Tarp and waterproofing questions for tent camping

[jeast]

Do you use a ground tarp? Or do you use a plastic cloth inside the tent? Or nothing at all?

Also, we just bought a 17X10 coleman dome tent. I have it set up in the yard and plan to use waterproofer stuff. I have the spray and a tube of sealant. What should I concentrate on? Seams only? Whole tent? Spray the rainfly?

Sorry, but I'm completely ignorant and trying to do things right.

Thanks for any info!

 

[2goofycampers]

I do know most use a piece of plastic between the ground and tent for condensation and keep the sand off the bottom, it has to be the same size as the tent, no bigger no smaller.

Give the seams and rain fly extra attention but do the whole tent. IMHO

 

[keelyhealthnut]

Definitely do a ground tarp. The tent will get torn up much easier without one. I'm not sure about the water proofing though.

 

[clkelley]

I do a ground cloth both underneath and inside the tent. I cut 6 mil plastic to fit.

Also at the Fort underneath everything I lay down that really thin cheap painters plastic, then ditch it at the end of the trip. Keeps everything cleaner. I don't worry about size on that stuff.

 

[jeast]

Thanks for the advice! I wasn't sure what the tarp was used for. I'll do the whole tent with the waterproof spray.

 

[toostsmom]

We just got back from tent camping and had several downpours - but our inside stayed relatively dry, except for a tiny bit of water that came in around the edges. We scotchguarded, had a plastic ground cover, and also a 99 cent plastic dropcloth on the floor of our tent which kept the wetness from getting to our airmattresses. Like the last poster - we just tossed our plastic before we left and it was easy packing. I was pretty stressed before hand about getting wet, but we really had no problems. Have fun!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

We put a tarp under the tent. If it's too big we fold the edges so they are under the tent.

When we use air mattresses, we put a small tarp under them inside the tent to keep them from getting condensation on the bottom.

We throughly spray the whole tent and rainfly with waterproofing spray paying special attention to the seams.

We also carry with us a small tent repair kit in case ours develops a hole while camping. It has happened once.

We put down a small throw rug outside the tent at the doorway and inside the tent at the doorway. We use those to wipe our shoes on when entering the tent and shake them out everyday. It helps to cut down dirt and rocks getting inside and putting holes in the floor.

Have fun camping!