OT - how to waterproof a tent??

[musicmama]

We bought DD a tent for last Christmas (amazon special) and she used it over Memorial Day as her private room while we stayed in the RV. It rained during our trip and we discovered (as absolute tenting know-nothings) that if you touch the tent wall, it "leaks". I've read recommendations that you should just buy a separate tarp and put it over the tent roof, but this tent is about 6' high and has 2 full rooms, making the tarp idea a little difficult.

So, how do we waterproof the tent? Is there a scotchgard spray to buy? Is there a spray gun for this? Do we buy a can of something and paint it on? Do we spray it when it's put up?

I figure there has to be someone on this board who's had a similar experience and can tell us what to do.. or one of you experts might have 5 or 10 minutes to type out instructions? I'm fine with computers and other electronics, but this tent thing has me stymied. DH is in the same boat.

Advice would be welcomed. Feel free to laugh at us noobs, even, as long as you are willing to point us in the right direction.

 

[clkelley]

There are two products you need to purchase. The first is seam sealer which usually comes in a roll-on type container. (Like a roll-on deoderant)

The next is a Scotch Guard or Camp Dry type fabric sealant. There are many brands. This is in a spray can.

Set up the tent when you know you have a couple of dry days. Take the seam sealer and roll it along the seams on both inside and outside. Then spray all exterior surfaces of the tent with the fabric sealant. (Two or three coats).

Let everything dry thoroughly for a few days then pack it all back up.

Even with this, you should not have things up against the tent walls on the inside as this allows the moisture to wick.

Another thing that you need is a groundcloth. I use 6 mil painters plastic cut to match the shape of the tent, but about an inch smaller all the way around. I also cut a second sheet and put it inside the tent for extra insurance.

I have never had to put a tarp over my tent, but I do put a shelter over the entrance of my tent, so I can enter and exit in the dry and hang my rain gear outside the tent.

Another thing to do is make sure the tent is completely stretched out and staked down, and all guy lines stretched and staked, so that water rolls off of it properly.

Also, when in the tent, never completely seal it up. Make sure there is some type of ventilation. We as humans create lots of moisture just by breathing, so allowing that moisture to escape promotes keeping things dry.

Also, during the day when you are not in the tent, try to open up as many windows as possible and run some type of fan to promote drying things out.

 

[musicmama]

Thanks so much for the products and the detailed instructions!! We are leaving for the Jersey shore this weekend with the RV. DD was expecting to leave the tent at home and sleep in the 'loft' again (now 14, she bumps her head on the roof sitting up). The weather looks like it'll cooperate enough to get the supplies, put the tent up and waterproof it while we're there.

I knew this board would come through!