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Topic: Leaking SIM

idetika

21/6/2021 at 7:20pm
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Autotrail Tracker

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In August 2019 I bought two Outwell Dreamcatcher 10cm SIMS to use on Decathlon bases however one has sprung a leak at the seam around the valve causing it to deflate and become uncomfortable over night.

Due to the fact it was bought at the end of 2019, it has had very little use, at the most 10 nights. I have emailed Outwell and Go Outdoors (where it was from) but have not had a reply so far.

We're hoping to get away for the weekend and don't fancy a sleepless night as it isn't the most comfortable on the Decathlon base when it deflates.

Has anyone repaired one of these successfully?

I'm reluctant to buy another, partly as I'm hoping Outwell/Go Outdoors will offer a solution and partly in case it's a design fault and it happens again, £65 is a lot to pay for approximately 10 nights of use

Really want to get away while we have the chance but think we'll have to dig out the old airbed or toss a coin for the good SIM!

Francais

21/6/2021 at 8:02pm
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We got our two Thermarest Dream Time XL’s back in 2008, I think that I can confidently say that they are good SIM’s.

idetika

21/6/2021 at 8:07pm
Location: Worcestershire
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We had two Alkpit 'Fat Airics' for years so I'm less than impressed with their Outwell replacement

dk168

21/6/2021 at 8:41pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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Therm-a-rest has a repair kit for their SIMs, which does not look dissimilar to a push bike tyre repair kit.

Depending on the exact location of the leak, I would suggest to try and repair it yourself using this kit or a bicycle tyre repair kit.

Therm-a-rest SIM Repair Kit

DK

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idetika

21/6/2021 at 8:56pm
Location: Worcestershire
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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 21/6/2021
Therm-a-rest has a repair kit for their SIMs, which does not look dissimilar to a push bike tyre repair kit.

Depending on the exact location of the leak, I would suggest to try and repair it yourself using this kit or a bicycle tyre repair kit.

Therm-a-rest SIM Repair Kit

DK

It's leaking from the area around the valve (that's where the bubbles were coming from when I tested it with soapy water) so I'm not sure it can be patched...

Thanks anyway

dk168

21/6/2021 at 9:22pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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Quote: Originally posted by idetika on 21/6/2021

It's leaking from the area around the valve (that's where the bubbles were coming from when I tested it with soapy water) so I'm not sure it can be patched...

Thanks anyway

Silicone sealant alone perhaps?

DK

idetika

21/6/2021 at 9:37pm
Location: Worcestershire
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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 21/6/2021

Quote: Originally posted by idetika on 21/6/2021

It's leaking from the area around the valve (that's where the bubbles were coming from when I tested it with soapy water) so I'm not sure it can be patched...

Thanks anyway

Silicone sealant alone perhaps?

DK

It's worth a try, I've got a puncture repair kit somewhere

tony929

22/6/2021 at 6:55am
Location: diss norfolk
Outfit: kampa filey 6

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Quote: Originally posted by idetika on 21/6/2021

Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 21/6/2021

Quote: Originally posted by idetika on 21/6/2021

It's leaking from the area around the valve (that's where the bubbles were coming from when I tested it with soapy water) so I'm not sure it can be patched...

Thanks anyway

Silicone sealant alone perhaps?

DK

It's worth a try, I've got a puncture repair kit somewhere

I have 2 Fat Aerics and one of these was leaking near the valve 5 years ago. I repaired it as suggested above and it is still going strong.

junglesim

22/6/2021 at 8:11am
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I'd use a strong fabric glue. Put some one when it is flat ish and let it rise as it does. Then fully inflate and put some more on and you should be golden. To be on the safe side, take the glue with you on your travels. Best of luck.

idetika

24/6/2021 at 7:59pm
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Autotrail Tracker

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Well, tried and failed to fix it, possibly because there are 3 different surfaces surrounding the leak - flocked fabric, shiny fabric and smooth plastic.

Go Outdoors responded to my email suggesting I return it so I'll try that, there's no sign of any attempted repair as both silicone and rubberised glue from a puncture repair kit just peeled straight off!

No reply from Outwell customer services...

Post last edited on 24/06/2021 20:05:58

junglesim

24/6/2021 at 8:35pm
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Good luck with it all. That is very poor from Outwell. When I have contacted them before about a stove they have got back to me but the answer was not satisfactory. My issue was that I had bought a stove and the contents was not the same as the picture on the box which was what I believed I had bought. I pointed out that that infringed on my consumer rights and indeed advertising law, and after trying to fob me off with saying what I had bought was what was in the box, they buckled. My issue with them was that they should have admitted an advertising problem apologised before me having to get more heavy with them.

As far as the sims, I have an older Outwell dreamboat and it has been fantastic. As it is older it has the older valves (not really a valve more of a plug) and I was via envious of those with the fancy newer valves like yours but perhaps I should have been content with what I had.

Once again good luck with it all.

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