u/Rude-Bumblebee-414

Due to lots of chatter about this, here is a clear and concise poll regarding zippers sizes. Obviously given the title, this poll is not being made by a Durston employee.

If you have an X-Dome, X-Mid Pro, or 2025 X-Mid, you have #3 YKK zippers on your tent fly. Some people say they’re fine, some find them associated with failure in the field.

If you have an X-Mid regular (any year other than 2025) or solid, you have the more rugged #5 YKK zipper that Dan said he preferred.

Using this model information, if you currently have a model with a #3 zipper would you:

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2023 Limited AWD 40,300 miles. I’ve seen the OEM parts lists, but not interested in ordering a bunch of parts for $600+. I’m more interested in buying a kit, perhaps ordering and installing the OEM metal AWD protector bracket, cutting the styrofoam, and having a spare at a reasonable price.

I’m looking at either the Modern Spare at over $400 or eBay kits that look to be $250-300 shipped. Anyone use one of the eBay kits?

Good article on how the people want stronger zippers. We have a #5 on the Mid regular and solid now. The pro with it’s dyneema and the Dome need it next. Quotables:

“Low tension closures, such as the bug netting on tent doors, can often get away with #3 coil zippers, while higher tension closures, such as tent fly doors, often need a heavier zipper such as a #5 or #8. Problems arise when manufacturers use small zippers for high-tension applications.”

“If this tent is made with a high tension fabric such as DCF, a slider replacement will be more frequent.”

“Tent and backpack manufacturers don’t always use the right zipper for the job. Be wary of #3 zippers on tent fly doors, but embrace their use on netting.”

I have a 2023 Limited AWD Prius that I really enjoy. I do a fair amount of summer road trips, and would like to add a spare tire. Donut size is a must - full size would be ideal, but I will sometimes camp in the back and other times have family with, so it needs to fit where the foam currently lives in the trunk. I’m not much of a DIY-er, my skills lie elsewhere 🤓

What are your recommendations for a suitable spare?
Some options I’ve found so far:
- EZ Spare (more affordable)
- Modern Spare (full kit, can drive > 50 miles they they claim)
- dealership?

Across lines (X-Mid Regular, Solid, Pro, Dome, Dome Pro), state your zipper preferences in an ideal world:

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Honest non-sarcastic question. Tell me about the door panel(s), tension, and zipper impact. There’s a community hypothesis that the tension on those panels contributes to zipper damage. I have also heard it said that the door can be at essentially zero tension. In a hypothetic world where nylon floors and #5 zippers on the fly were making an X-Mid tempting, what can the community and/or Dan say to the notion that high tension can cause damage, or that the idea is faulty?