Need Help with Leaky QS 10 Tent Seams

[scrogdog]

I recently purchased a new QS 10 this past July and did undertake the task of setting it up and pre-conditioning it. Clearly I didn't wet it enough as a significant rain storm moved in while the camper was set up and did a much better job of soaking it through. The tent leaked significantly through most of the seams. We loosened up the tension and let it dry out and then applied beeswax to the large seams that leaked heavily. I took it camping this past weekend and it steadily rained much of the day on Saturday. The tent leaked through the seams again, most problematically at the bunk ends and directly over the sink/stove top. The beeswax didn't stand a chance as water was coming through right under the wax. My tent has seam holes that are pretty large and I am concerned that there has not been any shrinkage of the seams where it needs to shrink. I was wondering what steps to take or seam sealant to use at this point before I request the tent be sent back. I really don't want to have to do that. Any help in this matter is appreciated. Thank you.

[admin]

Personally I've seen some rather large holes in my QS 10.0 from the stichting as well but I have yet to see any leaks, and we have been in some rather heavy rains. The beeswax seems like it should have done the trick unless it wasnt worked in enough, or somehow was melted out of the seams. If you want to go with a more traditional seam sealer I've always had good luck with seam sealers made by Aquaseal and McNett. Problem is both of those are marketed to regular tents and thus are usually sold in small quantities.

Was there anything more specific about your situation that could have caused the leaks? Any water pooling in specific areas, or perhaps a real driving rain? I just have a hard time picturing a leak so bad that it would work its way under and around seam sealed with beeswax. Maybe you could post a picture of the holes for comparison to other units.

-Sean

[scrogdog]

Thanks Sean.  I ordered some Mcnett seam grip and will see how that works. Will need to post some pics as soon as I open it back up.


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[susieku99]

We had the same problems with ours when we first got it, and the seam didn't "seal up" either. I complained to the dealer and Livinlite, and eventually got a new tent. They told me they changed manufacturers, and the new one does not leak at all. You might want to go this route? 

[lora]

Where did yours leak?  We had drips at the seams where the "corner" of the outer Bimini poles hit.  Only camped in one hard rain so haven't had a chance to see if it sealed.

[scrogdog]

Yes, the corners were the worst spots, but it did leak in several spots along the seam that goes along the bunk ends and just above the stovetop.


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[scrogdog]

Applied McNett seam grip to the outside seams and that is working beautifully.  Not a drop got in with the last rain storm.  Highly recommend it.  It was a bit messy to apply.


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[admin]

Glad to hear it worked for you

[dp]

I picked up a tube of Coghlan's from Dick's sports. The first time out it poured rain outside and in, lol. The next day I used this to seal all seams and it worked great. I hope it does not start leaking again. Going to get another tube just in case but I don't want to seal this everytime it rains > I hope that is the last of it.
    Ron