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Topic: Leaky tent.

wilsonclanx6

04/5/2015 at 3:55pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Avondale Dart 556 6

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Hi all,

We are in need of advice.

We are very new to tenting, having been caravanners in the past. But had to sell our van due to storage prices and not using it much at all. Now the kids are older we are having our main hol in cottages. But we have friends who go camping and wanted to still have the odd weekend with them, hence the new (to us tent)

We actually bought it a couple of years ago from ebay and it was given its first outing this weekend. And it leaked. Like a bloody sieve!

We think its coming in from the seams, but not really sure. Can you buy something to seal it? Like dubbing you put on walking shoes? Asked out camping buddies, but they have never had a leak so they didnt know.

Its actually a decent tent, a Zenobia 5 and fits us all in quite snugly. If we could just make it watertight it would be great.

Also.....any suggestions about sleeping equipment would be great. Tried an army style campbed with our mattress topper on the first night. NIGHTMARE!! So bought an airbed to put on campbeds with mattress topper on that, slightly better, but still not great. As I am a larger lady, I need something robust. :)

Thanks all.

xx

kevin82

04/5/2015 at 4:07pm
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Outfit: Outwell Monty 6 + awning

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Outwell tents come with a bottle of seam sealer, although I've never had to use it I'm not sure if it's up to large repair jobs.

How many of there are you?

-------------
Outwell Montana 6 with awning, Vango Adventure Tarp and a trailer full of beer

wilsonclanx6

04/5/2015 at 4:11pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Avondale Dart 556 6

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Hi,

Thanks for the post kevin.

There are 5 of us plus dog. But soon to be 4 as our eldest son starts his Phase 1 Basic training at Catterick in July. So for just the 4 of us it will be just the right size for weekends away.

:)

kevin82

04/5/2015 at 4:15pm
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Outfit: Outwell Monty 6 + awning

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Ok, something like this

seam sealer

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Outwell Montana 6 with awning, Vango Adventure Tarp and a trailer full of beer

Bob61

04/5/2015 at 5:57pm
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Bear in mind that 5 of you plus a dog will exhale at least 6 pints of water every night which can condense on the roof and run down the corners making it look like it's leaking.

I am assuming you had all the vents open to combat condensation problems.

If it is the seams then remove the bedroom pods and run sealant over every seam that you think is leaking. Don't put the tent away until the sealant has fully dried because it is like glue and may stick bits of the fly you don't want stuck.

RichJean+Ellie

04/5/2015 at 7:10pm
Location: Telford Shropshire
Outfit: Kampa croyde 6 Series 3

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As already said seam sealant would be your first port of call. McNett Seam Grip is very good. You need to apply it along the seams and make sure it is worked well into the stitch holes.

If it isn't the seams then it could be condensation, or worst case it could just be the rent is past its lifespan. Polyester tents have a finite life span and UV from the sun degrades the fabric over time. You say you bought the tent off eBay so there is a good chance the previous owner used it a lot in which case the fabric has been degraded. Does the fabric look "milky" or scrunchy to the touch?

-------------
May 2015 - Arrow Bank 4 nights
July 2015 - Manorafon 4 nights
August 2015 - Piccadilly Caravan park 3 nights
August 2015 - Wheal Rodney 11 nights

wilsonclanx6

05/5/2015 at 9:06am
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Avondale Dart 556 6

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Hi,

Thanks for all your comments.

Dont think its condensation as we had all the vents open, plus a heater on the first night and it was as dry as anything inside.

It was the second night when the rain started that it leaked. You could see it running down the seams.

It doesnt look milky ans feels quite smooth and silky to the touch.

We are going to wait till we get a really warm, breezy day and have a go at the seam sealer stuff thats been recommended. Fingers crossed it will work.

It really is an ideal tent for us, layout, size for packing away and perfect for the odd few weekends away and it would be a shame to have to get rid of it.

Thanks everyone.

x

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