Waterproofing Tents

[scoutermitchell 10]

Our Troop just spent the weekend in Gettysburg. The weather was Thunder Storms with heavy rain . One of the Eagle scouts watched the rain drip through the tent despite the rain fly being in place. The seams never leaked. Those little cans

of Water Proofing will not go very far.

 

[eisely 13]

How old are these tents? What type are they? What is the material of which they are made? Were they properly pitched>

[scoutermitchell 10]

They are eureka equinox tents. Set up and staked down correctly. The seams are sealed yearly. They are 4 Years old. Our timberlines are over 10 years old. The new Tetragon 9 by Eureka were fine just as the timberlines were. As I said the rain just came through the rain flies and roofs(mesh)

of course. The Material should not be worn out . Yes ,we camp 10-12 times per year . The tents are always set up and dried out if we come home wet.

 

[eisely 13]

You may want to contact the manufacturer. These tents are presumably beyond any warranty period. If they are getting used that often, it may be that they are worn out.

[scoutermitchell 10]

Spoke with the guys at Eureka Tent store in Binghamton N.Y. They have advised us to use Thompsons water proofer thinned down with mineral spirits in a garden sprayer. They have a Paste for renewing the floor. They did not consider our use hard for their tents.Just have to treat the fabric to help them stay leak restistant.

[FScouter 24]

Ultraviolet sunlight tends to break down the waterproofing and fabric. Set up in the shade whenever possible.