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Axis and Zulu Modular Tent System (MTS)

As part of our commitment to innovative design, the CEC would like to introduce the latest tent to our ever expanding catalog

The issue:  it's become evident from the positive feedback we receive that many people like and even prefer our large family camping tents - just as we love to design and improve upon them each season

However, large family camping tents present certain challenges on every level:

1. Our engineers find it logistically difficult to make due to the sheer size and weight of the materials that go into making each tent

2. Size and weight issues also come into play in the pack size: some of the tents are so HUGE that we have to pack the tent into 1 box and the poles into another because you'd have to be the Governator just to load the warehouse - this means we have to pay the courier more just to ship them

3. Assembly: Let's face it, Granny isn't getting any younger so let's give the old girl some help!  We've added lots of nice pics to our instructions to make them clearer and easier to read but we're still dealing with the logistics of a HUGE tent

4. Flexibility: big, multi room tents are good when you take your spouse, kids, friends, dog and plenty of equipment, but what if it's just the two of you that want to get away? Go out and buy yet anoter tent?

Well, HUGE tents are what people want but what can we do to make it even easier?

Inspiration can come from the strangest of places and it was while watching re-runs of our favorite cartoons that it hit us: Most of our tents have a living area and multiple sleeping pods so why not section them off and make it modular?

Enter the Axis and the Zulu Modular Tent System (MTS): 

The Axis is a free standing Screen House with a removable floor, screen walls, stakes and guy ropes - use it as a sun shelter and bug free dining area by day  and by night when you're ready for bed, using the Velcro tabs, install the waterproof tub style removable ground sheet and then connect to...

The Zulu: a free standing, 3 person fully water proof tent - perfect for those weekend trips when all you want is room for yourself, your partner and some sleeping gear - a great, general purpose tent

BUT for those times when you want the option of a storage or eating area, just connect the Zulu to the Axis and away you go - if you want to invite some friends to join you or want to give the kids their own sleeping area, just add on another Zulu sleeping pod - connect up to 4 in total for a HUGE multi room tent!


The Camping Equipment Company: Premium Tents
The Camping Equipment Company: Premium Tents
www-campingequipmentco-com-ajaxtent.jpg
CEC Premium Grade Tent Features

(1) Con-Struct (TM) Super-lite tent poles:
  • High tensile modular poles designed to give maximum support
  • Roof pitch: prevents water pooling on top of tent by guiding it down and way from the roof
  • Pole sleeves give tent fuller assemble shape to maximize room size
(2) Exo-derm (TM) rain fly:
  • Fabric specially designed for CEC
  • Does not stretch or sag like nylon when wet - tent retains shape in heavy downpour
  • Weatherproof:  Coated with a Polyurethane film rated at 3000mm
  • Seam sealed to prevent water penetration
(3) Storm flap: channels water away from the tent

(4) Dyna-strap (TM) webbing:  bigger and stronger than conventional guy lines, fitted at peak of pole arc to provide maximum tension, help stabilize tent and maintain structure, especially in strong winds

(5) Mesh vents:  top and opposite ends of tent allow for greater air circulation reducing internal condensation and regulating heat exchange while keeping out bugs and rain

(6) Doors:  full mesh fabric for air circulation with secondary weather proof full fabric doors for privacy

(7) Guy lines:  high tensile nylon woven with 3M reflective taping for greater visibility in low light conditions

(8) Inner tent:  
  • Breathable polyester with mesh vents help regulate air flow
  • Partition walls:  removable to create larger single sleeping pod or as a room divider for added privacy
  • Dri-tek (TM) floor:  Fully sewn in tub style floor
  • Heat sealed, prevents moisture penetration, abraision resistant
(9) Talon tent stakes (TM):  high impact resistant ABS tent stakes firmly hold down corners and webbing support straps - yet many times lighter than conventional steel stakes

*Please note not all tents in this range include all of the features listed above.


What other tents for families do you have that have ALL floors attached/sewn in??
Hi Colette thanks for your email

ALL of the tents in our Premium Tent range include fully sewn in  tub style floors throughout the entire tent

Note this description about the Floors in the Premium Tent range:

(8) Inner tent:  
  • Breathable polyester with mesh vents help regulate air flow
  • Partition walls:  removable to create larger single sleeping pod or as a room divider for added privacy
  • Dri-tek (TM) floor:  Fully sewn in tub style floor
  • Heat sealed, prevents moisture penetration, abraision resistant





Someone submitted the form from your 'Contact Us' page

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Full Name:Colette 
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I've been looking at the Oberon and was excited until I saw the inside room floor is detachable. What other tents for families do you have that have ALL floors attached/sewn in??
The Camping Equipment Company: USA
http://www.campingequipmentco.com/
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How hard is it to set up a CEC tent?
Hi Julie, 

Thanks for your email

2 adults can assemble this tent within 20 minutes

Initially, it will take time to familiarize yourself with the details and layout of the tent but if you can keep organized and follow the instructions closely, you can cut down the amount of time it takes to set up the tent

Best Regards,
Customer Support
The Camping Equipment Company
www.campingequipmentco.com.au
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On Thu, Apr 12, 2012 at 5:28 PM, Julie wrote:

Someone submitted the form from your 'Contact Us' page

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Full Name:Julie 
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Company Name:
Phone Number:
Order Number:
RMA Number:
We are considering purchasing the Nexis 12 person family tent. How long does it take to erect and how difficult is it?

Kind regards,
Julie
The Camping Equipment Company: Australia
http://www.campingequipmentco.com.au/
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Mercury tent rain test
Here at the CEC, we appreciate the importance of a tent that stands up to heavy rain and strong winds.

Utah tent rain test
While on the one hand we methodically test fabric strength and waterproofness in our lab using specially designed equipment, we also like to test our materials under more practical conditions, the kind of conditions you would use them in if you went camping with the family or friends

That's why we take a lot of time to test the waterproofing of each new design under a high pressure sprinkler system we rigged up at our production facility

Ajax tent heavy snow test
It's also important to test the tensile strength of the poles and we couldn't think of a better way to do this than to put our test subject through an entire Canadian winter! All winter long the tent stood outside in the wind driven rain which soon became piles of heavy snow on the fabric and mounting pressure on the poles.

Our Ajax tent kept its shape the entire time without a drop of moisture penetrating the fabric to the interior of the tent!

Now you may not be heading over to Mount Everest with the kids for the weekend, but it is nice to know that if some unforeseen storm hits, you can rely on your CEC tent to keep standing and keep you dry


CEC FAQ: MARS 6 person family camping dome tent
Customer questions, CEC answers
Hi Marcus,
 
1. All of the doors built into the rain fly on all CEC tents zip close and have a dual mesh screen and full fabric door so that you can have air flow with the mesh screen or full weather protection and privacy with the full fabric door
 
2. The Mars tent is part of our Premium grade tents that have the rain fly and the tub style waterproof floor fully sewn together to prevent water ingress - read the full details on this series here

Best Regards,
Andrew
Customer Service
The Camping Equipment Company
Connect with The CEC      




Re: MARS 6 person family camping dome tent

Hi, 

From the photo's that are on your website could you tell me how the doors on this tent that I can see open actually close up. Do they zip up for insect and weather protection? 

I need a tent that will be fully enclosed (floors and walls and the doors) once closed up. Firstly I require this as we are taking a small pet with us and I need to ensure that he cannot escape once the tent is closed up and secondly for weather protection. We are going to a place that has a high amount of wind and rain.

If you could get back to me on these questions before I purchase this tent that would be greatly appreciated. 

If it is suitable then I would like to purchase this or perhaps another fully enclosed tent on Friday. 

Thanks
The Camping Equipment Company: Australia 
http://www.campingequipmentco.com.au/


Spare Parts in stock!
For customers who purchased (or are thinking of purchasing) any item from our Premium Tent range, you now have the option of purchasing spare pole parts for your tent



All models under our Premium Tent category use our proprietary pole system which employs a standardized set of PVC sections in various combinations to create all of the various frame configurations you see listed in that category
Unlike other tents that use complete sets of pre-shaped tent poles, tents within CEC's Premium Tent range are individual, modular components that are uniform across all tents in the category which makes it far easier for you, the user, to acquire spare parts
When you consider that tent poles provide the framework and bear the weight of the structure and are often uncovered by the warranty program offered by most retailers and other brand manufacturers, having access to exact parts can often mean the difference between using your tent to its fullest extent or getting only half the benefit after Frankensteining a frame together with random objects...


GETTYSBURG 12 person family camping tunnel tent
Hi Krystal, thanks for your email

Based on the requirements you listed, I would recommend the Gettysburg 12 person tent


  1. It is one of the biggest family camping tents in our catalog
  2. the tunnel shape design maximizes area volume (including vertical head room, high enough to stand upright in)
  3. inner tent pitch first assembly means you can have a single layer vented shelter in the hot sunny daytime with the option of pitching the rain fly later
  4. fully sewn in tub style water proof floor means that the entire inner tent is a self contained area and once you zip the mesh doors close, no bugs can enter
  5. the inner tent is a large open space BUT leaves you the option of closing off portions of it with the removable partition walls which means you can create privacy areas eg 1 sleeping area on either side of a central common area (for storage or eating etc)
  6. the rain fly is coated on the inside with Polyurethane (PU) to a level of 3000mm (that's how tent waterproofness is rated) in addition to all of the seams covered with a PU tape (because sewing creates pin holes that can allow water to enter)
Hopefully, that answers more questions than is raises :-) but if not, by all means let me know what else is on your mind


Best Regards,
Andrew
Customer Support
The Camping Equipment Company
Connect with The CEC

Someone submitted the form from your 'Contact Us' page

A user has submitted the contact form on your store.

Here are their details:

Full Name:Krystal
Email Address:REMOVED FOR PRIVACY
Company Name:
Phone Number:
Order Number:
RMA Number:
I'm sorry to be a pain but I'm having a really hard time deciding which tent is best for our needs. We are planning on camping for 10 days to two weeks with 3 small children and I need to keep my sanity. That being said here is our info:
- would like as large of a tent as possible.
- sleeping 'pods/rooms' are needed so my kids sleep and don't play with each other
- We're camping in July in Canada. Temps are max 86 degrees F. Min = 50 degrees F. The entire month received 40.9mm of rain last year.
- I don't want bugs in the tent.
- we don't want the tent to leak (assuming no hurricanes or gale force winds etc).

- On facebook I was looking at the Discovery but when I commented about leakage and bugs it was suggested I look at one of the premium tents but i think we're losing a lot of space by going to the Ajax.

My questions are: are different models of the premium tents expected to come out soon which may offer more options?

- are the premium tents the way I should be going? Ie should I stay away from the big family tents based on our camping needs and location?

Thanks.
Krystal
The Camping Equipment Company: USA
http://www.campingequipmentco.com/
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Customer questions, CEC answers: Polaris tent assembly

Hi Tina, thanks for your email
To further clarify the instruction sheet, we recommend you assemble the tent with the following broad steps in this order:
1. Assemble the rain fly first
a. insert all tent poles through the pole sleeves on the rain fly first with 1 end of each pole joined to the pin and ring system
b. then erect the rain fly by inserting the pin into the opposite end of each tent pole one by one
c. stake down the rain fly at the major point starting with the corners - you may wish to work your way around the tent  by staking down the bottom edges and then the guy ropes for added stability
2. assemble the inner tents
a. unfold each inner tent inside the rain fly in the appropriate area and assemble by staking down the bottom rear edge (closest to the bottom edge of the rain fly)
b. then work your way up and towards the entrance of the inner tent, taking care to fasten the inner tent to the under side of the rain fly using the hooks and toggles provided
3. unfold removable ground sheet and place in the central living area of the tent (in the middle of the assembled inner/sleeping tents) and stake down
Hope this helps clarify that particular aspect of the assembly for this tent
Best Regards,
Andrew
Customer Service
The Camping Equipment Company
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We had a trial run on putting up our Polaris on the weekend. I was wondering should we insert the poles into the ring/peg stakes attached to the fly before trying to raise the tent off the ground. Also what is the black strapping for? Also which part of the tent should we raise first because we found it hard with just two people to keep it up whilst try to stake it down. Any advice would be great. Thanks Tina

The Camping Equipment Company: Australia 
http://www.campingequipmentco.com.au/


How well to CEC tents stand up to WIND?
Hi Thomas, thanks for your email

While we don't have specific wind testing data for you, we can say that the tents in our Premium tent range are structurally better suited for strong wind conditions due to their:
1. pole set up and structure
2. large tent stakes at all major stress points
3. secure webbing straps and guy lines
*NOTE: take the extra time to carefully and thoroughly assemble your tent to ensure a more stable structure in the long run

Some models may be more aero dynamic than others such as the Ajax 12 person tent - have a look at this one, if you have questions about it, feel free to ask me

Best Regards,

Andrew, Customer Service

The Camping Equipment Company

www.campingequipmentco.com

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Someone submitted the form from your 'Contact Us' page

A user has submitted the contact form on your store.

Here are their details:

Full Name:Tom SURNAME REMOVED FOR PRIVACY
Email Address:ADDRESS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY
Company Name:
Phone Number:
Order Number:
RMA Number:
I am very interested in your tents and the only question I have is how well do you rate them in high winds. I spend most of my time in Colorado. Anyone who has spent anytime there can tell you, the wind storms can be unreal. Any information regarding this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

The Camping Equipment Company: USA
http://www.campingequipmentco.com/

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CEC FAQ: Removable tent floors and other tent features
Hi James, thanks for your email

1. the removable ground sheet in the living area makes it easier to clean the tent because it is broken down into individual components - this is the case in the Discovery tent - all of the sleeping pods are separate and have a fully sewn in tub style floor

2. other tents in the same BIG Family tent category have a fully sewn in tent so they are not removable and there is little chance of any bugs getting entering - this is the case with tents like the Osiris tent and ALL of the tents in the Premium tent category

3. Each of our tents have mesh vents with covers for increased air circulation in addition to PVC windows to let light in  that also include full fabric covers to close them off when you want some privacy or darkness

4. With some of the tents in the BIG Family tent category, you assemble the rain fly first and then add the inner sleeping pods and the removable ground sheet in the living area - this type of modular design is originally from Europe and suitable for dryer climates - the benefit here is that you can set up the rain fly separately to have a large open floor shelter which increase the functional properties the tent

Hope this answers your questions but if you have any more, please let us know!
Best Regards,
Andrew, Customer service
The Camping Equipment Company
www.campingequipmentco.com
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Someone submitted the form from your 'Contact Us' page

A user has submitted the contact form on your store.

Here are their details:

Full Name:James *SURNAME REMOVED FOR PRIVACY PURPOSES
Email Address:REMOVED FOR PRIVACY PURPOSES
Company Name:
Phone Number:
Order Number:
RMA Number:
I am looking at 2 models for possible purchase. The Osiris and Discovery. Question on the floor: Discover I see has removable floor in middle. Can this area still be sleeping area with floor in (are bugs getting an a problem?) Also it says add or remove sleeping rooms. Does this mean I can shrink the footprint if it is too big or does that just refer to the room separator sheets? Lastly, is the Osiris floor all sewn in? It says that but then the next line says "Removable". Thanks for your help. Oh wait, 1 more: Are the windows all mesh? They look like clear plastic in the pics but that could just be the pic.
The Camping Equipment Company: USA
http://www.campingequipmentco.com/
The Camping Equipment Company: USA is powered by Big Commerce. Launch your own store for free with Big Commerce.









Seal Plastic Bags with Old Bottle Caps
USE BOTTLE TOPS TO SEAL A BAG.....
WHAT A GREAT IDEA, NO MORE TWIST TIES OR RUBBER BANDS.
This method is WATER PROOF AND AIR TIGHT.
The guy who first thought of the idea should be given an award for originality!!!


Cut up a disposable water bottle and keep the neck and top, as in photo.

Description: cid:1589F39F-E390-4D7F-A7E8-99E56D3837BD

Insert the plastic bag through the neck and screw the top to seal.

Description: cid:4940101A-E633-49D6-A799-B8FFA74D4293

The bag is made air-tight, water will not leak, it is easy to open and the top and screw cap can be used over again!

This is a great idea to share.


Family Camping Tents that WORK!
Nexus Family Camping Tent
Hi Dan, thanks for your email

We LOVE hearing from a satisfied customer and we want to post your testimony on our site

Glad to hear that the tent is working well for you and your family!

If in the future, you require additional CEC items, use this discount code for and additional 10% off: "loyalty"

I have purchased your NEXUS 12 man tent and this weekend was our first outing in it. My wife and I and 8 children had LOTS of room left over. It rained for 10 hours straight and it only leaked through a small tear in the top, but barely. We fixed the tear with your patch kit that came with the tent. Absolutely AWESOME TENT!!!!!!! We sat up playing cards with the kids while outside it rained and thundered constantly. Inside....pure bliss!!! Thanks for an AMAZING product.



CEC customer service: secondary rain fly for your tent
Hi Greg, thanks for your email

Currently we don't offer this type of accessory for any of our tents

However, a quick and dirty improvisation is for you to sling up a basic PE tarp suspended over the tent (using trees or other attachment points with a peak to draw water down and away from the tent)

This method of keeping some space between the tarp and the tent surface is preferred because it doesn't interfere with ventilation of your tent (responsible for interior moisture as much as the weather is) while providing you with a secondary layer of water resistance

Best Regards,

Andrew, Customer Support

The Camping Equipment Company

www.campingequipmentco.com.au

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Hello

Recently I purchased the Axis + Zulu combination, no complaints, easy tents to set up spacious etc.

I have a question though, I would like to put a fly over the pods (Zulu's I think). Do you have some product to be able to do this? or some recommendation?

Or even a fly for the entire tent, ( although I do think that maybe a bit over the top) (all puns intended)



MARS 6 person family camping dome tent: Q&A
Hi Raphael, CEC tents are particularly popular during Burning Man and the Mars is a good option for that


Yes, you can close off the inside of the tent area completely from the outside to prevent dust entering the sleeping area

The rain fly and main floor are sewn together and then the removable sleeping area also has its own floor 

This means that when you set up the inner sleeping tent inside the rain fly covered main tent, you have a 2 layer system: a breathable inner tent and water proof floor PLUS water proof rain fly and water proof floor ie 2 layer floor!



Dear CEC,

I am considering buying the Mars tunnel tent for burning man this year. I am looking for a tent that keeps the dust out of the sleeping area. Could you please let me know if the inside tent can be completely sealed from the rest - i.e. that is has it's own floor? Or does it share the floor with the rest of the tent?

Many thanks in advance!

Raphael


BBQ RULES
BBQ RULES
We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:
Routine...
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - drink in hand.
(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman.
Here comes the important part:
(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.
More routine...
(6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another drink while he flips the meat.
Important again:
(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
More routine...
(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauce and brings them to the table.
(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all:
(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIMfor his cooking efforts.
(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed her 'night off,' and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women.


The GOBI family tent: Fully sewn in ground sheet?
Hi Michelle, the ground sheet is fully sewn in throughout the tent apart from the front porch area under the awning - this is a tub style ground sheet fully sewn into the rain fly

There is also a secondary sheet sewn into the inner sleeping tent effectively giving you a 2 layer water proof floor in the sleeping area

Hope that answers your question but let us know if you require further info

Best Regards,

Customer Support

The Camping Equipment Company

www.campingequipmentco.com.au

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Hello.
My husband and I really like the gobi 6 person tunnel . We have a few questions: 1 is the ground sheets swen into the tent itself? It says on your website that it is just in sleeping area. We have seen another tent just like this one overseas and it states that it has a fully swen in ground sheet. how well does the rain fly work if it does go all the way down?



I haven't received all the parts for my tent!
Hi Jason, thanks for your email

Please note that some of our tents are so big that we have to pack the tent in 1 box and the poles in another

Sometimes they arrive together and sometimes they arrive separately

If you haven't received all the parts by now, please let us know and we'll chase up the shipment for you

Best Regards,

Customer Service

The Camping Equipment Company

www.campingequipmentco.com.au

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On Tue, May 3, 2011 at 2:23 AM, Jason wrote:
Hi
I received my tent today (order xxx), but haven't recieved any poles , pegs, ropes. Is this coming in a seperate package?

awaiting your reply

kind regards
Jason



BURNING MAN 2011: Which tent do you need?
Hi Jules, thanks for your email

It seems the BBB rating is due to insufficient data they have on us

See direct replies to each query below

Best Regards,
The Camping Equipment Company
Connect with The CEC      




Hi, 
I was Ebay bidding on the HULA 4 tent- I would have gone a bit higher then the actual final selling price if you had answered a few questions-so I'm back again.

I will be living in a tent for 2 weeks-in some harsh conditions- Kindly consider this is an important purchase for me. With CEC's no return/exchange only policy
Please note that we are happy to replace, exchange or refund your purchase as per our Product Guarantee
 
and no outlet to view the tent in the USA,
Please note that while we don't have retail outlets throughout the USA, we've made every effort to provide as much meaningful product information (including detailed pictures) regarding all of our products and services

We are also ready to answer any questions you have prior to your purchase to ensure that CEC products meet your requirements 

you should expect lots of questions from a new, potential buyer with lots of friends looking for tents this year. (-I estimate that 40,000 people sleep in tents at Burning Man- the other 20,000 in RV's)   I hate to say it, but I will: Your F rating- albeit from one person- with the BBB

Please note that the BBB unilaterally imposed their rating stating lack of sufficient info regarding the CEC

CEC customer service takes all customer emails extremely seriously and makes the utmost attempt to amicably resolve each unique situation to the customer's full satisfaction

This does not always include sending personal and private transaction information to a 3rd parties as per our Privacy Policy 
make me extra cautious spending 300$. However, your tents are so perfect in theory that I persist.

This is what I am looking for:

  1. A tent that will completely zip close. Windows, Doors. Top- does anyone make this? See--I would avoid the mesh roof too,if it's possible.
As per our previous email, we suggest you consider a tent from our Premium Tent Range, starting with the Mars 6 person family camping tent
  1. Water proof-no other seam sealing required? 
Correct, as per the specs on each tent, the rain fly is PU coated and seam taped and no further water proof treatment is required - please note that additions or adjustments to the tent after purchase will void the warranty 
  1. The HULA 4 - is it a complete floor that attaches to the interior tent?
No it is not, there is a built in floor in the sleeping areas only but and a removable ground sheet in the central living area 
  1. Please tell me how the "removable floor" attaches? Is it within the confines of the "bathtub floor" you offer?  As I wrote before there is white space in the photography and it's very hard to tell how the inner and outer tent attach. 
The ground sheet in the HULA model is merely a water resistant tarp like material that is staked into the ground 
  1. Zip enclosed rooms within  the tent- not a curtain but actual zippers. It's dusty out there!
Yes the sleeping areas include actual zippered doors and not curtains 
  1. I am taking this tent to Burning Man: There is heat, wind, cold nights, playa dust and possibly rain. You say your tents are for summer camping-but they seem built for these conditions. I don't expect anyone to guarantee a gale force wind-in a family tent- but how long are your stakes? Will I need to buy longer ones?
We cannot comment on the weather conditions on the area you intend to use your tent but will suggest that if in doubt, prudence suggest you go prepared with additional materials 
  1. I want sleep space- the four man is fine- it appears a double or queen mattress will fit in the HULA -4 rooms- is that the case with your other tents?
Yes this is the case with the majority of CEC tents, but bear in mind that different manufacturers can build double, dual, queen etc sized mattresses to their own dimensions eg a "small" garment from one supplier may equal a "medium" from another
 
Thank you again for your time- I hope you will answer my question and we can do business together.
 Don't mention it, we're happy to answer your questions prior to your purchase to ensure CEC products meet you needs

Very kind regards,

Jules


MARS 6 person family camping dome tent: Q&A
Hi Geoff, thanks for your email

Please see replies below:


On Thu, Feb 24, 2011 at 8:45 PM, Geoff 


We have received the Mars Tent and there are a couple of questions and comments.

I cannot erect this tent in my courtyard and I will not have time to erect take it elsewhere to do so before we leave for our Music Festival so could you clarify a few things please?

·         I was rather surprised to see PVC tube used as a tent support  in Australia. I would expect it to bow in hot weather. Can you assure me that it is suitable for Australian summer days please?. The website did not tell me it wouldn’t be. (42 degrees can certainly bend PVC downpipes)
We use PVC pipes on these tents because they are lighter in weight than standard steel and fiber glass poles, universal in size and availability and suitable for supporting larger heavier tent models such as the Mars
After many successful sales season in AU, we have not experienced any issues with PVC failure as a result of AU heat
·         Is this stable in winds please?. The PVC tubes and connectors seem to rely totally on the guys to retain their integrity. Not something I have experienced in previous tents.
As this is a tunnel tent, guy ropes are essential to maintaining the shape and stability of the tent - please note however that CEC tents are not intended for use in extreme weather conditions 
·         There are two off “Long PP webbing” included in the package and Instruction 4 tells us to attach these at “both ends” but the two pieces are different from each other. Which one goes where, and why please?
The PP webbing straps are tougher than most standard guy lines and better suited to maintaining the shape and stability of tents in this class - in this case, they attach at either of the long ends of the Mars tunnel tent with the longer PP webbing strap attaching to the door end of the tent and the shorter one attaching at the vent end of the tent
·         Fortunately we have 14 or more, substantial steel pegs as the plastic ones supplied would be unusable in the hard ground on many an Australian campsite.
·         The Repair Kit has shock cord and two attached CEC rectangles. What do we ‘repair’ with these things please? The spare guys are obvious. Perhaps the shock cord is for use with the guys? The two rectangles are mysterious.
The repair kit includes 2 self adhesive patches usable in the event that you puncture or rip the fabric of the tent and helps minimize further damaging the tent fabric 
·         What supports the “eye lid” sections over the entry point please? Is it perhaps just restrained by two of the guys?
The awning above the side door is supported by the small fiber glass poles as in the picture below:

·         The packaging does not seem to contain a Warranty Document. We would like one for our records please.

Thanks again for your business, if you require further assistance, please let us know



How do I minimize condensation build up inside my tent?
Hi Elaine, thanks for your enquiry

ALL CEC tents come with a water resistant rain fly - polyurethane coated with seam taping to reduce water ingress

All tents regardless of brand will have some degree of condensation build up inside the tent - this is not a fault, just a product of having people sleeping in a shelter - when you exhale, you exhale a small amount of moisture which can build up over time

ALL CEC tents have breathable polyester inner tents with built in mesh vents that help increase air flow so that moisture laden air can circulate to the outdoors while fresh air can enter - similar to keeping a window or door open in your bedroom when you sleep

Follow these tips and you'll increase your level of comfort over night!

Best Regards,
The Camping Equipment Company
Connect with The CEC      


Hi,

The 'Mars' states that it is waterproof with no extra fly included but my customer is wondering on the extent of condensation? My customer previously bought a tent that stated that is was also waterproof but when they woke in the morning, all of their bedding etc was wet from condensation. How does the 'Mars' handle this?

Please advise.

Thanks
Elaine


HEX 3 person family camping screen house tent
Hi Georgia,


1. rain fly: a screen dome that has full fabric doors built in that you can roll down for privacy and protection from the elements
2. inner tent: this is a secondary layer which is a water proof floor and breathable wall sewn together that covers half the inside of the tent and sleeps 3 (the other half has a removable ground sheet and acts as a "flex" space for gear storage or change room etc

The idea here is that you can use the screen house for dining or other activities - when the weather turns bad eg rain or wind, roll down the walls for a covered shelter

If you want to sleep in it, just set up the inner tent by hooking it to the inside of the assembled screen house and staking it down and insert and stake down the ground sheet (also helps keep the inside of the sleeping area clean)

Periodically, we have sales and discounts on all of our products which we post on our site and our Facebook fan page so check with us and sign up so we can send you updates on the latest offers


Best Regards,

The Camping Equipment Company

www.campingequipmentco.com.au

Connect with The CEC


Best Regards,

The Camping Equipment Company

www.campingequipmentco.com

Connect with The CEC


Hi,
Yes...I wrote yesterday asking about the Hex 3 screen tent. Thanks for your response but I have a couple more questions. Is this screen tent one large dome with a divider that has pockets on both sides? What does assembly of inner tent mean exactly? Isn't it just the other side of the divider or is this something else?? Hard to tell by the picture. Is this on sale or is it ever on sale? Is it currently 299.99?
Thanks
Georgia

As much description would be appreciated thank you. I'm interested in buying this but yesterday only got a brief one line answer. This screen tent can be zipped all the way around not only screen but also covered nyon so the entire tent is enclosed? correct?



Fixed ground sheets vs Removable ground sheets: Which is better and WHY?
Hi Bryan, thanks for your email

1. We have 2 styles of tents, one where the ground sheet in the living area is removable and others where the ground sheet is fixed

You can understand the reason for having the fixed ground sheet but the reason for the removable ground sheet is due to the fact that these tents are quite large and so dis-assembly, storage and in particular, cleaning become easier when you can "break-down" the tent into its component parts

Here's a review from one of our past customers that addresses this feature:

"Equinox 8 Man Family Camping Tent

Hello,

I just received your Equinox tent via UPS yesterday...and I have a COMPLAINT! Why don't you folks have a customer review section on your website?! Hell, I would've bought this tent months ago if I had any idea that these are such great tents.

I set up the tent as soon as it showed up, by myself. I was amazed at how easy it was to put up. As I was doing this, I was checking the stitching and the seam taping; top notch. The layout of the tent has to be one of the best on the market. Bathtub floor on the sleeping rooms. Main tent "floorless", which allows me to stake down a tarp for a floor which makes getting the dirt out a heck of a lot easier than a "floored" tent.

Guys, get a "review" section going and you will sell a lo! t more tents... I work in a sporting goods store and sell Columbia, Coleman, Eureka!, Mountain Hardware, North Face, and Wenzel tents. You guys aren't up to Mountain Hardware standards (thank God, the price would be a KILLER), but my Equinox looks like it is made much better than a Columbia tent.

Thanks, Jim S., Moscow, ID"

Given that some customers prefer this feature, we've improved this feature among the tents that have it so that
1. the "rain skirt" around the bottom edge of the rain fly sheds water away from the tent
2. the tub style floor attaches to the bottom inside edge of the rain fly via Velcro to help maintain a tighter seal

Tents that incorporate a fully sewn in ground sheet in the living area include:
Any model within our Premium Family Tents range which are due to arrive early Spring 2011 with pre-sales taking place in advance

We will make announcements as to models due to arrive at our USA warehouse via our Facebook fan page so please join to stay up to date


Best Regards,

The Camping Equipment Company

www.campingequipmentco.com.au

Connect with The CEC


Best Regards,

The Camping Equipment Company

www.campingequipmentco.com

Connect with The CEC


Hi,
First, I have never seen a group of cooler looking tents. I am very interested in purchasing one of your family tents. However I am wondering how susceptible the common areas are to bugs and water due the the detachable floors? It seems like a pretty big gap around the edge. I have only recognized 2 that have continues sealed flooring. Can you confirm which ones they are? Also I didn't see any mention on a waterproof guarantee. I have not had good luck in the past with tents and would like to make sure my next purchase is not only cool looking, functional, water tight and bug free.

Some of the descriptions I have seen for the Nexus tent says that the rooms are detachable, but a review said that was not the case. It looks like the Axis and the pop up equivalent are the only ones that separate. Can you confirm the ones that detach please.
Thanks much, Bryan



Upgraded tent stakes with all CEC tents
Hi Alexis, thanks for your email and your order

Originally, we used the smaller steel "pin" stakes throughout

However, we recently upgraded the tent to use the larger and more secure ABS stakes (see item desc) for the main corners of the tent structure which provide a much more secure structure

After some testing, we discovered that when dealing with larger family tents, especially after strong winds, rain and in some cases piles of snow, larger stakes work better to secure the main corners of the tent while smaller steel stakes are suitable for the guy lines


Best Regards,

The Camping Equipment Company

www.campingequipmentco.com.au

Connect with The CEC