Damaged tent? Let me break the sentence. Does tent poles are broken? Worried about small and large rips and tears in your tent? Are there any leaks in your tent? Don’t worry. Because below we have a detailed guide on how to fix a huge tent. We will be going to cover any damages that can happen to your tent and we have also given solutions to all such problems.
If your whole tent is damaged or break into several small pieces then don’t think and get a new tent. But, if the tears are small or large enough to fix then you can fix them by yourself. Fixing all such minor damages is not a big deal. You just have to be focused then follow and execute the below guide to fix your huge tent.
Table of Contents
Tools Required
You will need the following tools:
- Sewing awl
- Grommet Setter
- Small scissors
- Straight pins
Time Required: Based on the size of the damage, it may take 10 minutes to 1 hour for mending.
Material Required
1. Taffeta repair tape, dedicated seam sealer for canvas – for canvas tents
2. Ripstop nylon repair tape, dedicated seam sealer for nylon – for nylon tents
3. Waxed thread, grommet, and. scrap nylon screening – for both tents
Mending Small Rips
If your tent has small tears then it is a good decision to mend it. Rain, wind, or even wild animals can get in through the small tear or rips and your camping trip will become a nightmare. All you have to do is follow and execute the below-discussed steps:
1. Start by covering the damaged area with cloth repair tape. As we already said that taffeta for canvas tents and ripstop nylon for nylon tents.
2. Next, apply a liberal patch to both sides of the tear. Make sure there are no leaks or snags while smoothing the edges of the tape.
3. On both sides of the tent, use a seam sealer to coat the edges of the patch. Make sure to use the right seam sealer for the right tent.
Mending Large Rips
If your tent has large rips then you will need more concentration while fixing them. If you have patches of tent fabric then you can use them to fix the large rips. Otherwise, there will be two cases for large rips:
#1 Case
In this case, you have the relaxed material of the tent to repair. Therefore, you can produce a little extra pressure to fix the large tear. Start by pulling the two sides of the tent materials together. You have to pull them like one side folds under the other. Now, use the waxed thread and sewing awl to sew them tightly. Make sure that the stitches are closed together. Now, you can apply the seam sealer.
#2 Case
If the material of the tent is tight and you are not able to pull them. Here, you will need to use the repair tape. Now, you can cover the large rip with the repair tape. Also, apply the tape such that it is about 1.5 inches longer and wider than the tear. Once done, you can apply the seam sealer.
Fixing the Leaks in the Tent
Leaks usually caused by tears in the tent. You will find most of the tears on the seams where the two pieces of fabric meet. If you have one then first, you will need to clean them by wiping using the tent cleaner. You can also use alcohol for this. Now, you can apply the seam sealer.
If you have the leaks in rainfly then simply dry the area first then apply the seam sealer. The same procedure must be followed for the upper surface of the tent. Leaks on the tent floor will become a major issue. To fix it apply the seam sealer. Just make sure that the inner surface of your tent must have the ragged part of the seam. The repair tape must be first applied for the patch. A tarp can be placed under the tent floor to protect it from outer elements. You can also use a plastic drop cloth under your tent.
If your tent comes with a waterproof membrane then you are good to go. However, after some time, you may find water is leaking in. The main reason behind this is maybe you have washed your clothes near the tent. Actually, the detergent liquid can erode the waterproof membrane.
Fixing Broken Tent Poles
Broken tent poles! No one likes that at any cost. However, sometimes due to carelessness tent poles get broken. The main reasons behind the broken tent poles are too eager while pitching the tent, strong winds, wear, and tear. Make sure that no one stands over your tent poles because they may break.
In my case, I have some spare tent poles. I don’t forget to pick them when planning for a camping trip. However, if you don’t have the spare tent poles then the duct tape is the thing that you really need.
Duct tape will make your tent surviving by providing strength to it. However, it may not work for bending poles. Once you returned home then you can better buy a new one.
Fixing Bent Tent Pegs
Over hammering can cause the bent tent pegs. Most of the cheap quality tent pegs usually get bent. I have some spare tent pegs in case if anyone bents accidentally. However, if you don’t have spare tent pegs then you can use a mallet to knock it and bring them in shape. If you don’t have a mallet available then you can also try with hands or anything that works.
Fixing Broken Tent Zipper
If the slider of the tent zipper is broken then you can use a pair of pliers. On the other hand, if it is jammed then use some WD-40 in order to lose it. Instead of the slider, the teeth are misaligned then you can run the slider up and down to fix it. This works most of the time.
If the teeth are broken then you have no option in place of replacing it with a new zipper.
Fixing Tears Around Grommets
Fixing the tears around grommets follows the removal of old grommet and replacement of damaged material.
1. Start by cutting the grommet out. Make sure to remove less fabric as possible. You can use scissors to cut.
2. Now, use the repair tape to produce a double-strength patch over the grommet hole. Simply, stick the tape to one side of the fabric and fold it over on itself.
3. Now, place a new grommet using grommet setter. Use seam sealer to seal the edges.
Storing the Tent Properly
We all know that prevention is better than cure. If you give your best in storing your tent at home then you are far away from rips or tear in your tent. Tents must be stored properly and carefully in order to enhance longevity. Always dry your tent after returning from the camping trip.
You can roll the tent and store it into the pillowcase. Make sure to not fold or pack it tightly because packing tightly will replicate stress on the tent fabric. We have a detailed guide on how to store your tent properly. You can read it for proper details.
Make sure that the tent areas like pegging points and guylines are dry before storing the tent. If there are any damages or breakdowns to the tent then you must fix it before storing the tent.
Check Your Tent Before Leaving
Always properly check your tent before leaving your house. Maybe the last time, the tent was good but storing it improperly or any mildew grow up. This is important because you don’t face any problems when you reach the camping place and ready to pitch the tent. We are not just talking about putting it out of the carry bag.
You must also pitch the tent once in your backyard and check for any damages, wear, and tears. There are minor possibilities that last time, you didn’t notice any mildew. This way you will not only check your tent but also you will practice pitching the tent.
Tips on Pitching the Tent
You must be careful while pitching your tent. You have a good looking tent. Basically, you have invested in your dream tent. Therefore, you will never want that carelessness while pitching the tent will cause tears and damages to your tent. Pitching the tent correctly and in perfect surroundings increases the lifespan of your tent. Make sure that there are no branches, no rocks or, anything on the ground where you will set up your tent. Having carelessness to these will damage your tent.
Never put too much pressure on your tent. Aggressive eager will result in broken or bent tent poles, pegs, etc. Make sure that the tent has enough space to set up completely.
Don’t set up your tent on uneven terrain or very open ground. Your tent will become a victim of harsh winds and it will result in damaged tent parts. Look for a sheltered location like a place surround by trees. Trees will reduce the concentration of harsh winds coming towards your tent. Don’t pitch your tent under a tree because, in snowy conditions, snow or any other particles will fall from tree to your tent and damaging the tent. You can also read our guide on how to heat a tent without electricity.
Conclusion
Make sure to check your tent properly before leaving for camping ground. Above, we have discussed the detailed guide on how you can fix small, large rips and tears, fixing leaks, bent tent poles and pegs, fixing tears around grommets, and much more. Comment below if you have any questions in your mind or doubts. We will give our best to resolve your queries. Stay tuned and happy camping.