Coromal Silhouette Camper - Wet Weather?

I have a Jayco wind up camper without the slide out beds and friends of ours have a Jayco with the slide out beds. Wet weather is no problem, wind is no drama unless really strong, but still very live-able. Better than a tent!

Ours leaks a little but it is 12 years old and due for new canvas. Our friends have no trouble at all with rain. Candle wax is good to stop small leaks. You can also buy canvas waterproofing to paint on.

Hi Dan,

Our Silhouette is totally waterproof even without the end flys on, but if the weather looks inclement we use the flys so that breaking camp is a little less wet. We've had it set up in some fairly strong winds and as long as the stabilizing legs are wound down firmly it has been as solid as a rock.

Our S454 Silhouette camper has no pull-out ends.
After our first storm, the zip which joins the solid base to the canvas top absorbed moisture - a can of canvas water proofing fixed this.

After driving through heavy rain for a few hours we did have a leak from the hatch but cannot confirm whether or not we had secured the hatch tightly enough - just need more rain to test it out again. Have experienced no other water problems and very little flapping of canvas in windy conditions - of course we do fold up the awning if the wind is too strong.

Having had a pop-top caravan for many years, we are pleasantly surprised at the comfort & performance (after a couple of minor modifications) of the Silhouette.

Pat

Hi danielm

We have a Goldstream camper less than a year old. The day it was delivered it poured and leaked profusely saturating both mattresses. Called the manufacturer and he advised hosing it daily for several days to shrink and close up the fibres in the canvass especially where sewn. Worked just as he said. No more leaks. This also was standard procedure years ago when canvass tents were made. The experts do not recommend using chemical treatments on canvas. Good quality canvas does not need it.

We have just returned from a 5000KM trip to QLD and return with our Coromal Silhouette Pioneer 392. We got wet a few times, the worst being at Coffs when we packed up in the drizzle. It was not pleasant. It reminds me how closely related these campers are to tents.

1. The bedding will get wet if it touches the wet sides despite all seam sealing and " pre soaking". There is a strip of shiny black plastic that is supposed to stop this but it does not come up high enough if you are using doonahs. We now use strips of plastic about 30cm wide inserted on the three sides of the mattress to ensure that the bedding does not touch the canvas. However the plastic strip will still get wet. Use of bed end flys is recommended.

2. We use a plastic sheet on each mattress if there is any likelihood of rain at the destination. You must protect the mattresses with plastic sheets if you fold up when wet (same reason asabove- the wet canvas will wick moisture through to the bedding.

3. We had one very windy night and survived without any drama, but I used double guy ropes on the flys.

4. We have a large shade awning for the side and it was difficult to handle in the strong wind, but so are all awnings. Just watch how the caravanners panic when their delicate rollout awnings start to flap.

Despite getting wet occasionally it is relatively simple to dry things out again. Oh yes, be aware that moisture can gather between the mattress and the wooden base due to condensation. Regular airing is required in damp conditions to prevent mould forming.

The Coromal is easy to tow and very roomy inside. However I see it as having a limited time in our possesion. The prospect of a pop top off road van is beckoning. And we have only had the camper for 6 months!

Kings