KIWI camping KC077-037 Tuatara SSE Rooftop Tent Instruction Manual

KC077-037 Tuatara SSE Rooftop Tent
Instruction Manual

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Regularly check nuts and bolts attaching the Rooftop Tent to your vehicle to make sure fastenings are tight and in good condition.
• Remove the Rooftop Tent before using a commercial car wash.
• Do not use Rooftop Tent or storage bag to hoist, lift or support yourself.
• It is important when mounting to a vehicle, that all the mounting brackets supplied are adequately spaced to support the weight of the Rooftop Tent.
• Products applied to a vehicle roof will alter vehicle handling. The manufacturer disclaims all responsibility in relation to accidents due to improper use, incorrect maintenance, or negligence in maintaining fastening hardware. It is recommended to not exceed 100km/h.
• This Rooftop Tent will increase the height of your vehicle. Measure the overall height and be aware of height restrictions in car park buildings etc.
• If pitching in windy conditions it is advised to find a less exposed location. Park with the back of the tent facing into the wind. Be aware of dropping branches and other potential hazards. Collapse the tent in strong winds.
• Never drive with roof tent erected.
• Do not put anything on the top of the tent when it is installed.
• The load-bearing of the frame is no more than 350kg.

ATTACHMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Your Tuatara SSE Rooftop Tent includes:

• 1x Rooftop Tent
• 2 x mounting rails
• 1x ladder (includes 2 x ladder brackets, 2 x bolts, 2 x nuts, 4 x washers)
• 2 x storage bags
• 1x travel cover
• 4 x mounting brackets
• 4 x spacers
• 8 x slide plates
• 8 x M8x50 bolts (hexagon head)
• 8 x M8 plastic/steel nuts
• 4 x plastic end caps
• 4 x internal bungee cords
• 6 x spring poles
• 2 x pegs
• 2 x guy ropes
• 2 x spanners

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

The Tuatara SSE can be fitted to smaller vehicles as long as the fitted roof rack or crossbars support a dynamic weight load of 75kg or higher. We recommend using only permanent roof racks and crossbars. The distance between the car roof and the bottom of the roof rack should be no less than 3cm. The roof rack or crossbars must be between 80-100cm distance apart.

1. Decide on the orientation of your Rooftop Tent. The Tuatara SSE can open to the rear or side of your vehicle. Side mounting is better for smaller vehicles and doesn’t interfere with the boot opening.

2. If rear mounting is required, first determine the length the mounting rails need to be. To adjust the length of the mounting rails; line them up to the pre-drilled holes on the base of the Rooftop Tent. Mark where the rails need to be cut. Ensure protective clothing is worn when using power tools to cut metal. Cut the rails to the required length. File off all sharp edges.
   Note: If the mounting rail is cut shorter, it will not provide the same strength if reattached back to the original position.

3. To fix the mounting rails; position the rails over the pre-drilled holes. Feed the nuts into the mounting rail. Slightly open the Rooftop Tent and move the mattress so you can insert the washers and bolts through the pre-drilled holes and nuts. Tighten the bolts from inside the Rooftop Tent. Do not overtighten.

4. Attach the ladder brackets to the pre-drilled holes in the metal tent frame. Secure the ladder using the bolts and nuts provided. Do not overtighten. 5. Attach the storage bags by sliding into the track on each side of the ladder. Attach the travel cover by feeding the zipper through the track on the base (mounting rail) of the tent. Ensure the zipper cover is put through the mattress side of the tent. Close the Rooftop Tent and secure it with the compression straps.

5. Position the tent onto your vehicle. Ensure the roof racks are evenly spread under the Rooftop Tent. Carefully lift the Rooftop Tent onto the roof rack. This will require two people.

6. Insert the supplied bolts through the holes on the grooved side of the eight slide plates.

7. To help fit the mounting brackets onto smaller roof racks, they are supplied with spacers. Use these to make your Rooftop tent more secure.

8. Attach the Rooftop Tent at the four points where the roof rack and the frame meet. Slide two slide plates and bolts into both ends of each mounting rail. Position so one bolt is on either side of each roof rack. Loosely hand tighten.

9. Check the alignment and balance of the Rooftop Tent before fully tightening all bolts. Ensure all eight points are tightened evenly using the screw caps.

10. Place the end caps over each end of the frame to prevent wind noise.

PITCHING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Before opening your Tuatara SSE Rooftop Tent, ensure that all eight bolts are fastened tight so that the tent does not move when opening.
2. Release the straps and unzip the Travel Cover. Remove towards the opening section. Secure the cover underneath the fold-out section of the Rooftop tent using the attached D-clips.
3. Unclip the ladder’s travel strap and fully extend the ladder until the telescopic rungs on both sides click into place.
4. Once the ladder is fully extended, use the ladder as leverage to fold out the extension section on the Rooftop Tent.
5. Once unfolded, adjust the height of your ladder starting at the top by pushing both buttons at the same time. Shorten the ladder rungs to the desired length so that it is at a 75° angle and the extension is sitting level with your vehicle. Adjust the ladder to ensure it is firm and that it does not bounce or move.
6. To extend the entrance area, pull out the porch extension pole from the Rooftop Tent. The pre-shaped corners fit into the front porch corners.
7. Attach the other end of the porch extension pole into the pole slots on the outer edges of the frame, this stretches out the front porch. Secure with hook and loop tabs.
8. Pitch out the porch with the attached guy ropes. Ensure the pegs are at a 45° angle so they remain secure. Adjust the tri-tensioners so the ropes remain taut.
9. To extend the windows, insert two spring poles through the canvas slits and into the pre-drilled holes on the frame underneath each window. Insert the opposite end into the two eyelets on the window flap. Ensure the hook end faces the ground. Repeat with the other window and to extend the rear porch.
10. Once inside the Rooftop Tent, undo the internal bungees that help to pull in the inner when packing down.
11. Partly open the windows to allow for airflow, this will help to reduce condensation build-up. Ensure all rain flaps are pulled down to prevent water from penetrating the frame.
12. Attach the annex if required (sold separately).

PACKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Ensure the Rooftop Tent is dry and clean inside and out before packing down so that mildew or mould does not build up.
2. Make sure nothing heavy or bulky is left inside the Rooftop Tent before folding. Any bedding should be laid flat.
3. Partly unzip the windows and doors so that the air can escape from the tent when folded. Reattach the internal bungees that will pull in the inner when packing down.
4. Detach the spring poles and pack into the drawstring bag supplied. Store on the floor of the tent.
5. Remove the porch pole. Store inside the tent or fit around tent after folded.
6. Use the extended ladder as leverage to fold the Rooftop Tent in half. To compress the ladder, press and hold both buttons on the bottom rung to collapse it up. Secure with the strap.
7. Compress the tent by pushing down from the top before securing compression straps.
8. Pull the Travel Cover over the Rooftop Tent. Secure the corners with the buckles. Check all fabric is clear of the zip before zipping up the cover.
9. Finally, compress the Rooftop Tent further with the two compression straps.

PRE-CONDITIONING YOUR TENT

You must pre-condition your Rooftop Tent properly before using it for the first time. Here you can take your time and discover the little things, which will make the job easier when you arrive at your destination.
This early weathering process is a very important step as it sets up your Rooftop Tent for the remainder of its life.
Remember, you can never over pre-condition your tent!
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE TWO STEPS TO THE PRE- CONDITIONING PROCESS.

1. The entire soaking of the tent: this needs to be done to set the fabric, seams and seal the needle holes in the fabric. If this is not done, your new tent may leak and may continue to do so until conditioning has occurred. While your tent is pitched at home, leave it to weather in continuous rain or thoroughly saturate your tent with a garden hose and allow it to dry, then repeat the process several more times. Rain is the preferred option as sometimes the hose may not wet the fabric enough and you will still get some leakage.
2. Drying out in the sun: this important step swells the cotton thread and shrinks the fabric around it forming a watertight seal. This watertight seal will last the life of the tent. If it is a hot day, it will slow the weathering process so you may need to do this several times. While the tent is drying ensure that it is pitched firmly to control any initial shrinkage.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE CARE INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THIS ROOFTOP TENT BEFORE USING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE INNER OF THE TUATARA SSE IS POLYCOTTON RIPSTOP AND THE FLY IS POLYESTER.

1. Never store your Rooftop Tent away damp. Should mildew spots appear, brush them off before they become attached. Mildew damage of any kind is not covered by our warranty. DO NOT use excessive force or other harsh tools to remove soilage from your Rooftop Tent.
2. Like all assets, polycotton fabric requires regular care and attention to give the life and service expected. Regular cleaning with an abundance of clean water and a soft brush, especially after exposure to saltwater will preserve your Rooftop Tents life. Do not allow bird droppings, earth or vegetable matter to remain in contact with the fabric. NEVER USE SOAPS OR DETERGENTS.
3. Polycotton fabric is not fireproof, if exposed to flame or high heat sources it can ignite and burn. Always take care when using spirit or gas appliances such as stoves and lanterns near your Rooftop Tent.
4. Some products contain chemicals, which can destroy your Rooftop Tent proofing and cause it to leak. Avoid using aerosol sprays and keep petrol, oil, solvents and other similar fluids away from the fabric. Do not use these inside or around your Rooftop Tent as any damage caused by these is not covered by our warranty.
5. Always remember that your Rooftop Tent is made from cloth, and should not be compared with a house. It is waterproof under normal conditions but in severe weather conditions, some water may penetrate. If you apply waterproofing to your Rooftop Tent, check that you are applying the right one for the polycotton fabric type.
6. Polycotton fabric is not 100% colorfast and some fading will occur naturally, however; this does not affect the performance of the fabric. Do not leave your Rooftop Tent up and unattended for extended periods of time. Rooftop Tents are not designed as permanent dwellings. Rooftop Tents are guaranteed for normal camping use only.
7. Check all fixtures regularly and tighten them when necessary.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Ensure the Rooftop Tent is clean and dry before it is packed away.
2. Store in a clean, dry space when the Rooftop tent is not attached to your vehicle.
3. Do not clean with harsh chemicals, only use water and a soft cloth.
4. The Travel Cover should always be used when driving.
5. Before using the ladder, ensure that all parts are locked. Check regularly to ensure all parts are in good condition and in working order.
6. Do not use the ladder if only supported by one leg. If on ice or unstable ground, use an anti-skid device under the ladder.
7. When climbing the ladder, face the ladder while climbing and hold firmly. Step in the centre of the rungs. Do not jump off the ladder.
8. Do not adjust the ladder while on the ladder.
9. Before contracting the ladder, ensure it is clean from dirt, dust and grease.
10. The frame and ladder are metal and will conduct electricity, keep away from live electrical currents.
11. The ladder should be at an angle of 75° to the ground when in use.
12. When extending the ladder. Start at the bottom, extend slowly in sequence, locking each rung carefully before moving to the next.
13. When contracting the ladder. Start at the bottom, click the buttons on the underside of the rungs and collapse slowly in sequence, working to the top of the ladder.
14. If the extended ladder isn’t sitting flat, reduce the entire ladder first, then extend again to the correct height.
15. Do not use the tent and ladder in extremely high winds.
16. The ladder is designed for one person only, maximum load 150kg.
17. Do not jump inside Rooftop Tent.
18. Do not leave children unattended in or around this Rooftop Tent.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

The warranty period for this tent is found on the packaging and full details are on the Kiwi Camping website –www.kiwicamping.co.nz .
The original purchaser of this product is offered a warranty if during this time period the product fails due to a fault in either materials or workmanship. Service under this warranty is available by returning the product, with your proof of purchase, to where it was purchased. If after inspection it is determined that the product is defective, we will repair or replace it (at our discretion) free of charge. This warranty does not cover misuse, damage caused by accident, storm or wind damage, mildew, neglect, UV degradation and fair wear and tear. Please note, the warranty on this Rooftop Tent will be deemed void if the product is used for any purpose other than a temporary shelter. If the claim is not deemed a warranty or is outside its warranty period, we can repair the product at a nominal cost.

Distributed by: Aber Living, Hamilton, NZ
www.kiwicamping.co.nz
5290-03/22
Model No. KC077-037

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