2023 Ocean leaking roof fabric

[OooOooTheMonkey]

And internal shot with roof up. Possibly less tension (or placebo effect?) but not droopy.

 

[Littlesoldier]

You seem to be in the same position as me. Leaking bellows and not being believed let alone being offered any kind of repair/fix, whilst others are getting great support from their dealers. Which dealership are you using?

My dealership is in swanse. I've just called them to ask them to contact VW to confirm if they are aware of the issue. In fairness I believe they will try to get it sorted.

 

[andyinluton]

Have I decided which I’m doing yet ?
It’s crazy how people know my decision before me.

How about you starting to be polite to other posters?

We all thought we knew what you were doing because you had spent many posts ranting, telling us exactly what you were going to do including how you were rejecting the van the minute you get home.

I like many on here no doubt understood that: "They won’t fob me off mate, I’ve rejected. A vehicle before and I’ll certainly do it again. It’s not fit for purpose"
Meant that you had rejected the van as it wasn't fit for purpose.

Of course it's your prerogative to change your mind, I don't think anyone has an issue with that, just a bit sad that you have to have a go at everyone else for not realising that you don't do what you say you are going to.

 

[Joncali2023!!]

How about you starting to be polite to other posters?

We all thought we knew what you were doing because you had spent many posts ranting, telling us exactly what you were going to do including how you were rejecting the van the minute you get home.

I like many on here no doubt understood that: "They won’t fob me off mate, I’ve rejected. A vehicle before and I’ll certainly do it again. It’s not fit for purpose"
Meant that you had rejected the van as it wasn't fit for purpose.

Of course it's your prerogative to change your mind, I don't think anyone has an issue with that, just a bit sad that you have to have a go at everyone else for not realising that you don't do what you say you are going to.

I rejected the vehicle whilst on holiday, and I’ve still rejected it. But they have come back with two options / solutions.
Don’t have a go at me for getting narky , when I have people having a go at me for thinking about changing my mind, and also saying the vehicles are awful.
WHICH THEY ARE! and if a campervan leaks. THEY ARENT FIT FOR PURPOSE.
it’s a simple as that

 

[Andy C Berks.]

And internal shot with roof up. Possibly less tension (or placebo effect?) but not droopy.

View attachment 113169

Fingers crossed it does what you, and we, are all hoping for. Maybe a bit less tension in the larger front opening than ours but the semi circular opening looks about the same.
Curious if they gave you the tag that was attached to the bellows and in particular whether that differs from the 03S or T6 that all our recent ones seem to be carrying ?

 

[OooOooTheMonkey]

Fingers crossed it does what you, and we, are all hoping for. Maybe a bit less tension in the larger front opening than ours but the semi circular opening looks about the same.
Curious if they gave you the tag that was attached to the bellows and in particular whether that differs from the 03S or T6 that all our recent ones seem to be carrying ?

I don’t think I have the tag. Where on the bellows do they attach it?

 

[Corradobrit]

I don’t think I have the tag. Where on the bellows do they attach it?

Not the zipper of the pano opening

 

[Corradobrit]

*on

 

[ParachuteMan]

I’m doing a Try before you Buy rental of an Ocean in 10 days, hopefully followed by an order in very early September. I’ve read all 30 pages in this thread and my conclusion is this:

1. There’s a fault with the seam(s) on the MY 22 / 23 pop ups with the new two tone canvas
2. Dealer attitudes vary
3. VW are not admitting liability
4. There are rumours of behind-the-scenes improvements - but nothing tangible.

Yes, it’s very disappointing to spend a shed load of money to find a fault which seems to limit the use of the van. But I’ve decided that if I order the Ocean, I’ll probably go for a pop-top cover. I want to use the van rather than having it in and out of dealers and having new bellows etc. I haven’t ordered any options like different wheels, multi tone paint etc so c£280 for a cover will be my option (after all the slim second under seat drawer and net is £230…). And may be my Ocean will have the rumoured improved canvas

 

[66tim99]

Van back with me now, and what a nice feeling it is to have it back! Not tested in the rain but had a good look at the canvas. The outer material is identical, but there are fewer pin holes and it doesn’t feel under quite as much tension, but the sides are still straight. It feels super higher quality to be honest, so let’s hope it doesn’t leak like the last one. Here are some before and after pics…


View attachment 113165View attachment 113166

View attachment 113167

View attachment 113168

Got everything crossed for you

 

[Andy C Berks.]

I’m doing a Try before you Buy rental of an Ocean in 10 days, hopefully followed by an order in very early September. I’ve read all 30 pages in this thread and my conclusion is this:

1. There’s a fault with the seam(s) on the MY 22 / 23 pop ups with the new two tone canvas
2. Dealer attitudes vary
3. VW are not admitting liability
4. There are rumours of behind-the-scenes improvements - but nothing tangible.

Yes, it’s very disappointing to spend a shed load of money to find a fault which seems to limit the use of the van. But I’ve decided that if I order the Ocean, I’ll probably go for a pop-top cover. I want to use the van rather than having it in and out of dealers and having new bellows etc. I haven’t ordered any options like different wheels, multi tone paint etc so c£280 for a cover will be my option (after all the slim second under seat drawer and net is £230…). And may be my Ocean will have the rumoured improved canvas

Hopefully by September there may be a bit more traction from VW around what’s happening with replacement bellows or at least an admission that they are working on a solution. Either way use this thread to get the dealer to supply a pop-top cover or to further discount the price by that amount so you can chose your own.
Having taken delivery of our van in June, yes the leak is very very annoying but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a superb piece of kit that I have no regrets whatsoever about buying. Really hope you enjoy the rental and come to the same conclusion - it sounds like you are at least half way there already !

 

[66tim99]

WHICH THEY ARE! and if a campervan leaks. THEY ARENT FIT FOR PURPOSE.

Yours may be, but mine is not.
The vast majority on here are delighted with their campers, and I don't appreciate a new guy who joined last month trying to discredit all Californias because you have problems with yours.
I understand your frustrations but you are understandably ruffling feathers on this forum of pro-California campers.
Take a breath, STOP SHOUTING AT ALL CALIFORNIAS, and start being collaborative. People on here are invaluable, but I for one don't appreciate tiresome trolls.

 

[Joncali2023!!]

Yours may be, but mine is not.
The vast majority on here are delighted with their campers, and I don't appreciate a new guy who joined last month trying to discredit all Californias because you have problems with yours.
I understand your frustrations but you are understandably ruffling feathers on this forum of pro-California campers.
Take a breath, STOP SHOUTING AT ALL CALIFORNIAS, and start being collaborative. People on here are invaluable, but I for one don't appreciate tiresome trolls.

Do you own shares in VW or something.
I’ll be honest, im
Glad you’re happy with yours. But in all honesty every person I know has had issues with Californias , one person had 18 separate issues, read all Forums and social media and most have had issues.
So I’ll say it again, they are AWFUL vehicles for the price .
don’t be offended if I said your beloved vehicle is awful, it’s my OPINION.
But for a company to not even cross check the camping parts of a campervan when it’s built in a factory , speaks volumes. They only care about your money.
Sweet dreams.

 

[OooOooTheMonkey]

Not the zipper of the pano opening

In that case I have no tag

 

[Kayleigh]

Do you own shares in VW or something.
I’ll be honest, im
Glad you’re happy with yours. But in all honesty every person I know has had issues with Californias , one person had 18 separate issues, read all Forums and social media and most have had issues.
So I’ll say it again, they are AWFUL vehicles for the price .
don’t be offended if I said your beloved vehicle is awful, it’s my OPINION.
But for a company to not even cross check the camping parts of a campervan when it’s built in a factory , speaks volumes. They only care about your money.
Sweet dreams.

Any product you buy can develop a fault and that’s why they come with a warranty, be it one year, three years or five years for example.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

I’m doing a Try before you Buy rental of an Ocean in 10 days, hopefully followed by an order in very early September. I’ve read all 30 pages in this thread and my conclusion is this:

1. There’s a fault with the seam(s) on the MY 22 / 23 pop ups with the new two tone canvas
2. Dealer attitudes vary
3. VW are not admitting liability
4. There are rumours of behind-the-scenes improvements - but nothing tangible.

Yes, it’s very disappointing to spend a shed load of money to find a fault which seems to limit the use of the van. But I’ve decided that if I order the Ocean, I’ll probably go for a pop-top cover. I want to use the van rather than having it in and out of dealers and having new bellows etc. I haven’t ordered any options like different wheels, multi tone paint etc so c£280 for a cover will be my option (after all the slim second under seat drawer and net is £230…). And may be my Ocean will have the rumoured improved canvas

I wouldn't underestimate the usefulness of the slim second underseat drawer and net, if you can afford the £230.00. I ordered them having never seen, but I regularly think how glad I am I did. The net is really handy when dropping the roof bellows and sliding the hatch over; also for bits when in the upper bed. The slim drawer in my case takes perfectly a complete Bosch Hogar Unlimited Series 6 vacuum kit (bought in Europe with a schuko recharge plug, so it pairs with the inverter).

 

[ParachuteMan]

Hopefully by September there may be a bit more traction from VW around what’s happening with replacement bellows or at least an admission that they are working on a solution. Either way use this thread to get the dealer to supply a pop-top cover or to further discount the price by that amount so you can chose your own.
Having taken delivery of our van in June, yes the leak is very very annoying but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a superb piece of kit that I have no regrets whatsoever about buying. Really hope you enjoy the rental and come to the same conclusion - it sounds like you are at least half way there already !

… nearer two thirds ! And yes, I was thinking about tapping the dealer up for a pop-top cover contribution of some kind

 

[Corradobrit]

Any product you buy can develop a fault and that’s why they come with a warranty, be it one year, three years or five years for example.

Some people just like a good winge. Nothing is perfect. The good dealers are on it, they will be pulling the VW strings behind the scenes both in the UK and Europe wide. It's the summer and things will be moving especially slowly. Come September I expect things to move at pace.

 

[HIGGINS]

I have followed this thread from the start and have given some factual in put earlier in the thread, which a few members took personal.

I find in astonishing and bemusing that someone gets their bellows replaced because they are faulty.
Knowing:
1. Vw are not acknowledging there is a problem, therefore they have not redesigned the bellow and will not until they officially accept and recall these vehicles.
2. The new bellows will not be redesigned bellows, so they will leak again.
3. Like I said earlier in this thread, there will be a knock on affect of possible electrical problems, vehicle smelling, stained interiors etc etc.
4. We all know VW garages get paid for remedial warranty work, so they are more than happy to fit faulty bellows over and over again.
5. It won’t surprise me if every new bellow that is fitted in the future, by those who decide to get a faulty bellow fitted? Will have the tag missing, possibly removed at factory or by the garage fitting it, because it is the same faulty bellow!
Unless there is a recall by VW.

I have had two previous Cali,s and definitely a fan, that’s why ordered a
new one
However I will be waiting to see what VW decide to do rather than get messed about with potentially in affective warranty work.

I am not sure Vw will get this sorted, they are still selling these vehicles with the faulty bellows.
They haven’t sorted the leaking tailgate seal? The rust on the roof?
Bellows? Don’t hunk so sorry!

However I would be the first person to be relieved and over joyed if they do! So I can reorder my new Cali and enjoy everything it offers )

 

[calibusje]

I rejected the vehicle whilst on holiday, and I’ve still rejected it. But they have come back with two options / solutions.
Don’t have a go at me for getting narky , when I have people having a go at me for thinking about changing my mind, and also saying the vehicles are awful.
WHICH THEY ARE! and if a campervan leaks. THEY ARENT FIT FOR PURPOSE.
it’s a simple as that

I’m following this here and saw it escalate; the bold statements that were said to each other are not ok. I think this is very sad.
That said, I'm not going to tell you what you can or should do, but what I would do: it is already known that there are issues with the new double-layered canvas, not only on this forum this comes up regularly but also on other and on different Facebook groups. I myself still have the previous cloth, also plastic and not made of cotton as before, but not double-layered. So, If I would have the latest non-waterproof canvas: What is apparently now being offered - the rain hood - I would accept but probably not use. Why? well I read not long ago that someone also had the water problem with the double-layer canvas and had let it dry out with the roof erected. several times and so the plastic thread in the seams could have expanded bit by bit until they made the seam waterproof. This person keeps repeating this experience and the idea behind it (not here: I'm guessing not a member here) and I -mind you I say ‘I’ - would definitely try this. If this approach does not work, I would spray the seams well with a suitable product. If it's still not ok, I'll see; if there really is nothing that can be done about it and there are enough complaints, a better canvas may be available. I think they are now replacing it with exactly the same one because the canvas is so recent and Volkswagen is not known to react quickly, is it? Rejecting the cali before you even saw a drop of water coming through the seams, I wouldn't do it. Shouting it’s awful neither, don't let this take possession of you but then again: I'm not you, I’m a bit more subtle
Anyway, I had some issues for the first half year (now 15 months and 31000 km) and was about to sell it because they couldn’t get it resolve. I'm very glad I went ahead and the cali is one of the best purchases we made. Also a more expensive, that's true, what you have is not an ordinary passenger car, but an extremely suitable small campervan with a poptop roof that will give you more much more fun than bad moments. Your choice, I made mine already twice and each time in favour of the california: when buying and when having but cracking issues.

 

[Andy C Berks.]

But in all honesty every person I know has had issues with Californias , one person had 18 separate issues, read all Forums and social media and most have had issues.

Suppose at least you knew what you were getting in to before you bought it. Ballsy move mind you - not sure I would have be so brave as to buy something all my friends had had major issues with.

 

[flying banana]

Do you own shares in VW or something.
I’ll be honest, im
Glad you’re happy with yours. But in all honesty every person I know has had issues with Californias , one person had 18 separate issues, read all Forums and social media and most have had issues.
So I’ll say it again, they are AWFUL vehicles for the price .
don’t be offended if I said your beloved vehicle is awful, it’s my OPINION.
But for a company to not even cross check the camping parts of a campervan when it’s built in a factory , speaks volumes. They only care about your money.
Sweet dreams.

T6 owner here. Mines been faultless and leak free for 5 years. People don't start threads about vans that work great. You only hear about issues and this forum is brilliant at dealing with them. I wouldn't be without mine. Best thing I ever bought,after a house. Good luck in what you decide though. Try not to get too rattled about it as its not just you with the issue. Come together and it will be sorted.

 

[Joncali2023!!]

Suppose at least you knew what you were getting in to before you bought it. Ballsy move mind you - not sure I would have be so brave as to buy something all my friends had had major issues with.

Did I say I knew them before I bought it? Or you making stories up in your head ?

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Interesting thanks - mine was also from Liverpool, in June 2023. The first stance of the sales guy was that the bellows are only showerproof (!) and I have yet to hear back to my two follow ups with them. Hence fired off an email to VW UK yesterday seeking their opinion on things, for which I currently wait to see if I get a reply.

Like you, I would be happy with the interim solution of a bellows cover and the reassurance that they are working on a replacement.

Did you hear back?

Hope you have a better outcome than my chat today where they stonewalled any suggestions of a leak problem, going as far as stating they checked their system and were not able to find any issues.

Just repeated multiple times it needs to be diagnosed at the dealers.

 

[Joncali2023!!]

Did you hear back?

Hope you have a better outcome than my chat today where they stonewalled any suggestions of a leak problem, going as far as stating they checked their system and were not able to find any issues.

Just repeated multiple times it needs to be diagnosed at the dealers.

From Liverpool? Who was your sales guy?