Tent Care Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I start when pitching a Zempire tent?
Following the instructions (included in your tent bag or you can find on the products’ webpage), practice pitching your tent at home to ensure you understand the process and that you have everything you need.
When picking a spot for your tent, try to find an area that is sheltered, flat and free from sharp objects. If possible, position your tent with the front door facing away from the prevailing wind. Try not to pitch your tent under trees as falling branches and tree sap can damage the tent and you’ll want to avoid cleaning bird poo off it!
Be sure to clear the site of any stones, sticks and any other objects that cause damage to the tent floor. It is also a good idea to consider using a Zempire groundsheet for your tent to provide further protection to the floor and make pack up easier.
How do I prevent or minimise condensation when camping?
Condensation forms when the air inside your tent becomes warm and humid. On cooler nights when the outside air temperature quickly drops the tent fly cools down.
As a result of the warmer air inside the tent meeting the cooler tent fabric the moisture in the air condenses into a liquid and water droplets form on the cooler surface of the tent fly.
The air beams themselves can also contribute to condensation as the air contained within the air beams cools as the outside temperature drops while the internal temperature in the tent is higher.
The moisture contained in the warmer more humid air inside the tent then condensates onto the air beam and will present as water droplets that may run down the air beam onto the floor giving the impression of a leak. Moisture can come from many sources such as naturally occurring humid conditions, warm air contains more moisture than cold air. Wet items such as towels, clothes and other gear being stored inside the tent. Camping close to rivers, streams, and lakes etc increases humidity and tends to bring cooler night-time temperatures.
The human body will expel up to a litre of moisture per night while sleeping.
Cooking inside the tent will increase water vapour inside the tent. Pitching the tent on wet ground. Weather conditions are also a contributing factor for condensation build up, for example rain on a clear still night with cooler temperatures.
The most efficient way to prevent condensation is ventilation, allow the warm air to escape from the tent and take the contained moisture with it. Open all the vents on the tent and be sure that they are not blocked by bedding, gear bags etc to allow a reasonable air flow through the tent.
You also have the option of a ground sheet for your tent to create a barrier between the wet ground and the tent, also be sure that the campsite is flat and without any low spots that will retain moisture.
Avoid overcrowding tents to reduce the amount of water vapour being produced at night when sleeping. Look to pitch the rear of the tent into the wind to increase airflow. You should never cook in your tent, apart from the safety concerns the added steam etc will increase humidity in the tent. Do not store damp clothing or gear inside your tent.
How do I clean my Zempire tent?
The tent can be cleaned using a damp cloth, sponge or soft bristled brush and water to remove any small spots of dirt etc.
For a heavier clean, pitch the tent at home and use warm water and a damp cloth, sponge or soft bristled brush to gently clean the tent.
Never use detergents, bleaches, dishwashing liquids etc as these can damage or remove the coatings of the fabric. There are speciality tent and gear cleaners available if required, these are usually available at specialist camping outlets.
Be sure that the tent is completely dry before storage.
While camping, try to keep the tent as clean as possible. If possible, try to minimise the amount of dirt, dust and sand etc from being tracked inside the tent.
What do I need to do when I get back from a camping trip?
Before packing away your tent ensure it is fully dry. During the drying process be sure to open all doors and vents etc to make sure the inside of the tent is also completely dry and free from any lingering condensation. If you can’t dry the tent at your campsite and have no choice to pack away wet, make sure you unpack and dry the tent as soon as you get home.
Be sure to clean dirt and any moisture off the pegs before packing into their carry bag.
How do I store my Zempire tent away correctly?
Before storing the tent ensure that it is completely dry and clean. If the tent has even a small amount of moisture when stored this will lead to mildew or mould forming during storage which will result in unrepairable long term damage. Moisture on the tent during storage can also lead to the degradation of fabric coatings.
Be sure that the tent storage area is clean, dry and away from direct sunlight. Damp storage conditions can also lead to the development of mildew and mould and permanently damage the tent.
How do I avoid UV damage to my Zempire tent?
Tent fabrics can be weakened by long term exposure to sunlight.
Under normal holiday use, your Zempire tent will give you many years of camping enjoyment, however extended use in strong sunlight will cause degradation. It is recommended that during periods of strong sunlight a Zempire roof cover is used to help provide extra protection from UV damage.
Do not leave the tent pitched for extended periods of time as UV damage will degrade the fabric.
Fabrics can be recoated with various products to reinvigorate their UV resistance and improve waterproofing. It is always a good idea to test any coatings that you are thinking of applying to your tent to a small test area to make sure they are compatible with the fabric.
Any other tips to protect my tent?
Zip Care
Zips do need to be treated with some care. If the zip becomes stuck or difficult to move it may have caught on some fabric. Check the zip and gently remove any obstructions etc.
When closing doors or window screens be sure to lift the fabric to the zip to ease any pressure on the zip itself. Do not use force to close the zip as damage will occur.
In some cases, if a zip is too tight it may be that the tent is pitched with too much tension. Check the tension on the tent and if necessary, remove and adjust the pegs.
There are specific zip lubricants available to help keep zips in good working order, these can be found at most specialist camping stores.
How do I repair my tent fabric if anything happens to it?
Use repair tape as a temporary repair for the tear. If possible, avoid using duct tape.
Have repairs carried out by an authorized specialist.
What do I do in the unlikely event of a leaking air pole?
In the rare instance that an air beam encounters air loss, follow the below checks to identify and rectify any issues.
- Check all deflation valves are properly closed.
- Check seals on Boston/Inflation valve are intact, clean, and correctly fitted.
- Check the Boston/Inflation valve is screwed in and seated correctly into the inflation tube.
- Check the valve cap cover is firmly tightened.
- If Boston valve is leaking apply a smear of silicone “O” ring grease to the black stepped “O” ring seal on the valve.
- Check for punctures
REMOVING YOUR AIR BEAM INNER TUBE
STEP 1 - Unzip the Pole Sleeve within your tent to gain access to the Air Beam.
STEP 2 - Remove the Air Beam from the Pole Sleeve. Please note that the Air Beam has Velcro pads at the base of each leg and at the valve port in which the Boston valve sits. Take the Air Beam out of the tent and into an open space. This will give you room to comfortably work on the beam.
STEP 3 - Unzip the Outer Wrap. Locate the zip sliders and carefully remove the cable ties locking them together and open the zip. Remove the Inner Tube from the Outer Wrap and carefully pull the Boston Valve through the valve port.
REPAIRING YOUR AIR BEAM INNER TUBE
STEP 1 – If possible, slightly inflate the inner tube.
STEP 2– Submerge the tube in water, or using a sponge apply soapy water to the tube. Locate the puncture by tracking any bubbles.
STEP 3– Use the supplied repair kit to seal the hole.
- Clean the area around the hole thoroughly with an alcohol swab to remove any dirt and grease and allow to dry.
- Cut a piece of the supplied patch in the repair kit to the desired size, allow at least 2 cm larger than the hole to ensure good adhesive strength on the patch. Be sure to round any corners of the patch to avoid peeling edges.
- Make sure the patch is smooth and there are no creases or air bubbles visible.
- Allow an hour for the patch to cure before refitting the tube.
For larger repairs, duct tape can be used as a temporary fix.
REPLACING YOUR AIR BEAM INNER TUBE
STEP 1 - Roll the replacement or repaired Inner Tube out flat on the ground and parallel to the Outer Wrap.
STEP 2 - Push the Boston Valve through the valve port on the Outer Wrap. Starting from the end with Boston Valve, lay the Inner Tube inside the Outer Wrap. The inner tube should sit loosely and with no twists throughout the length of the Outer Wrap. Any excess tube length needs to be folded over at each end to protect the end welding on the tube.
STEP 3 - Slowly zip up the Outer Wrap keeping a finger on the inside of the zip to ensure that the Inner Tube does not get caught in the zip causing damage.
STEP 4 - Cable tie the two zip sliders on the Outer Wrap together, locking them in place and preventing them from re-opening unexpectedly. This is very important, please ensure you have spare cable ties available, as these are not supplied.
STEP 5 - Insert the now complete Air Beam back in the tent, starting from the Boston Valve end. Push the Boston Valve through the Valve port on your tent. Attach the Velcro at the base of the Air Beam to the tent floor Velcro patches. Zip up the Pole Sleeve.
Important: Make sure the end of the Air beam is attached to the Velcro tabs on your tent floor.
If needed see your local dealer and order a replacement air beam.
What should I do if I experience extreme winds during camping?
In windy conditions, it is recommended that any roof covers be removed and lower any porched awnings and side doors etc on the tent to avoid any damage. Ensure all guy ropes and webbing straps are used and adequately pegged. If storm conditions persist the tent should be taken down to avoid any damage. Please note that wind damage is not covered under warranty.
What should I do if I experience torrential rain during camping?
Always keep an eye on the weather so that you can be prepared. Be sure that all guy ropes and webbing straps are used. Close all doors and lower any awnings so that the tent can be closed up. Be sure that all vents are open to allow air flow and reduce condensation. Where possible use a genuine Zempire groundsheet. If storm conditions persist the tent should be taken down to avoid any damage. If you need to pack down in a hurry, be sure that the tent is setup at home to allow the tent to completely dry before storage. Never store a tent wet as the fabric will be damaged beyond repair.
Can I cook in my tent?
Do not cook inside your tent: Cooking inside a closed space using a gas-powered cooking appliance is extremely dangerous. Gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide which has no odour. Using them in an enclosed space, such as a tent may cause death.
Cooking of any kind inside the tent will increase water vapour inside the tent and increase the likelihood of condensation.
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