Finally my new Cali has arrived!

andrewgrasharp · Jul 2, 2022

Finally 15 months in the waiting my California Ocean is in my garage awaiting its first adventure! I want all the essential accessories in place and tested at home before I venture out, is that weird or should I just get out there? First time camper!

Seaview · Jul 2, 2022

Congratulations! Just get out there with the basics.

edocali · Jul 3, 2022

Great news! Post pictures please

Stu@rt · Jul 3, 2022

andrewgrasharp said:
Finally 15 months in the waiting my California Ocean is in my garage awaiting its first adventure! I want all the essential accessories in place and tested at home before I venture out, is that weird or should I just get out there? First time camper!

Just pack a few basics and find a small site close to home for a single night, or two would be my advice. That way you will feel less overwhelmed being close to home. After a few overnighters you'll soon get to know what you need and what you don't. Keep it simple at first and get out there and enjoy whilst the summer is here. Enjoy

SusiBus · Jul 3, 2022

15 months! That's some wait. Enjoy.

Trudi · Jul 3, 2022

Get the basics. Use your bedding from home.
Gas bottle.
Ridgemonkey xl was a definite purchase for us along with a cheap whistling kettle.
Spend a couple of nights away and see what you need.

Watch a few YouTube videos on storage options such as california time and the Korean guy Chilli. Both offer excellent but different storage ideas mainly from ikea. Use your van and see what suits you best.
I've packed and repacked my van several times before finding what works best for us, and I still move things round a bit.

Buslife123 · Jul 9, 2022

Get yourself a ridge monkey and head off for a short break. Best way to work out what’s right for you is to use the camper and see what you need!
Do you mind me asking if your 15 mth wait was for a base spec ocean and if you’re uk based?

sapto · Jul 10, 2022

Hi and welcome here
Test at home sounds great: Kkeep in mind everything you need for a camping trip is likely to bealready at home/in your cupboards or bedroom. And yes of course a fancy lightweight pillow is nice however the one your sleeping at home does the job for the beginning.
Please send some pictures you camping in de driveway

Tony Crawford · Jul 10, 2022

When we had ours we we followed all the advice on the forum which was excellent! One of the best things we’re packing cubes for clothes and mattress sheets that fit perfectly in the wardrobe - brilliant! Can be found on Amazon and do a search in the forum for ‘packing cubes’

andrewgrasharp · Jul 16, 2022

andrewgrasharp said:
Finally 15 months in the waiting my California Ocean is in my garage awaiting its first adventure! I want all the essential accessories in place and tested at home before I venture out, is that weird or should I just get out there? First time camper!