My Beach 4 motion

[oceanson]

I ordered my California Beach Camper on October 2021 and got her on September 2022, not that bad considering there was a order mistake by the dealer and im in Portugal.
Its a 4 seater, 4motion with rear diff lock, 150 hp and manual gearbox.
Im a surfer so my idea was to have the most versatile van possible with fewer electronic complications so definately no dsg or a lot of options.
I chose Ascot Grey not only because it was a no cost option but it blends with the landscape of the south of Portugal, stealth is good.
I installed a back drawer from Busboxx, and its a game changer in terms of internal storage and allows me to have a fridge in the back.
I opted for the Alpicool C25, amazing value for money and it fits under the multiflex board of the 4 seater Beach.
Ive also installed one VanEssa side window bag,seems really well made and its a good storage solution on the Beach
Ive opted for a 4motion because im often offroad, i know it will never be as good as a dedicated offroad vehicule but i love the versatility of it so i might aswell give it some proper shoes. Braid Winrace wheels and 235/55/17 Michelin Latitude Cross


The wind deflectors are from Climair
For now im really enjoying the van, in less than 2 months ive already travelled 5000 kms and its perfect for my needs.
Future plans are for a solar panel system and some seat covers and thats it (until the mod bug strikes again)

 

[kurienp]

Congratulations and a very neat setup you have there. I think the braid alloys add some good amount of subtle character to the van! with ascot grey, the steels also look good

Enjoy!

 

[Ch1pbutty]

You forgot your surfboard?!

 

[CALI FATE]

Ive got same setup apart from 4motion and diff lock - we spent 2 months bouncing around naxos and milos islands volcano roads - ive got more and more confidence tackling deep ruts and boulders to find that isolated beach - id def go 150 manual 4motion diff lock if i was to order again- not sure they’d build it in rhd tho - love it

 

[oceanson]

Ive got same setup apart from 4motion and diff lock - we spent 2 months bouncing around naxos and milos islands volcano roads - ive got more and more confidence tackling deep ruts and boulders to find that isolated beach - id def go 150 manual 4motion diff lock if i was to order again- not sure they’d build it in rhd tho - love it

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What a beautiful van!

 

[oceanson]

The reason why i bought the 4 seater Beach,all my boards fit inside,from softops to longboards to shortboards

 

[oceanson]

The weather is changing and even in Portugal, the rain and cold of autumn has arrived but still with some sunny days with 20 degrees.
Saying that, i go out every week on my Cali, and im still super happy with it.
The tyre change meant an increase in fuel comsumption, from 8l/100 kms to 8,3l/100kms but no increase in noise and actually superior handling and confort.
Im starting to really regret not optioning the parking heater, i sleep mostly at the coast and let me tell you that no amount of bed linen makes sleeping in 4 celsius a confortable experience. I will have to retrofit a heater asap Any advice?

 

[two-saabs]

The weather is changing and even in Portugal, the rain and cold of autumn has arrived but still with some sunny days with 20 degrees.
Saying that, i go out every week on my Cali, and im still super happy with it.
The tyre change meant an increase in fuel comsumption, from 8l/100 kms to 8,3l/100kms but no increase in noise and actually superior handling and confort.
Im starting to really regret not optioning the parking heater, i sleep mostly at the coast and let me tell you that no amount of bed linen makes sleeping in 4 celsius a confortable experience. I will have to retrofit a heater asap Any advice?

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I’m sure there are retro options, I’ll let someone else who’s actually done that comment.

Meanwhile have you tried some practical methods thermal underwear, bed socks and a hot water bottle?

No joke, we have the parking heater, but feel it’s a bit lazy to rely on it all the time. We also have some thick cashmere blankets which make everything warmer and cosier.

 

[oceanson]

While im waiting for my Autoterm heater to arrive, ive installed some Apona Surf seat covers, i think they are high quality and water proof
Overall im really happy with the van and the 4motion capabilities are being put to the test almost every week

 

[oceanson]

Been enjoying the van non stop, it will be 1 year old in September but i already reached the 20000 Kilometers mark, the first service or oil change is near. No problems so far except a broken rear window that was my fault, the little pieces of broken window jammed my rear curtain and somehow managed to block my door lock, so a word of caution to anyone that may have a broken rear window, don't even try anything before you do a proper vacuuming of all the glass, and after you do the vacuuming, open the door and vacuum everything again several times, with the chair bag on the rear door panel its almost impossible to open the door from inside, its a proper nightmare.
Portugal being Portugal, has been having 30 degrees plus temperatures for the last month, so it was time to up my battery charge game for the festival season, i installed a solar panel from Solar Camper Solutions, really good kit and easy to follow instructions, i recommend it to anyone