Why do I have moisture (water) inside the tent? Is it Leaking?
The average person breathes out more than half a litre of water in a night. So if there are 4 people inside a tent that is completely closed, by early morning, there will be more than two litres of water somewhere inside the tent. The tent fly is the coolest part of the tent at night so moisture condenses on the fly and can then drip back through the breathable inner tent. Condensation can be reduced by increasing ventilation so that air, heavily laden with moisture, is removed from the tent before it can condense inside the tent. The OUTDOOR CONNECTION VentraFlow ventilation system is superior to any other method of reducing condensation and increasing the fresh air flow inside your tent. Of course your sleeping comfort is greatly enhanced.
Drops of water are coming through the seams of my tent
Again it is possible that this is not condensation. However, tents of any kind may develop problems on the seam. Even though all Outdoor Connection tents use an advanced seam sealing technique and are examined through all points of manufacture, occasionally water seepage may occur in the needle holes from the sewing process. This can be easily rectified by applying a generous amount of seam sealer to the problem area on the inside of the seams. Seam Sealer is available from any good camping retailer.
Should I set up my tent before I go camping?
YES! Setting up your tent before you set out on your trip means that you can familiarise yourself with your new tent and check all its components. Often, on arrival at a campsite we are pressed for time and short of daylight, so it is best that it is not the first time you are trying to erect your new tent.
There is no need to wet the tent before going camping. All Outdoor Connection tents use heat taped combined with a Double French stitched seam so they are ready to use immediately they are taken out of the bag. There is no need to set it up and water it down to make the outer fly watertight.
I am only setting up the tent for one night, do I need to put up the guy ropes?
YES! The Guy Ropes are to be used at ALL times. The Guy Ropes on Outdoor Connection tents have been strategically positioned to maximise support for your tent. All guy ropes are pre-tied and in some models have their own zip up pocket to make it easier for you to use them. Failure to use the Guy Ropes may lead to unnecessary damage to your tent and voids the warranty on the tent.
Can I use an insect spray inside the tent?
NO! Aerosol spray must not be used inside any tent as it may damage the waterproofing of the material.
Do I need to put a tarp under the floor?
Choose, as far as is possible, a level campsite. Ensure the area where you will pitch your tent is clean of any debris. Using a tarp under the floor of the tent will help to lessen the wearing effect of any sharp stones or small sticks that you may have missed. The tarp will prolong the life of the floor and is much cheaper to replace!
The tarp also helps keep the underside floor clean. This is very helpful and can save time when you are packing up the tent to go home.
Can I cook inside my tent ?
NO! DO NOT COOK OR USE ANY APPLIANCE THAT CREATES HEAT INSIDE OR NEAR YOUR TENT.
If you are wanting to use a light inside your tent, use a battery powered light, as these do not generate heat.
Why do fibreglass poles break?
The most common cause of fibreglass poles breaking, or the end of a pole splitting, is that the pole has not been fully inserted into the ferrule. As you are erecting your tent, make sure you check each pole connection a couple of times as they can move slightly while you are putting your tent together. If the poles are not fully inserted into the ferrule there will be excess strain on the end section of the pole when it bends to form the frame.
If I break the shock cord can I repair it myself?
YES you are able to repair this yourself. There are pole accessory kits available in most good camping stores. Simply take out the old shock cord then put all the poles together so you know the entire length of the fibreglass pole. Cut the shock cord into a length that’s approximately ¾ the length of the pole. Feed the shock cord through the poles and tie off each end.
How firm should I pump up my Air Bed?
After pumping up your air bed you should be able to push down and there be considerable give in the air bed. If you over inflate to the extent that the air bed is firm, and there is no give, you may burst the seams of the air bed. Ensure the area where you are putting the Air Bed has been totally cleaned and that there is NO debris that may damage and/or puncture your Air Bed.
My Air Bed goes down overnight
Check the valve and ensure it has been firmly tightened. If you are continuing to experience problems, go over your Air Bed carefully with soapy water and check for leaks. These leaks can be easily repaired with a basic repair kit that you can find at any good camping store.
I seem to be getting too cold on the Air Bed
Inflate your Air Bed during the warmth of the day rather than the cool of the evening. In this way you fill your bed with warm air instead of cool or cold air. If your Air bed is in contact with the ground the air inside the bed may cool from the cold ground underneath. Try placing an old woollen blanket or a sleeping bag between the Air Bed and the ground. This will not only help prevent the air inside your bed becoming cold, but will also help to prevent any possible punctures.
Can I leave my Solar Shower out in the sun all day?
NO! Refer to the Water Temperature Scale that is on both the Solar Shower and on the packaging. The water inside the bag can reach temperatures in excess of 120deg F / 50deg C so you must test the water temperature before use and add cold water if required.
In the event of a cold breeze blowing while you are trying to warm your shower in the sun, make sure that you protect the bag from the breeze.
