Coleman Bristol 8-Person Camping Tent Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Coleman Bristol 8-Person Camping Tent. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting to set up or use the tent to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This tent is designed for camping, festivals, backyard use, and sleepovers, offering a spacious and protected outdoor living space.

2. Safety Information

• Fire Safety: Keep all flame and heat sources away from this tent fabric. The tent is made with flame-resistant fabric, but it is not fireproof. Serious injury or death may result if the tent fabric is exposed to flame sources.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation inside the tent, especially when using heating or cooking appliances. Carbon monoxide can be deadly.
• Site Selection: Choose a level campsite free of sharp objects. Avoid pitching the tent under trees with dead branches or in areas prone to flash floods.
• Weather Conditions: While designed for durability, extreme weather conditions (heavy snow, strong winds, severe thunderstorms) can damage the tent and pose safety risks. Seek appropriate shelter if severe weather is anticipated.
• Children: Do not allow children to play with the tent poles or other components unsupervised.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present before beginning setup:

• Tent Body
• Rainfly
• Tent Poles (Fiberglass)
• Tent Stakes (Aluminum or Plastic)
• Expandable Carry Bag (with sewn-in instructions)

4. Setup Instructions

The Coleman Bristol 8-Person Tent is designed for a quick setup, typically within 15 minutes. Detailed instructions are sewn into the expandable carry bag for convenience.

4.1. Preparation

1. Unpack the tent and all components from the carry bag.
2. Lay the tent body flat on your chosen campsite, ensuring the floor is spread out evenly.

4.2. Assembling the Poles

1. Assemble all fiberglass poles by connecting the sections.
2. Identify the main tent poles and thread them through the sleeves on the tent body.
3. Secure the poles to the tent body using the Insta-Clip Pole Attachments. These attachments are designed to withstand high winds.

4.3. Raising the Tent

1. Lift the tent structure and position it correctly.
2. Stake down the tent corners firmly into the ground using the provided stakes.
3. Attach any additional guy lines for increased stability, especially in windy conditions.

4.4. Attaching the Rainfly

For protection against rain and enhanced storm protection, always attach the rainfly.

1. Drape the rainfly over the tent body, aligning the doors and windows.
2. Secure the rainfly to the tent poles and base using the attached buckles, straps, or hooks.
3. Ensure the rainfly is taut to allow water to run off effectively.

Figure 1: Coleman Bristol 8-Person Tent without the rainfly attached, showing the main tent body structure.

Figure 2: Coleman Bristol 8-Person Tent with the rainfly properly installed, providing full weather protection.

Figure 3: The Coleman Bristol 8-Person Tent fully set up in a natural outdoor setting.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Access and Entry

The tent features a patented hinged door for quick and convenient access. Simply push or pull the door open and it will swing back into place. The tent also includes a second standard zippered door.

5.2. Ventilation and Weather Protection

• Windows: The tent features specially angled windows designed to keep rain out, even when they are open, allowing for ventilation in various weather conditions.
• WeatherTec System: The integrated WeatherTec system includes a tub-like floor, patented welded corners, inverted seams, and taped seams on both the rainfly and tent body. This system is engineered to help keep water out and ensure a dry interior.
• Rainfly: Always use the rainfly for optimal weather protection. On dry nights, the rainfly can be removed to gaze at the stars through the mesh roof.

5.3. Interior Space and Features

The Coleman Bristol tent offers a spacious interior with a cabin-like design.

• Capacity: Designed for 8 people, it can comfortably fit up to three queen-sized airbeds.
• Rooms: The tent features 2 distinct rooms, providing privacy and organization.
• Storage: Internal mesh storage pockets are available to keep small items organized and off the floor.
• Outdoor Living Space: A front porch and wings provide additional outdoor living space, sheltered from direct sun or light rain.

Figure 4: Interior view of the tent, demonstrating ample space for sleeping arrangements and gear.

Figure 5: Close-up of an interior mesh storage pocket, useful for organizing small personal items.

6. Maintenance

6.1. Cleaning

• General Cleaning: For general cleaning, use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and lukewarm water. Do not use harsh detergents, bleach, or stain removers, as these can damage the fabric's waterproof coating.
• Spot Cleaning: For specific soiled areas, hand wash only.
• Avoid Machine Washing: Never machine wash or tumble dry your tent, as this will compromise its waterproof properties and structural integrity.

6.2. Drying and Storage

• Thorough Drying: Always ensure the tent, rainfly, and all components are completely dry before packing away. Packing a damp tent can lead to mildew, odor, and fabric degradation.
• Storage Location: Store the tent in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Folding: Fold the tent loosely rather than tightly rolling it to prevent creases that can weaken the fabric over time.

7. Troubleshooting

7.1. Leaking

• Check Rainfly: Ensure the rainfly is correctly installed and taut, covering all mesh areas and windows.
• Seam Sealing: While the tent features inverted and taped seams, over time, seam sealant can wear. Consider reapplying seam sealer to critical seams if persistent leaks occur.
• Floor Protection: Use a ground tarp (not included) under the tent to protect the floor from abrasion and moisture.

7.2. Tent Instability in Wind

• Proper Staking: Ensure all tent corners are securely staked and guy lines are utilized and properly tensioned.
• Pole Attachments: Verify that all Insta-Clip Pole Attachments are correctly fastened. The durable frame is tested to withstand winds up to 56 km/h (35 mph) when properly set up.
• Orientation: If possible, orient the narrowest part of the tent into the prevailing wind.

7.3. Zipper Issues

• Fabric Snags: Be careful not to snag fabric in the zipper. Hold the fabric taut when zipping.
• Lubrication: If zippers become stiff, apply a silicone-based zipper lubricant.

8. Specifications

Figure 6: Diagram showing the approximate dimensions of the Coleman Bristol 8-Person Tent.

9. Warranty Information

The Coleman Bristol 8-Person Camping Tent comes with a 1-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage resulting from misuse, abuse, alteration, accident, or normal wear and tear. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

10. Customer Support

For further assistance, questions, or to inquire about warranty service, please contact Coleman customer support. You can typically find contact information on the official Coleman website or through the retailer where you purchased the product.

Manufacturer: Coleman
Manufacturer Contact Information: HOBOKEN, NJ, 07030 US

For the most up-to-date support options, visit the official Coleman website: www.coleman.com