California tailgate struts

Brownyb · Dec 13, 2012

This being my first post, let me introduce myself a bit. I had a T3 Westfalia for years, put an Subaru engine in it and drove all over Europe in it. Good times but it was time for a change and I have now upgraded to a T5 california, well pleased with it. It is a 2005 model and we use it almost every day also for the daily commute. Oh, and I live in the Netherlands but I hope you won't hold it against me.

Now for my question: When opening the tailgate on our van I noticed that after opening it fully, it would sometimes drop a few inches. So I ordered new struts for my California, being 1250 kN ones, from a specialised company in the UK. After fitting them however, the tailgate closes and will not stay up at all anymore. So I contacted them and they said that I had failed to mention that I have a VW bike rack fitted, and that I need uprated struts. I then checked with our Dutch VW importer, and they mentioned that 1250 kN is the highest rating available for California's, and should be used with or without bike rack without problems.

So I am confused now, is the company right about their claim that I need uprated struts or is VW right that it should make no difference. What ratings are mentioned on your van's struts and do they work with the Vw bike rack?

Thanks for any replies which could clarify this!

Berry

inthemidnighthour · Dec 13, 2012

Hi
We have a 2012 cali and bought the vw bike rack several months later ,we followed the instructions and didnt need to upgrade the struts.
with no bikes the tailgate is fine

hope this is some help

dave and lisa :clap

slowcoach65 · Dec 13, 2012

Hi,

The scan below is from the fitting manual for the VW bike rack, put on my 2012 Cali by VW. As you will see, it states the California and Multivan do not need the struts upgrading. I've just checked my Cali and the struts are 1250kN.

My tailgate does need pushing quite a bit but it doesn't drop. have you loaded the tailgate space, where the chairs go? If not, I suspect your new struts are faulty.

Hope this helps.

Andy

Brownyb · Dec 15, 2012

Just the info i needed! Thank you very much for your help in this.

Berry

SimonSpain · Dec 15, 2012

I have just bought a new 2012 Cali and have the fantastic...and very useful....VW bike rack. The tailgate lifts and holds up fine, and I have even loaded some side panels for the awning from the great folk that make the Cali Topper and a few other bits also and it still holds up fine although the increased weight is noticeable when lifting the tailgate. Maybe it's my age though...

Good luck! Simon

Rob02 · Dec 15, 2012

Just a thought it could be the Low temputures in the Netherlands mine failed in Low temputures had them replaced no problems maybe you just unlucky & picked a couple of faulty ones.

davidxhobbs · Dec 16, 2012

I have a 54 reg LHD California import and two winters ago (very cold) had the problem of the tailgate dropping on my head when I was putting groceries in the back. I was going to have the struts replaced but as the weather warmed up the problem went away and has not returned.
I have decided to put the groceries in the side door if the weather gets really cold again!

SimonSpain · Dec 16, 2012

I was in maybe zero temps and it seemed ok, but I did have to raise it full for it to stay up. Sure temp would make some difference although VW must test for extreme temps I am sure!

Barryjm · Dec 16, 2012

One thought... The bike rack is easy to remove, try removing it, if the problem persists then contact the company and tell them. The easier way is leave the bike rack in place and just tell them you removed it and the problem remained. Not quite so honest, but it sounds like the company is just trying to fob you off.

Not sure if that expression works in the Netherlands?

Good luck!

Brownyb · Dec 22, 2012

Thank you for all your replies. The company contacted me again saying that they they need to upgrade the struts to 1450nM and that they would do it free of charge, apart from the shipping which costs me about £30 in total. It sounds nice of them, but I can't help but feeling they are screwing me over.

1. Nowhere on their website do they indicate an option for a t5 california with bike rack, or mention that in that case heavier struts are needed.
2. This is backed up by the original manual, saying californias are not affected by the installation of a bike rack
3. Your experiences tell me that 1250kN is sufficient in your vans

Thing is, if I do not invest another 30 quid, i am stuck with useless struts and can pay lots more to have a vw dealer sort it out. God, I do hate it when they got you by the ball like this. I get the feeling they know they do. I sure hope for you guys not all UK traders are like this!

Cheers, Berry

SimonSpain · Dec 22, 2012

I do hope you get it sorted! Maybe if it's an older T5 the struts have gone, or had a problem. For 30 quid, I'd be tempted to get them done. You'll have a guarantee then and if there is still a problem you can just keep getting them to sort it as it'll be their problem then under the guarantee! I've got a new 2012 which I bought new, as a 2 year old model with no guarantee was only 4000 euros less! But I know even new, we will have problems! VW...or any company...they're all the same I feel! I hope I am wrong! What I mean to say is, I'd get it sorted, get the warranty and then use it! 30 quid well spent maybe in the big picture!

Good luck and all the best! :cool