Had our vango icarus since 2010 and used it several times and love it. We have lots of trips booked this year so thinking of getting porch for it. However took it away bank hol weekend and one of the poles split while we were putting it up, We somehow manged to rip the tent (only about 3cm on area where pole goes through) not related to split pole and when we got tent up noticed brown patches on tent and window area....gave it all a wipe with antiseptic wipes and appears to have worked, gaffa taped the pole and left the small tear. NOW what shall we do....buy a new tent or buy a new pole? I say first option but husband says latter.
Poles are an easy fix, if youre slighty diy minded, or alot of tenty shops will repair them for you. Tenacious tape will fix the tear, or needle and thread. However, the psycological damage is harder to repair, it is so annoying/upsetting when a tent gets hurt, its just not the 'same' anymore is it? When we got wed last august we used all three of our tents for guests to stay in with us, needless to say it was a wet weekend, and because we were camping for an extra week we couldnt dry them out til we got home. That week was enough for the dreaded mould - gutted. It was the first time out for the Diablo too, we've never even slept in it!!
we have found new poles for few pounds but really worried about the brown patches do you think it is mould? if so will the mould will just come back or can we get rid of it?
With tents being synthetic fibers mould doesn't have anything to sink in to so if you cleaned it off and it's gone then it should be gone. Same as if a pair of swimming shorts go mouldy because you forget to wash them. Clean them and it's all fine :).
In terms of new tent or pole, I'd say stick with the one you have. What happened could just as easily happen to a new tent, I don't see it as a reason to upgrade if you're happy with what you have.
------------- There is a place to hide, it's in our minds.
Outfits:
Hi Gear Kalahari 8 (Plus porch)
Vango Icarus 500 (Plus enclosed front canopy)
Hi Gear Solus Horizon 4
Vango Banshee 200
Vango Dart DLX 350
Vango Alpha 250
Yellowstone Alpine 2