DIY Screen tent modification

[Johnny 5]

Free standing screen tents are relatively inexpensive, compact, lightweight, and easy to set-up. A common flaw with many is that the bottom skirt does not securely touch the ground leaving gaps. At no cost I lower mine to eliminate the bottom skirt gaps. I shorten the bottom pole sections then move the pole connection fittings equal distance up the corner seams. Six inches may be enough to prevent the gaps but I like to move the width of the skirt. You can take it further and sew the bottom skirt corners at 45 degrees, add additional pole attachments, stake loops, and aluminum poles if desired.

Procedure:
1. Remove bottom pole sections
2. Cut bottom pole sections to desired length
3. Reattach bottom pole sections
4. Remove pole connection fittings from bottom skirt
5. Reattach pole connection fittings equal distance up the corner seam as to length cut off the pole section

 

[Misreadingtheriver]

. Six inches may be enough

Ahem.

 

[Johnny 5]

Misreadingtheriver, I am not sure if you are asking a question but yes when you relocate or move the pole connectors up the corner seams you are basically leaving a hem that folds under. These photos show me relocating the pole connectors on one canopy about 6 inches and on another canopy about 14 inches, leaving a 6 inch or 14 inch hem respectively.

 

[scoutergriz]

I think misreading, is commenting on the "six inches may be enough comment" in reference to a certain portion of the male anatomy, after all he did make it at 2 am...

 

[scoutergriz]

I added a 12" snowflap to mine and a crapload of extra ties for the rainflaps. I also added extra flaps to the front door, so I could button it up in a storm without dropping the awning. I use mine for winter camping too, it there's a group of us (hot tents get very crowded with a half-dozen hungry campers inside) and found it warms up quickly with the extra ties and flaps keeping the wind out.