Hi all we have just come back from an enjoyable 2 weeks camping hols in S/W Wales.
Only problem is that our tent, an Outwell Vermont XL, which is about 4 years old leaked from most of the seams and through the fabric too.
Tomorrow we'll take the tent to the mil's and attempt to dry it out but we think it really needs reproofing and attention to the taped seams in places.
Does anyone have any recommendations for companies that could carry out the repairs please, preferably in the west mids area?
How many weeks in total do you think you've used the tent in the last four years? I ask because the lifespan of a decent quality synthetic tent is usually no more than 6 months cumulative use, max. The tent flysheet is vunerable to UV exposure and after a while it will start to break down and delaminate. If you camp a lot in very sunny weather the UV exposure will be higher and the fabric will break down faster.
Have a look inside the tent at the affected areas of the flysheet. Does the fabric feel stiff, crunchy, look milky or have white streaks? All of these are signs of delamination and once this has started...well, you can possibly squeeze a couple of more trips out the tent by adding a coat of proofer, yes. But it's a time consuming job and proofer is not cheap. If the tent has started to delaminate it's usually time for a new tent.
Hi Val we have only had 7 weeks on hols since we bought it.
There doesn't appear to be any delamination in the fabric.
I did notice that one of the taped seams had 'peeled' and was not in contact with the flysheet/fabric, but thast was only one of the many areas where we had leaks.
Mmmm...very strange that an Outwell should start leaking after only seven weeks of use. It might be worth getting in touch with Outwell about it? The other question to ask yourself first though...sure it wasn't condensation that was making the inside wet?
TBH it's very unusual to have to reproof a synthetic tent, with the exception of the very hi-tech mountain ones that cost megabucks. Even when you reproof cotton canvas tents it's far more usual to do it yourself, not send it to someone. I don't think I've ever heard of a company that offers to reproof synthetic tents at all come to think of it. Though I'm interested if someone knows otherwise?
If you want to DIY reproofing and seam sealing though, it's pretty straightforwards. You will need to have somewhere you can erect it for two or three days though so it can dry out between the stages though.
Thanks for your advice Val.
Yesterady we managed to get the flysheet laid out in the front garden and we dried it out.
We might need to look at getting it reproofed but we dont plan to use it next year so theres no real rush. Finding somewhere to put it up and leave it for a few days is gonna be fun though.