#it's a little bit sticky right now cause of the sealant. the sealant helps protect and bind it all together

[thatrandombystander]

Hee hee heeee Vash's hand is looking good!

Needs another two layers of foam sealant on the outside + one or two on the inside, then I can start painting it. Also need to paint the under-glove of course. :3

It's not glued to the glove and it looks pretty creepy when detached!

Res of the arm to follow when I get to it! Rest of it should be much less fiddly to glue so I'm hoping that will go pretty smoothly

[togetheroutdoor]

How To Re Waterproof A Tent In The Best Possible Way

A lot of us must be planning to have a little outdoor getaway into the woods. But these days one can never trust the weather. The sun might be shining bright upon us with a clear sky at one minute, but before you know it, there could be heavy rainfall. So having your tent waterproofed is necessary to make sure that you’re prepared for any sudden changes in the weather such as rain.

Most of the tents these days are already covered with some kind of waterproofing agent. To make sure that your camping experience doesn’t get ruined due to rain . But, these waterproofing agents can wear out over a period of time which could cause the water-repellent coating to tear up. These tiny little leaks wouldn’t catch an eye until the water comes pouring through it during a rainstorm. The best way to make sure that your tent is waterproofed is to apply a water spray on it. If there are parts in your tent where the water pours through, then you should get it waterproofed. You can apply a water spray from either side (from inside or outside) of the tent and it will give you the same results. Lets check out the best way to waterproof a tent

There are three places a tent leaks- through the seams, fabric and Rain Fly. The following aspects needs to be taken care of to make sure that your tent stays waterproofed throughout your trip:

Seal the seams.

Refresh the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating.

Refresh the urethane coating.

Well you must be wondering about how to do all these things. So here is a detailed guide to make sure that you waterproof your tent properly before leaving for a camping adventure!

HOW TO SEAL THE SEAMS

Most of the tents these days have seals already seamed. So if you have recently bought a tent you have nothing to worry about. Yet, the lamination cover on these seams will wear off over the period of time which will allow the water to pour in during the rain. Thus, it is necessary to make sure that the seams are sealed properly.

Seams are the points at which two pieces of fabric are stitched together. It is the easiest way for the water to enter inside the tent. Sealing the seams is rather an easy task and it shouldn’t take more than 25-30 minutes. It’s the part where you have to let the tent dry which consumes most of the time. One must let the tent dry for not less than 7 to 8 hours.

You’ll need the following things to seal the seams:

An old or tattered cloth

A sealant which is suitable for the fabric of your tent. (Different types of fabric need different types of sealant and it is necessary to choose the right type of sealant for your fabric. Make sure that your fabric doesn’t get damaged in the process. Most tents these days come with polyurethane-coated fabric. If you’re not sure about the type of the fabric that was used in the making of your tent, then you must contact your tent manufacturer before buying a sealant.)

Rubbing alcohol

A small paintbrush (Usually all the sealants these days come with an applicator but if it’s missing, you can use a paintbrush to apply it.

Safety gloves

Once you gather everything you need, you should find a nice spot where you can easily let the tent dry for hours. Waterproofing the tent indoors is better but it can only be done if you have enough space. But, waterproofing it outside is also not an issue. You just have to make sure that the tent can be left out to dry for hours once the process is completed.

Just follow these simple steps:

Set up your tent in a room with enough lights or a dry, sunny spot outside which provides enough light to examine all the seams properly.

If any of the seams are tearing apart, then you must apply a tape on the reverse side to hold the seams together. You cannot seal the seams until you apply the tape on the reverse side of the torn part or the seams. If the tear is severe, apply a second layer of sealant to make it durable.

The seams will be sealed in the inner part of the tent body and on the underside of the fly. So, to get easier access to the seams, turn the fly sheet inside out.

Now if there are any seal bits that are peeling off, remove them.

Gently clean the seams by applying rubbing alcohol and a tattered cloth.

Let the seams dry off properly before applying the sealant.

Once the seams are cleaned and dried properly, apply the sealant using an applicator or the paintbrush.

Shop Seam Sealer from here.

REFRESH THE DWR (DURABLE WATER REPELLENT)

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent sheds water from Rain Fly. Rain fly is a waterproof outer layer to be pitched above the Tent. The most effective way to spray water on rain fly and if drops of water are seen it’s a sign to apply Durable Water Repellent.

METHOD-

Start by washing Rain Fly and there is no need to let it dry.

Apply Water Repellent Spray on the Tent and leave for a few minutes.

By using a warm cloth wipe off excess spray.

Let it dry before you pack it off.

There are many water repellent sprays available in the market, let’s have a look at Top Picks-

Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent-

This is the best water repellent spray which can give two thick coating to a rain fly in a 10.50 ounce bottle. Also it can be used on other items too like Tent Fabrics, Outdoor Gear and shoes. It is available on any store and provides silicone based protection to the Tent.

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Nikwax- Tent & Gear Waterproofing & Solar proofing Spray-

This spray serves both the purpose of rain and sun too. This spray also cleans dirt and grime from the material and can also be used on all the products tents, tarps, umbrellas and many others.

[lasso rel="nikwax-tent-and-gear-cleaning-waterproofing-and-uv-protection" id="840" ref="nikwax-tent-and-gear-cleaning-waterproofing-and-uv-protection" link_id="2255"]

Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield-

This product suits well on nylon and polyester fabrics of Tents. This company has given other best seller products like Sticky Notes and Scotch Tapes. It comes in 10.5 ounce cans.

[lasso rel="scotchgard-heavy-duty-water-shield-repels-water-13-ounces" id="854" ref="scotchgard-heavy-duty-water-shield-repels-water-13-ounces" link_id="2288"]

Atsko Silicone Water Guard-

It works for Tent which has been seam sealed. It too comes with a Silicone based protection and comes in 10.50 ounce aerosol. As per product specifications, it takes 72 hours to fully dry the tent so the tent needs to be assembled in a secured area for 72 hours.

[lasso rel="atsko-silicone-water-guard-10-5-oz-2-pack" id="855" ref="atsko-silicone-water-guard-10-5-oz-2-pack" link_id="2289"]

Gear Aid Revivex Instant Waterproofing Spray-

Coming from brand Mcnett which also makes a favorite go to product seam sealer comes with silicon based protection and can also be used on paper maps. It comes in 5 ounce aerosol which can only be used in small tents. For bigger tents, 2 bottles will be needed.

[lasso rel="gear-aid-tent-waterproofing-spray-kits-for-nylon-tents" id="856" ref="gear-aid-tent-waterproofing-spray-kits-for-nylon-tents" link_id="2290"]

REFRESH THE URETHANE COATING

Coating can peel off as the tent starts getting old. As soon as you observe flakes on the floor of the Tent or under the rain fly, it shows a need to apply a fresh coat. It works as a barrier to water entering the Tent.

METHOD-

Apply Alcohol on the sponge and rub off the flakes from the Tent.

Let it dry for a day or two.

Take a bowl and pour sealant.

Apply the coating of Tent Sealant on the Tent and make sure to wash your hands quickly as the sealant may contain harmful chemicals.

Things to avoid while Waterproofing-

Never use a candle to check for any tears in the Tent as there are chances that the Tent can catch fire.

You may have searched on the Internet. Grease can work as a barrier to water also it keeps water out but there are chances that the coating can be damaged.

On fragile parts, Duct Tapes should not be applied.

Frequently Asked Questions-

At what interval Tent need a reproof?

To decide whether waterproofing is needed or not, there are two ways. First is to check whether there are any flakes in the Tent. And the second one is to water spray on the Tent and check whether it gets soaked at any place which shows a sign of reproofing.

How to waterproof inexpensive Tents?

Sometimes we buy camps for Family camping (Also a cheaper one) and we doubt whether it would survive in rainy weather. There is a solution to this also. We can get a basic tarp from a hardware store and hang on to the tent. Also we can use Nikwax Tent & Gear Waterproofing & Solar proofing Spray can be applied to the tent which is affordable and works in both rainy and sunny weather.

How many coats are required?

If we are going camping where there are chances of adverse weather conditions it is always advisable to apply double coating. But take a note let the first coat dry and then apply the next.

It seems it is difficult to take care of a tent and use it for years for many memorable adventures. Don’t worry it is not as difficult as it seems, once you get to know the correct way out it will be done easily. Hope this article has helped you to understand the method and get the best available products for the same. All these efforts will be fruitful as there is no better feeling than to walk down the woods on a rainy day and of course dance in rain.

Happy Monsoon!

Article Source Here: How To Re Waterproof A Tent In The Best Possible Way

[xdrvparts]

A Comprehensive Guide to Common RV Problems and How to Solve Them

If you’re like most RV owners, your motorhome or travel trailer is your pride and joy. It’s the key that unlocks your access to adventure your home away from home that makes every destination feel comfortable and just familiar enough to get you amped up to explore.

But anyone who’s been on the road for longer than a couple of days knows that RV issues are pretty much unavoidable. After all, it’s a house that movies. Technology is pretty amazing, but we’re talking about a big, heavy vehicle with some super complicated systems. A few things are bound to go wrong from time to time!

What’s worse, RV repair and maintenance costs aren’t exactly known for their affordability. Even when you’re working with a trustworthy mechanic, you can easily find yourself taking out a second mortgage to foot the cost of relatively simple repairs.

Good thing this is 2018, the age of the internet… which means instant access to a plethora of RV maintenance information and 101-style articles. You can even find step-by-step RV maintenance tutorial videos on YouTube!

Along with learning how to DIY simple repairs (or how to find the best instructional resources), this post will also help you learn which preventative maintenance steps will help you keep your rig issue-free in the first place. A little bit of regular effort goes a long way toward keeping your rig rolling for many happy years and camping trips to come.

It may take a little bit of elbow grease… but we promise it’ll be worth it.

COMMON RV PROBLEMS AND HOW TO FIX THEM

RV camping is a pretty amazing, high-tech travel lifestyle — but it’s actually been around for a while. Just about a century, in fact; you can learn more about the fascinating history of RVing in this RVshare post.

The good thing is, all that history gives us a good idea of which RV repair problems you’re most likely to face. Some mechanical breakdowns are simply more common than others. What’s more, many of the clever, handy campers in the RV world have shown us how to take care of some of these common maintenance issues, which can help you avoid paying top dollar for professional repair services.

We’ve also learned a lot about the simple, regular maintenance that will keep minor repair issues from blossoming into bona fide problems. A little bit of effort now can keep your rig running smoothly for years, not to mention helping you avoid major repair costs.

Let’s start with some of the most common RV problems, and go over a few of the easiest troubleshooting and prevention steps.

RV Roof and Leak Repair

When it comes to RVing, water leaks aren’t just a scary possibility: they’re pretty much inevitable. Even the toughest modern-day motorhome finishes will eventually cave to the pressures of the elements. Sealants harden and crack with age and motion, no matter how high-tech and well-made they may be.

And unfortunately, this ever-present bogeyman can wreak some serious havoc on your camper. Water damage does more than just stain your interior. It can also damage delicate moving parts, rust out metal fixtures, and even cause dangerous short-circuiting in your RV’s internal electrical system.

So, of course, it’s important to get ahead of this constant threat and minimize your chances of water leaks before they happen. The good news is, it’s relatively easy to do so — it just takes a few preventative maintenance steps performed on a regular basis.

First of all, always store your RV under a waterproof, UV-resistant cover. If you can, an indoor storage facility — or at least one with a roof — is your very best option.

We know, however, that renting a covered storage facility slot isn’t always an achievable option. In those cases, opt for a high-quality RV cover, which will help protect your investment even when it’s parked outdoors. When shopping for a cover, make sure you look for one that’s both waterproof and UV-resistant, which will help keep your finish as sound and seepage-free as possible. And keep in mind that, although these covers can cost several hundred dollars (depending on size and features), purchasing one still a whole lot cheaper than doing major repairs after water damage. Plus, it’s a one-time expense, as opposed to the drawn-out cost of renting a storage facility or constantly performing repairs after your rig sustains water damage.

Another way to resist leaks for as long as possible is to apply a new coat of RV roof sealant once a year as a preemptive strike against broken seals. You probably already know that you can use Dicor or a similar product to tackle existing, localized leaks… but it’s way better to stop them before they start in the first place.

Finally, always take the time to thoroughly check your RV for water damage before and after every single trip, as well as when you put the rig into or take it out of storage. Look for signs of stains along every seam and seal on your rig’s interior, paying special attention to roof openings like your bathroom or kitchen vent fans and your RV air conditioner.

Although finding a leak would be a major bummer, learning about it as soon as possible will help you to mitigate large, or even irreparable, damages. Here’s our guide to checking your RV for water damage.

Minor Issues with your RV’s Electrical System

Let’s get one thing out there straightaway. If you’re at all uncomfortable handling electrical issues, it’s a good idea to hire professional help. After all, with other DIY repairs, you run the risk of causing damage to your rig. But with electrical DIY repairs, you run the risk of causing yourself serious damage — i.e. injury or even death.

But there are certain minor motorhome and travel trailer electrical problems that the average around-the-house handyman can take care of without serious intervention. For instance, occasionally you’ll find the switches or push-buttons in your circuit breaker panel stop functioning. Replacing these is a very minor procedure.

The same goes for the outlets you find throughout your RV’s interior. If you find one malfunctioning, it may be due to the common use of the clip-together style of the receptacle by RV manufacturers. These receptacles cut through wires’ insulation, clipping to them in order to make contact and run an electrical current. They’re simple, and thus a money saver… but they’re also prone to becoming lose (and, thus, not working). You can easily replace them with the same type of outlet boxes you use at home, which will solve the issue and create a more reliable source of power.

RVers also frequently replace their RV batteries, especially when they’re planning to upgrade from a generator to a solar panel system. Lithium batteries are lighter, longer-lasting, and don’t require anywhere near as much maintenance. They’re also relatively simple to install and set up yourself, though you’ll also need an RV power inverter and a few other components.

Plumbing the Depths: RV Toilets and Water Systems

When you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go. And if you have issues with your RV toilet — or any other part of the plumbing system, for that matter — you’ll quickly find your camping adventure at an uncomfortable standstill.

Fortunately, many RV plumbing issues are simple enough to troubleshoot yourself. For example, a common cause of RV toilet clogs and backups is simple user error: too much toilet paper or too little water can keep your camper potty from proper flushing. Making sure everyone knows the right way to “go” will go a long way toward avoiding any problems.

Another common error is to leave the black water drain pipe open constantly if you’re hooked up to a sewer connection. But doing so is a bad move: it will allow all the liquid waste to drain first, which can lead to a sticky, sludgy clog in your holding tank or sewer drain pipe — the type of clog you do not want to have to deal with on your vacation. (Or ever.)

If you’ve already got a clog, the only thing to do is to snake the line, which is usually best done from the RV’s exterior (through the black tank drainage valve) as opposed to from inside through the commode itself. Depending on the severity of the clog, some campers have also reported success using plain old hot water. However, keep in mind that you may not have the skills (or the equipment) to perform this part yourself. Commercially-available products like Draino are unlikely to help and can also have negative interactions with RV toilet chemicals.

In some cases, the clog will be bad enough that you’ll need to get professional help regardless of your at-home plumbing abilities. The good news is, with the above information in mind, you’re unlikely to cause the problem again!

Other common RV plumbing issues include leaky pipes, which may be over-tightened in the case of PVC/flex piping or corroded in the case of old-model metal fixtures. If you’re comfortable removing and replacing pipe fixtures at home, chances are you’ll be able to do so in your motorhome as well — though keep in mind that your system may require specially-made parts, which are designed to withstand a motorhome’s motion without cracking or breaking.

A final word about RV plumbing: If you’re planning on traveling to cold locales during the wintertime, you’ll need to winterize your rig just like you would your home to keep the pipes from freezing. You’ll need to use a specially-made RV antifreeze to do it safely, and utilize your RV water pump to spread it throughout the system.

Keep it Cool with These Common HVAC Troubleshooters

Depending on when and where you’re headed, your RV’s air conditioning isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. That’s especially true since a lot of us do our big yearly trips over the summer when temperatures can get downright brutal.

There’s nothing worse than coming home from a long day of sweaty adventures looking forward to a nice, cool couch retreat… only to discover the “cool” part isn’t happening. Fortunately, however, there are lots of RV HVAC (heating/ventilation/air conditioning) repairs you can do without calling a professional RV AC service.

For instance, if your air conditioning unit is running, but you notice the air coming out of the vents isn’t exactly cool, the problem could be as simple as having dirty RV air vent filters — which means the solution could be as simple and cheap as replacing them. (You should perform this step as a preventative maintenance routine on a regular basis, anyway, so you might as well keep a stock of them on board both for those periodic changes and in case this happens.)

Another common RV AC issue has nothing to do with the AC unit itself — rather, it could be that your thermostat is busted, and not properly communicating with your air conditioning unit!

Replacing an RV AC thermostat is a relatively simple operation that can be performed with common hand tools. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to upgrade from analog to digital if you’re in an older RV model.

Finally, even in the worst-case scenario — your RV needs a whole new air conditioning unit — it’s actually not that difficult to DIY your solution.

RV Slide Out Problems

For all the benefits of the extra space, RV slide-outs can provide, this technology does have some drawbacks. For one thing, all those moving parts are vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and plain-old aging.

On the one hand, it’s kind of unsurprising that the whole moving section of a room would be a prime site for technical issues. The exact thing that makes this technology so amazing is what puts it at risk for problems. But as with so many other parts of RV repair, performing regular maintenance can help keep your slide-outs in proper, working order for many years to come.

For one thing, take advantage of every opportunity to lubricate your RV slide-out arms. This will ensure the longevity of the moving parts, which will go a long way towards preventing sticking issues. An affordable, commercially-available product like WD-40 will do the trick — and you’ll doubtless find tons of other applications for it elsewhere in your rig.

Another common RV slide-out the problem? Leaks. All those seams and seals are just begging to be infiltrated by every RVer’s worst enemy: unwanted water.

Keeping your slide out seals lubricated and soft will help extend their lifespans. A few squirts of UV-resistant 303 each time you operate your slide-out do wonders. Of course, all seals eventually harden and crack with age and use, at which point you’ll need to replace them. And as with all other parts of your rig, it’s a really good idea to check and double-check for water damage often. That way, if and when it does emerge, you can fix it before it spirals.

RV Brake Repair

When you’re driving such a heavy vehicle, stopping is important. (Actually, stopping is important no matter what vehicle you’re driving.)

And it’s a well-known fact that over time, certain brake components break down. That’s how they create the friction that stops you in the first place!

From topping off your brake fluid to actually replacing the brake shoes, drums, or rotors, if you’re comfortable doing mechanical work on other vehicles, you can easily translate those skills to your RV. You’ll need the proper equipment, of course, like a strong jack to lift your travel trailer up.

EASILY-REPLACEABLE RV PARTS

Although most RVs are outfitted with high-quality components, it’s just a fact of life: things break sometimes.

Fortunately, many motorhome and camper parts are pretty simple to replace, even if you don’t consider yourself particularly handy. Here are a few common areas where a replacement might do just the trick.

RV Lights

Just like the light bulbs in your house, the light bulbs in your RV will burn out periodically. Depending on the specific light fixture, a standard 100-watt bulb might not fit… but that doesn’t make the replacement any less simple. Ensure you have back-up bulbs in stock for all the lights in your RV you use most commonly. That way, when you suddenly flick the switch to no effect, you’ll be able to fix the problem in a jiffy. (Just make sure you have the switch set to “off” before you do so to avoid electric shock and burns!)

If you replace the bulb and find the light still isn’t working, you could be dealing with a deeper electrical problem, such as something to do with the wiring. If you’re comfortable going into your RV’s electrical systems, you can remove the light fixture to see what’s going on below the surface. However, if in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified electrician. Saving a little money isn’t worth risking electric shock!

RV Windows and Seams

You know that water damage we keep talking about? Another prime access point is the same one the sunlight filters through all your RV windows. Keeping them closed is one thing, but those seals also play a big part in keeping the interior of your rig nice and dry.

RV windows are also prone to other types of damage. For example, an errant stone thrown by a tire while you’re cruising down the highway can crack or shatter your RV window glass. The good news is, replacing or resealing RV windows is pretty easy. All it takes is a screwdriver and some good RV sealant.

RV Awnings and Canopies

Your RV’s awnings may seem like a luxurious extra, a quick and easy way to extend your living space by adding a shady, outdoor patio.

But for those of us who camp in hot locales — which is most of us, especially during the summer — those awnings actually serve a much more functional purpose. Shading the windows can help keep your RV’s interior temperature cooler, which avoids putting undue stress on your HVAC system.

What’s more, the LED lights on modern RV awnings can help guide you to your campsite after nighttime excursions, which can help you avoid safety issues, especially if you’re wild camping or boondocking. In short, your awning actually does a whole lot of heavy lifting�� so it’s important to take good care of it!

We’ve written before about awning maintenance, including this easy guide to cleaning your RV canopy of dirt and debris. However, replacing your awning is also totally doable — and with some of the fancy, pre-lit, automatically-unrolling models on the market, it’s a great opportunity for an upgrade.

RV ACCESSORIES TO KEEP YOUR RIG IN SHIP SHAPE

We write a lot about RV accessories here on the blog, and for good reason. In some cases, the right gadgets can help you keep your rig’s sensitive systems safe.

For example, although most RV hookups at developed campgrounds and parks have their electrical and water outputs regulated, you never know when something could go wrong — and cause a short in your rig’s wiring or a pressure problem with the plumbing.

A simple water pressure regulator with an attached gauge is a great way to circumvent a potentially costly problem, especially since it costs less than $50 to get one. Considering the complexity of an RV’s plumbing system, it’s a worthy investment to protect yourself from dealing with a messy hassle.

On the electrical side of things, you might consider a power line monitor, which you can use to check the wiring, polarity, and voltage of your shore power hookup before you subject your RV’s wires to a potential surge. It’s also a good idea to use surge protectors on your RV’s interior to adding a further layer of protection between your expensive electronic items and potential lightning strikes and other electrical mishaps.

There are plenty of other RV accessories that can help extend the lifespan of your RV’s systems and appliances. For example, using X-Chock wheel stabilizers in your travel trailer will help keep your leveling jacks from doing double duty, and may even help your tires last longer since they won’t be moving around so much when you’re camped. It might not seem like it, but even kitchen gadgets can be an aid to making your motorhome more long-lasting: adding an Instant Pot to your rig’s kitchen means you’ll be putting less stress on your other cooking devices, like your microwave or oven, for example.

RV REPAIR DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SCARY

We hope this post helps you rest easy, knowing that RV maintenance and repair doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, with a little bit of foresight, planning — and yes, maybe a little bit of sweat — you can often avoid frustrating RV repair issues (and expensive RV mechanical services) in the first place.

And if you’re not sure how to tackle the common troubleshooting issues we’ve outlined above, don’t be afraid to turn to the camping community for help! From RV forums to YouTube tutorials to the comments and community right here at RVshare, most campers are happy to lend a helping hand to others learning the ins and outs of these unique vehicles.

Finally, don’t forget the most important part: Once your rig’s in ship shape and ready to go, get out there and do some exploring in it!

This comes from https://xdrvparts.com/blogs/news/how-to-solve-common-rv-problems