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UNDERSTANDING WATERPROOFNESS
What is not covered by warranty!
OZtrail tents use waterproof and water repellent fabrics. However, with the
addition of seams, zips and other desirable features a recreational tent will not be
as waterproof as a car, house or other solid structures. The following are common
examples of how water can enter a tent: -
Condensation
- When warm moist air meets cooler air, condensation occurs. The tent/shelter
fly forms an impermeable layer between the inside and outside conditions. The moisture inside
the tent/shelter condenses on the fabric. Sometimes in cold conditions it appears that the
fabric is leaking when in fact the cause is condensation. Condensation can be reduced if the
tent/shelter is well ventilated.
Seams
- All seams are factory tape sealed but could leak at webbing and guy line entry points
and where there is multiple layers of fabric. If leakage at these points becomes a problem,
simply use a recommended seam sealant. For both canvas and polyester fabrics rubbing a
candle on the seam is a quick and easy fix.
Zips
- All care is taken in the design to cover zips with rain flaps. At times wind driven rain could
force water under the rain flaps and through the zips. To minimise this, make sure all doors and
windows are closed with the rain flaps covering the zips.
Floor
- If the ground is very wet or water pools under the floor, downward pressure of standing
or kneeling on the floor could force water through the floor fabric. To prevent this, do not pitch
the tent over hollows and make sure water drains away from the tent.
Structural Integrity
- A perfectly pitched tent on perfectly flat ground is structurally strong
and most waterproof. During prolonged periods of rain and wind it may be necessary to
tighten guy lines and reset the tent pegs and attend to drainage around the tent. Sagging and
incorrect pitching weakens the tent structure and could allow water to pool on the fly placing
undue forces on the tent causing leaking and breakages.
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Intermittent use only. Although our polyester fabrics are treated for extra UV
resistance, continuous exposure to sun light will break the fabric down. Fading
of colour is an early warning sign. These tents/shelters are not designed as
permanent dwellings or structures.
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During rain always lower awnings to avoid water ponding and collapsing the awning.
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If seam seal tape is lifting, simply cut the lifted tape off and apply seam sealer to the
seam.
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Never store a wet and/or soiled tent/shelter; as mildew and corrosion can form within a
few days. This condition is not covered by the warranty. Always allow the tent to dry
completely before packing and stowing. If mildew occurs, use a soft bristle brush
or sponge with mild detergent to clean it off.
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The elastic shock cord within the poles is provided for easy assembly of the poles. The
shock cord is not required for any structural reason. The poles and tent perform perfectly
well without the shock cord. Age, over stretching and mishandling may cause failure. Shock
cord is not covered by warranty. It’s easy to replace, see instructions.
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Sometimes the zipper coil bursts open or does not close. This could be due to wear or
metal fatigue. The problem can be easily fixed, see instructions.
•
First aid for tears and ash burns is to carry a roll of tape, industrial or medical. This not only
blocks the hole, it will prevent further tearing. It could have other uses around the camp site
too.
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When removing pegs, do not use the webbing or corner of the tent as your handle.
Either use another peg, a peg remover or the claw of a hammer hooked under the peg to
remove them.
IMPORTANT - CONDITIONING YOUR NEW CANVAS TENT
Once you get your new tent home, it is important to condition the tent. Simply pitch your
tent and wet it down with your garden hose. Pay particular attention to the seams - the thread
swells when wet and blocks the needle holes. The needle holes also shrink around the thread.
The canvas fabric also benefits from this because the cotton swells into the weave and the
waterproof treatment settles within the fabric. Let the tent dry completely before doing it a
second time. Always pack your tent away dry.
PROLONGING THE LIFE OF YOUR TENT/SHELTER
