Refunds For Zip Failure on Bell Tents
Sadly, zip failure on bell tents is really quite common. Ask any stitching house that deals with bell tent repairs to list their top three reasons for a repair, and zip failure will almost certainly feature within their top three reasons. The other two being stitching issues and tear issues.
Most bell tents will have a zip somewhere on the tent such as on the windows or the entrance. If you’ve selected a ZIG (Zipped in Groundsheet) there will be a groundsheet-to-canvas zip around the entire circumference of the tent, often in sections.
There are four main components to a zip, and so unfortunately, there is plenty that can go wrong.
Failure of any of the following components can be a real hassle for most, and a professional repair is the most likely outcome. Zips can be replaced in their entirety by a professional, and often the supplier can provide you with the necessary components to pass to the professional in order to complete the repair: –
The four Main Zip Components
The Tape
The fabric part of the zipper.
The Top Stop
A device at the top of the zipper, to stop the slide from coming off the chain.
The Slider
The device that moves along the chain to open or close the zipper.
The Teeth
Also known as the chain. The teeth interconnect and can be opened or closed as desired.
Occurrence & Avoidance
When you first pitch, check that all zips are free running and without obstruction. Any issues should be reported in writing to the manufacturer. If a tent arrives with zip issues, this is a good enough reason to request its return to the supplier.
ZIGs Are Commonly Left With PVC Groundsheet Material In The Way
Check to make sure you can detach (and re-attach) your ZIG easily. It’s not uncommon for groundsheet material to left in the way by the manufacturer – a job that should be completed at the point of production. A good manufacturer really should not debate this issue and should offer to either refund, fix or replace your bell tent.
Problems that arise later (after you’ve checked the free-running of your zip) are usually due to user error or are attributable to the accelerated use of the tent, and so not attributable to a manufacturing issue. It would be very difficult to convince a manufacturer that a tent that has been used has a zip issue that is their fault.
Zip Failure on Bell Tents That Occur Later On
The main problem area is at the entrance where traffic is greatest. The bell tent is likely to have a zip-closing entrance, and so there will be an exposed horizontal zip at the threshold of the tent. This zip is particularly vulnerable to dirt and will need brushing with a soft brush once in a while to ensure it’s free-running. A good zip won’t break under the pressure of footfall, but like any other component of the tent, even the best zip will have an upper limit. Impacts from falling heavy objects can cause teeth on the zip to loosen or dislodge completely and the zipper will no longer function.
Some bell tents are produced with the option to flatten this exposed length of the zip so that it is flush to the ground. The thinking here was to help reduce the trip hazard, but it also helps to protect the zip to some degree too.
Lubrication
The zips will need lubricating periodically to avoid zip failure, and silicone based lubricants are readily available in most camping shops. Check that the lubricant you are purchasing is compatible for use with canvas tents before applying.
