Brand new roof bellows leaking!

[Paul E]

We recently had the roof bellows of our 2019, T6 Ocean replaced under warranty as they were leaking badly on one side. VW put in the new style canvas. We used it for the first time this weekend and found that water seaped through the side window seam and soaked the bedding. In the morning, you can clearly see the water dripping.
Does anyone have this experience and will it get any better or do I take it back to VW and demand they replace again?

 

[Jimmylondon07]

Strap in.

Leaking pop tops on 2023 California Oceans

Same date as mine, as well as the same Pers no. My serial number is 8 later than yours, and where yours says “3” mine says “10” - not sure what that no. relates to. But mine havent leaked [yet] having been out in two moderate to heavy soakings. Maybe mine will leak soon, but just adds to the...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Kev56]

Jeez this is becoming a joke.

 

[Jimmylondon07]

Yeah and a timely reminder that it's not just an issue for new vehicles.

 

[MarcHobbins24]

Welcome to the club unfortunately

 

[RockinNRollin]

Strap in.

Leaking pop tops on 2023 California Oceans

Same date as mine, as well as the same Pers no. My serial number is 8 later than yours, and where yours says “3” mine says “10” - not sure what that no. relates to. But mine havent leaked [yet] having been out in two moderate to heavy soakings. Maybe mine will leak soon, but just adds to the...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

You know, I can't decide if to laugh or cry at this . . .

 

[Paul E]

We recently had the roof bellows of our 2019, T6 Ocean replaced under warranty as they were leaking badly on one side. VW put in the new style canvas. We used it for the first time this weekend and found that water seaped through the side window seam and soaked the bedding. In the morning, you can clearly see the water dripping.
Does anyone have this experience and will it get any better or do I take it back to VW and demand they replace again?
View attachment 122056
View attachment 122054

Thanks everyone for the comments, I didn't realise just what a problem this is. What are VW saying about it and does anyone have experience of them doing anything about it?

 

[RockinNRollin]

Thanks everyone for the comments, I didn't realise just what a problem this is. What are VW saying about it and does anyone have experience of them doing anything about it?

I think you need to read the thread, start from the end and work your way backwards . . . it's too complicated a subject to explain easily and the current position is all unknowns.

 

[ArunAlec]

Thanks everyone for the comments, I didn't realise just what a problem this is. What are VW saying about it and does anyone have experience of them doing anything about it?

Suggest you continue posts on the existing thread rather than creating a new string of posts, I think this topic is set to run a while yet!
You aren’t alone!!

 

[OxonCalifornia]

Strap in.

Leaking pop tops on 2023 California Oceans

Same date as mine, as well as the same Pers no. My serial number is 8 later than yours, and where yours says “3” mine says “10” - not sure what that no. relates to. But mine havent leaked [yet] having been out in two moderate to heavy soakings. Maybe mine will leak soon, but just adds to the...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Why doesn’t the old thread show up in recent posts anymore yet people are still contributing?

 

[Kernowboy]

Why doesn’t the old thread show up in recent posts anymore yet people are still contributing?

Think it’s reached saturation point

 

[ArunAlec]

Why doesn’t the old thread show up in recent posts anymore yet people are still contributing?

The last post was last night, so not that recent.

 

[Fish111111111.]

Thanks everyone for the comments, I didn't realise just what a problem this is. What are VW saying about it and does anyone have experience of them doing anything about it?

How lucky are you feeling? people have had single succesful replacements , others like myself have had 2 or more and still not got a resolution. Lodge the fault asap and take a big breath its a bumpy ride.Good luck.

 

[Campertimemike]

Same problem with new bellows fitted 3 weeks ago (under warranty )but puddles of water inside van (22 reg) water dripping continuously at the bottom of the front corners of the bellows it’s like the rain is running down the fabric and then entering the van where the fabric reaches the rubber gasket. Dealer has sent videos to VW technical so hopefully get an update asap.

 

[OxonCalifornia]

Same problem with new bellows fitted 3 weeks ago (under warranty )but puddles of water inside van (22 reg) water dripping continuously at the bottom of the front corners of the bellows it’s like the rain is running down the fabric and then entering the van where the fabric reaches the rubber gasket. Dealer has sent videos to VW technical so hopefully get an update asap.

View attachment 124885

Sorry to hear this…are these recent replacements that leak O5S bellows ?

 

[Campertimemike]

Yep 05 bellows made in April 24 so that means a lot of possible problems for new vans as well !

 

[P600BOO]

Just spray all the seams inside and out with Aquatex and all your problems will be solved.
My May 2023 Ocean 4Motion poptop has just been well tested at the Donington Download Festival. It poured down all weekend with high wind and not a drop came through.
I'm surprised VW dealers don't spend less than 30 minutes spraying the seams with Aquatex on all new vehicles and those that have reported poptops leaking.

 

[OxonCalifornia]

Yep 05 bellows made in April 24 so that means a lot of possible problems for new vans as well !

Was this with rain or following your own hosepipe test?

 

[Campertimemike]

Just spray all the seams inside and out with Aquatex and all your problems will be solved.
My May 2023 Ocean 4Motion poptop has just been well tested at the Donington Download Festival. It poured down all weekend with high wind and not a drop came through.
I'm surprised VW dealers don't spend less than 30 minutes spraying the seams with Aquatex on all new vehicles and those that have reported poptops leaking.

That’s a good idea if it’s a material issue but I can see pinholes where the gasket meets material so think a problem with the finish

 

[Campertimemike]

Was this with rain or following your own hosepipe test?

Hi it was with rain over 5/6 hours overnight I think a hosepipe test may not have given enough of a test but folk should try this out with their new bellows for sure and check for leaks at the gasket join at corners

 

[P600BOO]

That’s a good idea if it’s a material issue but I can see pinholes where the gasket meets material so think a problem with the finish

They all have pin holes where they are stitched. The Aquatex stops the water wicking through

 

[Campertimemike]

Hi totally agree that the aquatex could help as it’s a fabric impregnator so would ensure material and seams would be proofed however the join between the rubber rand and the material is flawed and leaks, if I didn’t have it under warranty I would fix with a clear flexible sealant like aquasure.I do this with lots of outdoor gear and kayaking kit .
But will see what VW come back with now they have the videos and pics.

 

[TripleBee]

Time for VW to get their sing together.

My bellows were replaced in 2015 or 2016 when they fitted a new roof and front top spoiler due to the galvanic corrosion.
The original fabric bellows were replaced by the same fabric bellows, but a bit thicker, thus less light coming through.
I never had any issues with water seaping through.
Even last spring, my van was parked sideways in the wind and rain. Heavy wind and heavy rain. Apart from condensation on the inside, and the canvas getting wet, still no water coming through the seams, after 8 years of use.
Now they think they made a good product, but the seams are as leaky as a broken tap.

Sorry to hear all your problems with the new style bellows. And I really hope VW can sort this problem out.