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Topic: Outwell quality control

skydog2710

07/5/2009 at 10:50pm
Location: Sussex
Outfit: Trout Lake w F&S ext Guadeloupe

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Don't get me wrong but my Trout Lake is a great tent, but given its price, some of the finishing details don't cut it.

Seams not sewn straight so some joins are fairly weak; the window panels are short by 3 or 4 inches; snap fastening tags missing from the inner and some toggle ring tabs not sewn well enough to support the inner, are what I experienced. Not big issues I know, but definitely second-rate - some would return the tent for less I know!

Has anyone else experience similar or have I just been unlucky and ended up with a "Friday afternoon" one off the production line?

Am I being too nitpicking? Do other Outwells have similar issues?

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DD
May: Saint David's
Jul: South Devon
Aug: Scottish borders

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dadsbeaniemad

07/5/2009 at 11:21pm
Location: Cumbria (Upper Eden Valley)
Outfit: Cabanons SunValley Michigan Khyam ABI

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Never had any issues with any of ours.

I would be having a chat with the dealer you bought it from.

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Keely :-))

beefysmum

07/5/2009 at 11:38pm
Location: swansea
Outfit: Avondale corfu sunvalley 8

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You are right to complain, if seams arent straight and window panels off by 3-4 inches . These tents are not cheap and you should expect good quality for the price you are paying . Take it back, perhaps you have got a friday afternoon tent.

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Debbie

dezzie

08/5/2009 at 12:03am
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Cant say ive found any faults with our Norfolk lake. The flysheet bag shoulder strap burst, but to be honest if I could lift the flysheet bag and put it over my shoulder, I would be a champion weightlifter. Sounds like you got a dodgy one - I'd complain.

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Always forgive,Never forget;Learn from mistakes,But Never regret;People change,Things go wrong;Just remember life goes on

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slinger

08/5/2009 at 12:28pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Outwell Minnesota 4

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The carpet we got last week for our Minnesotta is darker on one half than the other and its very obvious. Im not bothered, at the end of the day is probably going to get caked in mud anyway, but the wife is rather fussy and wants to take it back.

Mad house

08/5/2009 at 12:49pm
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I've had two carpets now , the first one had two dye stains a rip in it and two of the panels (ours has four panels 3 large one small) were a totally different shade , we have just had that one changed and the new one still has one panel lighter than the rest , I'm not going to change it again , but they seemed to be off different batches of carpet sewn together .

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sunvalleysue

08/5/2009 at 1:27pm
Location: The Love Shack
Outfit: BearLake 6 and a hot water bottle.

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I would have it straight back to the dealer asap.Show them the problems and see what they come up with.If the seams are not sewn straight and the window panels are short by 3 to 4" they should give you a replacement and send the faulty tent back to Outwell HQ.

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Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed

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JRSC4

08/5/2009 at 3:02pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: Ohio XL

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I have got an Ohio XL carpet with stain on it, took it back to Allweathers they had no problems changing it, they enen offered to check to replacement they had in stock and on checking that it also had a stain. They have told me to keep my original one while they get on to Outwell about there quality. I am also on my 3rd tent. Can't fault Allweathers as they exchage it staright away.

skydog2710

10/5/2009 at 12:37pm
Location: Sussex
Outfit: Trout Lake w F&S ext Guadeloupe

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Thanks for your replies, to be honest, I think I am going to live with the faults, - I can rectify some of them myself - if Outwell provide me with the spare parts. I am speaking to the shop (who I would use again) where the tent came from - it was a 2008 model - to see it this is possible.

The Front extension I got for my Trout Lake is absolutely perfect and I would recommend it for anyone considering the trout lake. It fits well (with an elasticated edge) and there are no gaps like on the side extension for the bear lake.

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DD
May: Saint David's
Jul: South Devon
Aug: Scottish borders

skydog2710

11/5/2009 at 12:57pm
Location: Sussex
Outfit: Trout Lake w F&S ext Guadeloupe

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Just to update - The dealer has exchanged the tent quite happily, agreeing that it was something for Outwell to sort out. All's well...

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DD
May: Saint David's
Jul: South Devon
Aug: Scottish borders

GreyhoundGirl

11/5/2009 at 7:41pm
Location: Bristol
Outfit: Diablo 600. In market for cotton tent

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Thanks for the update skydog2710. Appreciate it as I'm thinking of getting the Trout Lake, and I was a bit worried after reading your first post! Let us know if you or the dealer get any response or explanation from Outwell.

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New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!

skydog2710

11/5/2009 at 10:01pm
Location: Sussex
Outfit: Trout Lake w F&S ext Guadeloupe

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I still believe the Trout Lake to be a good, stable, well laid-out tent. With the front extension (which is one of the best design extensions I believe Outwell make) it is a great tent. Yes, it is a bit heavy (and pricey)compared to similar polyester models but it is relatively easy to pitch and is very comfortable in all weathers. GreyhoundGirl I have posted another suggestion on your polycotton thread

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DD
May: Saint David's
Jul: South Devon
Aug: Scottish borders

canvaslove

12/5/2009 at 10:20pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

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Although VERY happy with my new Wolf Lake 5, I agree with the finish quality not being as it should for an £800 tent.

I had a rip in one the seams that hold the front of the bedrooms up and on the rear bedroom seam there were some toggles and buckles stitched in completely the wrong place so we couldn't hold the bedrooms up at the back!

The local dealer have been fantastic. They have put everything right as they have a very good in house repair and alterations service. Apparently, they get a lot of tents in from other dealers as they are one of the only ones to offer such a service. They have turned the alterations and repair round in less than a day.
By way of apology for the inconvenience, I got a free 4.5kg Calor bottle full of gas and no deposit!!!!

sunvalleysue

13/5/2009 at 7:03am
Location: The Love Shack
Outfit: BearLake 6 and a hot water bottle.

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Glad you got a result Skydog2710.Tbh the amount of tents Outwell (or any other company for that matter) make every year,you are bound to get the odd 'bad un'

The main thing is getting it put right.If you go to a good outdoor/camping specialist they should exchange it or get it rectified for you.

All they do then is show the tent company rep the faulty tent when he visits and then its sent back to Outwell (in this case) to be investigated.

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Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed

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