2023 Ocean leaking roof fabric

[RockinNRollin]

My guess is VWCV are probably hedging their bets that a decent proportion of owners will never see much rain as some will be fair weather campers, live in drier climates etc. and given the cost of the bellows, they probably will never formally acknowledge the issue and instead just replace on a case by case basis. The key indicator I think will be when dealers don’t have to fight for authority to change the bellows from VWCV anymore as that will almost indicate a resignation to the failure…..

 

[BeeBee]

My guess is VWCV are probably hedging their bets that a decent proportion of owners will never see much rain as some will be fair weather campers, live in dryer climates etc. and given the cost of the bellows, they probably will never formally acknowledge the issue and instead just replace on a case by case basis. The key indicator I think will be when dealers don’t have to fight for authority to change the bellows from VWCV anymore as that will almost indicate a resignation to the failure…..

Your probably ‘spot on’, disappointing as it is and a sad reminder of how some things are dealt with.

 

[.Billy Ocean.]

So just speaking to Tim here at the Van Centre in regard to this we believe Volkswagen are aware of this issue.

What we can’t say that vehicles that have recently been built are 100% affected by this.

We had ordered a few bellows as stock for ongoing issues we have that Volkswagen have recalled. This is the most amount of info we have.

Hi @Tomdbreeze, we purchased from you guys back in March and unfortunately have one of the leaky bellows. We’re booked in for an inspection down in Exeter as it’s about an hour from us, whereas you guys are a fair bit further away. Thinking this through though, assuming Exeter agree to change the bellows, it will involve two trips as they have advised they aren’t currently an in stock item. As Breeze are aware of the issue, would we need an inspection appointment with yourselves, or could we simply book one appointment for the bellows to be changed?

 

[Tomdbreeze]

Hi @Tomdbreeze, we purchased from you guys back in March and unfortunately have one of the leaky bellows. We’re booked in for an inspection down in Exeter as it’s about an hour from us, whereas you guys are a fair bit further away. Thinking this through though, assuming Exeter agree to change the bellows, it will involve two trips as they have advised they aren’t currently an in stock item. As Breeze are aware of the issue, would we need an inspection appointment with yourselves, or could we simply book one appointment for the bellows to be changed?

Hi thanks for the message, I have just spoken with Tim our California Specialist. Tim is saying along the same sort of lines but it’s due to the bellows potentially not being in stock. So what we could do is check stock availability on them and if and when they are available book you in for a waiting job.

Can you email me at tom.davidson@breeze.co.uk with your info and I can do some digging.

 

[RockinNRollin]

Hi thanks for the message, I have just spoken with Tim our California Specialist. Tim is saying along the same sort of lines but it’s due to the bellows potentially not being in stock. So what we could do is check stock availability on them and if and when they are available book you in for a waiting job.

Can you email me at tom.davidson@breeze.co.uk with your info and I can do some digging.

Tom you might want to split out your email address to tom.davidson at breeze.co.uk to stop bots etc. getting your email address

 

[portofinopoll]

Our MY23 T6.1 Ocean experienced rain for the first time at the weekend & sure enough the bellows leaked. It is the new material, looks like build was early Feb. Have notified our local dealer (Liverpool) who have booked it for inspection early August, will keep you informed of outcome

 

[RockinNRollin]

So I’ve pestered VWCV over if there’s been any change to the “new” bellows and had this response; it’s possible of course they either aren’t aware or are reluctant to share any change, but I’ll share their response either way;

“I have contacted our Technical Support regarding California Oceans suffering from leaking roof bellows.

I was advised that it’s still the same bellows since MY23 production started towards the end of 2022, for more details please contact your local authorized Van Centre they can assist you.”

In other news, we’re out in our new van (as yet untested in the rain) and the forecast for tomorrow evening is driving rain. I have a multipack of microfibre towels on hand….

 

[Corradobrit]

In other news, we’re out in our new van (as yet untested in the rain) and the forecast for tomorrow evening is driving rain. I have a multipack of microfibre towels on hand….

Good thinking. I can understand why VW are a bit reticent to acknowledge the issue officially but this response does not bode well for a fix. It's not like it's an isolated case. I would say the majority with MY23 have reported leaks and those that have are yet to expose the fabric to significant rainfall and wind.
I hope for all our sakes you are able to keep your powder dry.

 

[Corradobrit]

*have not

 

[flying banana]

Good thinking. I can understand why VW are a bit reticent to acknowledge the issue officially but this response does not bode well for a fix. It's not like it's an isolated case. I would say the majority with MY23 have reported leaks and those that have are yet to expose the fabric to significant rainfall and wind.
I hope for all our sakes you are able to keep your powder dry.

Keeping the powder dry is essential. Crap night otherwise

 

[Grigio Van Grigio]

Just a quick message to say we picked out new Cali Ocean up on Thursday. Build date late May/early June I think. Camping this week and we have the leak on the seam at the front of the canvas which appears to be the same issue as others. Persistent rain but not that heavy and no wind. Canvas doesn’t appear fit for purpose. Also have the slight leak on the tailgate too but that’s probably a different thread!

 

[Justinitus]

Just a quick message to say we picked out new Cali Ocean up on Thursday. Build date late May/early June I think. Camping this week and we have the leak on the seam at the front of the canvas which appears to be the same issue as others. Persistent rain but not that heavy and no wind. Canvas doesn’t appear fit for purpose. Also have the slight leak on the tailgate too but that’s probably a different thread!

Can’t help with the canvas, but I had a slight leak from the top tailgate seal. Try gently pulling it away from the bodywork all along the top so It seals against the tailgate better.

 

[Grigio Van Grigio]

Can’t help with the canvas, but I had a slight leak from the top tailgate seal. Try gently pulling it away from the bodywork all along the top so It seals against the tailgate better.

Tried that and it’s not really budging.

 

[.Billy Ocean.]

Just a quick message to say we picked out new Cali Ocean up on Thursday. Build date late May/early June I think. Camping this week and we have the leak on the seam at the front of the canvas which appears to be the same issue as others. Persistent rain but not that heavy and no wind. Canvas doesn’t appear fit for purpose. Also have the slight leak on the tailgate too but that’s probably a different thread!

Gutted for you, I was really hoping this would have been resolved for the newer builds.

Like you we have canvas and tailgate leaks, and it put a real ‘dampener’ on our week away last week having to make sure we’d padded everywhere out with microfibres cloths!

 

[Corradobrit]

I wonder if it's worth collecting the names of individuals affected and sending a complaint to VWUK en masse. Seems VW are not giving this major issue the attention it demand and I doubt the replacement bellows will be any better. This may in part be down to the focus on the 2024 replacement. No excuse though.

 

[Jeaniethecali]

I wonder if it's worth collecting the names of individuals affected and sending a complaint to VWUK en masse. Seems VW are not giving this major issue the attention it demand and I doubt the replacement bellows will be any better. This may in part be down to the focus on the 2024 replacement. No excuse though.

I think that is a really good idea.
It seems to me that VW have buried their heads in the sand somewhat with this problem. If vans are still being delivered with what is clearly a design fault, then they aren't taking this issue seriously at all.
Clearly with the weather we get in the UK, a lot of people are going to have their trips away spoilt to some degree... I know we have!

 

[Jimmylondon07]

Just a quick message to say we picked out new Cali Ocean up on Thursday. Build date late May/early June I think. Camping this week and we have the leak on the seam at the front of the canvas which appears to be the same issue as others. Persistent rain but not that heavy and no wind. Canvas doesn’t appear fit for purpose. Also have the slight leak on the tailgate too but that’s probably a different thread!

Sorry to hear mate, am collecting mine Monday week so am anticipating I’ll have the same issue. Did you buy yours through Eurovans? Very eager to hear their response and I’ll also bring it up during collection.

 

[HIGGINS]

Why not refuse collection until VW have dealt with these issues??

Obviously not fit for purpose!

Water ingress in a campervan????
Surely not acceptable!

 

[RockinNRollin]

I agree to the idea of a group letter; while mine hasn’t leaked yet (wind driven rain yes, but with the tail to the wind so the front didn’t really see any) I have no doubt it will do when the front gets a lashing of the wet stuff. I too have a leaky tailgate although it’s manageable (but still not acceptable)

 

[.Billy Ocean.]

Group letter is a great idea, and based on recent posts it would be good to include details of leaky bellow seams and tailgates.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Sorry to hear mate, am collecting mine Monday week so am anticipating I’ll have the same issue. Did you buy yours through Eurovans? Very eager to hear their response and I’ll also bring it up during collection.

Just a thought but might it be worth collecting with a 5 litre garden pump spray on hand?

The Eurovans Yard is rammed, so a forensic inspection and spray test is best done nearby - I suggest a good place, among other things, in my post here:

New T6.1 order delays

Not based at a dealership and not in a sales role. Have you seen instances where the price has not been honoured? I was told all quoted prices had been honoured to date regardless of when the order went in

vwcaliforniaclub.com

If the bellows do leak, whether you decide to leave it there or take it subsequent for attention would be a tough choice. For me it would depend on what relationship I has with my local VW dealer (if different to Eurovans) and their waiting times (Norwich for example currently up to 6 months...).

Eurovans offer great terms, but the quid pro quo is that post delivery things can be sluggish. But they won't want to hold a pre-delivery California for any longer than they need too - I think there may even be potential penalties within VW for that.

As to remedy, not wanting to 'rub' but I can say that my MY2023 built just before the bellows fabric changeover, is watertight. I don't know if VW could on request replace leaking bellows with that older fabric (if those parts still exist) but that would be my choice: unless and until feedback on the forum confirms the problem has been been remedied.

 

[Grigio Van Grigio]

Sorry to hear mate, am collecting mine Monday week so am anticipating I’ll have the same issue. Did you buy yours through Eurovans? Very eager to hear their response and I’ll also bring it up during collection.

Yes, EuroVans. I’m going to put them on notice of the faults I have so I have a record of it but as I wouldn’t get the warranty work done there, not sure if it would make much difference. I really need to put VWCV on notice so it’s on my warranty record. Probably the only way to do that is to get it inspected as part of warranty work. However, I don’t see the point in getting the canvas replaced until there’s an improved design. And they won’t do that while they’re not acknowledging there’s a widespread problem. I also don’t want the old canvas as, apart from the leaky seam, they seem a big improvement in terms of folding, thickness and warmth.

 

[HIGGINS]

Why accept a new vehicle with faults??

 

[RockinNRollin]

The faults aren’t necessarily visible on collection and others have demonstrated on here that the bellows and tailgate can both survive a hosepipe test (which is what a dealer would do, even if you insisted on having the test done before collection) even when defective. I’ve not tested my bellows with the hose but I did hose test the tailgate by thoroughly watering the gutter area for 20 minutes: pass. A rainy night: fail.

 

[HIGGINS]

They don’t have to be visible on collection?
There is enough evidence on here to confirm a problem!

Why would you pay and take possession of any new item! That you know to have history of being faulty???

Would you take possession of the vehicle if it had history of blowing an engine after 200miles??
There wouldn’t be signs on engine problems on collection!!!