Damage to pop-top canvas?

[EdiAli]

I'm just in the process of finalising my MP purchase (online) when I noticed some slight damage to the pop-top canvas bellows. Had the dealer check it more closesly and they advise that it's only some "fraying" to the outer layer and the integrity of the canvas hasn't been compromised - see pics.

Has anyone had/seen similar damage? If so, has it presented you with any problems? Has anyone ever repaired their bellows?

Any thoughts/advice on this gratefully received.

 

[Epigram]

I am not aware of anything on this forum about repairs to roof bellows but others may correct me.
There are a number of posts on the California forum. The California roof seems to be more prone to snagging to the extent that there are after market bungee straps to hold it in when lowering. (Or there may be more of them and more to get damaged! )
The MP roof seems slightly better designed in respect of the clearance between the scissor jacks and the roof bellows. However, that no cause for complacency, the interlock to open the window is not foolproof and it sometimes allows the roof to close without opening a window which, if continued would blow the bellows Outwards.
The damage in the photo is nowhere near the scissor jacks so the cause is different. I would be inclined to look carefully on the inside to understand how was caused. In terms of repair it is a matter of trawling the California forum, deciding what is acceptable to you cosmetically and striking a good deal.
Good luck !

 

[Coffindodger]

I am not aware of anything on this forum about repairs to roof bellows but others may correct me.
There are a number of posts on the California forum. The California roof seems to be more prone to snagging to the extent that there are after market bungee straps to hold it in when lowering. (Or there may be more of them and more to get damaged! )
The MP roof seems slightly better designed in respect of the clearance between the scissor jacks and the roof bellows. However, that no cause for complacency, the interlock to open the window is not foolproof and it sometimes allows the roof to close without opening a window which, if continued would blow the bellows Outwards.
The damage in the photo is nowhere near the scissor jacks so the cause is different. I would be inclined to look carefully on the inside to understand how was caused. In terms of repair it is a matter of trawling the California forum, deciding what is acceptable to you cosmetically and striking a good deal.
Good luck !

Ditto, I have the same problem on my 2010 MP. I have put reinforcing patches over the damaged area which is snagged by the scissors mechanism and ensure when lowering the PopTop I do it in stages.
Whilst I stay in the van to engage the switch I also pull in the folds to create the ‘concertina slabs’ and my wife ensures there are no snags outside. Attention should also be focused on the front where the locking mechanism can damage the fabric if not folding correctly. I always pull in the fabric and lay out the folds.
Whole process is done in about 4/5 stages, a faff but not a problem.
On damaged areas I have also sprayed with canvas waterproofing.
As already mentioned the Calafornia sell a ‘bungee belt but I have not used one so unable to comment but appears to work.
Hope this is a help, any feedback would be appreciated.
Good luck


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[EdiAli]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, due to lockdown, I can only go off the dealer video, these photos and what the dealer tells me. It's hard to tell exactly the extent of the damage and cause.

It looks to me that the canvas has caught in the locking mechanism. The dealer video confirms that the canvas hasn't been fully penetrated which for me is the main concern. I guess I'll have to negotiatewith the dealer on the value of the cosmetic impact and risk of future problems and see where we get to. Whilst annoying, i don't think it's a deal breaker.

Out of interest @Coffindodger, what did you use by way of reinforcing patches on yours?

 

[Coffindodger]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, due to lockdown, I can only go off the dealer video, these photos and what the dealer tells me. It's hard to tell exactly the extent of the damage and cause.

It looks to me that the canvas has caught in the locking mechanism. The dealer video confirms that the canvas hasn't been fully penetrated which for me is the main concern. I guess I'll have to negotiatewith the dealer on the value of the cosmetic impact and risk of future problems and see where we get to. Whilst annoying, i don't think it's a deal breaker.

Out of interest @Coffindodger, what did you use by way of reinforcing patches on yours?

Some reinforced canvas repair patches bought as a kit from a local camping shop.


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[Coffindodger]

Furthermore I am unable to see in the pictures the ‘black bellows guide. Mine has broken on one side which has in my case has aggregated the problem. It’s a thin strip of very flexible plastic that is attached to the mechanism. It’s not perfect and needs to be ‘helped’ from time to time but worth having. One of mine is broken hence I am able to comment. Unfortunately it is not sold separately but as part of the scissors mechanism for which I was quoted around £400.
If the guides are missing then point that out to your seller and get it addressed or get him to reduce the price accordingly.

Just in front of the scissors mechanism you will see a thin black strip, check you have these in place.


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[EdiAli]

Ditto, I have the same problem on my 2010 MP. I have put reinforcing patches over the damaged area which is snagged by the scissors mechanism and ensure when lowering the PopTop I do it in stages.
Whilst I stay in the van to engage the switch I also pull in the folds to create the ‘concertina slabs’ and my wife ensures there are no snags outside. Attention should also be focused on the front where the locking mechanism can damage the fabric if not folding correctly. I always pull in the fabric and lay out the folds.
Whole process is done in about 4/5 stages, a faff but not a problem.
On damaged areas I have also sprayed with canvas waterproofing.
As already mentioned the Calafornia sell a ‘bungee belt but I have not used one so unable to comment but appears to work.
Hope this is a help, any feedback would be appreciated.
Good luck


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Thanks for your reply. I'll lt you know how i get on with the dealer and when I get a first hand look at the damage. Out of interest what did you use by way of reinforcing patches on yours?

 

[EdiAli]

Furthermore I am unable to see in the pictures the ‘black bellows guide. Mine has broken on one side which has in my case has aggregated the problem. It’s a thin strip of very flexible plastic that is attached to the mechanism. It’s not perfect and needs to be ‘helped’ from time to time but worth having. One of mine is broken hence I am able to comment. Unfortunately it is not sold separately but as part of the scissors mechanism for which I was quoted around £400.
If the guides are missing then point that out to your seller and get it addressed or get him to reduce the price accordingly.

Just in front of the scissors mechanism you will see a thin black strip, check you have these in place.


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Thanks. Just checked the dealer video and they in place and seemingly undamaged on both sides.

 

[Happycamper]

I had a very similar tear in the bellows but had it replaced under warranty by my dealer, Mercedes Brooklands

 

[Ranger67]

I have similar on mine and I sprayed it with the Kampa waterproofing that they use on tents. No issues other than cosmetic.

 

[EdiAli]

Thanks Ranger67 - helpful.

Dealer has 'investigated' and submitted a warranty claim, stating that the damage is being caused by the canvas not folding correctly against the latching frame. I'll just have to see where that goes! And in the meantime, re-waterproof and keep a close eye on it.

 

[Coffindodger]

Also be aware when dropping the PopTop, the folds can also foul the centre lock. As I said before, my wife watches the outside and I the inside and I now (having experienced a foul-up on the centre lock) pay particular attention and always ‘assist’ the folds on front end when closing.


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[MartinT]

Hi, I have the same problem with my MY 2011. For several years it was just a visual damage however now I found that there is a small hole which is getting bigger... I go it touch with Westfalia dealer and they told me that only MB dealers can repair the pop-up roofs. However our MB dealer has none experience with this kind of repair. Moreover they quoted the repair for 3,5t€. So I got the tent repair patch which I have not installed yet. I am afraid that it will peal of after some time.

I have been looking around for some external roof wrap which could work as a protection and can be folded down. What I found so far is just a thermal and moisture insulation (e.g.Comfortz) which has to be dismounted when you want to collapse the roof. Do you have some other tips please?
Another idea I had was to get in touch with some upholsterer and have the canvas fixed there.

 

[persuaders]

+1 here we have the same, although i'm now more concerned about my cracked roof. Seems to me that Merc rushed these out without testing them as stringently as they should and blame us for mis-use. Givern these pop up roofs are not up and down all that often they do not seem to be standing the test of use. Even a cheap Ikea chair or kitchen goes through more testing- come on Merc/Westfalia stand behind your products.

 

[Samebutdifferent]

10yrs old and not standing the test if time? Come on MB and Westfalia, shocking.

 

[persuaders]

10yrs old and not standing the test if time? Come on MB and Westfalia, shocking.

Where do you get 10 years from? These vehicle conversations have several design flaws that seem to get completely overlooked. Off the top of my head, scrubbing front tyres, snagged canvases, cracked and blistered roofs. Shocking indeed.