Darche 270 Eclipse awning always wet

[Vogler]

Hi all,

Last year I acquired a Darche 270 Eclipse. Great kit, offering considerable shadowy real estate.
The car is living outside in our very mixed european climate, so it often sees rain.
I was quite unpleasantly surprised to discover that the interior of the awning is always wet, so it requires attention very regularely to make sure it doesn't go mouldy.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7892/46290632665_5288e86a52_c.jpg

They're quite rare here in Europe so it's hard to find others with Darches to share experiences with, but I gather that there are quite some users at this side of the globe.
Does anybody here have the same or other experiences, or possibly a solution? I tried contacting Darche directly, but received no answer except for an automated mail.

greetings,

Joris

[weeds]

Bit disappointing......my current Alu-Cab 270 and previous supapeg 270 didn’t let water in.

I assume water get in between the cover and the top edge of the backing plate.

[martnH]

My darche eclipse awning also is not waterproof.

I have a darche xtender tent...guess what the seam leaks at one spot.

Needless to say, I will get something better

[Redback]

I have the Supapeg 270 also, it lives on the car outside as well with no leaking, if I were you I'd try find a way of covering it.

Sell it and buy something better, Supapeg, Foxwing, Bush Company Gull Wing, Drifta awning(made by Supapeg) from Australia or Alu Cab Howling moon, Ostrich wing Sth Africa.

[Vogler]

Thanks to all for your replies. It seems that I was wrong in thinking that Darche was a quality brand. I did doubt about the Ostrich at the time, but find it it quite enormous.
J

[numpty]

I love my Ostrich awning and yes, it was costly, but it is so much more solidly built than any of the others.

[HarryO]

Hi Vogler

I had decided on the Rhino Rack but then saw the Darche bat wing which extends past the front door which I really like.

I am about to press the button to buy one but just come across your post and now not sure anymore !

Can only find one other post with Darche leak problems. Did you find out more or resolve this with Darche?
.

[Vogler]

Hi Harry,

Sorry for not responding earlier, I saw your question only just now (July 3).
I was sent some rubber grommets to fit into the T-channels, they should stop water from flowing further backwards to the opening of the cover and should ideally be installed 10cm from the end of the track.
I didn't get to it yet unfortunately, so I can't tell if it works. Our Defender currently sits in a friends backyard for quite some time now while I'm rebuilding the diff and the transfer box.

Joris

[razzman35]

I've had the same awning for a few months now, in Melbourne Victoria, same issue. not fully wet but usually just a small section near the front (the lowest point from what i can gather, water runs downhill it seems), but recently with the rains its been wet across the whole bottom. starting to leaving the zip open 500mm or so atm just to see what happens.
Will be emailing darche now to ask if they've come across and will report back