Grand California Wet Room

[Jester]

Unfortunately VW have IMO used the incorrect silicone to seal and joint the corners of the Wet room. As only after a short time less than 12 months the silicone joints have come away from the sides.

What we need to know is the exact make up of the plastic panels so we can identify the correct silicone To be used. As advised via Sika.

We can keep going back to our dealership but they will only use the original specified product.

So dose anyone know what the plastic side panels are made from.

Thanks,

 

[The Yorkshireman]

Hi sorry I don’t know what plastics are used but having re sealed the wet room there are different materials used in it’s construction.
I tried to get the dealer to do it while it was in the Bodyshop but they only did the top edge and a third way down one side.
I used BAL Mircomax it’s been ok so far.
It’s not an easy job!
Good luck

 

[Jester]

Hi sorry I don’t know what plastics are used but having re sealed the wet room there are different materials used in it’s construction.
I tried to get the dealer to do it while it was in the Bodyshop but they only did the top edge and a third way down one side.
I used BAL Mircomax it’s been ok so far.
It’s not an easy job!
Good luck

Thanks for responding and you’re recommendation and advising how far the dealership will go as I say I contacted Sika they say that not all silicones stick, so hence the inquiry.
Will

 

[T3Z-GB]

I have the same task ahead of me, the dealer has committed to redo the wet room, but will probably also just do along the top of the Basin and down the side.

 

[Jester]

I have the same task ahead of me, the dealer has committed to redo the wet room, but will probably also just do along the top of the Basin and down the side.

Hi Terry be interesting to know what silicone they will be using.

 

[Chainline]

So how do you fine people determine this has become a problem? Do you notice de-bonding or leaking?

Despite the challenge is this something that ‘might’ be arrested by a shower curtain? The fact the bathroom appealed partly due to the lack of one is frustrating but I’d rather avoid leaking issues and it’s not the easiest retro with suction fittings but possible.
I think I’ve 16 months warranty left.

Has anyone asked vw this question? The interior is so close to the Sven Hedin and bathroom looks identical perhaps westfalia could advise.

 

[Jester]

Well I’m sure most would ident the silicone is debonding and coming away from the corners before water ingress.
Sika were insistent I identify what the plastic was used before they would recommend a sealant but we’re really happy to help.

Any contacts within Westfalia?

 

[NeillyG]

I had to redo the silicone about 3 weeks after purchase. Was coming away in several places. Asked a plumber who was doing some work on the house and he recommended using CT1 multi-solve once silicone removed as thinks the problem is the panels have had a coating or something that should have been prepared before silicone but was not.
I removed all the silicone. Used that stuff and then he recommended:

Everbuild General Purpose Mid Modulus Silicone Sealant for Fixing PVCu Trims, Cladding and Panels - White - 280 ml​

Says he thinks it’s the most reliable. Not the most expensive but best he’s found.

It was a hellish job getting in around the toilet etc but not had any issues since i did it.

The dealership said they’d redone it for another customer who then commented it wasn’t the best job to which they replied it was a mechanic doing his best.

Mine is in getting new Fridge and step. Should have been a tap as well. Was ordered in May and taken in a week ago but they just realised today they need a tool for fitting the new tap. Guess it’s to cut the new sized hole. Bit annoying it needs to go in again for a third time to get this done as it’s a right pain getting it there and collecting it. Still will be pleased when these jobs are completed.

 

[Chainline]

I’m just pleased you can get the tap fixed. My dealer won’t do it currently..

 

[NeillyG]

I’m just pleased you can get the tap fixed. My dealer won’t do it currently..

It was the Glasgow dealership. I told them I didn’t have a problem as I never use the tap. Been so sure it will have an issue I either use the tap in toilet or if I do use the sink one I keep it as far down as possible and immediately dry it. Dealership said they had had to change a few and some more than once so they seemed happy to change for a the new one rather than wait for the inevitable failure.
Think he had some sympathy for owners having issues and maybe as it was in for step and fridge as well they figured as well to do it.
Seems to be some flexibility. Can’t see why dealership wouldn’t do it if they could though.

 

[Eber123]

Hello,

I think it is terrible if VW dealers won't change the tap in the kitchen, stuppernly wait until there is a reproducible issue.

I know they will only get paid by VW if they get the ok, but on the other side it is not that expensive to change the tap. So for customer service they should do it.

Before my holidays I contacted my VW Service advisor and asked to get the tap changed. He suggested to get the camper in for a day so they can test it and see if there is a problem. I didn't accept that at all and contacted the sales person in the VW dealer and complaint about the long winded, unnecessary complicated process for a part that everybody knows cause problems. I explained that on my planned 3 1/2 weeks holiday on the continent I don't want to have any "surprises" .

After my complaint I got an email on the next day too say that they install the new tap on the same day they oil service was scheduled and "travel check" is done.

Of course VW dealers have their processes with Volkswagen and they make sense, but there are situations that, at least should be considered, to "bypass" those processes.

At the end it is the quality of the VW dealer that make or break the customer experience with Volkswagen. Overall I am so happy that (so far) I can't complain about my VW dealer.

Best of luck to all Grand California users waiting still to get the tap changed. I hope it all works well.

Happy kitchen tap Grand California,
Eberhard

 

[Jester]

I had to redo the silicone about 3 weeks after purchase. Was coming away in several places. Asked a plumber who was doing some work on the house and he recommended using CT1 multi-solve once silicone removed as thinks the problem is the panels have had a coating or something that should have been prepared before silicone but was not.
I removed all the silicone. Used that stuff and then he recommended:

Everbuild General Purpose Mid Modulus Silicone Sealant for Fixing PVCu Trims, Cladding and Panels - White - 280 ml​

Says he thinks it’s the most reliable. Not the most expensive but best he’s found.

It was a hellish job getting in around the toilet etc but not had any issues since i did it.

The dealership said they’d redone it for another customer who then commented it wasn’t the best job to which they replied it was a mechanic doing his best.

Mine is in getting new Fridge and step. Should have been a tap as well. Was ordered in May and taken in a week ago but they just realised today they need a tool for fitting the new tap. Guess it’s to cut the new sized hole. Bit annoying it needs to go in again for a third time to get this done as it’s a right pain getting it there and collecting it. Still will be pleased when these jobs are completed.

Great thread thank you for the detailed information NeillyG, with regard to beading you can either do it or you can’t and the should be no attempt to have a go.
thanks again.

 

[Chainline]

Vw customer service/commercial approved the tap replacement today after my email. Right result in the end.

 

[Jester]

Vw customer service/commercial approved the tap replacement today after my email. Right result in the end.

Good news and the correct decision via VW CC. well done.

 

[Mr T]

Vw customer service/commercial approved the tap replacement today after my email. Right result in the end.

Good news, well done!

 

[Hammer]

Unfortunately VW have IMO used the incorrect silicone to seal and joint the corners of the Wet room. As only after a short time less than 12 months the silicone joints have come away from the sides.

What we need to know is the exact make up of the plastic panels so we can identify the correct silicone To be used. As advised via Sika.

We can keep going back to our dealership but they will only use the original specified product.

So dose anyone know what the plastic side panels are made from.

Thanks,

sorry for late replay on this but had this issue on delivery of GC last year, it was raised as one of my snags but VW comments concerned me as clearly the engineers were not use to doing this type of work so ended up agreeing a £250 VW settlement and have done it myself. At present I have just done round toilet and door lip where I felt leaks would cause issues. There are areas higher up I need to do but at some point will just redo whole room.

Pictures of what mine arrived like below