We camped on stony ground and despite clearing away what we thought were all the stones, ended up with a puncture/tear in the floor in the sleeping area.
I know that there are patch kits you can get, but I was wondering if there is a recommended way of doing a repair like this - for instance, what glue to use, is it advisable to patch both sides of the tear to be safe, that sort of thing.
Tenacious tape on both sides of the fabric. Make sure you round the corners of the tape before you apply (ie apply a circle or oval shape as opposed to a rectangle). No need for any glue!
------------- May 2015 - Arrow Bank 4 nights
July 2015 - Manorafon 4 nights
August 2015 - Piccadilly Caravan park 3 nights
August 2015 - Wheal Rodney 11 nights
On a poly fly sheet, I used Tenacious tape both sides, rounded off, as per above advice. On the SIG of my tent, I did similar, but used the TT on top (inside the tent) and Gorilla Tape on the underside. No idea why, but both worked fine, did their jobs, and lasted well (Still there I think... I've given the tent away!)... and no, I'm not normally in the habit of slashing all my camping gear. It was just those two!!
An elastoplast worked for years on one of my tents when I discovered a small hole in the groundsheet. I didn't have anything else handy at the time and then forgot about it as it was underneath the bedroom pod, until it was time to sell it...then I had to do a proper repair with tenacious tape as described.
If it is a large hole then a patch could be made from an old peg or pole bag which are often made from the same material as the groundsheet. This can then be stuck on with tenacious tape all round and on both sides.
I have never tried it but I gather Gorilla tape can be used on it's own and is excellent.
Tenacious tape is found in all good camping outlets it is an essential in all tent repair kits. Personally I would go and buy some TT as it is made for the job
As for "plain gaffer tape", it may well work, I guess, but as with a lot of things, you get what you pay for, and Gorilla tape could well be described as "The best gaffer tape, but with a price to match".
With respect, beeny, I see you made the wise decision to get the Vango Icarus, when I guess you could have got an Argos tent. Now you have that same decision to make with the tape, albeit on a smaller scale, of course.
For info, you can get Gorilla tape at the likes of B&Q/Wickes etc, as well as Screwfix, and a million places on line... or out of my peg bag, if you're camping anywhere near Chapel/Skeggy this weekend!
------------- May 2015 - Arrow Bank 4 nights
July 2015 - Manorafon 4 nights
August 2015 - Piccadilly Caravan park 3 nights
August 2015 - Wheal Rodney 11 nights
Quote: Originally posted by beeny on 09/7/2015
Neither of us have heard of Tenacious or Gorilla tape. Would plain gaffer tape work as well as those brands?
Tenacious tape is a clear or opaque waterproof tape which stretches with the movement of the tent fabric thus staying in place. Being opaque it will also make an almost invisible repair.
As Mucker has said, Gorilla tape is supposed to be one of the best 'gaffer' tapes there is for adhesion.
Gaffer tape is a generic name for low-tac fabric tape, usually two inches wide. The black variety is used in studios, theatres, music venues etc; the silver variety in construction and building etc. You could repair a groundsheet with gaffer tape but it wouldn't be a durable repair and it may leak.
Pay the extra and buy Tenacious Tape. It is designed to mend outdoors gear. To quote the website: "Tenacious Tape stays put no matter what Mother Nature dishes out and leaves no sticky mess. It comes in black, clear and popular colors, so you can match your fabric for nearly-invisible repairs."
Tenacious Tape has been recommended many times here on UKCS.
I managed to get a small hole in my roof, hadn't got any TTape but I found that Oasis floral tape worked really well when put on both sides of the hole.
McNett - the Tenacious tape makers, also produce Seam Grip which is brilliant for repairs in groundsheets, airbeds or fabric etc.
Small tears and and holes can just be covered in the gel. Once it's cured it turns into transparent,tough, flexible rubbery plastic which is super-strong and effects a permanent repair.
You can team it up with the tape too by smearing the Seam Grip over the hole/tear and then covering with a larger piece of tape. The tape sticks instantly producing an instant field repair whilst the goo cures overnight giving a permanent repair in the long run, even if the tape eventually peels off.
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 a small tear in the floor
