Leaking pop tops on 2023 California Oceans

[west hythe]

I had leaking 04S bellow replaced last week with 06S haven't tested yet. Fingers crossed.

 

[MarcHobbins24]

Does anyone still have 03s? Mine leaked when I first got the the van but it was in a heavy storm. Iv covered the bellows ever since but I’m book into listers Coventry on Friday because I have a DSG fault and Iv asked them to water test the bellows as well.
Iv just sprayed them for 20mins fine mist and surprisingly they have performed ok just some small droplets.

 

[OceanView2023]

Does anyone still have 03s? Mine leaked when I first got the the van but it was in a heavy storm. Iv covered the bellows ever since but I’m book into listers Coventry on Friday because I have a DSG fault and Iv asked them to water test the bellows as well.
Iv just sprayed them for 20mins fine mist and surprisingly they have performed ok just some small droplets.

I had my 03S replaced for 06S in Jan 2025

 

[The Little Red Cali]

Does anyone still have 03s? Mine leaked when I first got the the van but it was in a heavy storm. Iv covered the bellows ever since but I’m book into listers Coventry on Friday because I have a DSG fault and Iv asked them to water test the bellows as well.
Iv just sprayed them for 20mins fine mist and surprisingly they have performed ok just some small droplets.

I have 03s and they’ve never leaked. Been in some horrible weather as well. Have bought some Fabsil but not applied yet. Had many tents and awnings over the years and I’ve always treated them yearly anyway so have no problem in doing the same with the bellows when the time comes.

 

[Ged1625]

Breeze in Poole provided me with external Bellow side covers when I asked about my leaking 6S bellows free of charge. I believe that they have a limited number available. Not great customer service from VW HQ however, Breeze Poole have been great with all of the little issues I have had.

 

[Paul1]

Does anyone still have 03s? Mine leaked when I first got the the van but it was in a heavy storm. Iv covered the bellows ever since but I’m book into listers Coventry on Friday because I have a DSG fault and Iv asked them to water test the bellows as well.
Iv just sprayed them for 20mins fine mist and surprisingly they have performed ok just some small droplets.

I have O3S . First test leaked a bit after twenty minutes. Week later same test, no leaks. As a precaution sprayed with Aqua Tex. Was booked in for replacement for O4S but changed my mind because of the 5 yr warranty thought I’d wait to see the final fix. Decided to keep my O3S ( have a topper) after reading a few horror stories of fitting damage and relying on the - if it ain’t broke don’t fix it I’m keeping it.

 

[GreenMissile]

I find it difficult to understand how VW can get away with now stating that they are no longer going to replace the leaking bellows. Do not get me wrong I understand from a financial and model progression perspective why they are looking to go down that route, but from a moral point of view where they have replaced 03, 04, 05 bellows because they know they leak and are not fit for purpose to turn round now and adopt a completely different strategy is staggering!

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

I find it difficult to understand how VW can get away with now stating that they are no longer going to replace the leaking bellows. Do not get me wrong I understand from a financial and model progression perspective why they are looking to go down that route, but from a moral point of view where they have replaced 03, 04, 05 bellows because they know they leak and are not fit for purpose to turn round now and adopt a completely different strategy is staggering!

From a Customer service standpoint abysmal. Typical attitude of Dieselgate. I certainly will never buy another VW.

Our multi-replaced 03S bellows are extremely watertight. If they start leaking and VW refuse to replace under warranty I will obtain lots of pictures and videos, pay for 06S bellows myself (cost is about £1k fitted) and see them in court.

I suspect they will pay up the day before the hearing!!

 

[Blink982]

I’ve had 03S bellows since picking up my van over a year ago (73 plate) and thought I was fortunate as I’ve never had an issue. I did install a Thais pop top liner which I believe is similar to Isotop.

The rain in west Scotland last night was relentless and alas, the pop top leaked like a sieve so it looks like I will be seeking a solution. The leak has soaked the mattress and bedding so I’ve called the end to the trip and headed home.

It’s disappointing that VW UK have taken this stance. I haven’t contacted my local VW commercial centre yet. Before I do, does Aquatex solve the issue and have the latest 06S bellows proved to be the answer?

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

I’ve had 03S bellows since picking up my van over a year ago (73 plate) and thought I was fortunate as I’ve never had an issue. I did install a Thais pop top liner which I believe is similar to Isotop.

The rain in west Scotland last night was relentless and alas, the pop top leaked like a sieve so it looks like I will be seeking a solution. The leak has soaked the mattress and bedding so I’ve called the end to the trip and headed home.

It’s disappointing that VW UK have taken this stance. I haven’t contacted my local VW commercial centre yet. Before I do, does Aquatex solve the issue and have the latest 06S bellows proved to be the answer?

No way would I be trying to fix that with Aquatex. From what you described sounds like my original 03S. I still haven't worked out how the third replacement 03S is watertight. Rumour the dealer treated them to avoid rejection but who knows, maybe I just got lucky.

Straight forward warranty job. If not, pay yourself and take VW to court. Take plenty of photos and videos.

The modifications incorporated into 06S and about a dozen iterations in between seem to have nailed the problem.

 

[Jw155]

I had my leaking bellows on 73 plate van replaced for 06 last October in Cornwall this weekend rained all night ,and leaked in same place as original ones.just ordered 2 cans of aqua tex see if that works,can’t be bothered with the hassle again.

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

Still on original 03s but they have never leaked, but were never fully tested before I applied Aquatex. Since no leaks under hose test or prolonged windy rain. They could obviously still leak but I keep an eye on the weather apps and if stormy weather is due I will put a pop top cover on. TBH I would rather keep these than trust VW to do a replacement unless I really have too.