Only our second time of using a Kampa Pro 520 awning and it's dire. This week has not been good with the weather but this awning has leaked through every panel, that our awning carpet is wet through. Last night I took pictures of the water coming through the roof panels in big drips, trickling down the inside and then dropping onto the carpet.
It renders the outside awning floor space unusable. Which is exactly why we wanted an awning so the kids could play outside in it even if wet.
Having owned an awning previously an old Pullman that leaked once only around a single seam, I cannot believe that this so called premium awning is so bad! We bought this awning to go with our new van on recommendation as well.
I reckon you have a faulty awning. I would email whoever you bought it from and ask for a refund.
There are, however a few pointers in the case of leaking awnings. If the ground is not level and the awning not taut, this can lead to leaking like you describe. I have a different awning, but that never leaked until we pitched on an uneven site and it dripped water in everywhere. It's been fine since then as well (on more-or-less level sites)!
Thanks for the reply. The ground here is completely level. When we turned up and set up we checked levelling and it needed minimal adjustment so I think we are safe there but a good tip.
I have to say I have never seen any bring like it before. We owned a kampa croyde and it never leaked one so hence we were happy tot go with kampa again.
I've read a few people saying that they need to be used in wet weather to allow the stitching to swell and water seal the awning and so leaking can be perfectly normal for the first wet outing. Might be worth checking this with Kampa or reading through any paperwork to check if that is the case.
We have a Kampa carnival which we haven't yet used in the wet...but it does say within the instructions that it needs to be weathered...it suggests dousing it with the hosepipe whilst up to do this...as we're never in a position to do this, I fully expect it to leak like a sieve the first time.
It must be faulty. We have the 390 PRO and after some initial seam leaking it is brilliant now.
------------- 2016
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Thanks for the replies. I think I have seen a lot of people who say that weathering is ended and to be honest I am happy to get some fabiseal and treat the outside as an extra barrier, however my wife says it shouldn't have been sold like that!
We like it because it's quick and easy to put up.
Just for reference, a complaint to Kampa has gone completely unanswered even with me following up with 3 calls and 5 emails,
It should be the dealer who you bought it off that you complain too, and legally its his responsibility under the sale of goods act to repair or replace it for you as its obviously faulty. I would not attempt any kind of DIY repair as you may totally invalidate the warantee, your best action would be to return it to the dealer, and if he refuses a repair or replacement, then contact your local trading standards department for their help.
We own two Kampa Rally awnings, a 390 and a 260, both have been excellent awnings with no leaks other than the odd drip of condensation early and late season, so l think that you are just unfortunate to have been sold a faulty one. Our 260 is now in its 5th season of use, and is still as good as new.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Are you sure it isn't condensation? We used our Rally 200 over the very damp weekend, and yes the panels ended up soaking wet on the inside - but it was condensation, not leaking. It's hard to tell the difference. I know the panels weren't leaking because there were big pools of water forming on the roof that didn't drip through.
Polyester awnings are notorious for condensation in damp weather. It's highly unlikely that the material itself will leak anywhere other than at the seams.
We have a Kampa 260 Pro and we get a few small leaks now and then only in corners and only small amount gets in,weathering is good idea to tighten up stitching.We did have a problem first time we used ours with stitching being too tight to insert roof poles when I rang them they collected via courier and returned within 5 days,supplying dealer waste of time Kampa very helpfull
Hi everyone - I got a reply at last from Kampa who were extremely slow, but a guy called Max eventually came back to me after some prodding. Do you agree with his response? I am no expert, so hope that Kampa are and are giving good advice.
"After looking at the images as well as hearing trade feedback from other manufacturers and retailers within the trade, I feel confident to say that this was unfortunately most likely condensation. The weekend before last, 24.05.2014, was an atrocious weekend for condensation as not only was it very wet but it was also very warm.
Whilst I understand that you do not believe this could be condensation, it’s worth bearing in mind that at this time of year condensation can unfortunately be absolutely shocking. In the most severe cases, condensation will unfortunately give the illusion that rain is running straight through the material due to the warm temperature inside of the awning coming into contact with the cold temperature of the rain; this is why it is important that the awning is kept well ventilated. The rain itself is not coming through the material."
Hi. Bluejonny
Have you perhaps got contact details for Kampa as I would like to speak to them directly instead of going through a dealer ( as I have done already ) I don't want dealers excuses I want it from the horses mouth so to say. Cheers. Alex
Quote: Originally posted by Bluejonny on 02/6/2014
Hi everyone - I got a reply at last from Kampa who were extremely slow, but a guy called Max eventually came back to me after some prodding. Do you agree with his response? I am no expert, so hope that Kampa are and are giving good advice.
"After looking at the images as well as hearing trade feedback from other manufacturers and retailers within the trade, I feel confident to say that this was unfortunately most likely condensation. The weekend before last, 24.05.2014, was an atrocious weekend for condensation as not only was it very wet but it was also very warm.
Whilst I understand that you do not believe this could be condensation, it’s worth bearing in mind that at this time of year condensation can unfortunately be absolutely shocking. In the most severe cases, condensation will unfortunately give the illusion that rain is running straight through the material due to the warm temperature inside of the awning coming into contact with the cold temperature of the rain; this is why it is important that the awning is kept well ventilated. The rain itself is not coming through the material."
Interested in your comments...
Thanks
Jon
I have 2 Kampa awnings I find it strange that Kampa should put so much importance on ventilation when neither of them has any specific ventilation panels unlike our friends Outdoor Revolution and Sunncamp awnings the only way to vent our Kampas is to leave the door open as they do not have 2 way zips.
Quote: Originally posted by Bluejonny on 02/6/2014
Hi everyone - I got a reply at last from Kampa who were extremely slow, but a guy called Max eventually came back to me after some prodding. Do you agree with his response? I am no expert, so hope that Kampa are and are giving good advice.
"After looking at the images as well as hearing trade feedback from other manufacturers and retailers within the trade, I feel confident to say that this was unfortunately most likely condensation. The weekend before last, 24.05.2014, was an atrocious weekend for condensation as not only was it very wet but it was also very warm.
Whilst I understand that you do not believe this could be condensation, it’s worth bearing in mind that at this time of year condensation can unfortunately be absolutely shocking. In the most severe cases, condensation will unfortunately give the illusion that rain is running straight through the material due to the warm temperature inside of the awning coming into contact with the cold temperature of the rain; this is why it is important that the awning is kept well ventilated. The rain itself is not coming through the material."
Interested in your comments...
Thanks
Jon
I would say Kampa's response makes sense, as it matches my experience of polyester awnings, including the Kampa Rally 200. Ours was absolutely soaked with condensation on that weekend. It has never leaked in heavy rain.
our Kampa 260 rally also suffers from bad condensation dripping from the roof. We don't use it any more to be honest as its almost as quick to put he full awning up.
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Topic: Brand new and very leaky Kampa pro 520
