We purchased a new awning last September, didn't use it until this year. Because of the way it is manufactured (with a seam running the width of it, about 6 inches out from the camper) it leaks every time we have rain. The manufacturer says it's supposed to leak!!!! But it should seal itself in time as dirt accumulates in the needle holes. In the meantime, they suggested I run paraffin wax along the seam. I am flabbergasted that they realize the awning leaks, and they're okay with that!! Has anyone else experienced this?

Neither my original awning (which was destroyed in a microburst) nor its replacement have leaked.

The seam should not leak. That said, there is awning repair tape that could be used over the seam to cure the problem, which should not be there in the first place. Paraffin wax might melt in the sun, especially where I live.

You get what you pay for... And I hope you did not pay too much for that leaky awning!!!!!! There is no way I would accept that answer if ... Yes I may be 100% wrong... But in the 25+ years of camping , and a couple awning replacements. , I have never had a leak... Unless I caused if ! :B

Strange that there is a seam in the awning at all. Walmart sells seam sealer in a small bottles. It's designed for use on any kind of tent fabric and easy to use. The bottle has felt/sponge for an applicator. It works similar to a bottle of shoe shine. Just rub it on both sides of the seam, let it dry for a day, and repeat. It works great for tents and I have used it to seal pin holes in my older awning.

JohnnyG73 wrote:Strange that there is a seam in the awning at all. Walmart sells seam sealer in a small bottles. It's designed for use on any kind of tent fabric and easy to use. The bottle has felt/sponge for an applicator. It works similar to a bottle of shoe shine. Just rub it on both sides of the seam, let it dry for a day, and repeat. It works great for tents and I have used it to seal pin holes in my older awning.X2 if the dealer/manufacturer doesn't make it right and that's what it sounds like. I have used that sealer a lot back in my tent camping years.

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beemerphile1
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
JAYHAWKERS wrote:
Try SEAM GRIP (available at Amazon) on your awning seam. I have used it to repair leaks in breathable/waterproof chest waders. Wonderful product and very inexpensive/easy to use.SEAM GRIP

That is the stuff to use, it is a urethane product. Never use the garbage latex seam sealer.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2014
3 new awnings on 3 different trailers, none ever leaked! do you have a pic of the seam? I can`t imagine a seam in from the edges of the awning, unless it has a sun shield at the top.
Aluminum_Siding
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
JAYHAWKERS wrote:
Try SEAM GRIP (available at Amazon) on your awning seam. I have used it to repair leaks in breathable/waterproof chest waders. Wonderful product and very inexpensive/easy to use.SEAM GRIP

Hay thanks for this. I never knew such a ting existed.
JAYHAWKERS
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
Try SEAM GRIP (available at Amazon) on your awning seam. I have used it to repair leaks in breathable/waterproof chest waders. Wonderful product and very inexpensive/easy to use.SEAM GRIP
dadmomh
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
That's ridiculous. Did they say that it was sewn with the kind of thread that's used in HTT tents? Is the seam near the top or middle....either would not be satisfactory, but wonder that their logic is. Sunshade, my......foot!
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jul 21, 2014
Neither of my awnings leaked, and neither had seams.
Vet_Man
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
Had the same problem, it evenly slowed leaking, but never stopped. When I called the manufacture they said it was not suppose to be water proof, it was a sun shade. I believe mine was a CareFree.
Marauderer
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
JohnnyG73 wrote:
Strange that there is a seam in the awning at all. Walmart sells seam sealer in a small bottles. It's designed for use on any kind of tent fabric and easy to use. The bottle has felt/sponge for an applicator. It works similar to a bottle of shoe shine. Just rub it on both sides of the seam, let it dry for a day, and repeat. It works great for tents and I have used it to seal pin holes in my older awning.

X2 if the dealer/manufacturer doesn't make it right and that's what it sounds like. I have used that sealer a lot back in my tent camping years.
JohnnyG73
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
Strange that there is a seam in the awning at all. Walmart sells seam sealer in a small bottles. It's designed for use on any kind of tent fabric and easy to use. The bottle has felt/sponge for an applicator. It works similar to a bottle of shoe shine. Just rub it on both sides of the seam, let it dry for a day, and repeat. It works great for tents and I have used it to seal pin holes in my older awning.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Jul 21, 2014
You get what you pay for... And I hope you did not pay too much for that leaky awning!!!!!! There is no way I would accept that answer if ... Yes I may be 100% wrong... But in the 25+ years of camping , and a couple awning replacements. , I have never had a leak... Unless I caused if ! :B

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