Flippac Maintenance

[tacozord]

I recently bought a used Flippac. I'd like to know what others are doing for routine maintenance. But I do have two questions already.

1. In the following picture, I've pointed to the metal tube that surrounds the torsion bar. I've noticed that this is loose and rattles while driving. Is this normal? If so, does anyone have an idea on how to eliminate the rattle?

2. What's the recommended lubricant for the tent zippers? Would "White Lightning Clean Ride" work? This is a self-cleaning wax lube for bicycle chains. Or would Tri-flow be better?

Thanks

 

[dman93]

My torsion bar went a long time ago, and took the aluminum tube with it, so I can't help you with that. But I've spent a lot of time living my zippers with only slight improvements. I've been using a product specifically marketed for tent zippers, Gear Aid Zip Care. It helped, a bit. But I wouldn't use any bike chain lube ... I think they all have petroleum which at best will smell, and at worst will also damage the tent fabric. Stick to silicone or beeswax. A lot of zipper problems are due to dirt, so cleaning helps.

 

[tacozord]

Thanks for the feedback.

I agree about not using the bike chain lube. I've done some reading and it seems like others have used the White Lightning lube on zippers, because it's basically wax. I'll look into the Gear Aid Zip Care before I do anything.

 

[mtnbike28]

Congrats on the Flippac.
1. The bar - yes it rattles and is loose. I was told to drill a small hole in each end to let water drain.... I have not let, afraid I would get too deep, nick the torsion bar and weaken it
2. Zippers. I bought a zipper wax I found at a camping store, can't remember the name.
3. Re-do the caulk around the hinges, should be done annually to keep water out
4. Nikwax the tent - I do it mainly for UV protection since there still is not a replacement tent on the market
5. enjoy the FP!

 

[tacozord]

Wow! Thanks for the info. Sounds like I've got some work ahead of me. This Flippac is only 3-4 years old, but it's showing some wear and tear.

I've been thinking a lot about the tent. The first thing that comes to mind is why is the tent made of heavy canvas and not nylon like a standard tent? Wouldn't a nylon tent be lighter? Is it because it's not durable enough?

Additionally, doesn't Nemo make the tents that AT Overland uses in these? I would think that if I ever need to get a new tent, that I could have Nemo make one. But with that said, I'm under the impression that you can get a new one through FRP.

 

[dman93]

My tent is nylon. But my FP is pretty old. Did they change?

 

[tacozord]

My tent is nylon. But my FP is pretty old. Did they change?

I have no idea. Perhaps I'm wrong so I'll double check tomorrow. The Flippac I purchased was supposedly bought new in 2012. I've only opened it a few times so I'm still getting acquainted with it. But I swear, it seems like the tent is canvas. It's a real heavy and stiff material. Totally different than my North Face backpacking tent.

 

[tacozord]

I opened up the Flippac today and inspected the tent in more detail. I'm confused on the fabric. On the one hand, it's not canvas, but on the other, it's not exactly like the nylon I'm used to with traditional tents. So, perhaps it's a tougher and thicker nylon that I've never seen before.

 

[Arclight]

There's not a lot you need to do. As others have said:

1. Wax the zippers once a year
2. Caulk the hinge joint occasionally, especially if it rains a lot where you live. The glassed-in reinforcement bars are steel and can rust out if water gets in a lot.
3. Wash and wax the shell once in a while.
4. Consider buying a waterproof Queen bed sheet to put on the mattress. This way, you don't have wet tend folded up with your nice, dry mattress if you have to put it away after a rain.

Arclight

 

[gfiero]

For the material info try calling Adventure Trailers or their web site, also living near the ocean some boat people I work with suggest (strongly) that I use a good cleaning wax twice a year to keep the fiberglass in good shape I ignored them till I found white stains on my windows form the water dripping of the overhand, it now gets a wax job every 6 months (takes 90 minutes). For the zippers I use a tooth brush and brush them clean after a couple of weekend trips or after a longer one, sometimes the brush attachment on the shop vac instead. cover the mattress to save it. The first time you smell mildew you will regret not doing it. A can of compressed air on all the swivel points gets the dust out also.

 

[CactusJackSlade]

I think your Q's have been answered.... but I'll add my own: I've used dry silicone spray or dry teflon spray (called sail slide) on zippers with good success. These zippers look to be the same as in the sailing industry (SLO, a sail maker actually makes the rain fly - not sure about the tent though) ... Both of these products do not attract dirt and slides smooth. I would definitely not use Triflow, a petroleum based product.

Lot's of good advice on the forum here, i'm only a 1/2 season FlipPac owner so far and will implement many of these suggestions.

Great forum, thanks!