Tent set up

Morning! Planning for my first four shows on Cape Cod this summer. It doesn't look like we will have a rainy summer, judging by our spring, but I want to be prepared for as much as I can.

I purchased an EZ up to begin with due to financial constraints. hopefully will be able to upgrade in the future. Plan to waterproof with marine quality product and seal seams as well. I also purchased EZ UP weight bags to fill with sand, each of the four will hold 40lbs. I'm also thinking that I should purchase the stabilizer bars since they will help me square up the sides so the walls will attach properly as well as give me some straight poles around the inside perimeter to hang drapes and photos from, and for stability obviously. (I can picture those zig zag bars creating a big headache!!) I suppose I will use pool noodles to help keep the rain from pooling on the roof, although I'm open to another idea since I probably won't like how they look.

Finally for my question: What am I forgetting as far as tent set-up is concerned? I already have a list of the "common sense" items ie. duct tape, cord, step stool, bungee cord, etc, etc, etc. Looking for any structural advice (please don't suggest a different tent, that ship has sailed) Thanks for any suggestions

p. s. INEXPENSIVE lighting suggestions? I sell jewelry, so lighting is extremely important .Not sure about having electricity available :(, but if I do, I'd love to rig something up from overhead in addition to my clip ons.
Thx

For the sand bags, try small gravel instead of sand. Sand seems to leak out, no matter how well it's sealed. Another option is to use plastic bags inside the sand bags. The Sta-Bars are a great help. When you look down a line of tents swaying in the breeze, the ones that aren't swaying have Sta-Bars! Unless you have heavy display walls, you may want to consider more than 4 sandbags.

Another suggesting is a ceiling tarp. Get a 10 x 10 tarp and attach it as a ceiling. I use Ball-bungees to attach it. If your EZ-Up does leak, the ceiling will add an extra layer of protection. At least you know the water will be collecting in the middle or running off the edges.

Bring plastic sheets, like painter use, for quick covers. I also carry a box of garden trash bags to quickly bag up stuff.

One more rain suggestion: bring dry shoes, socks, and clothes!

I'm a firm believer in the more rain protection you bring, the less likely it is to rain.

Replies

Dave Hinde April 27, 2012 at 10:35am

For the sand bags, try small gravel instead of sand. Sand seems to leak out, no matter how well it's sealed. Another option is to use plastic bags inside the sand bags. The Sta-Bars are a great help. When you look down a line of tents swaying in the breeze, the ones that aren't swaying have Sta-Bars! Unless you have heavy display walls, you may want to consider more than 4 sandbags.

Another suggesting is a ceiling tarp. Get a 10 x 10 tarp and attach it as a ceiling. I use Ball-bungees to attach it. If your EZ-Up does leak, the ceiling will add an extra layer of protection. At least you know the water will be collecting in the middle or running off the edges.

Bring plastic sheets, like painter use, for quick covers. I also carry a box of garden trash bags to quickly bag up stuff.

One more rain suggestion: bring dry shoes, socks, and clothes!

I'm a firm believer in the more rain protection you bring, the less likely it is to rain.
- Karole Bowlds > Dave Hinde April 29, 2012 at 6:59am
  
  I have an EZ-UP, also! Was going to suggest more weights and a WHITE ceiling tarp. the white allows natural light for your art, and will keep any leaks contained, but another valuable reason for using it- it will keep the tent cooler in hot weather(traps the hot air above), and it will force any wind THROUGH the tent, not into the peak- which is what causes lift off and tip over in windy conditions. And Dave has it right- protection and prevention!!
  
  Good luck!!
  - Karole Bowlds > Karole Bowlds April 29, 2012 at 7:02am
    
    Mindy,
    
    Check out my blog on Ez-up set up- 40 Minute secure Tent set up- The Maine Way!! I learned most of those little tips and tricks right here on this site- from Dave and all the other Vets!
    - Mindy Tagher > Karole Bowlds April 29, 2012 at 3:10pm
      
      Thanks Karole, I will check out your blog. I'm going to enlist help at the shows if I can, at least for set up and breakdown. The was I see it, the kids owe me, BIG TIME!. Hadn't thought of the heat issue, but since I'm not a fan of the heat I will be looking for that white tarp right away.
- Mindy Tagher > Dave Hinde April 27, 2012 at 11:17am
  
  Thanks for the suggestions! I will use gravel rather than sand, no trip to the beach necessary! The suggestion of a tarp is a great one, that will also hide the noodles if I use them and give a cleaner look to the inside ceiling as well. I will look for a white one. I will also add your other suggestions to my growing list...
  - Dave Hinde > Mindy Tagher April 27, 2012 at 1:13pm
    
    The other advantage of a "ceiling" tarp is heat. During the summer it adds a layer of insulation from the sun. I've heard it also helps keep a wind gust from picking up your tent because it's flat.
    
    Another "trick" is to not raise your tent to it's full height until you've attached the sidewalls and possibly the ceiling tarp. Saves need for step stool.
    - Mindy Tagher > Dave Hinde April 28, 2012 at 7:32pm
      
      Awesome ideas, you're making the "learning curve" sooo much more nicer!

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