Setup & Installation

Everything you need to know about setting up your tent

Initial Setup

How do I set up a tent properly?

Proper tent setup is crucial for longevity. Specific setup instructions for each tent can be found on the product pages. However, here are some general guidelines for setting up your tent:

• Set up the tent on a firm, flat surface.
• Ensure the poles are vertical and centered, and that the pole feet are securely in place.
• Peg down the tent firmly, aligning the pegs with the seams.
• Tighten the guy lines so the fabric is taut and evenly stretched. As the tent settles, it's advisable to periodically tighten the guy lines. A tight tent is a sturdy tent.

What is the 'Central Pole Safety System'?

In cases of excessive load, the central pole serves as a protective feature. It is designed to bend before the tent fabric tears. Without this feature, the forces could cause damage to the tent elsewhere, often resulting in damage to the fabric. It's much easier and cheaper to replace a central pole than to repair a torn tent.

The central pole never bends on its own. When perfectly vertical and the tent is tightly pitched, it has a huge load capacity. The pole will bend in protection of the tent when certain factors occur:

• The pole is not perfectly vertical.
• The tent is not set up tightly enough, causing uneven distribution of forces.
• One or more pegs have come loose.
• Strong winds or storms will bend the pole see wind resistance
• Snow load. While our tents are designed to withstand a lot, heavy snowfalls in a short period require extra care. A layer of 5-10 cm of snow on the roof of a Sibley 500 series tent can weigh between 300 to 600 kg (depending on snow type). Be sure to clear snow off the roof promptly, or be present during snowfalls.

Watch: Snowload on Canvas Tents

Platforms & Foundations

Do I need a building permit to set up a glamping tent?

Usually not. However, requirements for a building permit for setting up a glamping tent depend on local regulations and jurisdiction. In some countries/regions, a building permit may be required. It's important to check with local authorities, such as the municipal or provincial planning department, whether a building permit is needed to set up a glamping tent on your property.

Do I need to place my tent on a wooden platform?

No, it's not necessary unless the ground where you want to place the tent is not completely flat. If the ground isn't fully level, you can choose to level it with sand. The groundsheet of our glamping tents is heavy, comfortable, and 100% waterproof, providing good protection even without a platform.

What size should my platform be?

The required platform area for your tent depends on the size of your tent and whether or not you use guy poles.

• If you use guy poles, the guy rope distance can be reduced to the absolute minimum; about 30 to 60 cm depending on the size of your tent.
• If you don't use guy poles, the distance should be about 90 to 160 cm depending on the size of your tent.
  For more information, check our blog: How to Build a Tent Platform.

Guy Lines & Anchoring

Should I remove the guy lines when storing my tent?

Ideally, yes. We highly recommend removing the guy lines when you break down and store your tent. If they are wet, make sure to dry them before storing them in a separate bag, away from the tent fabric.

Why? Guy lines typically dry slower than the tent fabric. If they are still wet when you pack up the tent, they may leave light-colored stains on the fabric or cause mold. These stains don't affect the quality of your tent, but it would be a shame to have stains on such a beautiful tent. Additionally, the guy lines can get tangled, making storage more difficult.

Which tent pegs should I use?

Proper tent setup requires well-chosen tent pegs. The pegs included with our tents are excellent for most purposes, but different ground conditions may require specialized pegs or placements. CanvasCamp recommends the following tent pegs and stakes for different terrains:

• Soft or loose ground (such as grassy fields or sand): Use wooden or plastic pegs. These offer good grip in softer soils. Wooden pegs are light and durable, while plastic pegs are convenient because they do not rust.
• Sand or snow: Use shovel pegs or ground anchors. These have a broad surface that helps secure them in loose or snowy soils, providing better grip than standard metal pegs.
• Rocky or frozen ground: Use steel pegs or "Tarzan" pegs (large, sturdy nails). In hard, rocky, or frozen soils, these pegs provide the most strength and stability. They can be easily installed and removed with a claw hammer.
• Hard or clay soil: Long metal pegs work best, such as steel pegs or spiral pegs. These anchor well in hard ground and keep your tent firmly in place, even in dense or compacted soil.
• Muddy or swampy ground: Use large spiral or auger pegs (with a "screw" shape instead of a straight pin). These provide extra grip in soft or muddy conditions.

Choosing the right stake is crucial for your tent's stability, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Utilities & Modifications

Can I install electricity and utilities in the glamping tent?

Yes, all our tents can be equipped with electricity.

In the Sibley 520, 620, and 720 tents, a panel is included for optional use. This panel fits into the side windows of your Bell tent and is designed to route cables and connectors, allowing you to install lighting, air conditioning, and other electrical devices in your glamping tent for added comfort.

Do CanvasCamp tents come with sanitation facilities?

Our tents do not come with sanitation facilities. However, our team is available to provide advice and recommendations for the most suitable sanitation solutions for your specific project. Whether you need help with mobile toilets, shower facilities, or other sanitation options, feel free to reach out to us.