Just a quick one - got back from first camping trip with this tent and now having used in anger we have spotted one or two "minor" issues with the tent -
1 - The SIG seems in places to have been patched (one or two tapes other than the seams)
2 - The front door fly screen has some stitching missing (around 2cm) which means the screen is not attached. My concern being this is a weak point (if little person fell into the door it would rip for sure).
3 - The guy ropes (on one side) are worn through the luminous outer to the elastic inner (again very small "nicks" but non-the-less "nicks")
Is this "normal" for a tent of this size / price range?
Should it go back?
Or is this a phone up, complain, say not good enough and get some vouchers off future purchases job?
These Outwell tents are usually made to a very high standard and have few problems.
The patches on your SIG are not so unusual as they can be as a result of the quality control process at the factory.
The other problems are a little more suspect and it looks like you have been sold a "seconds" or a display tent.
I would definately demand a replacement. The Montana 6 has one of the best reputations out there and is indeed one of the most popular, for a very good reason; they are well made tents.
------------- The Sun always shines on TV.(and not on my caravan!)
had the same problem on the 2010 Vermont l sig patched and some other niggly bits contacted supplier Taunton leisure they said they have come across this problem before replaced my tent within 2days and upgraded it to 2011 model good customer care from Taunton leisure bad quality control outwell
1 Are you sure these are not reinforcement patches, ie below bedroom attachment points
2 Quality control issue
3 Are these worn where they went over the tent pegs
I would certainly contact your retailer and see what they have to say
------------- Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again
2 - yes - but significant enough for a return?? - I know that (for example) PC monitors / LCD TV's will state that "a certain percentage of "dead pixels" is to be expected (there are 250,000 or more)" - so tough basically - I wondered if the same applied for stitches in tents??
3 - nope - and all on RH side of tent and at different lengths of the guy rope
I think with an Outwell you have to envisage it lasting years if you think parts are going to fail prior to then, then take it back.
We on average camp probably 25 nights per year and i would certainly expect to still have an Outwell for 10yrs plus if i looked after it properly..
Given your answers I would ask for a replacement, sounds very much like a returned model gone back out by mistake
Can I ask where you bought it from
------------- Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again
Cheers everyone - think I'll phone em and request an exchange (although may do it after next weeks outing - haven;t got time to "test" a new tent - at least I know all the bits are there!!!)
Purchased from Go Outdoors - so they should be quibble free (I hope)
i think if its not just right then it should go back, my vermont xl has stitching coming away on one of the pole sleeves, i emailed pics to allweathers and they swiftly sent them on to outwell who are now sending me out a new flysheet, the tent has been used twice and the stitching would have only got worse, have a very good look around the tent next time its up
this is a very commonly reported problem with go outdoors's Monty 6's. They are often suspiciously stained and show signs of use. Many people on here suspect they are selling returned tents.
I'd call up and ask your retailer as tents shouldn't be repaired and then sold as new. Occassionally some will get thrpough Outwell's usually rigorous QC but not many...
Campingworld1`s comments above are correct. Sometimes QC fails with all suppliers.
I can however state that GO DO NOT sell used tents as new.
Instances this year have occurred where tents previously sent back to manufacturers have been returned to store as good stock by mistake. In all these instances everything will be done to sort customers out with a new tent.
I am more than happy to offer assistance with these queries/concerns where needed. The first point of call is to contact the store where the tent was purchased.
Please get in touch on here - always happy to help!
Thanks
Dave
------------- Dave Addy
Outdoor equipment buyer at Millets & avid camper
To be honest Andy - I suspected as much. GO seem very reputable and te sales guy couldn't have been more helpful! Even telling me to look up the price of some stuff on the iPhone before going to the till as he knew I could take advantage of the price match.
I'll return to store ASAP and let them sort it out.
Go have sold me 2 used tents vango maritsa 500s. Both had holes in. I complained to John Graham and spoke to someone called Helene in head office. Useless customer service