Nightmare Scenario: Pop-up Top Jams When Open

[The Lost Jockey]

I met someone on a campsite who related how they had been in a remote place in Scotland when their automatic pop-up roof jammed while up. It was a graphic tale and afterwards I wondered what I would do and if I was prepared.

I have a 2009 VW California T5 with an automatic pop-top. What do people do in terms of maintenance: prevention rather than cure! Should I get the key components tested yearly?

If I am in the same situation, is there an override on the central control panel?

Any advice or tips gratefully received on what to practically do. With thanks.

 

[Masher]

I guess it depends on the reason for it jamming. Could be hydraulics or maybe the scissors mechanism jammed or roof canvas caught up etc. I don’t know about T5 but on T6/6.1 there is a pressure relief screw on the hydraulic unit which you can use to lower it manually, assuming nothing mechanical is preventing it dropping down.

 

[WelshGas]

I met someone on a campsite who related how they had been in a remote place in Scotland when their automatic pop-up roof jammed while up. It was a graphic tale and afterwards I wondered what I would do and if I was prepared.

I have a 2009 VW California T5 with an automatic pop-top. What do people do in terms of maintenance: prevention rather than cure! Should I get the key components tested yearly?

If I am in the same situation, is there an override on the central control panel?

Any advice or tips gratefully received on what to practically do. With thanks.

All explained in the California Supplement Handbook available in the Resources section.