VW California SpaceMate Boot Drawer Install & Review!
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- čas přidán 20. 08. 2024
- We've been lucky enough to test out this NEW VW California boot drawer - designed specifically for the SE, Coast and Ocean models (with the fitted kitchen).
It's super strong, very well made and nice to see a new option come to the market. Nice deep sides and FINALLY! a one handed operation to open it.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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Having been looking at the tray and it’s internal dimensions, one suggested improvement would be to make them a multiple of the standard Euroboxes (400x300 or 400x600mm).
Looks good. Wider than the original campervanbits version but as you mentioned could be wider. I like that the rear seat still goes fully back.
Hi Will! Great video as usual with clear explanations. The Spacemate looks a high quality product.
However... I've always thought a boot-drawer in a California is a 'solution looking for a (non-existent) problem'!!
We use collapsible crates in the lower boot space. Yes, you have to pull out one crate to access the one behind it ... but, really, hardly a big issue??!!
The major disadvantage of installing a bootspace-wide drawer, as I see it, is 'losing' the long storage space alongside the back seat... perfect for storing our rolled-up awning front & side panels!
The beauty of the California... flexible space for individuals' needs - to be organised however you want to!
Again, good review 🙂👍
It’s all down to personal preference I think. We’ve not tried one before this and we’re impressed as it means we can use more of the space more of the time, although it’s a bit smaller space than without. Using the hot water boiler shower will be a lot easier on this.
Looks Fab - as a storage freak I really love it, just got to think of somewhere to put my " long" things that fit perfectly down the left hand side under the seat (outdoor mat and rolled up window shields)
I travel a lot with mine and it was one of the things I deliberated the longest over. I have a heavy 1300mm bag that’s about 200 x 200 but I found the the trays are strong enough to place it on top and it still slides nicely in and out when the tray is pulled out. I you were using the height from top to bottom then there’s a slight compromise on what long load is left. Maybe one for the future..
That looks a lovely, well made & strangely tactile 🤔 bit of kit but I’m not sure if we could justify it ourselves until we see if we struggle for access.
Useful review and looks well made.
We slide our passenger seat well forward for travel in order to fit shower tent and windbreak lengthways down the van. It also gives us more storage space so a sliding tray is not a priority.
What I used to fit mine. V useful, thank you
Looks good, suggest Simon puts a hole in the side that lines up with the 12v power point
Interesting thought - hadn't considered that as an option 👍
Trouble, is you’d rip the plug out when you pull the drawer open. I planned to relocate the 12v socket higher up on the side trim.
Looks good and will save lifting the shelf up to get to stuff. I wonder if it’s narrower than the base of the boot with gaps at each side because then what you put in it doesn’t catch on the brackets higher up that fix the wooden shelf in place as you slide it back.
That was part of the reasoning, more vertical space on the RHS.
Always said I should have been an engineer
Just to let you know I have ordered one. They are sending me a brand new updated version serial number 1 , it’s a wider one, with upgraded latch system. And also drain holes like you recommended !
That's great!
Looks super well built and the fitting nicely non invasive. Always thought these were a bit of a solution looking for a problem but with some of the tweaks mentioned could be much more interesting. Drain holes, maybe no so much - would prefer spills to stay in the top rather than having to remove to clean, but the loss of a 12V a pain as is the loss of width, The 335 placement a show stopper for us - it’s the last thing out for us and the first thing in, so having to move things around to fit the drawer means we are working for the unit, rather than it working for us. Will keep an eye on though. keen pricing too. You never showed the underside but would be good to know if there are rubber stops to ensure the front does not damage the floor.
Ahh yes apologies for not showing the underside - yes it does have felt and rubber to protect everything and we've taken it in and out a few times now and no trace is left anywhere.
@@CampervanTime Cheers. Will watch for a V2 where there is a hole drilled for the 12v and the 335 goes in back right with a tray insert.
I’m sure in the T6 it would be ok because it doesn’t have rear board with the lift / hold mechanism. Need to give it a go in one.
@@CampervanTime have a 6.1 Ocean so same issue as vid.
Well made but still can't see us using this.
It only makes sense if you leave the rear bed section loaded. As mine is my daily, my topper is always there.
Hi Will
With regards to the 12v plug on the right now being redundant.
Could the tray design be reversed so the gap appears on the right allowing access to the 12v or at least the use of an extension lead plugged in permanently to gain usage.
Good question, certainly worth looking at 👍
We've now built a version with the bias to the left to leave the 12v socket useable 👍
So glad Will has got his 12v access back. Good luck with brilliantly designed storage draw.
Looks a good alternative to the Campervanbits version. I noted on an installation video for their drawer that someone suggest loosely fitting the drawer and then from inside push it up to the closed tailgate to ensure it’s as far back as possible. Also, the Campervanbits version also states the bench may need to be moved 20mm forward on a T6.1. Great review, not sure which one to get now..! But drawers are definitely worth it, no more dragging everything out to get stuff at the back. PS: do you know the weight of the unit, couldn’t see on their website.
24kg
@@SpaceMateMH great, thanks. Also, where are you based as I might prefer to collect (if possible)..?
@@couplandsj Midlands based but I'd be prepared to Meet somewhere and help you fit it. 👍
@@SpaceMateMHL that’s very kind. We are still waiting for our Cali to arrive (ordered June 21 and stuck in build since May). Was just thinking if it didn’t arrive before end of August I might just come and get the drawers. I’m just checking dimensions to see what combination of Euroboxes will fit.
Looks good be nice if they did this draw for a 3 rail beach
The two outside rails are in the same position. My T6 had the three rails and that's what the design was based on.
Interested to know how noisy it is - rattles and clanging etc.
Absolutely silent. Not had any noise from it at all.
Website updated! www.spacematetray.com
isn't it too hard to access your tools(trailer hook/jack/...) under the seat? For me, such drawer is "nice", but honestly, I rather not loose space(if you count the thickness of the wall, the empty space on the right/left, the lost space in height, it makes quite a difference. Also you loose some flexibility(ski). For my usages, rako boxes fits perfectly, can be totally removed/added in seconds. And I've 2 additional custom-made boxes(one that goes behind the two rako boxes) that contains the grill and some rarely used items, and one that occupy the rest of the width, that we use as pantry.
Hi Will.
Great video. Just wondered have your tried with your bike rack installed? Does it foul the rack to toe ball lock handle or strike the rack when extending the drawer with the rack pitched over? I use a Thule XT 3 so similar potential strike/foul points.
Thanks.
I’m can’t answer for this specifics tray, but with similar trays on the market they don’t foul the Thule racks.
Good question. Not tried that yet but can do and report back 👍
@@CampervanTime would be great. Thank you
Nice drawer, just a quick thought, are you still able to access your jack ?
Yes - by sliding the bench seat forward a bit. I have actually found that sliding it all the way forward is easiest as you can then just put an arm in and unstrap it from the back of the bench and lay it down, then go in the boot to get it.
Excellent review, thank you. I have a 4motion so weight is a big factor, as is losing any potential space. I think I’ll wait for v2, hoping that some improvements can be made in those areas. Is a solid floor necessary or could perforated sheet be used?
Good points and good question - I don't see why the bottom of it couldn't be perforated. I know Simon is watching these comments with interest so lets see what happens!
Single latch seems better overall
Having a drawer system in the back of my Land Rover, I miss the ability to lock the drawer open. On anything that slightly slopes forward the heavy drawer need a lots of force to keep open. For that reason I’d prefer to have the dual locking latch option.
Hello, does it also work on a T6?
Yes it will, no problem.
Definitely 👍
👍👍👍
Would it be possible you think to make some holes to get to the 12v when open and closed or are the drawer runners in the way as well?
They’re working on it and I think there is a v2 coming 👍
With four adults in the Cali and fully loaded for a big trip, payload can be an issue. Even more so on the Coast than the Ocean. Can I ask what the weight of the unit is? Curious as to how much it eats into precious payload. I did check the website, but couldn't see specifications. Many thanks
Not sure exactly but I think I saw a comment from Simon on another comment asking something similar saying it was about 24kg I think.
Looks good quality. Can you still access the wheel jack kit without having to remove the drawer?
Pull the bench seat forward and access from inside the van…👍
We took the view point that if you’re getting the wheel jack its only another couple of screws v’s the space lost for that occasional breakdown.
Looks well made, but maybe too well made, could loose a lot of weight out of that and still be solid. Also don't get why there is another cross member on the mount but its not tied into the rails to add another 2 mount points, odd.
I wondered the same but it’s probably designed in for strength in the frame but not needed to be tied in to the floor because it’s solid enough without it. The weight of the drawer seems to keep it sat there very nicely too.
@@CampervanTime yeah but a few heavy braking events will lift the rear up as it tries to push forward putting some strain on those 2 tie points.
The middle cross member is there to lift the subframe and keep it level at the end of the rail system. The end cross member has spacers to raise it up to the level of the rail. We've tested this product for two years before release. Other than rolling the Cali the tray will remain in place in all circumstances.
Looks great!
Can this fit on a 2 seater Beach?
Good question, I’m not sure. It will depend on the position of the rails in the floor for the sliding bench seat and if the bench is the same as in the ocean / coast. I suspect it might.
Would it be possible to help with some measurements?