Coleman is one of the most familiar names in the world of camping equipment. And when it comes to tents, their perfect blend of unmatched quality and affordability makes them the ideal choice for first-time campers, veterans, and everyone in between.
However, like every piece of gear, a durable Coleman tent can also get old and saggy, especially if you’re an avid camper who loves to camp almost year-round. Therefore, it will need some care and maintenance throughout its lifetime to keep performing at its best.
With that said, let’s share a few tips on how to care and maintain a Coleman tent, so you can enjoy many more camping trips under your prized companion for years to come.
While Packing For Camping
Your tent should be taken care of from the moment you pack it before leaving for the campsite. Here are some things to remember.
#1. Pack It Loosely In A Bag
This will allow air to circulate and prevent wrinkling of the fabric. When inserting the poles into the fabric sleeves, be careful not to apply too much force.
#2. Inspect It For Holes Or Tears
Be sure to patch any holes or tears before setting out, as these can worsen over time and cause leaks.
#3. Check The Seams
Ensure all the seams are properly sealed to prevent water from seeping in. You can use a sealant to reinforce the seams if necessary.
#4. Check The Zippers
The zippers should be working correctly and not caught on the fabric. If they are, use a lubricant such as WD-40 to fix the issue.
#5. Treat The Fabric
Coleman recommends treating the fabric with a waterproofing spray or silicone sealant to help repel water and keep the tent in good condition.
#6. Pack Your Stakes And Poles Carefully
Be careful not to bend or damage the stakes and poles when packing them. Also, avoid packing them together with sharp objects to prevent puncturing the fabric.
#7. Pack Some Essential Supplies
A dustpan and brush are two things you should bring to help keep your tent clean before you pack again.
Also, having a roll of duct tape handy can help you patch any holes or tears that may occur during your camping.
At The Campsite
Once you’ve reached the campsite, remember to take the following steps to extend the life of your Coleman tent.
#1. Let The Air In
When you reach the campsite, set up your tent as soon as possible to give it some time to air out.
This will also help prevent mildew from forming if you’re camping in a humid place. Be sure to prop open the doors and windows to allow airflow and avoid condensation inside the tent.
#2. Choose A Level Spot
Pitching your tent on an uneven surface can put undue stress on the fabric and seams, leading to holes and tears. So be sure to choose a level spot free of rocks and sticks before setting up your camp.
#3. Layout A Footprint
A footprint is a groundsheet placed under your tent to protect the bottom from getting wet or dirty. It also helps extend the life of your tent by preventing abrasion from the ground. If you don’t have one, buy the right size footprint, or you can use a tarp instead.
#4. Elevate Your Tent
If you’re camping in an area with lots of bugs, it’s good to pitch your tent on a platform to keep them from crawling underneath. This will also help keep the bottom of your tent clean and dry.
#5. Use The Zipper Carefully
Your tent’s zipper is undoubtedly the part that takes the most beating, so be careful when using it. When opening and closing the door, go slowly and gently to avoid catching the fabric.
Stabilizing the zipper track with one hand while using the other to pull is the best way to prevent the fabric from getting caught. It’s also good to lubricate the zippers periodically with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them running smoothly.
#6. Keep It Clean
As with any gear, it’s essential to keep your Coleman tent clean to prevent dirt and dust from build-up.
Avoid spills and smearing, and never allow grimy litter to accumulate inside or outside your tent. Cleaning with a mild soapy spray from time to time is also a good practice to keep your tent as fresh as always.
#7. Avoid Prolonged UV Exposure
The sun’s UV rays can damage your tent’s fabric, causing it to fade and become brittle over time.
So if you’re planning on staying in one spot for an extended period, make sure to provide some shade for your tent. You can do this by pitching it under a tree or using a rainfly.
#8. In Case Of Bad Weather
If you’re caught in a storm, close all the doors and windows of your tent to keep rain and wind from damaging or tearing it apart. You can also use guy lines beforehand to tie down the corners of your tent and provide additional stability.
#9. Inspect It Regularly
Be sure to inspect your tent regularly for holes, tears, or loose seams. These should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Storing Your Tent After Camping
Once you’re done camping, it’s essential to properly store your Coleman tent to keep it in good condition.
#1. Disassemble With Care
When taking down your tent, do it carefully to avoid damaging the poles and fabric. Coleman tents usually come with pass-through sheaths designed to be easy to disassemble. So, be sure to follow the instructions that came with your tent.
#2. Clean The Tent
Before you pack your tent away, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris accumulated during your trip.
#3. Allow The Tent To Dry Completely
Make sure the tent is completely dry before being stored away. Otherwise, mildew and mold may form, which can damage the fabric. Even the slightest moisture accumulation is enough to cause your tent to smell bad.
#4. Fold The Tent Carefully
Be sure to fold the tent carefully to avoid creasing or damaging the fabric. Make sure all the poles are removed before folding.
#5. Store Away In A Cool And Dry Place
Once the tent is clean and dry, store it in a cool and dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or humid areas, which can damage the fabric.
General Maintenance
Taking care of your tent before, during, and after use, as described above, will help preserve its longevity. Keeping it well-maintained will ensure the rest.
Following are a few tips for maintaining tents.
#1. How To Clean Your Coleman Tent
To clean your Coleman tent, start by taking it down and removing all the dirt, dust, and debris that may have accumulated during your trip. Then, use a mild soap, which isn’t detergent, and a water solution to clean the tent thoroughly.
Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the fabric. Also, never put your tent in a washing machine as it may damage it by random stretching. And after cleaning, allow the tent to dry completely before packing it away.
#2. How To Keep Your Coleman Tent Mold-Free
Like any tent, Coleman tents can get moldy with repeated moisture exposure. So, to prevent mold from forming, you must keep your tent dry at all times, both during and after use. When storing your tent, make sure it’s completely dry before folding and packing away.
You can also use a dehumidifier to absorb any moisture in the air and prevent mold from forming. And if you notice any mold, clean it immediately with a vinegar and water solution. Then, air-dry the tent entirely before storing it again.
#3. How To Waterproof Your Coleman Tent
You can waterproof your Coleman tent in several ways. The best way is to buy a waterproofing spray designed explicitly for your tent material and follow the instructions on the label.
Another way is to use a silicon-based waterproofing gel, which you can apply with a brush or roller. You can also create your own waterproofing solution by mixing one part bleach with 10 parts water.
Don’t forget to test any waterproofing solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Coleman Tent Repair Tips
If you notice any holes, tears, or loose seams on your Coleman tent, it’s best to repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Here are a few tips.
#1. Patching The Tent Floor Or Walls
To patch your Coleman tent’s floor or walls, start by cutting a piece of fabric slightly larger than the hole or tear.
Then, glue it in place with a tent patch kit or fabric adhesive. Be sure to apply the sealant to both the fabric and the tent floor. Once dry, you can trim away any excess fabric.
#2. Repairing A Ripped Seam
If you’ve ripped a seam on your Coleman tent, it’s best to get your needle and thread and sew it back together.
Start by turning the fabric inside out, so the seam is on the inside. Then, using a needle and thread, sew the seam back together.
Be sure to use a strong thread that’s designed for outdoor use. It’s also good to use a seam sealer over the repair to further strengthen it.
#3. Repairing The Tent Poles
If one of the poles on your Coleman tent is damaged, you can try to repair it using pole sleeves and duct tape.
To do this, start by cutting the pole sleeve to the appropriate size and slipping it over the damaged section of the pole. Then, use duct tape to secure the sleeve in place.
And if the pole is only slightly bent, you may be able to straighten it out. However, if the pole is severely damaged, it’s best to replace it.
Thoughts
Coleman has been a household name for camping gear for almost 100 years—and for a good reason. But as mentioned earlier, their tents can also become worn out if they’re not properly cared for.
With that said, we hope you learned everything there is to know about how to care and maintain a Coleman tent from this write-up. And if you’ve got any questions or ideas of your own, be sure to leave them in the comments section below.
Besides, rest assured that you can always contact Coleman for more tips and guidance if you’re still stuck.
