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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: schmik on February 27, 2011, 08:43:35 PM

Title: Sticky zips at night?
Post by: schmik on February 27, 2011, 08:43:35 PM

Does canvas shrink at night, when it gets colder? Every day I adjust the tent and the canvas door closes fine. Every evening and in the middle of the night the zip then sticks badly. I try to leave enough slack in the tent so the zip runs smoothly but every night it is tight as! Any ideas or tips?

Title: Re: Sticky zips at night?
Post by: 4x4equip on February 27, 2011, 09:18:41 PM

Are they plastic or metal zips?

Title: Re: Sticky zips at night?
Post by: schmik on February 27, 2011, 09:42:19 PM

Plastic teeth and metal slider. Its bugging me because we are 5 nights in to a 9 week trip.

Title: Re: Sticky zips at night?
Post by: Variflex on February 27, 2011, 09:46:50 PM

I usually try and do a little maintenance when camping, just five minutes or so, anywho i always put a little silicon spray on a cloth and wipe it over my zips, nothing worse than having a zip stick and end up damaging the stitching in the canvas.

I figure whilts the camper is set up its the best time to do any work on the camper.

This doesnt answer your question but may help you at in the future
Cheers
Darren.

Title: Re: Sticky zips at night?
Post by: GU_Thomo on February 28, 2011, 06:51:45 AM

Mine do not stick but they are very noisy.
What is the best lubricant that will not stain the canvas?

Cheers
Parry

Title: Re: Sticky zips at night?
Post by: DANBRI on February 28, 2011, 06:57:26 AM

Yes, they expand and retract.

I have seen a 4m awning retract 100mm when frozen. A bit of wax on the zips will keep them flowing nicely.

Title: Re: Sticky zips at night?
Post by: Beachman on February 28, 2011, 10:06:41 AM

Quote from: DANBRI on February 28, 2011, 06:57:26 AM

A bit of wax on the zips will keep them flowing nicely.

When you say wax, do you mean something like a candle to rub along the zip?

Title: Re: Sticky zips at night?
Post by: DANBRI on February 28, 2011, 10:12:42 AM

Yep, it will do!

Title: Re: Sticky zips at night?
Post by: 4x4equip on February 28, 2011, 02:02:10 PM

Quote from: DANBRI on February 28, 2011, 10:12:42 AM

Yep, it will do!

Candle wax or beeswax both work well. Silicone spray also works, but the waxes are better.