tent zipper wont close

[fishinful]

Hi Everyone,

   I have a Coleman Westlake '00. When I first got the trailer about four years ago I was having a difficult time with the zippers on both sides of the clear window only. The canvas part at both ends of the bunks have always been fine.It has become increasingly difficult and is now impossible to open or close.It seems as though the plastic has shrunk because there is now a large (1 1/2")gap along the horizontal edge, however the problem is much less pronounced on the vertical.

This is not my first PU and taking care of the tent part has always been a concern of mine. I have tried relaxing the top after installing the door thinking it might be over-extended and making sure I was level and plumb.Nothing even minutly relieves this problem. I've noticed that the top and bottom of the tent is held in place by a piece of extruded reglet, however I am reluctant to un-screw this and reposition the tent.

Has anyone heard of the plastic window shrinking? I'm running out of options and have broken the zipper on one side out of frustration.
                                                         Thanks    Tracy

[Dwayne N]

Hi Tracy,

I noticed the same promblem with my late model Coleman that has a new top on it.

In my case, when it's warm out I don't have a problem.  But as the night cools off, the plastic window shrinks to a point where it's impossible to close it without tearing or damaging it.  Note the reference to a future repair!

I have had to loosen that screw more than once at both ends so that I could adjust the tension.  The canvas on mine slides easily in both directions of the track.  Every now and then, I have to re-adjust it again.  

I don't know if this helps, but that's what I've had to do on my end.

[fishinful]

Thanks Dwayne-

   Yes I lowered the upper tent track and it kinda solved the problem. I did notice from your post that a big swing in tempature still makes it impossible to zip up, and at night when it gets cold is when iI fight it the most. Maybe I'll lower it again and see if that helps. Anyone have any ideas on hoe or where to go to get the zipper repaired or replaced? I live in southeren California.  

                                                                 Thanks Tracy

[mercedes1976]

I fixed my zipper with a zipper repair kit I purchased from Joanne's for like $10.  Look for the "Outdoor" repair kit.  The zipper I repaired is on a clear window also.  I wasn't sure it would work, but figured for $10 it was worth a shot!

Mercedes

[griffsmom]

Our zippers are awful and we have had the canvas factory-replaced at least 3 times.  Thankfuylly, it was all covered under warranty for us.  I'm not allowed to zip up the windows anymore.