The proper set-up and care of your family tent will make a big difference in your family tent lasting a lifetime of camping adventures or just a couple of seasons. Following these guide-lines will insure a lifetime of use from your family tent.
When setting up your family tent, you should always find the flattest ground possible. This may require removing small rocks and limbs if you are not camping in a designated campsite or campground. If the ground where you decide to set-up your tent has a slope and you cant find a more level space to pitch the tent then you always need to set your tent up so the slope goes to your feet. You dont want your blood rushing to your head when you sleep.
After you have decided where you want to pitch your tent you will then have to decide, which direction you want the door to face? Do you want to have the door open to the fire pit or your favorite view? Try to use the natural surroundings, like a tree to shade your tent from the hot afternoon sun, those strong evening winds or those unexpected down-pours of rain.
All family tents whether you have a dome tent or cabin tent require the same set-up procedure. Even those pop-up tents that say no staking required will need to be staked if you dont want them to blow away.
You should always assemble your tent poles so you can tell the difference from the long ones and the short ones. Most all tent poles today have a number or a color coding system that helps you assemble your poles properly. If you find that your tent poles dont have a coding system then you can make your own coding system by using different color tapes like red, blue or black on the tent poles.
Before you erect your tent, you should always use a piece of plastic or a tarp as a base to put your tent on. Doing so will prevent ground moisture from coming up thru the floor. It will also help prevent tears and keep the floor of your tent in like-new condition.
To prevent rain water from collecting underneath the tent it is advisable that you make a trench around it. In this way you will keep the water flowing away. Although your family tent is waterproof it is necessary not to touch the sides of it, because when you do that area will no longer be waterproof as the condensation has been disturbed. Rainy, wet weather can be messy, so to make cleaning the inside of the tent easier, consider placing some throw rugs in the entrance.
Storing your tent between camping trips can also help to keep it in good condition. Make sure that it is completely dry, because if it is not you well end up with mold growth and the fabric will be weakened. Also, make sure that it is swept clean of sand, etc, and wipe away any grime. The next time you unpack your tent everyone will be happy to go camping, because the tent will be as good as new if you have followed these few simple guide-lines.
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