Camping lab

[teotwaki]

I am bringing an old thread back to life as I am having the same problem with Camping Labs. When I was in the Maze District in March I had problems with my RTT zipper that holds the cover on. The zipper shuttles are aluminum and deform. I already replaced the lower half of the zipper that threads into the RTT frame. Anyhow, I have been emailing and calling Fernando since April 9th with no response at all. I asked for pricing on all the possible parts including a new cover and lower zipper half. Someone who doesn't bother to respond for months does not seem to want to make sales or take care of customers.

Anyone have a hot line into him to tell him to look for my attempts to contact him?

Thanks!
.
.

 

[adventureduo]

I heard at Overland Expo that they are indeed out of business. Whether it's true or not, i don't know but the source was creditable.

 

[teotwaki]

I heard at Overland Expo that they are indeed out of business. Whether it's true or not, i don't know but the source was creditable.

Thank you sir!! I guess I will have to find someone back in the OC who works with heavy materials and tents and have the zipper repaired or upgraded

 

[Rattler]

You might want to call Jacques at TRDParts4U and see if the zippers willinterchange with the Mombasa covers. I have a Mombasa and have compared them to CLs and they are almost identical. He can probably get you another cover and zipper if anything.

I have had a few problems with the zippers on my cover over the years. I try to give it a wipe-down with some silicon spray on a rag a few times a year and it make s big difference,

 

[loren85022]

My zipper ain't zipping either. Wife sez she on strike 'cuz. I need to replace one of them soon.

 

[crismateski]

Thank you sir!! I guess I will have to find someone back in the OC who works with heavy materials and tents and have the zipper repaired or upgraded

It is not OC, but I looked into All American Canvas for a boat project. I ended up not doing the project, but their work looked to be good quality http://www.aacanvas.com/

 

[Rattler]

I used to work for a canvas/upholsterer and he takes care of that stuff for me. I was debating on switching to an industrial-grade velcro maybe an "1-"1.5 wide all the way around instead. I have already swapped-out those horrible d-rings for some cam-buckled straps and made that part a lot easier.

 

[roninjiro]

If you want to replace the zipper it is not so bad as long as your sewing machine can handle it and you have the space. Here is a source I use for my zippers. Quest Outfitters

You will want to use #10 coil and #10 coil sliders to match for something like that. The good thing about this place I use is the pricing and ability to buy by the yd.

 

[Rattler]

Randy, my old boss, told me today that it isn't good to wipe the silicon on the zipper. Just use a wet cloth. He said that the cover on my Mombasa was made of good material but that zipper leaves a little to be desired. We will probably change it out to a nice marine-grade one next year.

 

[nwoods]

A few years ago one of my kids went through the front door of our tent without waiting to unzip it. REI referred me to, literally, a little old lady in Pasadena, who for about $100 did an amazing job and installed a zipper worthy of being installed on the cargo bay doors of the space shuttle. REI Santa Ana took care of the transaction for me, so I don't know the contact info, but if she's still in business, I highly recommend her.

 

[teotwaki]

I used to work for a canvas/upholsterer and he takes care of that stuff for me. I was debating on switching to an industrial-grade velcro maybe an "1-"1.5 wide all the way around instead. I have already swapped-out those horrible d-rings for some cam-buckled straps and made that part a lot easier.

View attachment 170285

I just looked at your photo again and realized the import of the extra strap right in the middle and I will copy that. I've noticed that when I am towing that air is forced through the zipper and it inflates the cover causing it to balloon up higher, probably increasing wind drag.

 

[Rattler]

I spoke with my old boss. He said to go with velcro will bring a lot of troubles more than likely. We are just going to go with a nice marine-grade zipper this winter. He also warned not to use any silicon on the zipper. It may cause separation. Just a good damp cloth will do.

 

[teotwaki]

Camping Labs Has Bailed

out of business, gone, exited, flew the coop, left us high and dry

http://www.campinglab.com/

"Now enjoying the great outdoors. Thank you for having shopped with us."

 

[teotwaki]

It is not OC, but I looked into All American Canvas for a boat project. I ended up not doing the project, but their work looked to be good quality http://www.aacanvas.com/

Thanks for the suggestion. I have emailed them and then I may take the trailer out there for them to see and maybe quote a repair fee.

 

[nwoods]

http://www.campinglab.com/

"Now enjoying the great outdoors. Thank you for having shopped with us."

That's really a bummer. Fernando was really great to work with. So that's two good vendors down in a "growing market segment" (including Tat at ORTT), who's next?