Family tents are, as the name suggests, large tents designed to shelter an entire family or group of friends while outdoors. These tents come in a variety of shapes; cabin-style tents feature straight walls and separate rooms within the structure while dome-style tents come with sloping walls designed to add strength and withstand the wind. A family tent is a welcome alternative to sleeping outdoors, and by adding a few accessories to your family tent, you can improve the comfort of its inhabitants even further.
Step 1
Measure the floor panel of your tent and select a plastic tarp that has identical measurements; alternatively, select a larger tarp and use a pair of utility scissors to cut the tarp down to the necessary size. Use this tarp to cover your installation area, then raise the tent as directed by the tent's manufacture. Placing the tarp underneath the tent will help to protect the floor panel from damage.
Step 2
Consider replacing the stakes that came packaged with your tent with stronger aluminum stakes; lightweight stakes may bend or break when you attempt to hammer them into hard ground, or you may not be able to drive them in deeply enough to ensure that the tent remains in place.
Step 3
Use a rechargeable power pack to provide power to electrical accessories, such as lights, radios or cooking equipment. Purchase an adapter cable for the pack that will allow you to recharge the device using your car's cigarette lighter, in case you are unable to find a suitable power outlet at the campground.
Step 4
Purchase a camping heater designed for use outdoors as well as inside the tent. When using the heater indoors, position the device near a source of fresh air and keep it away from any flammable materials. Turn off the heater before you go to sleep.
Step 5
Consult the manufacturer's website to see if the company sells vestibule add-ons for your model of family tent. These products add another room to your tent, which you can use for storage or cooking. Search the website for other tent accessories designed specifically for use with your brand of tent.
Step 6
Place a large towel or mat outside the entrance to the tent, for use as a doormat. Keep a small broom head or brush inside the tent, near the entrance, to allow people to sweep out any dirt or leaves that may enter the tent.
Tips and Warnings
- Before you raise the tent, apply urethane-based tent sealant to each of the tent's seams; this will help to prevent water from entering.
Things You'll Need
- Utility scissors
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