RTT's and Rain

[Ringo]

I am the happy new owner of an Autohome Columbus. I love the tent and stayed in it for a week in southern Utah for some of the most comfortable camping I have experienced.

Unfortunately, I have one problem that I hope someone can help me with. The front (hinge) edge leaks when driving on the highway in rain. Has anyone else on the list experience this? (I haven't seen it mentioned.) Does anyone have any suggestions on how to create a better seal?

Thanks.

 

[Mike S]

John

I got your e-mail about this also. There is only one reason - not sealing at the front gasket. Could be one of the following reasons...

1. The most common reason is too much stuff/gear in the tent. If this happens and the rear latch is pulled down tight it could cause the front to lift up very slightly - enough to allow water to enter when at speed.

2. Incomplete seal due to faulty seal or faulty installation. I have seen this only one time. But it can happen.

I would first unload the tent and inspect the front seal to see that there are no gaps or obvious places where it would leak. Check the front top shell by eye ball. Also, the front hinges may be binding for some reason and causing the seal not to contact the bottom lip evenly. If there appear to be voids or gaps, or if the seal is crooked, please contact me and I will get a replacement seal for you.

I would also analyze the loading and latch adjustment. Sometimes if the tent is overloaded and the top is pulled tightly shut over the load, the top can deflect. If left this way for a while in the sun the top takes a 'set' that may need to corrected. This can effect the seal at the front. Not really noticeable, but annoying. This can be done fixed with a hairdryer - warming the top and pressing it down gently until it moves back where it was when in the mold. This is pretty easy to do by eye and using your hand to feel for any irregularities. This is much more likely when the tent is brand new, since the resin may not be completely cured until a couple of months after manufacture.

If these efforts don't do the trick, please contact me again and we'll go from there. We will make it right.

Mike S

 

[Bad Voodoo]

Oh, Pasquale, you mentioned an awning for a Columbus, yes we have them, we use a parawing design that goes over the whole tent, lots of protection, you just attach to the top and it deploys when you open the Columbus, Mike can set you up.

Wah?? Now that's a picture I haven't yet seen. An awning for the Columbus? Mike - Do tell, please!!

 

[kb7our]

Wah?? Now that's a picture I haven't yet seen. An awning for the Columbus? Mike - Do tell, please!!

Since I just ordered a medium Columbus I am also very interested in this device. Mike do you have additional info to share or is the product not ready for prime time?

Wade

 

[Mike S]

Since I just ordered a medium Columbus I am also very interested in this device. Mike do you have additional info to share or is the product not ready for prime time?

Wade

Wade - I sent a photo. Let me know if it doesn't make it through the filters.

Mike

 

[Lemsteraak]

Wade,

I have a Columbus too and for years I was trying to figure out a good rain fly for it. The one AutoHome has is probably good for European campgrounds but doesn't really work for the type of camping I do.

An Australian sent me a picture of his Columbus with a ParaWing style awning, it was brilliant. If you haven't seen a ParaWing, it is a rather new style awning with curved edges so they take a more even pull from the guy lines, this allows them to handle higher winds without flapping. He took a ParaWing and hooked one of the corners to the far side of the Columbus and then opened the tent, which opened the Parawing. He then staked the wing and had shelter when climbing in and a nice vestibule for drying rain gear. The other advantage is that it is stand alone, you can set it up anywhere for shade.

Mike @ AutoHome should have a few of the MSR ones in stock. They are a little pricier than the Keltys but very well crafted.

Rich H

 

[S4RSSS]

Wade - I sent a photo. Let me know if it doesn't make it through the filters.

Mike

Hi Mike,
Can you send me a picture also? I have a Columbus Variant (small).

Thanks!