30
Understanding Waterproofness
Know your Camper Trailer
Tent
OZtrail Camper Trailer Tents are manufactured
from waterproof and water repellent fabrics.
However, with the addition of seams, zips and
other desirable features a recreational Camper
Trailer Tent cannot be as waterproof as a car,
house or other solid structures.
The following are common examples of how
water can enter a Camper Trailer Tent.
CONDENSATION
When warm moist air meets cooler air,
condensation of water gas into water liquid
occurs. The Camper Trailer Tent walls and roof
form an impermeable layer between the inside
and outside climatic conditions. The moisture
inside the tent condenses on the canvas fabric
and water droplets are formed. Sometimes these
water droplets build up to appear that the fabric
is leaking when in fact the cause is condensation.
Condensation can be reduced if the Camper
Trailer Tent is well ventilated to reduce the build-
up of warm moist air on the ceiling.
ZIPS
All care is taken in the design to cover zips with
storm flaps or position them where water will
not flow. At times wind driven rain could force
water under the flaps and through the zips. To
minimise this, make sure all doors and windows
are closed with flaps securely covering the zip
wherever possible.
FLOOR
If the ground is very wet or water pools under
the floor, then the downward pressure of
standing or kneeling on the floor can draw
water through minute wear holes in the floor
fabric or where there are joins in the floor fabric.
To prevent this, do not set up the Camper Trailer
Tent in hollows and make sure water drains
away from the tent site.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
A well set up Camper Trailer Tent on level
ground is structurally strong and the most
waterproof. During periods of prolonged rain
and wind it may be necessary to tighten and
adjust the frame, pegs and guy ropes as well
as making sure any ground water is flowing
away from the camp site. A sagging roof or
awning weakens the Camper Trailer Tent
structure and could allow water to pond on
the roof causing leakage, structural damage
and fabric tears.
CONDITIONING THE CANVAS FABRIC
A new or recently detergent cleaned Camper
Trailer Tent requires conditioning. Simply
set up the Camper Trailer Tent and wet it
down thoroughly with a garden hose until
the fabric and all seams are saturated. Pay
particular attention to the seams – the thread
swells when wet and blocks the needle
holes. The canvas fabric also benefits from
this wetting and drying because the cotton
swells into the weave and the waterproof
treatment settles within the fabric. Let the
tent dry completely before repeating the
wetting and drying cycle. Keep repeating
the wetting and drying process until there is
no leakage during the hosing phase. If after
wetting and drying cycles there is still some
leakage a canvas sealing compound can be
purchased from most camping stores, read
the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
before using the canvas sealing compound.
Always make sure the Camper Trailer Tent is
completely dry before packing it away.
