The Black Wolf Turbo Tent Range are getting some updates this year. So, what can you can expect in the 2017 model, and the question on everyone’s lips is: “Should I buy the updated Turbo Tent?”
It seems a lot of our customers are in a quandary here, so to help you choose we’ve deciphered each update Black Wolf have listed for their new Turbo range. And, as an added bonus, we’ve come up with some simple solutions and considerations you can apply if you choose to buy the 2016 model – you’ll save some money!
The current (2016) Black Wolf Turbo 240.
(The bold text indicates the changes Black Wolf have made, as per their marketing material.)
1. New construction where floor meets tent wall seam, now tape seam sealed
- 2016 models have tough weather resistant inverted seams, 2017 models will be seam sealed.
- Slap some Seam Seal or Seam Grip on the seams and they’ll be good as gold. It costs less than $20 for a tube and even if you need two tubes it’s far less than the savings you’ll make!
2. Reinforcing on the inside of the fly where the fly sits on the Turbo Frame and ridgepole
- 2016 models are reinforced in all corners and at the peak.
- 2017 models will have reinforcing all the way along the roof poles.
- We are not aware of any major issues here, but if you’re concerned you could lay some felt or canvas between the pole and fly sheet.
3. New construction where zips for side panels and velcro for front panel attaches to the fly to allow for tape sealing
- The stitching for the side/front panel velcro and zipper attachments were previously not seam sealed.
- Once again, it costs less than $20 for a tube of Seam Seal or Seam Grip.
It’s not a bad practice seam sealing any tent, no matter how good the taping is meant to be. It could make the difference between a dry tent and a wet tent.
4. Extra fly coverage at the corners of the tent for improved weather protection
- The fly sheet at the base of each corner has been widened by approximately 10cm on each side.
- Time will tell if this improves the weather protection on the tent corners. It does add to set-up time though with the addition of pegs on each fly corner.
5. PVC storm flaps added to the side and front panels for improved weather protection and better fit across all Turbo styles.
- This means the side and front panels go all the way to the floor for all models, and the PVC flap better resists moisture and wind.
- The good thing is that these upgraded accessories fit both 2016 and 2017 Turbo models. Buy a 2016 model Turbo Tent, and the new 2017 accessories will fit.
6. Tape sealing on all seams on front and side panels.
- Previously these seams were not sealed.
- Do I need to mention the price of a tube of Seam Seal or Seam Grip again!?
7. Turbo (canvas) upgrade to floor material, PVC replaced with 600D Siliconised Polyester PU
- Quite frankly, we see this as a down-spec.
- While the PVC floor made rolling the tent up a little difficult, it was part of the reason our customers purchased a heavy duty tent in the first place.
- If you want a super heavy-duty floor in your Turbo, make the most of the deals we have on 2016 models of the canvas Turbo now!
8. Turbo Lite upgrade to stronger door and window mesh.
- A minor upgrade in our eyes, the mesh in all windows and doors is being upgraded to a tougher mesh.
- We are not aware of issues here, the mesh is similar to that found in most tents so damage would generally only occur with misuse.
Snowys Verdict
So, what’s our verdict on the 2016 model of Turbo versus the 2017 model? Well, let’s just say we’ve loved the 2016 range of Turbos since they landed in our store, with their awning upgrade, two years ago. While it’s exciting to hear about the 2017 updates, minor as they are, change often brings an element of uncertainty. The new tents are going to be fantastic, no doubt. But, at their current discounted price, the 2016 models are a doozy of a bargain, and with a bit of Seam Seal, every bit as good a tent.
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Why dose a $1000 tent need seem sealer thats crazy
I would buy one if it weren’t for these stories
I bought a cheap coleman instant up tent for under $300 about 7 years ago and its never leaked a drop of water one time it rain 2 days straight none stop and very heavily and it didn’t let any water in at all and another time it with stood winds of 70kmh pluss in Jindabyne with no problems it was very well pegged down.
every couple of years I do treat the fly with nikawax as it is getting older now
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Hi Vasko,
The use of seam sealant in the article was in reference to the older model turbos that are discontinued. The latest models that are currently available are now fully seam sealed as part of the update.
I’m glad to hear that you’re still loving your Coleman tent, sounds like it’s a real gem. Cheers!
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I’ve read a lot of reviews about these tents leaking in the rain and collecting on top of the ‘plus’ section. Can you confirm if this seems to be the case? Tents should not need their seams glued out of the box, thats just silly.
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Hi Tim, the pooling and leaking of water on the plus sections of these tents isn’t something we’ve had problems with, neither our sales or warranties team have heard of any such issues.
Some pre-2017 Turbo Tents developed a leak at the base of the tent where the wall meets the floor, but this has been rectified with modified seams and seam seals on the current versions.
Black Wolf Turbo Tents are good to go straight out of the box and they are covered by an excellent warranty, should you come across any manufacturing issues all you need to do is get in touch with us and we’ll address it straight away.
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Is there any way of buying a 3 pole fly to replace the 2 pole flys so as to be able to get the attachments?
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G’day Maree,
I’ve just had a look into this with our Spare Parts Manager, and the fly from the new 2017 models are not available to purchase separately.
It’s a shame you won’t be able to use the new accessories on your older model Turbo – but on the plus side at least it’s still going strong for you!
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I’d be interested to see the actual difference in the fly/window material. We bought a Turbo Lite in 2015 and the screen material has ‘pulls’ in some areas nearly the zip on the door.
This wasn’t from misuse. It seams to be from manufacture. Unfortunately the business we bought from closed down last year and Blackwolf’s customer service has been shall I say non existent. Quite disappointing considering the outlay.
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Hi Trent, I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t been able to sort that out with Black Wolf. I’ve spoken to our warranties manager, and he says a good method to help fix the pulling in the window mesh is to loosen up the tent as it may be being pulled too tight. We might be able to give you a hand, but there might be a few extra considerations as you bought it from another retailer – just send us an email at service@snowys.com.au with your details and we can go from there.
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Super happy with our Turbo 300 Plus and have set it up a few times now and seasoned twice. Both times it leaked through the seams connecting the floor to the walls (mostly in the corners as mentioned) but also through the front door zip. Is the seam sealer the best way to go or more seasoning? We are doing it with a hose and not real rain obviously but don’t want any soggy camping experiences when we actually take it out. Love your blog and advice! Thanks.
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Hi Emma, as you mention, the water pressure from the hose is going to be more than what will be experienced from most rain events, that being said, these seams are a point where there is potential for water ingress. You may find they improve over time, however, the best solution would be to use some seam sealer whilst the tent is still reasonably new. The best sealer I have used is McNett Seam Grip. This tube comes with a little brush attachment that will make it easy to apply. You could slap it on nice and thick if you want, but a carefully applied thin coat that is worked into the stitching should be more than enough to make these water tight.
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Thanks for your information. I have read the specs for the 2017 model & noticed the waterproofing of the Fly Fabric: Heavy duty ripstop poly/cotton canvas 5000mm & the current is 2000mm. Could you please explain the difference this would make in the overall rain resistance?
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Our pleasure, Julie. Hmm, I haven’t read about that change. Where did you source that info?
In reality, though, for a tent fly, 2000mm is more than enough for most conditions. It would have to be some very heavy, unrelenting rain to compromise a 2000mm waterhead. Maybe camping in South Australia this past 5 days would have given it a run for its money. But to that I say, if you were out camping in those conditions, a leaky tent is the least of your worries. In short, 5000mm will be nice to have, but don’t think for a moment it makes the current model less of a tent. Cheers, Paul
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Thanks for the advice Paul, we ordered the Turbo 300 last night from you & will get some Seam Seal to apply when we season it (forgot to order it with the tent, can we call today & add to order before you send?).
If we have any issues with the tent under warranty is it our cost to return it from here (Sydney) to you or do we deal with Blackwolf directly in Sydney?
We’re really looking forward to our next camping adventures having sold our huge canvas family tent a couple of years ago saying i will NEVER camp again, we are taking it up again, just the 2 of us.
Thanks
Julie
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Typical. We bought a turbo lite twin 300 about a month ago, yet to be used, and now its $200 cheaper. Oh well. Thats life I guess.
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Sure is, Rob. 🙂 Did you buy it from us? Cheers, Paul
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Just paid $899 for a Turbo 300 at Rays. Bingo!!
P.S. Loving Snowys online.
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Nice one Leith! We had a heap of the old models at rock bottom prices but they’ve all sold through now, and now we have the latest version of these great tents at lowest prices.
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Do you recommend applying the seam seal where the join between wall and floor meets, on the inside or the outside of the tent?
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G’day Scott – Applying it to the inside will be fine. And you only need to apply it in the corner where the webbing fastening strap to the foot (in which the poles sit) is situated. Because the fly narrows significantly at this part of the tent, in really heavy rain the webbing can become waterlogged and wick water into the tent. A healthy dose of Seam Seal or Seam Grip and you’ll prevent this good and proper.
Hope that helps. Cheers, Paul
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Thanks guys, this is exactly the info I was looking at and wondering. I reckon a 2016 would be perfect as we wouldn’t be able to get a BW tent at the 2017 prices. But now to work out which one!
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Glad it was helpful, Katie! 🙂 Yeah, for the price, I reckon the 2016 model is the way to go. It’s a great tent that we’ve received absolutely ripper feedback on from hundreds of people.
Which one, aye? Well, how many people are you going to be sleeping? Gear too? Where you going to be headed? And do you have a preference for the durable canvas or the lighter weight polyester?
Cheers, Paul
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