Ours split while in France a couple of weeks ago. 38 degrees and the heat must have softened the glue as the whole seam came apart. It was a bit of an effort to wind it all back in especially with the tension in the arms. Eventually managed to tape the awning closed but now not sure on best next steps. Was going to try and get new fabric but having read some replies here, may try VW first. Mines a 2016 Beach so out of warranty.
Fingers crossed
Sorry to hear that, sure is a growing list, perhaps especially for the ‘class of’ 2016
It really is unlikely VW will do anything if it’s that far out of warranty but you can of coarse try.
We spent all of June in Italy this summer and it held up well.
If you Are going to try and repair it this winter then the Stormsure adhesive is the one use. It’s very flexible and super strong. Whatever you do don’t use superglue.
I've ordered some from Amazon and will certainly give it a go. New fabric seems to be out of stock at the places I've looked.
If you take your time and mark it all out before you start there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get a first class job. The only other option is to take it somewhere who specialises in that type of work. But when I asked around there wasn’t anyone who had worked on the California two piece split awning.
UPDATE: Managed to get a replacement from VW Lancashire Vans and with a discount. So I now have a fully operational wind out awning (needing a new fabric obviously) available for sale or free or charity donation. Just needs picking up from an address in North West (near Garstang). what’s the best way to go about it? I dont want to take it to the dump!
Would it be possible to put a picture up so we can see the finished product? I’m sure there’s many who would be interested.
Just a followup for anyone reading in the future. VW Liverpool quoted £700 + VAT to replace.
Incredibly lucky to get it replaced at 50% after 7 years. We managed to get two thirds discount and that was 3 and a half years old. We paid £250 but worth every penny to have a one piece material awning.
Update. We are currently in Spain and the stormsure fix has failed. The seam has started to come apart again rendering the awning useless. I will have to bite the bullet and get a one piece replacement but the problem seems to be sourcing it. I even called the omnistor factory in Belgium to see if they could supply a replacement on my way home but they only sell to dealers. The search continues.
The Forum shop or Rose Awnings.
The forum shop sells replacement fabric, although it seems to be a lighter weight. I'm yet to road test / camp test it.
2014, still holding, but the seam was lifting here and there so I have recently added a little glue to try and stop it lifting more, because i thought lifting might lead to splitting later.
The awning material shouldn’t be any different from that used for domestic sun shades, so it is probably worth speaking to an installer when you get home. I would imagine they could either sell it off the roll or have a supplier.
Exactly the same for us. The stormsure fix has been working in sweden but not in Italys warm weather. Luckily I was near when it started splitting. Now I am going to buy a new one instead.
The VW California Club is the worlds largest resource for all owners and enthusiasts of VW California campervans.
