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Topic: Is my SiM punctured?

tiacat

29/5/2016 at 11:53am
Location: Kent
Outfit: Karma Canvas 5m ZIG

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We have the Grand Canyon 10cm extra wide SIMs, they are very comfortable. We use them on top of a Chatsworth sun lounger, which has some mechanisms at the side to pull the back up and down.

The width of the sim goes over these mechanisms and Im wondering if they have punctured my SIM.

It blows up ok but next morning its a bit flatter in the middle. We cant seem to find a hole, how do you find holes anyway seeing as you cant wet them (or can you?).

Im wondering whether when Ive been sitting on the edge of the bed putting socks on or something, the mechanism of the lounger has cut into the sim, would this even be possible?

Or is it time for a new one, its only had 8 outings (the other one is ok)

katedow

29/5/2016 at 3:49pm
Location: West Coast Scotland
Outfit: Kampa Frinton 4 Classic

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oops wrong thread

Post last edited on 29/05/2016 16:07:12

armchaircamper

29/5/2016 at 10:05pm
Location: Aberdeenshire
Outfit: Several tents and a hammock

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It doesn't sound as if you have much of a leak if the sim is only a bit flatter in the middle. I once had a punctured sim and it was completely flat. I suspect the cat had put his claws into it. No way could I find the holes until I dampened it and saw bubbles. It took several attempts to find all the holes and patch them up with tenacious tape but I'm still using that sim several years on.

As you know where you suspect the leak to be you could easily check by inflating it, wiping the area with a little slightly soapy water and leaning on the mat to force the air out of any holes. If you find one, mark it with a pen or something as they are impossible to find again. Check the valves too in case air is escaping from them.

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dk168

30/5/2016 at 11:33am
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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There is no reason why a SIM cannot be submerged in water to find a leak.

As for protecting the SIM in future, wrapping the chair or bed mechanism that may cause a leak is a good idea, and I believe that had been mentioned in the past.

DK

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Campernic

30/5/2016 at 12:07pm
Location: Northern Ireland
Outfit: Bell Tent Vango Coleman and Quechua

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you can spray soapy water on to the sim too, just use a bit of fairy. It will bubble wherever the leak is - if you have one.

I don't think you do though. I think it's just the way the air is distributed around the inside of the sim.

tiacat

06/6/2016 at 9:15pm
Location: Kent
Outfit: Karma Canvas 5m ZIG

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Thanks everyone, we will try this in a couple of weeks.

cabravieja

08/6/2016 at 5:40pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: quechua

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Squeeze all the air out, close the valves and roll up. Leave for a week. If it has inflated it is leaking but suspect you don't have enough air in. You need to puff some extra air in when it has inflated.

Bob61

09/6/2016 at 1:01pm
Location:
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The inside of a SIM is basically a big sponge. When you roll it up you force all the air out and when you open the valve again it sucks air back in until it has reached it's capacity. If there is a hole in the outer and you put it under water you could end up with a bag containing a very soggy (and heavy) sponge. I think the damp soapy cloth idea is best.

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