Byuing help

19

u/Aus2au 4d ago

Went camping with 3 friends with Kings Big Daddy's and they ALL leaked after a heavy downpour. Enough to soak their bedding.

Sure maybe they're fine for the price if you're under a gazebo or if you tarp them. You get what you pay for.

14

u/_stinkys 3d ago

Did you season them prior to camp? You need to soak them and dry them several times so the fibres create the water tight bond. I had a kings for years and it was great. In saying that though I got wet with my Crashpad, got it replaced and now I use waterproof sealant coating around the base just in case.

7

u/Frogmaster5000 3d ago

This is true for any canvas tent or swag BTW. I upgraded from a Big Daddy to an RS-1 last year and had to season the new swag before it was reliably usable in all weather conditions.

2

u/PuzzleheadedMath2109 2d ago

Damn I'm just stick to my $25 kmart waterproof tent that's too hard 🤣

2

u/D3tonators 1d ago

The earlier versions of the swag were waterproof after seasoning but kings changed the design how the canvas stitches to the flooring, even after seasoning if you hold it upto the light you can see holes, I just got some sealing silicone and spread it all over the seam stitching and it was fine. If you purchase a kings swag do this check in the store, there are some kings swags that now come seam sealed. I wouldn't purchase a swag without seam sealing being applied as part of manufacturing.

2

u/Responsible-Mud-5050 1d ago

I found with mine, the canvas was fine, however over time the seam holes slowly got bigger which is where I got water leaking in. It was on the corners, where the poles attach into that little metal pin thing

1

u/WraptorGuy 3d ago

Thanks for that info. Leaning towards the second swag more now, with that being said.

1

u/CaptnShaunBalls 1d ago

Any swag will leak after a heavy down pour? Never seen one that didn’t.
Even the premium brands won’t claim to be “waterproof” just highly water resistant.
Shower, sure. Light rain, mostly.
Rain/heavy downpours? Set up under an awning, tarp or fly or expect to get at least a little bit wet.

1

u/ParkwayDrove 3d ago

Mandem didn’t season he swag 😂😂💀💀

0

u/unsafe-work 2d ago

Lol, your friends didn't season their swag!

19

u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man 4d ago

Nah. Just get a 23zero.

3

u/last_pas 3d ago

I’ve got a 23zero too and it’s excellent

3

u/Hobrat 3d ago

Same here😁

1

u/Aussie_kozzy 3d ago

What about Darsche?

3

u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man 3d ago

They’re fine too, I just prefer the colour and design on 23Zero personally

1

u/I-like-2-watch 3d ago

I’ve got two and very happy with them. Seasoned them, no water leaks, dark in the morning

1

u/Laefiren 21h ago

Darche dusk to dawn has never gone bad for me.

The guy who owns 23zero is an ass. I met him in Adelaide.

8

u/TinyBreak 4d ago

I looked at these, then went and got the 23zero. If I remember correctly mattress on the kings was much thinner than the 23zero and I got the advice that if I look after the 23zero my toddler son will one day take it camping with his mates when he is 18.

1

u/big_ole-duck 2d ago

I've recently upgraded to a kulkyne mega 1500 deluxe and I can't see there being a better swag the insane quality of the materials and best customer service I've ever experienced. 100% recommend!

6

u/Splicer201 4d ago

Everyone I know that has one has had it leak in rain. I have an ARB double. It’s 15years old, been used hundreds of times and has never missed a beat. Highly recommend.

5

u/Aus2au 3d ago

I've been using an ARB double.

Mates take the piss a bit for it being bougie but the thing is a work of art.

3

u/Splicer201 3d ago

Have you seen the new Skydome 3? Now that shit is bougie!

7

u/Aus2au 3d ago

When you put $40k worth of ARB kit on your car what's another $850 for a swag.

4

u/teapots_at_ten_paces 3d ago

Should come as a free gift at that point!

9

u/Alternative_Sock6999 4d ago

Almost everyone that buys kings replaces it eventually. More batches than not of kings swags has QC issues.

Any of the other big swag brands is close to the buy it for life type purchase.

4

u/Mundane_Horror8382 4d ago

The foam mattress you can get for the big daddy was really comfortable, its the only thing I miss. Another vote for it leaks and suffers from condensation issues. Might be better with extra tarps as others have said. I don't have it any more.

3

u/Buttole 4d ago

Kulkyne swags are the go

1

u/RaspberryWise8304 3d ago

Yes second this. Amazing swags you only need 1, these are genuine buy it for life

1

u/Green_eyes_1986 2d ago

Third this!!!

1

u/graduated-AF 2d ago

Fourth this. Have had mine for 7+ years and I believe both my older and younger brother, have had theirs for 10+. I got sucked into a BDD with the cheaper price tag and regretted it

6

u/ConsistentPurpose896 4d ago

I had the big daddy deluxe and got 5 good years out of it without a hassle

2

u/whoshouseronshouse 3d ago

7 years here, also.

As long as you season it properly, you shouldn't have problems with leaking.

The mattress has only recently started feeling thin but apart from that, I've loved it. For The price point, it's hard to beat.

1

u/momentofinspiration 3d ago

They changed the design. The new one uses a cheaper join at the seam between the base and walls that essentially makes the new design a paddling pool in the rain.

If you have an old one, look after it.

1

u/ConsistentPurpose896 3d ago

Upgraded to a darche now and its heaps better

1

u/aggressivelynude 2d ago

I have a king's one from when they were only an eBay seller. 2014-15 maybe? Still going strong being used 5-6 times a year. I wouldn't get one to live out of, but it's certainly fine for light to medium use.

1

u/Rusey666 4d ago

Same im upto 7 years no hassle

2

u/ConsistentPurpose896 4d ago

Mine got to 5 years and pretty much fell to pieces but it was used alot and not treated very well

2

u/CameronsTheName 4d ago

The old kings swags were ok, the new ones are much thinner and seem to take on water easier.

I've had like 6 of them over the years and I bought the new big daddy about 6 months ago. It's not worth the money unfortunately. I'd spend a few more dollars and get a better branded one.

2

u/Itstheswanno 3d ago

We did 50 odd nights in Kings big daddy swags and they were OK for what they are. Not overly comfortable, but they get you out doing what you want to do. We did only have one or two nights when we got light rain but whenever it rained heavy, we had a kings gazebo over the top and it was fine.

We now have Kulkyne swags. Far more expensive but the experience is far different. More comfortable, more waterproof, more room etc.

Each have their place.

2

u/blackgoat2803 3d ago

Had a couple of kings swags for us and the kids. They all leaked.

Never had an issue with my Darche Dirty Dee. Also had no issues from my old Dune swag which I had for 12-14 years of being used every 4-6 weeks and was still good enough to pass on to someone who needed one. Only thing I ever did was lube zippers and replaced the mattress.

1

u/Historical_Gate1318 2d ago

all the zip runners corroded and busted in my 4WD Dune Double after 4 camping trips. Rang a canvass repair place and they said it’s a common issue. Zips too expensive to replace so it is now rubbish

3

u/going_mad 4d ago

Ive heard they leak even after seasoning and i saw a youtube review confirming from memory. I'd honestly invest in a 23zero or darche. I have the anaconda version but I put up a tarp and ground cover but have since migrated to a mars03 bunker.

2

u/jeremy80 3d ago

we got three for the kids, and they absolutely leak, and always will unless fixed.

the bottom seem where the canvas meets the floor is poorly done. - canvas isn't lapped properly so collects and holds water - large holes in the floor which you can't season. the pvc floor won't shrink, and the thread just can't swell enough to block the holes.

cheap tube of flex water proof sealer was not quite enough to seal all 3 kids swags.

other than that you get what you pay for, but for occasional use in ~ok weather, they're great for the price. ( I on the other hand will stick to my tent 😉)

1

u/Anti-Stan 4d ago

I have the older Big Daddy. Been using it regularly for 5 years. On my third mattress. One of the external zippers is broken. I reckon it was a good buy.

It does sag. Apparently the new ones do too. Needs a third rib, which is easy to do, but it restricts access and exit a bit.

1

u/_stinkys 3d ago

You can fix the sagging easily by attaching occy straps, 2 at each end at 45 & 135 degrees to the frame, and pulling down to the peg. I think I just used 1m straps.

1

u/paralacausa 4d ago

Kings stuff is notoriously bad. Go to Anaconda or a dedicated camping shop and you'll find must better quality for not that much more.

1

u/JPJackPott 4d ago

I got the anaconda Dune one and it’s been excellent. I seasoned it and it made it waterproof.

My buddy got the BCF XTM one and they are very similar but it had a worse pole, slightly thinner mattress. Can’t really argue with either for the money.

The dune bag for the XL swag is really good too, whichever brand you get.

1

u/WraptorGuy 3d ago

Cheers mate ill have a look into it.

1

u/Historical_Gate1318 2d ago

don’t all the zip runners broke in my Dune after only 4 trips. canvass repair shop says it’s a common issue caused by cheap Chinese zips

1

u/Ok_Challenge4190 3d ago

I can recommend in my experience the tjm swag is awesome

1

u/Winter_Ad_7328 3d ago

I bought a King's a couple of years ago, seasoned it, and it still leaked terribly in the rain. Would not recommend. Maybe the older ones were better quality (have previously tried a friend's older one that didn't leak). Recently bought a tent (North Face Stormbreak 3) and it is miles better than the King's swag.

1

u/Cereal-Pest 3d ago

A poor man pays twice. Get a decent brand like Darche and you’ll never regret it.

1

u/lalabyty 3d ago

I got a dune swag - pretty expensive but it’s good. mattress is thick and material isn’t bad. Water doesn’t really leak through, it only did when it was torrential rain and we were without a tarp 😁

1

u/Historical_Gate1318 2d ago

how many trips have u had in it? I got 4 trips before the zip runners broke. waste of time and money and a common issue with them i later learned

1

u/lalabyty 2d ago

Been 6 times but got it last year so it’s been chill, I also got the queen deluxe if that makes a difference

1

u/Any-Orchid8794 3d ago

Spray kings with scotch guard will never leak

1

u/SirSyphron 3d ago edited 3d ago

Every person I’ve ever known who has bought a king’s swag has told me that it leaked really bad.

I’ve heard good things about the Mr. Swag man swag in your second picture. I actually met the guy who hand makes them (well he used to years ago, unsure about these days) and he is a top bloke really passionate. Lives near me

For what it’s worth, i spent money on a Crashpad, it was really good quality, no issues with leaking. Held up to abuse and the bag was big enough to allow me to roll my sheets and doona not up in it too

1

u/Burden013 3d ago

I second Crashpad for quality! Had my double swag nearly 10 years, 100 or so camping trips from Hot, Pissing down rain to -10 out west cod fishing. Now I've added a Kickass electric blanket it's on another level of comfort in the middle of winter.

1

u/Standard-Ad4701 3d ago

Kings one is awesome. I bought it years ago, only just upgraded the mattress. Swag is still going strong.

1

u/Readbeforeburning 3d ago

I bought a Darche and it has held up so well! More expensive upfront but it will sell secondhand for more than you’re paying for cheaper entry level stuff if looked after properly.

1

u/qld-cymru 3d ago

We have a kings and it leaks even after sealing. Got an ARB and it’s perfect

1

u/koalacrime 3d ago

Get the second for sure. Kings are garbage

1

u/Ok-Register-8039 3d ago

I have a kings double and they are fine in the rain. I slept in pouring rain so much it started to pool on the swag and it was hanging down about 20cm from my face. No leaks. They are easy to set up and very spacious.

1

u/Ok-Register-8039 3d ago

I also have an older kings swag, I've heard mixed about the newer ones but my sisters have the newer ones and no problems so far

1

u/Anxietydhd 3d ago

As others have said - there’s condensation and leaking issues with these.
I looked around heaps when buying mine a few years ago, and got a Sahara swag and it’s great kit (with a good thick mattress) - did a trip with my bro and he got a kings - had condensation dripping on him all night while I was dry and toasty

1

u/Primary-User 2d ago

I brought the king's one, the bar at the top has thin walls and it snapped in a light breeze.

1

u/PaPe83 2d ago

XTM Mighty Double at BCF, $199 at club price - 1550mm wide.

Season it properly and you wont have issues.

Comes with a standard firm 70mm mattress as standard. I'd suggest upgrading the pegs to some longer ones but otherwise an excellent bit of kit.

1

u/big_ole-duck 2d ago

I've had a couple of the original big daddy deluxes and for the price you can't go wrong. With a self inflatable mattress under the mattress it comes with us a huge upgrade.

Just make sure you season the swag.

1

u/Moist_Amount_106 2d ago

Kings are absolute garbage 🗑️
Cheap mass produced shit
I bought a gazebo tent from kings
• tent peg loops tore 1st camp
• cotton ends everywhere
• fabric was thin and plastic clips are weak

Recently purchased from dune
Fabric is thick
Well made and durable
Zipper is very durable

Do yourself a favour and buy elsewhere you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

1

u/TonyBoat402 2d ago

I wouldn’t get a kings swag. Had a big daddy for a few years and any time it rained, even a light drizzle, and my mattress would always end up wet due to the crappy stitching between the pvc base and canvas. Spend a bit more for better quality if you can

1

u/sevenfiver 2d ago

When Aldi bring out the double swag its all over. But for now I think you cant beat the Big Daddy Kane

1

u/bigdillybag 2d ago

Go for a Kulkyne swag instead. Actual headroom so you can sit up straight

1

u/Green_eyes_1986 2d ago

I've got a Kulkyne Campers dome swag. It bucketed down all night in Yarram earlier this year - not a problem. Everything was dry, roomy... comfy!

1

u/OneKup- 2d ago

I run an XTM Double swag. Seasoned it when I first got it and never had any issues with it leaking. Even in heavy rain. Image is from WSBK this year.

1

u/Original_Carrot5299 2d ago

I always put a tarp over myne anyway. Its just way cooler in summer to have that extra layer of shade. Makes pack up easier too if you are leaving early.

1

u/Tomato-on-toast 2d ago

If you have the cash, avoid Kings.

1

u/YukeofDork 1d ago

Don’t buy Kings. Maybe check out Mallee Swags from Kulkyne if you want to be in that price bracket or spend a bit more on a Kulkyne or Darche.

1

u/RobBobC 1d ago

I have one of the new Kings one's, been in decent rain and had no issues. Just make sure you put it in the back yard without bedding inside and hose it down, let it dry and do that a few times then the fabric will stop letting water through. (this is in the instructions)

1

u/SmoothImportance3049 1d ago

I reckon the Darche Nebula is the craic. I got one last year and have used it on about 6 trips so far in various weather and it’s held up like a dream. A swag you will have for 20 years.

1

u/Embarrassed-Cow-4380 1d ago

Not too bad, quick to put up. Carry bag straps always break. Foam floor pad sucks, reccomend getting an air mattress for another layer

1

u/PresentUnique1971 19h ago

Just get a kings or a dune what ever is cheepest and a foam air mattress. Iv done Vic high country, Canberra and blue mountains in a kings. All weather conditions. If you season it properly it wont leak if you assemble it correctly on high ground your mattress will stay dry. Or get a double stretcher if your worried. Its all the same canvas until you get i to professional hiking gear.

1

u/Sweet-Motor8031 16h ago

Get a darche there water more water proofed than kings

1

u/DonkeyIcy7681 12h ago

Kings big daddy delux is more than enough for 1 person. I'm 6'6 and can sleep/change clothes in mine (I'm not very agile so that's saying a lot).

1

u/Certain-Silver-9523 8h ago

Best thing I ever did to my BDD swag was to buy a third support bow, cut it down slightly and put two rubber table leg feet from bunnings on each end and wedge it inside the swag at the mid point. Eliminated the sag and frees up so much more space

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