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Hi there,

We took out our trailer tent to give it an airing and a mouse has enjoyed itself over the winter.  There are 5 holes..biggest one is 10 cm x 10 cm.  Does anyone know of a good repair kit?  I've tried various repair outlets but none of them can have it done for 21st July which is when we've booked to go to cheddar gorge camping...arrrrgh.

I saw this on ebay..and wondered if it might do?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5217175250&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I'd like to try and get a repair kit in UK as we'd hopefully get it in time to fix the holes.  Also..I'm looking for a waterproofing spray to seal my repairs.  Sob..it's defo a disaster.

Hoping you guys can point me in the right direction.

Kind regards

Carol Ann

Hi,

I repaired a TT last year and bought the necessary fabrics from www.pointnorth.co.uk.  I needed canvas and midge netting for the windows.  If you are able to sew or have an industrial machine it is possible to repair yourself.

I ended up setting my industrial machine up in the garden so I did'nt have to struggle getting the TT canvas indoors!

You will need to seam seal where you have stitched and I bought the necessary stuff from Camping International.  Sorry, can't remember what it was called but it came in a tube and was very effective.  I don't know if a waterproof spray would work so well.

In desperation, I expect you could use duct tape as a temporary measure just so you can go on your holiday.  Duct tape had been used on the TT I repaired and the previous owners said it caused them no problems.  I can't imagine this is a long term solution though!

Hope this is of some help and that you get away on your holiday!

Sandy.

(Jazzycats).

Hi there,

I'd dearly love to be able to fix on my own but don't have an industrial sewing machine.  I have written to the point north though..even if I could get some swatches of material I might be able to find someone who does have an industrial sewing machine.

I tried the following number for the tent clinic but it doesn't seem to be correct..is there a wee typo maybe?   0191 275 35535

Have also tried the Mountain gear people but they can't fix in time...and indicated they weren't happy about fixing mouse holes due to the unsavoury nature of the fact there might well be mice droppings hence the machinist couldnt' be expected to fix the holes.  I tried assuring him there were none..but he didn't seem convinced!..so that's that avenue snookered.

Still..onwards and upwards....as you say..last resort..duck tape!

thanks for your help guys

Kind regards

Carol Ann

Hi there,

Thanks for that tip.  I'll give it a try re hand sewing.  Have you any advice on what to waterproof the repairs with?

Phew..we'll get there yet.

Thanks in advance

Carol Ann

As well as hand sewing you could first stick the patches on using canvas glue, a bit like copydex.  I usually use fabsil, which you can get in a spray or a tin which you can 'paint' on.  Whilst away a couple of years ago, due to storm damage we had to do an emergency repair and we glued patches on to both sides of the hole, and then we sprayed the patch with fabsil.  It worked really well and stayed put in force 8 gales!!

Shirley

Hi Cahaa ........ I have repaired awning roof with self adhesive decorating frieze .... stuck to both inside and outside so they touch over the hole ..... must say hole is about the size of 50p - but been there for 3 yrs now and no leeks .... you hole maybe a bit to big

Not ideal, but might tide you over and it's free ..... pick a sample strip from any diy store

Also use the same on tears in the groundsheet .... nice big daisey's lol

Canvas glue (fabsil)..that sounds just the job.  I'll have a search online see where I can buy some..then if I get the canvas from point north..by golly..it all just might work!..lol

Thanks everyone for these suggestions.  I think if I'm really stuck Cas then I'll try the self adhesive border..which I've actually got two rolls of in the house already..result

Onwards and upwards..worse things happen at sea :-)

Carol Ann

woops, missed  a bit off on previous.... I should have said.......After sticking the repair fabric on I use fabsil for waterproofing.

  Both the glue and the fabsil can be bought at most camping shops.

I have also bought canvas from point north and it is really good quality

Shirley

Here's the latest..

I contacted point north by phone, as I'd emailed but they hadn't answered, and they were so so so helpful.  So they're sending canvas, dark green and off white, I just went for it..having not seen swatches, at the end of the day, it's only temporary.   Anyways..canvas, leather glue, fabsil and duck tape (belts and braces!!!).  They deliver next day for a fiver, so it all comes tomorrow.  It all very reasonable.  Whole lot came to £16..including delivery!

There's a light at the end of the tunnel. 

A happy camper....   :-)

Couldn't have done it without all your help though.  Soooo pleased.  Thanks everyone.

Kind regards

Carol Ann

brilliant..a denim needle..I never thought of that.  I know someone who's got an ordinary machine..she did my bedroom curtains :-)...she's a whiz...I'm sure if I asked her she'd do it.

It gets better and better!  I might even get it properly fixed in time!

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeee

Carol Ann

Glad to see you are getting sorted, you will be able to have that holiday after all.  Hope you have a wonderful time.

Shirley