Message Forums

Well we have had our Montana 6 for just over 3 months and used it for 24 nights.

We really like the layout- the height, space and extras such as all the mesh etc.

However despite it being in heavy rain before we were away for the weekend 17/18th August in heavy rain and moderately high winds and it leaked! It appeared to be leaking from the seams above the windows, at the sides behind the bedrooms and forming puddles underneath the bedrooms. There is a double seam above the windows which filled up with water and it seemed to be dripping down from the top of the mesh vents. We used several bath towels to dry it up and had to sleep with the bedrooms partially detached and with towels spread along the sides. There was also a smaller leak near the front door.

We were arguing about what to do, with my wife wanting to seal it and me wanting to return it. We went to a tent display at the weekend and the owner was clear that we should return it. He also said we should try to do nothing ourselves.

I phoned the retailer today and then returned it and they said it will have to be sent back to Outwell and could take two weeks.

Now this tent is not entirely in an as-new condition. It is showing some signs of wear and tear, has been pitched 7 times and has been out in some difficult conditions - havn't they all this year?

So I await with interest what they will say. Never one to be down too long I am wondering what my next step will be. I really like the look of the Norfolk Lake although the local retailer we got the Monty from does not stock them. In fact we havn't been able to see any of the polycotton tents in the flesh.

So we are in the hands of Outwell - watch this space.....................

James

The number of Norfolk Lake owners on here has been increasing steadily throughout the year. 

I have only read about 1 2006 tent being returned for runs in the material.

The rest of us have had no problems with the 2007 models with the exception of a few missing pegs.

As regular readers will know (and are probably getting a bit bored with me), I'm a big fan of the Norfolk Lake.

------------------------------
Brainhertz (clique of 1)

Well - I've had the results of my examination and Outwell have found a fault with our Monty.

Our local retailer has replaced it with a new one. My main concern was that we would not be able to get away again this year, in which case it may not be used until next year.

I asked if he had had any more trouble and he said not with Montana's - this was their only return this year, but they had some returns on Nebraskas. He also said they intend to do a lot more business with Outwell next year as they are impressed with the 2008 range.

So it looks as if we are stuck with a Monty. Not the end of the world, especially as we have the footprint and carpet and our trailer is already pretty well packed.

James

I had 3 leaky Outwells in 2007.  2 Nebraskas & 1 Montana 6.  Retailers insisted on tents being returned to Denmark for testing despite providing photographic evidence.  Wrote to Outwell regarding concerns over quality control,etc.  Unsuprisingly, they never replied!!

Apparently there is a 2008 model out but I don't know what modifications have been made to ensure they don't leak.

Outwell have well designed tents but the quality control & customer service is shocking.  Good luck in finding a new tent!