Care & support
Care instructions for canvas products
Looking after your canvas properly is the single best way to get years of use from it. In these instructions, "tent" refers to any of our canvas products, such as awnings, tents, pop-top canvas bands, porch shelters and throw-over tailgate units. This should be read in tandem with our warranty terms and conditions.
Setting up
Before you use your new canvas product
- Choose a site that is level and free of any sharp objects, is dry, will drain and clear rain well, and is protected from wind. Please note, wind damage is not covered by our guarantee.
- When erecting the tent, generally two people are needed, especially where the awning is bigger and needs threading into a track.
- To keep the roof from pooling, an awning should be set up square to the vehicle it is attached to, with poles at the right height so the roof pitch is right, guy ropes at right angles to each wall, pitched out far enough so the canvas is taut but not over-tight (fitting springs on the guy ropes can help). Check and adjust guy ropes and pegs daily.
- Never pull the pegs out using the canvas. Always use another peg or the claw of a hammer.
In use
Ventilation, condensation and storage
The warranty will be deemed void if the product is used for anything longer than a temporary shelter. Do not leave your canvas product in direct sunlight for extended periods; UV light is extremely high in New Zealand.
When your tent is erected, condensation can and will occur when it is closed up in wet, humid conditions, and from steam caused by cooking, human respiration, and open ground on the floor, especially where another open-door connected structure such as a caravan exists. This is perfectly normal for any closed-up space. To avoid it, open up and air your tent or awning first thing in the morning, and then regularly during the day. A tent or awning cannot be left closed up and unattended for days or weeks; it becomes an oven during the day and the built-up condensation will grow mould or mildew very rapidly. One area users often miss is ensuring there is a thick, waterproof groundsheet that runs right up to all the walls. Always keep your product sufficiently ventilated.
Never pack up your tent damp. If pack-up conditions do not allow this, then as soon as possible (within hours) unpack and thoroughly dry it, or mildew and mould growth may occur. Always store it in a well-ventilated area, away from heat (for example, a garage roof truss area under plexiglass) and preferably off the floor. If mildew or mould should appear, this is the result of dampness and needs to be removed. Mildew and mould damage of any kind is not covered by our guarantee.
If ever re-waterproofing your canvas product, make sure you have the right product for your canvas type. Do not leave your tent up and unattended for extended periods of time, as condensation, mostly coming from the ground, will build up and cause mould or mildew to form. Tents are not designed as permanent dwellings and are guaranteed for normal camping use only.
A reminder: the information above should be read in tandem with our warranty terms and conditions.