I had a new flippac tent installed several years ago. I immediately waterproofed it with coleman seam sealer and used nikwax on the tent. I have NEVER exposed it to the elements since waterproofing. I am planning on using it this spring and wonder if I need to re-waterproof it or does the nikwax and sealer last since never exposed. thx
flippac waterproofing
- Thread starter wivrrat
- Start date
Arclight
SAR guy
I haven't used waterproofing on mine, but I do recommend two things:
1. Get a waterproof Queen-sized mattress cover. If you have to pack up camp while the tent is still wet, this will keep the moisture from soaking into your mattress.
2. Park with the front of the truck slightly uphill. Water will drain way from your sleeping area and down the channels on the side MUCH better if you do this. I think a lot of the complaints about water ingress would be solved by dong this.
Arclight
1. Get a waterproof Queen-sized mattress cover. If you have to pack up camp while the tent is still wet, this will keep the moisture from soaking into your mattress.
2. Park with the front of the truck slightly uphill. Water will drain way from your sleeping area and down the channels on the side MUCH better if you do this. I think a lot of the complaints about water ingress would be solved by dong this.
Arclight
The problem, as Arclight alluded, is less about water-tight-ness and more about drainage. Water can run down the side of a waterproof tent and then into the camper shell where it will then pool around the mattress. Don't ask me how I know...
Very difficult to divert the water. One option we were discussing here was modifying the tent to add a skirt that would divert water out and around the lid and shell. Major job. We have a spare tent and will probably try that at some point. Another suggestion is to sew down the vent cover that runs the length of the tent across the top. That could help water intrusion in windy/rainy conditions. Otherwise, a fly is your best bet.
I see you have a post up looking for a used fly. I have only seen one used fly on here in my years of FP ownership and ExPo membership. I helped develop the SLO Sail and Canvas rain fly and am close to Karl and company at SLO Sail. If you don't find one before your trip, I would recommend ordering directly from them. They can get a fly out to you in about a week. If you wait until the spring to order, you may have to wait longer. Their busy season is spring and summer. I'd suggest you allow some time for a used fly to surface but also allow some time for a new fly to be built, especially if you wait until spring to order. Chances are good that you will end up ordering a new one...
Bill
PS: Also saw the story of your FP acquisition. Cool story. Mine is similar. Found mine on CL relatively cheap. Stored indoors and in decent shape. Getting a used FP can just be happenstance. I wanted one to fit my T100. The one I found was too big for my T100, so I got a truck to fit the FP...
Very difficult to divert the water. One option we were discussing here was modifying the tent to add a skirt that would divert water out and around the lid and shell. Major job. We have a spare tent and will probably try that at some point. Another suggestion is to sew down the vent cover that runs the length of the tent across the top. That could help water intrusion in windy/rainy conditions. Otherwise, a fly is your best bet.
I see you have a post up looking for a used fly. I have only seen one used fly on here in my years of FP ownership and ExPo membership. I helped develop the SLO Sail and Canvas rain fly and am close to Karl and company at SLO Sail. If you don't find one before your trip, I would recommend ordering directly from them. They can get a fly out to you in about a week. If you wait until the spring to order, you may have to wait longer. Their busy season is spring and summer. I'd suggest you allow some time for a used fly to surface but also allow some time for a new fly to be built, especially if you wait until spring to order. Chances are good that you will end up ordering a new one...
Bill
PS: Also saw the story of your FP acquisition. Cool story. Mine is similar. Found mine on CL relatively cheap. Stored indoors and in decent shape. Getting a used FP can just be happenstance. I wanted one to fit my T100. The one I found was too big for my T100, so I got a truck to fit the FP...
Yea, when I got my FP, it was destroyed by mice. Mattress ate up, etc, etc. I gutted it and took it to Riverside and 6 hours later and $1,000.00, I was on the road. They did a excellent replacement. I have never used it yet after 3 years, just too busy. Plan on it this spring. Thanks for the info on buying a new rain fly, I'll just have to bite the bullet and order one. I contacted FP yesterday and they are sending me a invoice for one from them for $420.00, free shipping. I'll contact your recommendation also. See who gives me the best price. Thanks again for the imput. I have my FP on my 4wd nissan and installed a pull out bed on the truck bed so if the weather is too bad, I don't have to pop the tent. I will eventually post a picture of my setup. Thanks again all for the posts.
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Billy, SLO needs to make the Fly out of a water resistant material. The material they currently use gets waterlogged. I made the suggestion to Karl but it wasn't acted upon.
austintaco
Explorer
If you want to stay dry in a flippac, in my opinion, how you attach the fly has more to do with staying dry than anything else. The only time that water has entered the flippac while deployed was when the fly was put on in haste. Make sure its tight and the corners are all pulled away from the tent itself. We had a night in Ouray that was almost spoiled by water finding a way in. It was rolling off the fly, gathering by the lid and then making its way in by the hinge area. When the rain stopped, I looked at the fly and saw that it was shedding some water to that spot and it needed to be pulled tighter and away from the truck.
That's why we designed it with loops and ladder buckles. You can stake the fly out away from the truck. I also pull it tight around the lid with the 1" webbing. Works great.
I didn't order the 2 extra tie downs. Did order 2 windows, tried to keep it under $500.00 (471.00). If its really necessary, maybe I can add them to the order. Wasn't sure how they worked. Now reading your post, Bill, maybe I need to change the order?????
I have used mine for two solid days of heavy rain with no problems. You're right. It is soaked when the party is over, but it did not leak. It does need to be drawn tightly over the tent bows and staked out away from the truck where possible. I think it is wise to treat it with Nikwax, too. I have not done that with my fly. But I live in CA. Hasn't rained here in years.
Good to see you are still engaged here, Martyn. I am working on a trailer project with a friend, Brad, here in SLO. You've met Brad, at least by phone. Hope you are well.
bb
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Yes I'm still keeping tabs. SLO needs to make the fly out of a different material.