Coleman "Evolution 3" PU fabric: How to patch & prevent "WICKING"?

[Rmplstlskn]

:usflag:  I have a 1991 Coleman Columbia PU with the "Evolution 3" fabric on sides. It is a form of polyethlene weave that is water-"resistant" yet remains breathable for fast drying.

The fabric is now 13 years old and the storm front we had blow through earlier this week put the PU waterproofness to the test.

I only had two minor leaks from holes but most of the minor water penetration onto the bunks was from WICKING. After a time the E-3 fabric gets saturated and the water wicked in where the metal pole supports the roof canopy, then ran down the pole onto the waferboard bunk. Only the top corner touches the fabric directly, other contact is indirect from wind blowing the fabric against the pole.

How can I stop this wicking? How can I patch E-3 fabric?

My idea: I purchased some foam "practice" tennis balls and cut them in half. If I stick these half balls into the corner between the pole and the vinyl bunk roof at the corners, then the foam pushes the E-3 fabric off off the support poles, thus no wicking. Any other options to permanetly fix the wicking problem?

Thanks!
Robert

[HersheyGirl]

I have Evolution 3 fabric on my camper.  I waterproofed it last season with Camp Dry, that I got at Kmart/Walmart.  It works great.  I too had the wicking problem, and by spraying the fabric twice with the Camp Dry,it took care of the problem.  Have you ever waterproofed the fabric, if you haven't, it probably is time that you do.  Good luck.

[deniski]

My used pu also has Evolution 3, but we so seldom have any rain    that we haven't noticed any leaking problems... yet.  The manual says to first wash with mild soap (Ivory Snow is mentioned) in case insect repellent spray accidently got sprayed on the fabric causing it to leak.  Then rinse really well to get all the soap residue out.  If it still is leaking after this washing, then reseal with water repellent fabric protector.

As for patching, the manual says "Accidental rips and tears in Evolution 3 test fabric can be easily repaired by either sewing or by the use of a repair tape such as Ripstop supplied by Kenyon Consumer Products, 200 Main Street, Kenyon, RI 02836.  Larger holes may be repaired by stitch patching with Evolution 3 fabric.  When stitch repairing, treat all stitching with a seam sealer such as K+ Kote Seam Sealer (Kenyon product)."