We were putting up our brand new tent in the garden to check it out before going away and managed to rip one of the straps at the bottom edge that holds in the tent pole. The tent fabric is fine - it's just the strap which holds the pin that slots into the tent pole, so it must have been a dodgy seam.
Can anyone offer any advice on how to fix this - hubby thinks he might be able to sew it - what sort of needle/thread should we use?? I've seen plenty of advice on repairing the tent fabric with patches and sealants but not very much on sewing repairs. There doesn't seem to be any tent repairers around our way and we go on holiday in a couple of weeks.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
If you have a re-upholsterer in your area you could ask him, you would prob need a heavy duty sewing machine with a waterproof rotproof polybonded thread i suppose it could be done by hand but it wouldnt be easy getting the needle through the fabrics
We bought it online but the returns note says it could take up to 28 days to sort out and as we go away in a couple of weeks we figured it would be easier if we could do a quick repair job. I'm going to call them tomorrow to see if they can give me an estimated time, because as you say it would be the easiest option - but if it is more than 10 working days we're stuffed!
If I was you I would contact Vango, explain the situation and see what they suggest. I dont understand why the retailer needs so long to resolve the problem, but thats on line shopping for you. I would contact them both tell them the problem do a quick repare job and then deal with it when you get back, at least that way your covered against "Well you damaged it when you where away". A good strong thread and a new sharp needle should do the trick for now.
------------- Dont dream your life, live your dream, or just go down the pub !!
Thanks for all your comments so far.
I contacted the online retailer this morning - they were very nice and explained that the reason there terms state 28 days is that they would need to send the tent back to Vango who would then test it and report back to them. They did say that it probably wouldn't take that long but it depends very much on how quickly Vango came back to them and so obviously they couldn't guarantee anything quicker. They are going to contact Vango and ask them and get back to me today.
They did say that if we repaired it ourselves it would render the warranty null and void, so didn't advise it.
Quick update - Online retailer - "Great Outdoors" have been very helpful and are collecting the tent today and sending to Vango. They are hoping to turn around within the week as apparently this type of fault has happened before and Vango sent out a direct replacement straight away. However, if I haven't heard anything from Vango within the week then they will chase them up for me.
Thoroughly recommend "Great Outdoors" - very quick and professional service
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Mending / sewing advice
