DOMETIC Outdoor Leisure Tailgater User Manual
- June 7, 2024
- Dometic
Table of Contents
DOMETIC Outdoor Leisure Tailgater
Operating Manual
Thank you for purchasing your Dometic AirFrame tent. Please read these instructions carefully before attempting to set up your tent and retain for future reference. We recommend that your tent is insured against accidental and storm damage as this is not covered by the warranty.
Important – please read:
Under certain conditions, all awnings and tents will suffer from internal
condensation. Condensation occurs when there is a difference between inside
and outside temperatures and there is a water repellant barrier between them.
Depending on the time of year, the weather, humidity and the amount of
moisture in the ground, condensation could be quite severe and can be mistaken
for a leak. Condensation can be minimised through ventilation. Dometic
recommends the use of doors, awnings and vents to assist with minimising
condensation. Condensation and the effects of condensation are not covered by
warranty. If you suspect your tent or awning is leaking, refer to the
troubleshooting checklist.
The tent material has a water repellant PU coating over its entire surface and
the main seams of your tent have been factory taped to help prevent leakage.
Seams treated with seam sealant cannot leak. Seam sealant can also be applied
to areas where the taping is damaged or has peeled away through wear and tear.
It can also be applied to areas where a leak may have developed. Dometic seam
sealant is available for purchase through your local retailer or
dometic.com.
The products are meant to be used in weather conditions not exceeding the Beaufort scale 7, and in such conditions above this measurement the product should be packed away rather than left standing. In conditions where rainfall is expected to exceed 30 mm in 24 hour period there may be a potential for leakage to occur. The product is not meant for commercial use and should not be left in the open for extended periods. We recommend a trial run before using your tent for the first time. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with the tent, its set up and any limitations the tent may have for your particular use.
Before using for the first time please check the contents of your tent:
Tent
Inner tent
Canopy groundsheet
Hand Pump
Peg Bag
Footprint
Carpet
Carry Bag
The inner tent may already be attached to the tent and can be left attached for take down and setup. If you are missing any parts please contact your supplying dealer.
Weathering your Awning or Tent before your first use:
Your tent or awning is manufactured with a material that requires preparation
before use to maximise its weatherproofing. The seams of the tent or awning
have been sewn using a special poly cotton sewing thread.
Before your first use, fully set up the tent or awning outside when rain is
expected or where you can hose the outside of the awning or tent to become
thoroughly wet. This process is known as weathering. The weathering process
tightens the fabric, and allows the cotton in the sewing thread to swell and
fill the holes made by the sewing needle during the manufacturing process.
Allow the tent or awning to dry thoroughly before packing away. By following
this process before your initial use, will ensure that your tent or awning
weatherproofing will improve with subsequent soakings.
Siting
Choose a site that is flat and, if possible, protected from the wind. Try to clear the site of sharp stones to avoid damaging the groundsheet. Try to set up your tent with the doors facing away from the wind. Avoid pitching under trees as falling branches, sap, etc could damage your tent.
Set-Up
- To protect your tent from dirt and damage, lay the footprint down before unpacking.
- Unpack the tent and separate to identify the different parts.
- Unroll and lay the tent out in the desired orientation. Peg each corner of the tent (see Diagram 1A) ensuring that you tension the tent between the pegs and making sure that the tent keeps its rectangular shape. You may need to re-peg later
Important:
It is important that whilst unscrewing/replacing the inflation/deflation valve
that the valve does not spin in the AirPole. You can prevent this from
happening by holding the valve in place where it meets the AirPole. If the
valve spins it will twist the inflation tube in the pole and may lead to
premature failure. If you suspect this has happened do not inflate your tent
before untwisting the tube. Unscrew the valve from the AirPole and check that
the inflation tube is not twisted. Before replacing the valve ensure that the
black sealing washer is in place
Warning: NEVER OPEN THE ZIP ON THE INNER TUBES WHILST THE POLES ARE
INFLATED. THIS WILL RESULT IN THE POLE BURSTING.
Unroll and lay the tent out in the required position (1). Peg each corner of
tent. Ensure tension is applied between the pegs and that the tent keeps it
rectangular shape. You may need to re-peg later. Undo the doors to allow air
into the tent. Starting from the front of the tent, unscrew the top cap of the
inflation valve and attach the pump nozzle (2).
Pump up each AirPole (3). The pump
has a pressure gauge and each AirPole should be inflated to between 6 -8 psi.
As each AirPole is inflated the tent will lift.It is normally necessary to go
inside the tent and push the AirPoles upwards so that they can assume their
correct shape (4).
WARNING: NEVER OPEN THE ZIP ON THE BLACK INNER TUBES WHILST THE POLES ARE
INFLATED. THIS WILL RESULT IN THE POLE BURSTING.
Once all the
AirPoles have sprung outwards assuming their correct shape, detach the pump
from the tent and tighten the outer valve cap on each inflation point. It is
important that these are tight to prevent the seepage of air. Inflate the
lateral AirPole, to between 6-8psi, and place between the AirPoles inside the
tent (5). Close all doors and entrances and check the positioning of the
corner pegs again. If necessary, re-peg to ensure that the tent is taught. Peg
all the intermediate pegging points ensuring that each side is straight (6)
.If you are using the groundsheet, toggle it into the base of the tent using
the ‘O’ rings (7).
Thread the front and rear canopy poles through the canopy sleeve (8), and
connect to the ‘cups’ located on the AirPole at each end of the pole
sleeve.
Guy Lines
Your tent comes with guy lines pre-attached. We recommend that these are used
at all times. Peg the guy lines so that the tent is under tension without
distorting the shape (11).
The guy lines can be adjusted using the runners and should generally be pegged
diagonally from the pole. Check the guy lines from time to time to ensure that
they are still adequately tensioned.
Connecting to Your Vehicle
This is a guide to fitting to your vehicle. Every vehicle is different so you
will have to improvise with the connection depending upon the vehicle. Open
the tents vehicle access door. Reverse your vehicle until its bumper touches
the lower section. Ensure the vehicle is centrally positioned against the
tent. (12) Lift the tunnel over the rear of the car. There are two options for
attaching the top of the tunnel. (13) If the vehicle has roof bars you can
attach the webbing strap with the side release buckle around the roof bar and
tighten. If the vehicle does not have roof bars then you can use the long
straps and attach the hooks to the windscreen wipers. (14)
Use the
straps on the side of the tunnel to attach to the vehicle bodywork -normally
the wheel arch or under the rear bumper. (15)
Go inside the tent. There is an inner val-ance with a strap (16). The strap is
de-signed to go over the rear hatch. Position the strap, raise the vehicle
hatch and tight-en the strap..
Locate the three straps on the lower val-ance. These are designed to attach to
any available fixing inside the vehicle. It may not be possible to attach all
the straps. (straps in picture are shown in orange for visibility) (16).
Adjust the straps to ensure that you have the best fit possible. Please
remember that the Tailgater is uni-versal fit. It is usual to have some gaps
between the vehicle and the tunnel.
Pegs
The tent comes complete with general purpose pegs. These will be suitable for
many sites but there will be some instances where different pegs will be
necessary. Your dealer will stock a range of Dometic pegs suitable for
different types of ground. For maximum effectiveness, pegs should be driven
into the ground at a 45˚°angle away from the pegging point.
Rain
We make our tents as resistant to the weather as possible. Occasionally you
may find slight leakage. This is not a fault with the manufacturing process or
materials and can normally be rectified by spot treating the seam with seam
sealant or waterproofing spray (see below).
Seams
The main seams of this tent have been factory taped to help prevent leakage.
Depending upon your expectations, it may be necessary to treat the remaining
seams with a seam sealant. Seam sealant should also be applied to areas where
the taping is damaged or has peeled away through wear and tear. It can also be
applied to areas where a leak may have developed. Seam sealant is available
through your dealer.
Suitability
This tent is designed for use in light to moderate weather. During very strong
winds or snowfall we recommend that you take your tent down. The tent is
designed for occasional use; it is not designed for static or used for
commercial use.
Uv degradation
Tent fabrics can be weakened by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Under normal
holiday use your tent will give long service but use for extended periods in
strong sunlight will soon cause deterioration. In those cases it would be wise
to use a site as shaded as possible. UV degradation is not covered under the
warranty. The warranty does not cover tents used on permanent sites, displays
or for commercial purposes.
Condensation
Under certain conditions tents will be affected by condensation inside. See
page 2 for more information about condensation. Condensation and its effects
are not covered under the warranty.
Safety
DO NOT COOK IN THE TENT OR USE NAKED FLAMES. READ AND UNDERSTAND THE FIRE
PRECAUTIONS LABEL SEWN INTO THE INSIDE OF THE TENT. DEFLATION
To pack away the tent:
- Close all doors and openings, including those on the inner tent/s.
- Un-peg the guy lines and tie them neatly to avoid future tangling.
- Un-peg the intermediate pegging points but keep the four corners in place. Remove the fibreglass canopy poles.
- Open the valves on each pole. The tent will start to deflate. Wait until most of the air has been expelled.
- Un-peg the four corners.
- Fold/roll the tent towards the deflation valves to expel more air and then roll to fit in the carry bag.
- Ensure that the tent is totally dry before storing in a cool, dry, dark space: if possible opened out.
Care
Tents are best stored opened out. Air fully and ensure it is totally dry
before packing away. Store in a well ventilated dry place. A wet/damp tent
will develop mildew surprisingly quickly. Dirty tents can be washed using
clean water and a soft brush. Do not scrub and never use detergents.
The AirPoles do not need any maintenance but should be protected from damage
during storage. Damage due to improper use, wind damage or neglect is not
covered under the warranty. Have any damage repaired at the first opportunity.
Zips should be treated with care, use two hands to close and open and never
tread on them. Never force a zip. We strongly recommend that you carry a
comprehensive spares kit including silicone waterproof spray, seam sealer and
tape for repairing the AirPoles.
Repairs to the tent should be made by a company recommended by Dometic or your
supplying dealer. Repairs and alterations made by an unauthorised company may
invalidate your warranty.
In the event of a puncture
If you suspect a puncture follow the following:
- Undo the inflation/deflation valve from the pole and re-attach ensuring that the tube does not twist and that the valve is firmly connected.
- Re-inflate the AirPole.
- If tightening the hose fittings does not solve the problem then the AirPole may be punctured.
To remove an airpole
- Unzip the sleeve holding the AirPole.
- You should now be able to remove the AirPole.
- Unzip the protective cover of the AirPole, whilst deflated, to expose the inflatable tube.
- Locate the puncture. This is made easier if you blow some air into the tube. For small holes it may be necessary to submerge the inflatable tube in water.
- Once located the tube can be repaired using repair tape. We recommend Dometic Tent & Tent Repair Tape—available from your dealer.
The repair can be enhanced by using a combination of the tape with Dometic Repair Solution. Follow the manufacturers instructions to repair. Another alternative is to replace the tube. Spares are available from your dealer or direct from Dometic. Once a repair or replacement has been made, the AirPole can simply be zipped back into the sleeve.
| PROBLEM | SOLUTIONS |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in pumping up the tent | 1. The inflation valve is not fully |
screwed into the AirPole.
2. The inflation tube is twisted at the valve. This may also be indicated by a noise. DO NOT continue to inflate until the tube has been untwisted (see page 4).
If you suspect an air leak| 1. Check that the inflation/deflation valve is properly screwed in and that the black ‘O’ ring seal is in place.
2. Check that the top cap on the inflation valve is done up tightly.
If you think your tent has a water leak| 1. Most suspected leakage is
actually condensation (see condensation section of this manual). This forms on
the inside of the tent fabric. Try to increase the ventilation by open-ing the
doors and ventilation ports. Do not cook in your tent. The fabric, used to
make this tent, has a mas-sive 6000 mm hydrostatic head, so it is extremely
unlikely that it would leak.
If your tent has a water leak at specific points/areas| 1. The main seams of
this tent have been factory taped to help prevent leakage. Depending upon your
ex-pectations, it may be necessary to treat the remaining seams with a seam
sealant. Seam sealant should also be applied to areas where the taping is
damaged or has peeled away through wear and tear. It can also be applied to
areas where a leak may have developed. Seam sealant is available through your
dealer.
TO REGISTER YOUR WARRANTY
Please complete and return this form together with acopy of your receipt within 60 days of purchase to:
WARRANTY PERIOD DEPENDS ON PRODUCT:
WARRANTY PERIOD| PRODUCTS COVERED| WARRANTY DESCRIPTION
3 year
| • Inflatable Tents & Inflatable Awnings| Full warranty covering all
manufacturing defects for 3 year from date of purchase
2 year| • Tables, Chair & Recliners| Full warranty covering all manufacturing
defects for 2 year from date of purchase
1 year| • Carpet & Footprints| Full warranty covering all manufacturing
defects for 1 year from date of purchase
1 year
| • Gale 12 V
• Tent Accessories and Repair items
| Full warranty covering all manufacturing defects for 1 year from date of purchase
DOMETIC WARRANTY:
If the product does not work as it should, please contact the manufacturer’s branch in your country (see back page). For repair and warranty processing, please include the following documents when you send in the device:
- A copy of the receipt with purchasing date.
- A reason for the claim or description of the fault.
HOW TO SUBMIT A WARRANTY CLAIM
Please call Dometic on 1800 21 21 21 (Aus)
THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
To avoid doubt, your Dometic Warranty does not protect against the following;
- Any damage caused as a result of misuse or environmental impacts
- Any damage from improper preparation before first use, such as weathering your product.
- Faulty installation or modification made during installation or set up of the product.
- Cosmetic blemishes or fading that do not affect the operation of the product and could be considered normal wear and tear – or caused by external or environmental influences.
- Accidental or malicious damage by misuse, negligence or faults caused by a failure to provide routine maintenance.
- Faults that have resulted from normal wear and tear, including punctures, tearing, rusting or corrosion.
- Accessories such as pegs and guy ropes.
- Repairs carried out by repair agents that are not authorised by Dometic.
- Products used commercially, or on a permanent site are not covered by the full warranty due to Commercial or permanent static use.
- Negligence, accidental or deliberate misuse, or alterations to the product not approved by Dometic.
- Any loss or damage caused by a failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for usage, installation, operation or maintenance.
- Damage/failure to operate caused as a result of improper installation or infestations of vermin, pests or insects.
- Perceived faults where the product is operating within the normal range of Dometic performance specifications and these performance specifications were made known to you prior to purchase.
Note: removing screws or otherwise opening the outer case will void the warranty.
AUSTRALIA ONLY
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. The benefits provided to you as the consumer by this warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies available to you under the law.
NEW ZEALAND ONLY
This warranty policy is subject to the conditions and guarantees which are
mandatory as implied by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993
(NZ).