Forum Discussion

poppin_fresh's avatar
poppin_fresh
Explorer
Jun 13, 2015

tent support modification

Just curious if anyone has modified the supports for the tent(s) on their Hybrid?

My side bunk has a short tent that has a nice pitch toward the front corners of the tent to shed water. The front bunk, which has a longer tent, tends to sag in the middle which causes the water to puddle and slowly run down the canvas side windows. We stay dry for the most part, but some moisture will eventually wick through the canvas windows.

I am going to re-waterproof the canvas, but I would really prefer it if the tent didn't sag, and rather the water sheds off the vinyl like the side bunk.

Anyone have a mod for this scenario? Adjusting the shepards pole has done nothing.

thanks!
  • gaymeadowsman's avatar
    gaymeadowsman
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    The bunk end in the first photo shown is not extended all the way out. Compare it to the rear bunk tent and note how much tension is on the canvas of the rear bunk. When we had our HTT the end panel seam would be on top of the frame rail when bunk was raised.
  • poppin_fresh's avatar
    poppin_fresh
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2015
    Thanks for the thoughts all, but the problem is not the shepard's pole. It has plenty of arch and is keeping the center of the tent nice and tight. The issue is actually at the side corners where the water is allowed to pool and run down the canvas window. This link shows the issue I'm referencing, but it is not my camper. http://www.conejowholesaleauto.com/index.php?p=details&id=897

    I did waterproof the canvas with 303 Fabric Protector which is working great, but I would rather the water shed off the vinyl as it should.
  • gaymeadowsman's avatar
    gaymeadowsman
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2015
    Try different thickness of pool noodles(if your poles don't have an arch in them) on your shepherd's hook pole. It will vary the amount of "sag" in the tent and cushion the pole from possible contact with your head.(Been there)
  • JimNH's avatar
    JimNH
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2015
    the mid-top poles for our tent ends are bowed, and have adjustments for tension. Ours are new and are on the lowest adjustment now, I am guessing that as the fabric wears and/or stretches, some adjusting might be needed. Ours is a KZ hybrid. What make and model do you have? Pics? I am sure there are different systems out there, and not sure without more info if it's a wear or design or ?? problem...
  • Oasisbob's avatar
    Oasisbob
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2015
    We have a "Shepherds Hook" that runs the ridge and tension is adjustable. It we keep that tight the water runs off. If loose it may puddle in the corners. We do use end covers so puddling is no big deal as volume is minimal. Just a typical RV design flaw much like our water tank fill tube mounted on the side so cannot use total volume of tank. Daaa!
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Jun 13, 2015
    Fashion a piece of PVC pipe that you can fit in with a little arch which would expand the top upward and give you rainwater runnoff on both sides. Just cut it a little long and jame it in there. It will work.
  • popeyemth's avatar
    popeyemth
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2015
    Our poles were arched up in the center from the factory
    Are yours original?

About Travel Trailer Group

44,025 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 18, 2025