Overview of installed / changed items on our GC 600

[Eber123]

Hello,

To make something out of this rainy and cold afternoon I thought I create a list of items and changes we got / did on our Grand California 600.

My idea behind this was to see what we wanted to achieve and if we had achieved it. Maybe the list helps some other Grand California users (starting off).

So here it goes:

Wrap and Decal of the camper
Goal = to create an unique design that distinguishes our GC to others
How = found a company that worked with us on the design and installed the wrap and decal
Positive = We can change the colour of the wrapping whenever we want
Negative = In some places it is obvious that it is not the original colour
Have we achieved our goal? = yes

Votronic Bluetooth Connector S-BC
Goal = Get better information about the solar panel charging
How = Installed the Votronic Bluetooth Connector S-BC in the technic cupboard
Positive = Very easy to install, no extra power needed
Negative = nothing I can think off
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Nextbase 422 GW
Goal = record videos in case if something happens, to have videos of our travels
How = VW dealer installed camera
Positive = video quality good, works fine
Negative = nothing I can think off
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Security camera
Goal = check the camper during hikes and sightseeings
How = got a cheap entry level battery security camera
Positive = simple but working
Negative = Can only record on internal storage
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

15.8” LCD screen
Goal = watching TV or stream films
How = got a monitor which runs on 5 V (USB)
Positive = works well with the Firestick, easy to install
Negative = screen maybe a wee bit too small
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Ikea Tisken
Goal = create storage for the wall without drilling holes
How = got various versions of Tisken
Positive = easy to install, stick to the wall very well
Negative = nothing I can think off
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Gaslow LPG refillable Cylinder system
Goal = Exchange the Propane Cylinders with LPG system to avoid changing heavy cylinders
How = Got the Gaslow LPG refillable Cylinder system installed
Positive = Yes, it is easier to fill up Propane
Negative = At home I need to drive 30 km to fill up with LPG, some countries won’t have LPG at all (Finland)
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes / No

Mattress topper 135 x 190 Gold
Goal = Make the GC bed even more comfortable
How = just add the topper onto the existing bed
Positive = now we sleep even better
Negative = the topper is heavy (extra weight for the camper)
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Rotarex Dimes Bluetooth remote monitoring
Goal = easy checking of Propane
How = exchanged the standard display from the cylinder and installed new system
Positive = easy installation
Negative = nothing I am aware off
Have we achieved our goal? = Just installed it yesterday - still monitor the system

Netgear AC810 Mobile Wi-Fi Router
Goal = better / best Internet reception in camper
How = Netgear AC810 Mobile Wi-Fi Router in the van, power USB
Positive = Internet reception a bit better than with mobile phone
Negative = reception still could be better
Have we achieved our goal? = No

Truma iNet Box
Goal = Find a way to bypass VW’s issue with unintentionally switch off the heating
How = installed the Truma iNet Box
Positive = issue sorted
Negative = high cost, which should be paid by VW
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Remove of upper bed
Goal = Create more storage space, less weight
How = VW dealer removed upper bed
Positive = we have now more storage space
Negative = can’t use the upper bed
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Michelin Agilis CrossClimate
Goal = Improved robustness and better grip on slippery surfaces
How = VW dealer installed the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate
Positive = super tyre on all road surfaces and better grip on wet gras
Negative = Nothing I can think off
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Pandora Camper Mini
Goal = Increase security of the camper
How = Got it installed from authorised dealer in Dublin
Positive = Secures the camper, remote control, tracker, discount on insurance
Negative = Nothing I can think off
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Shelf in the cabinet over the kitchen
Goal = create and increase more storage space
How = homemade wooden storage
Positive = cheap
Negative = a lot of work / time
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

EcoFlow Delta 2
Goal = Increase the off grid standing time
How = connect the EcoFlow Delta 2 to the EHU to charge the leisure battery
Positive = increase the off grid standing time for 24 hours
Negative = Power cable needs to go through the open back window
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Brandrup Isolite Outdoor Plus
Goal = to cover the windscreen, side windows in a better way than the VW original blinds
How = got the Brandrup Isolite Outdoor Plus
Positive = easy to put up, almost no condensation inside
Negative = bit big, in strong wind the front screen blind can flutter
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Brandrup 4Top cover-set for storage compartments within the D-pillar
Goal = Protect contents in the storage compartment
How = Glued in the 4Top cover set
Positive = easy to install
Negative = expensive
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Brandrup seat covers (front and back)
Goal = protect the original VW seat covers
How = installed the Brandrup seat covers
Positive = installation was ok, looks exactly the same as the VW covers
Negative = looks exactly the same as the VW covers
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Ikea Eket Cabinet
Goal = Increase storage space
How = installed the Ikea Eket cabinet under the bed, beside the water tank
Positive = created extra space
Negative = installation was (for me) difficult and took a while
Have we achieved our goal? = Yes

Coming up in the next few weeks

Laser Lights Triple-R 750
Goal = Increase light output
How = Add extra lights to the camper
Positive = Suppose to be very good. It seems that every 4th Grand California in Germany got them installed
Negative = difficult to find a company who is able / willing to install them
Have we achieved our goal? = Appointment for installation on the 22/03/2023

Teltonika RUTX12 with Poynting Mimo-3-V2-17
Goal = improve Internet reception in camper
How = install the aerial outside of the camper, very good router
Positive = both product suppose to be very good
Negative = a bit overkill, very difficult to find a company who is able / willing to install it
Have we achieved our goal? = Appointment at some stage after St. Patrick’s day

That all kept me busy. I am toying with the idea to get a good shelf in first cabinet in the garage (I build one myself, but I don't like it).

Regards,
Eberhard