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we have been using a hartford xl for 3 years now, never a leak, its a super tent,  and bank holiday weekend in cornwall it withstood some terrible wind and rain for 3 days, no problems at all.

Yes there were a lot of problems with the 2006 models and still the 2007 models.  But I have not heard ANY bad posts regarding the Hartford range.  I used to have one my self a few years ago when they first came out and it was totally reliable.  The Hartfords are  a completely different design to the Nebraskas and Vermonts which is where the majority of problems lie at the moment.  The design of the Hartford has not changed much so they cold not really have introduced any new problems. Of course there may be the odd faulty one in other models but generally the Hartford range has been bullet proof.

If it does leak then do not try and repair it with seam sealant unless the dealer tells you too and agrees to replace it after the fact.  Although they supply you with a repair kit and seam sealant this is really for later on in its life not whilst it is in warranty.  The Outwell tents are tape sealed and seam sealant should not be neccessary until that tape starts to go.  If it leaks ( no matter how small ) then take it back as most small leaks will turn into big ones later on.  Whilst it has a warranty use that warranty.

I have had lots of bad Outwell tents over the past 2 seasons but I don't think I would worry if I had tha Hartford.

Quote: Originally posted by GEORGEMCGUIGAN. on 15/6/2007

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hello mate i have an outwell indiana 8 you will get the odd leak the first time you use it thisis untill the waterproofing becomes intact with the fabric , i recomend you put tent up at home and then soak with hose pipe for at least a half hour this will solve the problem before your venture. also rub vasoline on the outer stiching this prevents zips leaking  good luck

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Nooooooo!

Sorry to contradict you, but it is surely not a good idea to rub vasoline on a tent! Petroleum jelly will damage the waterproofing - don't do it!

Also, whilst cotton canvas tents need to be weathered (ie wet and then allowed to dry) before first use, to seal the fabric (the cotton fibres swell and little holes subsequently close up and make it waterproof), this is not the case with synthetics. If it leaks, I'd say take it back!

Quote: Originally posted by Liddenham on 16/6/2007

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Quote: Originally posted by GEORGEMCGUIGAN. on 15/6/2007

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hello mate i have an outwell indiana 8 you will get the odd leak the first time you use it thisis untill the waterproofing becomes intact with the fabric , i recomend you put tent up at home and then soak with hose pipe for at least a half hour this will solve the problem before your venture. also rub vasoline on the outer stiching this prevents zips leaking  good luck

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Nooooooo!

Sorry to contradict you, but it is surely not a good idea to rub vasoline on a tent! Petroleum jelly will damage the waterproofing - don't do it!

Also, whilst cotton canvas tents need to be weathered (ie wet and then allowed to dry) before first use, to seal the fabric (the cotton fibres swell and little holes subsequently close up and make it waterproof), this is not the case with synthetics. If it leaks, I'd say take it back!

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 Dont worry about the Hartford XL... Myself and other Member "NobbyLear" both have had these up in some pretty bad weather.....No Leeks...Dont worry, you dont need to with the harford XL...my advice is go ang buy the canopy for the frount if you need a bit of sheltered seating/cooking  space... Click on my Gallery Image to see what it all looks like up....That weekend saw two full on thunderstorms ,one whilst we were pitching and the other on the seconed nite...with some haevy showers during the days ....no worries.. 

   get out there and stop worrying ...

  Happy Camping

  OutWard  

As you know might know its an inner pitching first tent so try and pitch it in the dry weather ...Also buy the footprint ground sheet..this will stop ya main groundsheet getting muddy,and helps to insulate the tent from the cold ground £30.00ish well spent