure batteries. Larger alternator means higher chance of exceeding this limitation.
California Chris says the alternator is unchanged and that only the battery tech is different ie AGM vs lead acid
 
I'm very happy with black. Hate the thought of waking up to blue or red.
Apparently the new multilayer fabric for 2023MY means the interior is a neutral colour whilst the exterior is coloured.
 
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California Chris says the alternator is unchanged and that only the battery tech is different ie AGM vs lead acid
I'll look at the latest literature and revise my answer if necessary. Last researched at MY21.
 
Apparently the new multilayer fabric for 2023MY means the interior is a neural colour whilst the exterior is coloured.
Groovy! Thx for the info
 
Put in my order for a 6.1 4M Ocean.
DTD have mentioned, at present, they cannot order with the optional electric sliding door.
So should I order without it.
It was going to be a “nice to have” rather than “needed”
I understand they are troublesome after 5 years and need maintaining.
We opted for manual door as sometimes we only partially open for a quick bit of venting. You can stop the beeping when open using Carista.
Is it worth having high beam package ?
Will install the Lazer lamps in the front grill for country lane zombie killing :/
The Auto high beam works well with almost instant switching, better than my Vovlo’s.
Traffic sign recognition if I always use Waze ?
We‘ve got sign recognition, and it’s often wrong. Waze /Google Maps better. I’d not order again.
Options on colour of bellows, stay with Grey on a Met Black?
Interiors now all the same colour.
What’s the Pro upgrade consist of with regards the discover Media?
If I don’t choose the Pro, Will it still have the digital cockpit as standard on an Ocean?
Just not the full digital TFT screen. We’ve used both variants, prefer the Pro option.
What is a bed extension with comfort mattress, if I remember correctly is it just the mattress which I don’t need as I use a S2S ocean cut out self inflating mattress.
Correct, we have both. When boot space is a problem, we use the comfort mattress only as it lays flat.
4 keys are worthwhile as can pop one in a safe underneath. Ghost2 will be installed, so even if they locate key, they cannot start it.
We didn’t order, wish we had!
Is the direct tyre pressure monitoring system worth £186?
I’ll know if I have a leak as it has tyre inflation warning as standard ?
We didnt order, and have no regrets. Checking pressures before a long trip isn’t a hassle, as invariably you need to put more air in. Halfords £12 foot pump is fine.
 
Thank you all for your helpful info.
Final build I’ve gone for
Deep black pearl
Palmerston 18”” £17xx Option (gone up £400!)
Diff Lock
Discover Media Pro
High beam assist
Towbar
4 keys
Wooden floor

Two free services if taking a PCP or HP plan.
10 year HP plan back in the mix.
I can overpay a 10 year HP fixed at 6.8% and pay it off in 8 years.
 
10 year HP plan back in the mix.
I can overpay a 10 year HP fixed at 6.8% and pay it off in 8 years.

Do you realise that the 10 year plan isn't restricted to 10 years ?
You can have any duration you like up to 10. I did our current van on 6 years.

Palmerstons are still showing as a £1300 option in the new September 2022 brochure.
 
Do you realise that the 10 year plan isn't restricted to 10 years ?
You can have any duration you like up to 10. I did our current van on 6 years.

Palmerstons are still showing as a £1300 option in the new September 2022 brochure.
Perfect, thanks Andy.
I’ll look at an 8 year and pay off extra as and when to reduce the capital.
Just been on the configurator and it’s showing as £1572. Think EV got the 5 & 7 the wrong way around ;)
So only £240 increase which is understandable.
 
Perfect, thanks Andy.
I’ll look at an 8 year and pay off extra as and when to reduce the capital.
Just been on the configurator and it’s showing as £1572. Think EV got the 5 & 7 the wrong way around ;)
So only £240 increase which is understandable.

If you download the newly released September 2022 brochure they are showing at £1332!
 
Put in my order for a 6.1 4M Ocean.
DTD have mentioned, at present, they cannot order with the optional electric sliding door.
So should I order without it.
It was going to be a “nice to have” rather than “needed”
I understand they are troublesome after 5 years and need maintaining.

Other questions I’d enjoy your input on.
Cheers

If I choose Heated windscreen with heat reflecting glass £528
It removes Acoustic package with heated windscreen which is the same cost £528.
What’s the difference between the two packs.

Is it worthwhile having the increased alternator capacity if I’m having solar panels from Roger ?

What’s EU2 option at £96

Is it worth having high beam package ?
Will install the Lazer lamps in the front grill for country lane zombie killing :/

Traffic sign recognition if I always use Waze ?

Options on colour of bellows, stay with Grey on a Met Black?

What’s the Pro upgrade consist of with regards the discover Media?
If I don’t choose the Pro, Will it still have the digital cockpit as standard on an Ocean?

What is a bed extension with comfort mattress, if I remember correctly is it just the mattress which I don’t need as I use a S2S ocean cut out self inflating mattress.

4 keys are worthwhile as can pop one in a safe underneath. Ghost2 will be installed, so even if they locate key, they cannot start it.

Is the direct tyre pressure monitoring system worth £186?
I’ll know if I have a leak as it has tyre inflation warning as standard ?
Later I’ll go through your questions and answer as best I can.

I do have one point which I’m not sure will cause a storm or not: have you asked DtD these questions? Part of the reason I went with my local dealer was to be able to spend time talking through such things.
 
Later I’ll go through your questions and answer as best I can.

I do have one point which I’m not sure will cause a storm or not: have you asked DtD these questions? Part of the reason I went with my local dealer was to be able to spend time talking through such things.
I’ve had a Cali Ocean for 6 months in 2020, so I understand most items.
And thank you that’s most kind to take a look.
Love the name!
I purchased a summer motor which I think you’ll approve :)
821281D1-2905-447D-A8DA-CD26DEFA29D2.jpeg
 
Put in my order for a 6.1 4M Ocean.
DTD have mentioned, at present, they cannot order with the optional electric sliding door.
So should I order without it.
It was going to be a “nice to have” rather than “needed”
I understand they are troublesome after 5 years and need maintaining.

Other questions I’d enjoy your input on.
Cheers

If I choose Heated windscreen with heat reflecting glass £528
It removes Acoustic package with heated windscreen which is the same cost £528.
What’s the difference between the two packs.

Is it worthwhile having the increased alternator capacity if I’m having solar panels from Roger ?

What’s EU2 option at £96

Is it worth having high beam package ?
Will install the Lazer lamps in the front grill for country lane zombie killing :/

Traffic sign recognition if I always use Waze ?

Options on colour of bellows, stay with Grey on a Met Black?

What’s the Pro upgrade consist of with regards the discover Media?
If I don’t choose the Pro, Will it still have the digital cockpit as standard on an Ocean?

What is a bed extension with comfort mattress, if I remember correctly is it just the mattress which I don’t need as I use a S2S ocean cut out self inflating mattress.

4 keys are worthwhile as can pop one in a safe underneath. Ghost2 will be installed, so even if they locate key, they cannot start it.

Is the direct tyre pressure monitoring system worth £186?
I’ll know if I have a leak as it has tyre inflation warning as standard ?
Electric sliding door, I saw it as too much cash for too fancier thing, I heard they were slow too (just hearsay)

Dark acoustic glass I have, it’s noticeably quieter in the cabin than many other vehicles

Increased alternator I think I remember the dealer said I get this anyway because of the power roof (don’t know whether it’s worth it without the power roof)

EU2 no idea, I’d have to look it up

High beam I have it, I think anything like this which makes night time drives safer is worth it.

Waze indeed has the speed signs. Different technologies, naturally (one uses a camera and one knows via a database), I went for the sign reader but think it’s not worth it as it’s often wrong and Waze is right. Conclusion: save your money :) but then you depend on Waze running and being on all the time.

Bellows, grey, everything else was a cost and nothing wrong with grey!

Digital cockpit and the medium level stereo we went for, it’s an Edition model I think one was included and one was a cost option. I didn’t want the biggest screen because I like a couple of real switches to turn down the sound and zoom in and out of maps.

I don’t know about the bed because we have the beach

I just went for 2 keys

I have the tyre pressure monitor, was way cheaper in francs (like 50 quid kind of money), I think it’s worth it

Think that’s it, peace out, enjoy the Saab
 
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Thanks for those ideas Two Saabs. Nice
The EU2 is a torch I found out from DTD.
So I won’t be having that !

Spent 8 hours today steaming the roof.
Worked out really nice for Johnson’s Blue Baby Bath and a £20 Aldi steamer

4049FCA4-2F10-4478-B7E2-0CCB9D916B5E.jpeg

2FD5E53B-8C52-4858-8BF7-50093E5AF4A9.jpeg

Finished after 40 hours of scrubbing

B4A19960-58CE-4AE4-950B-D774260CC4EC.jpeg
 
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