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Topic: First pitch problems - help

Mick02wrx

31/5/2015 at 9:07am
Location: castleford
Outfit: Kampa Croyde 4 + Vestibule

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Just had our first weekend away in our new Kampa Croyd 4 with only very light sustained rain for most of last night and all the seams leaked got several small puddles on the floor?
Is this normal for the first use or should I return the tent and ask for a replacement?
Very disappointed after having a suncamp tent for 2 years with no leaks at all in storms etc!!

Any advice?

Mick

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duffs54

31/5/2015 at 9:24am
Location: Cambs
Outfit: Ford Duetto Autosleeper

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Hmm not sure, polycotton should be weathered before use but I don't think polyester should, sounds like a fault.

You can use a fabsil or similar and go over all the seams to seal them, but I would talk to the retailer 1st to see what they say, did you take pics?

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Mucker1884

31/5/2015 at 9:46am
Location: Derby.
Outfit: Karsten 350+Awnings

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As you say "all the seams leaked", I fear a disaster waiting to happen!
However, on the off chance that you are exaggerating, or for anyone else with similar, but less severe problems...

When we had a poly tent (Vango Icarus... brand new) we test pitched in the garden, and set the hose on it. It showed about 6 (from memory) leaks, all from seams/stitching. Word on the web was to let it dry, then try again, so I did. 4 of them never leaked again. I repeated again, and the 5th magically "sealed itself". I only had to take a tube of seam sealer to one small leak. To be fair, I had to seal it 3 times before I succeeded, but my point is, the others "sorted themselves out". Maybe yours will too?

I believe the stitching can swell up, and fill the needle holes, by wetting and drying a time or two. This is why we see the oft-quoted advice to "check-and-wet" in the garden, before going away, while the tent's empty and not full of shiny new gear/beds/carpet etc. (I appreciate not everyone has the room or opportunity to do so).
No guarantees of course, but if it's at all possible, I'd put it up again, and give it another soaking (or two) with a hose (or leave it in the rain, of course.) Just make sure it's all bone dry before it goes back in the bag for storage.

Good luck. And please let us know the outcome, whichever route you take.

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Mick02wrx

31/5/2015 at 9:55am
Location: castleford
Outfit: Kampa Croyde 4 + Vestibule

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Thanks for the advice, I've got pictures of the leaks, there not severe but we had a 1 to 2 inch diameter puddle in the corners and on a couple of the side pole seams. The seams were wet inside when you run your finger on them.

I'll give it a good soaking in the garden on our return and see if it leaks.
It's not gonna help that we are packing away in the rain today so the tent will be wet in the bag for a day or two before we can put it back up!!

Can you get waterproof spray for the seams?

Mick

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RichJean+Ellie

31/5/2015 at 11:38am
Location: Telford Shropshire
Outfit: Kampa croyde 6 Series 3

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First thing to ask is are the seams taped? If not then it's a no brainer as Kampa seal their seams with tape in the factory so if its missing then definately send it back as its a defective tent!

Second take photos of the leaks and email them to the retailer as soon as possible. We had a couple of leaks from the window seams on our new Kampa Croyde 6. We agreed with the retailer that to save the hassle of sending the tent back (they were 150 miles away) we would seal the seams with seam sealant. The retailer sent us free sealant and also offered a very good compensation package including free storm straps and free vestibule for the front of the tent, although admittedly we had another couple of issues with the tent which were easily rectified.

My view at the time was why go through the hassle of returning the tent when the leaks were easily sealed with a bit of sealant and there is no guarantee (with any manufacturer) of not getting another tent with faults. I know have a perfect leak proof tent and some very good freebies.

I must point out though that, like most manufacturers, Kampa do not guarantee their tents leak free and recommend using sealant on any leaks you find.

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martinjp65

31/5/2015 at 6:34pm
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I never cease to be amazed at what people are prepared to put up with, reject it as unfit for purpose!!! a tent is a big investment for most people (us included)if people continue to put up with second rate goods the manufacturers and retailers have no incentive to up their game I returned 2 Outwell posadas beds before I was sent a satisfactory one,we have just bought a Tomcat MP and after our first week if it had been a duffer it would have gone straight back.

RichJean+Ellie

31/5/2015 at 7:24pm
Location: Telford Shropshire
Outfit: Kampa croyde 6 Series 3

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It's not a case of putting up with it martin, in my case I had a couple of issues that were easily solvable, both the retailer and Kampa immediately offered an exchange and I could have returned the tent straight away. But I suggested that I keep the tent with the addition of a bit of sealant and they offered a very good compensation package which effectively gave me a discount of nearly 25%. I feel I have walked away with a very good deal!

I can't comment on Micks case, but if the tent is obviously defective then of course an exchange or refund should be pursued straight away. But if the retailer offers a good compensation package and the problems are small then it is up to him to choose which is best.

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May 2015 - Arrow Bank 4 nights
July 2015 - Manorafon 4 nights
August 2015 - Piccadilly Caravan park 3 nights
August 2015 - Wheal Rodney 11 nights

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Bob61

01/6/2015 at 7:28pm
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Quote: Originally posted by martinjp65 on 31/5/2015
I never cease to be amazed at what people are prepared to put up with, reject it as unfit for purpose!!! a tent is a big investment for most people (us included)if people continue to put up with second rate goods the manufacturers and retailers have no incentive to up their game I returned 2 Outwell posadas beds before I was sent a satisfactory one,we have just bought a Tomcat MP and after our first week if it had been a duffer it would have gone straight back.

I agree with the above but sending a big heavy tent back and then having to wait for a new one isn't always easy or convenient and a tube of seam sealer for the sake of a couple of tiny drips is probably the easiest option.

My last tent leaked when I first erected it so I bought a tube of seam sealant and took it camping with me. The tent never leaked again so I didn't need to use it.

I have just bought a brand new tent and had the same problem. I am going camping later this week and have the seam sealer with me...hopefully I won't need to use it.

Bob61

01/6/2015 at 7:35pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Mick02wrx on 31/5/2015

Can you get waterproof spray for the seams?

Mick

Seam sealant usually comes in small bottles or tubes and is very much like a clear glue. It is applied to the seams on the inside of the tent either with a small brush or an applicator already supplied. Like glue, you then have to wait for it to dry before putting the tent away to prevent it sticking to places you don't want it to.

The waterproofing spray like Fabsil and Nikwax is applied to the outside of a tent and is really just a silicon layer (like the stuff you put on new suede shoes) causing rain to bead and run off easily thus helping to keep the outside layers of the tent dry. It should not be required until a tent is very old and looking a bit soggy in wet conditions. It may help to keep rain out of a seam but it won't waterproof it.

salome

02/6/2015 at 9:28pm
Location: herts
Outfit: kampa filey 6 air Quechua family xl

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We have been advised by a dealer and avid camper to follow his/their routine when setting up a new tent for the first time. Once erected, they use fabric spray sealer on all seams, this is applied inside the tent. If you discover a leak, make a note of the area and once dry use seam sealer to patch it up.
All makes of tents have the potential to leak through small manufacturing faults like loose stitching or weakened stress points. Always take a tent survival/repair kit...never leave it to chance.

Mick02wrx

02/6/2015 at 10:18pm
Location: castleford
Outfit: Kampa Croyde 4 + Vestibule

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Thanks again everyone. I contact the suppier who gave me the same advice and is sending me some seam sealer for free which will be going with us on our next trip.

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