Hi folks - this debate about whether we should expect a tent to be completely waterproof is not new. Often, manufacturers include a small repair kit with a tube of seam sealant and with an advice leaflet to the effect that you need to check for leaks before camping - I am sure my Khyam Conquest 400 did.
The issue is this - if manufacturers individually tested every tent and then dried it out and packed it, the production costs would be astronomical and they could price themselves out of the market; quality control always has to be balanced against such considerations, so they usually test a sample from each batch. Of course if the tent is brand new and really not fit for purpose then an exhcange or refund should be made, and I think that applies in Ambmo3's case with the Vango Vail.
On the seams of a synthetic tent the fabric does not swell to fill the stitch holes as in canvas (which is why a new canvas tent needs to be soaked first, so that the fibres swell). So synthetic tents should have tape sewn into the seam too to seal the holes. However this is not a 100% guaranteed, especially on those areas where loops are sewn into the seam. It is therefore common to find that water wicks in through some of the loops and tags ( such as the ones for toggling up the bedrooms or window flaps/hanging lights etc).
So with any new tent of ours I will check these points and if there are just one or two leaks I will treat them with seam sealant on the inside. If the leaks were more extensive on a new tent then a refund/replacement would be in order.
With a second hand tent the issues are different. So to Ellie, I would say two things:
1) Regarding the friend you bought the tent off- is it possible they knew it leaked? - forgive me if this sounds cynical but I just wondered if that was why they decided the outdoor life did not suit....I just know that if i got a tent off a friend and then found a problem with it I would discuss it with them first.
2) You need to check to see if the leaking is through all parts of the fabric of the panels, or just on the seams as this will indicate what course of action is needed. If its the fabric then applying Fabsil to the outside (by spray can or by brushing on the liquid from with a paint brush) will help to provide some water resistance on the outside, though it will not actually improve the official waterproof rating of the fabric as this comes from the PU layer bonded to the inside of the fabric. It should be enough to help with the problem.
If it is just the seams that are leaking then you need a tube of seam sealant, which is applied along the seams to the inside of the tent. You need to make sure that this get under the edge of the seam and around the stitching especially around tags/loops (when I do this I use one of those kids paint brushes with stiff nylon brislte which is idal for really pushingthe sealnt into every cranny!). It needs at least 24 hours to dry and the tent must be dry when you apply it, also its a good idea to weight a loop with a peg whilst it dries, so that it does not stick to the inside of the flysheet, as the sealant is quite a gluey substance.
If it is leaking through both then you will need to follow both procedures! This may mean an extra cost of £10-15 ( which is why I think you should discuss it with your friend as they may offer to contribute or help, though that may depend on what kind of person they are and what your definition of friendship is....?) but if that gives you a useable big tent in stead of a useless one then maybe its will be worth it.
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Topic: Tent Waterproofer
