Leaking Alakanak Tent- Need Advice

[LaGriz]

My trusty 12'X12' Alakanak Tent purchased in 2009 leaked badly on a my recent elk hunt. When I installed the center pole, white seam material sprinkled down like confetti! I knew I was in trouble even though It had never leaked before. I'm thinking my tent may have gotten damp or wet on a return trip while stuffed in a industrial garbage bag, I transport my gear in a open utility trailer, so every thing gets bagged up for the ride.

The vents around the center pole seem to be the source. The water ran down the walls in all directions. my gear got soaked as the waterproof floor accumulated the water like a bath tub. Our cots got wet, but not our sleeping bags. One of my hunting partners was going to stay in my tent. This became a problem for us both. We then traveled 80+ miles to a Wal-Mart where he purchased a 9'X16' Nylon family tent. I gave him some cash to off set the expense. We got through it ok with a minimal amount of drama. His son took a nice bull with his bow so they left happy.

Can anyone direct me to a repair facility, or a offer a fix? I'm thinking I can do some exterior and interior seam sealing in an effort to eliminate the problem that was completely over the top, It looked like the seams were taped during the assembly process. I don't know if it can be repaired with out some specialized equip, I'm sure this has been experienced by one of the Rokslide members as this is a common tent. Any feed back will be welcomed.

LaGriz

 

[TheGrayRider]

I set up my Alaknak tent at least once a year and spray the hell out of it with silicone sealer. I also use silicon sealer on all of the seams. Lot of work but the effort helps, somewhat.

 

[LaGriz]

I reached out to Cabela's Customer Service. They gave me the number of Westfield Outdoors in Indiana. The Rep tells me they have only been making the Alakanak tents at that location since 2020. I got the impression that she was totally uninformed but unwilling to admit her ignorance. Was told the present fabric utilized is a 250 D Polyester Oxford material with a 1000 PU coating/.

I don't know if the fabric is the same on the 2009 model I own. I'm sure it matters what the fabric might be in order use the correct seam sealant for the task at hand. Unsatisfied, I called Cabela's once again and asked to speak to a product specialist. This gentlemen took my number with the promise to call me back. The goal is to locate the manufacture of these tents during the time mine was built.

LaGriz

 

[LaGriz]

Update,
I learned from a Cabela's product specialist that Montana Canvas used to build these tents. I called MC and left a voice mail for the main guy. Looking for the correct seam sealant and hopefully suggestions on how to go about the process. Additionally, looking to have a pyramid shaped rain fly made to help water proof the tent. I' looking at having a stove jack in the rain fly that lines up with the present one, The guy at Montana Canvas is yet to return my call.

LaGriz

 

[mfllood3800]

Hmmm I didn't know different types of sealer are used. I mixed silicone with thinner to a syrup type mix and seamed all my stitching. I would think sealing is sealing?

 

[Wrench]

I too have done as above with the silicone. If yours is pu coated, perhaps some sika or np reduced with mineral spirits would be appreciated.

 

[Missahba]

For what it’s worth, among my hunting group we have 5 Alaknaks of different vintage. The oldest is a 10’x10’ bought from the bargain cave dirt cheap. It suffered some leaking from the roof ridge and edge seams. This summer I bought two cans of Gorilla Glue clear spray adhesive. (Gorilla glue also makes a clear fabric glue in a tube, that I’m trying on a Cabelas Outback Lodge). The MSDS sheets on these indicate they contain PU if I recall correctly. So that’s why I chose them. I haven’t tested in the rain or garden hose yet, but I will follow up when I do. I wasn’t able to find a brush-on PU product in any quantity over 4 oz. I could buy another tent for the cost in bottles that size. Hence chose the spray for cost and convenience of application.

 

[LaGriz]

Too Missahba and others,
Thanks for the input. I have since spoken to the head guy at Montana Canvas. He suggested using pure silicone. Not yet sure how I'm going to do this. Have mixed seam sealant with mineral spirits for use on Sil-Nylon tents and tarps. Unsure if that will work as well on this very different Polyester material.

We also discussed the use of a rain fly that they build for there spike tent that has near identical dimensions to my Alaknak design. Both tents are12' X 12" at the base, with 4 walls. My tent has a height of 9'6", while the MC spike tent is a bit shorter. I think this will work and also help the tent retain heat and improve snow load. The cost of a fly would be north of $300 and would require installation (by me) of a stove jack to line up with the present one on the tent body. Because of supply chain issues and other concerns, Montana Canvas has a significant back log to there orders. If I ordered a fly today I might not see it until February-March. Will update this effort as I move forward.

LaGriz