Hi. I wonder could some of the experts on here help me with a detailed description of the methods of inflating and deflating a Karsten tent. I'm aware that a compressor comes with the tent. If one only has this and then goes to a campsite without an electrical connection then what is the best way to inflate ? Do you need another compressor with a 12 v cigarette lighter connection ? Also what is the quickest way to deflate do you need to remove something from the valve and if someone has a link to images of how to do this that would be great. Also is there any guide to how to best set up the guy line tensioners.. Also do you bother with a tarp underneath ? Many thanks in advance.
There’ll be better versed Karstenists along re the guying, etc so I’ll just mention that we use our 240v pump with an inexpensive 300w inverter. Cheaper, more versatile and more compact than a separate 12v pump.
It always worth having a few spare valve cores just in case it shoots out across the campsite. Unscrew with one hand with the fingers around the base of the tool so that you can hold the valve, sounds more complicated than it is.
If you set aside an evening and go through this thread there is a wealth of information with lots of pictures so you can see how people set up there guys
* This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, as an eBay Partner Network member we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Thank you guys. I am relieved to say I got the main tent up in under an hour. The biggest difficulty was getting the tubes to stand up. Even though I had inflated to 3.5 it was very difficult to push them up. I'm not fit or strong and working overhead is not my forte. Eventually I got my two 5 year olds to push out each back wall tube using their backs and I pushed up the others and up it went. I'm delighted and relieved. I don't think I have that fork tool just the compressor box supplied with tent but if I push on that tiny inner valve the air does come out. I'm not looking forward to decamping. I have a saloon car and it's not fit to carry all this stuff. I barely fitted in the kettle and clothes and left the ZIG for the CA at home. Can I ask what is the best car with biggest boot as I intend to persuade my other half to purchase a better car to fit all the stuff in. Not sure if I have the energy to do the CA now. Just having a coffee and will see. Love the tent though !
You’ll need the valve core removal tool: a lot of residual air comes out as you roll the tent so you won’t get a tight roll with the valve cores still in situ. They’re small and inexpensive - nip along to Halfords or a garage and buy one.
Skoda Superb estate has a huge load space. Or get a trailer if you’ve got somewhere to store it.
Many thanks for all the advice. I moved the tent today to another campsite. Used a tweezers to depress the inner valve and let the air out. I cannot yet find that fork but will have to pick up one somewhere. Are the inner valves meant to be pulled out and replaced with new ones ? There are a lot of tools in the side compartment of the air compressor. Not sure what they all relate to! . Managed to fold up tent and get it in the bag but could not close the zip. Have repitched the tent at a different campsite. Glad i used a thin undertent tarp as the dirt stuck to the tarp and not the tent. Its a very sturdy tent. The navy blue colour warms up quickly in the morning so you have to open the vents. Very happy with it once i can nail down the deflation and repacking. Wish someone would post a close up of deflation valve video with tools on youtube !
The valve core remover tool is readily available throughout the internet, but under the circumstances, I'd just go to Halfords tomorrow (or any other motor spares shop that may be open). It's a schrader valve, but all you need to know is that it is the same valve as a car tyre. The sooner you have one, the better!
They can be small fiddly tools, or something resembling a small screw driver. If you have the option, go for the latter.
Remove the valve core/inners to deflate. Once it's rolled up and bagged, you can either put the cores back in, so it's ready to inflate next time out, or keep them safe until you are ready to pitch again. First option is best!
When inserting, just nip them up. Do not over-tighten them.
When removing them, slowly unscrew, but keep a thumb/finger on it, and gently allow it to come out. It's handy to have spares, as it's a skill in itself to remove them without them being ejected half way across the campsite! You won't need to "pull them out". The air pressure will do that, as you unscrew it!
As with your car tyres, it's handy to have dust caps too. The cleaner they stay, the better they seal/longer they will last.
Not only is the pressing down the centre pin to deflate (as you had to do) very slow and tedious, but it also stops the last of the air to be squeezed out of the tubes, as you roll the tent up. That'll be why you couldn't zip the bag up, but I have to say, you did extremely well to get it that far!
As well as the video in the link above, If you google "Replacing a car tyre valve core", I'll be very surprised if there are less than half a million videos on You tube!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Karsten tent inflation/deflation
via mobile 22/8/2019 at 4:53pm
