Outwell Sandcrest S Vehicle Awning
Pitching, Cleaning, and Maintenance Guide
Pitching Instructions
Follow these steps to pitch your Outwell Sandcrest S vehicle awning:
Step 1: Preparation
Open the carry bag and carefully remove the awning, noting how it was packed to aid repacking later. Select a level campsite free from stones, branches, and sharp objects. Position the awning with the door facing the desired direction, avoiding placement directly under trees. Consider the wind direction. We recommend practicing pitching the awning before your trip to become familiar with the process.
Diagram 1: Shows the awning being draped over a vehicle.
Diagram 2: Displays the tent poles and pegs.
Diagram 3: Illustrates a person pulling the awning forward over the vehicle.
Step 2: Securing to Vehicle
Attach the awning to your vehicle as indicated.
Diagram 4: Shows the attachment point to the vehicle.
Step 3: Frame Assembly
Insert the poles into the designated sleeves and connect them to form the awning's frame. Ensure poles are gently pushed through sleeves, not pulled.
Diagram 5: Depicts the internal frame structure with poles and guy lines.
Diagram 6: Shows how to insert poles into the tent sleeves.
Step 4: Pegging Down
Secure the base of the awning to the ground using the provided pegs. For stony or hard soil, stronger U-shaped pegs are recommended. If strong winds are expected, use special storm pegs. Do not pull pegs out of the ground using the guy lines.
Diagram 7: Illustrates pegging down the tent's base.
Step 5: Guy Lines
Attach and tension the guy lines. Never fully tighten guy lines, as this restricts the awning's ability to adapt to wind and weather.
Diagram 8: Shows securing the guy lines.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Proper care ensures the longevity of your Outwell Sandcrest S awning.
- General Cleaning: Remove dirt with a soft sponge and clean water. Never wash the awning in a washing machine or use chemical cleaners. Store the awning in a dry place.
- Drying: Ensure the awning is completely dry before packing to prevent moisture damage.
- Metal Poles: After use, wipe down all metal poles with a cloth dampened with acid-free oil.
- Seam Tape: The tape on seams may loosen after repeated use. If this occurs, remove the loose tape and re-seal the seams using a seam sealer and waterproofing spray. Instructions are available at www.outwell.com/FAQ.
- Minor Leaks: Small leaks from taping can be re-sealed with a seam sealer.
- Waterproofing: Regularly apply Outwell Waterguard to the flysheet material to extend its lifespan.
- UV Protection: Be aware that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage the flysheet. The Outtex® material used in Outwell awnings helps to extend its lifespan.
- Condensation: Condensation can form inside the awning. To minimize this, avoid storing wet clothing inside, ensure good ventilation, or pitch the awning on an Outwell® groundsheet. Condensation is not a sign of a leak.
- Mud Valance: If your awning has a mud valance, do not pull on it to straighten the awning. It is designed solely to keep out wind and water and can be easily damaged if pulled.
- Insecticides: Never spray insecticides inside or on the awning.
Taking Down Your Awning
Follow these steps for disassembly:
- If detachable, remove and clean the groundsheet. Clean any dirty floors similarly. Allow them to dry before packing.
- If the inner tent is wet or dirty, remove and clean it. The awning can be packed with or without the inner tent.
- Unpeg the awning and guylines. Gently remove poles from their pins and push them through the sleeves (do not pull).
- Fold the awning, ensuring all metal pins/rings are on one side to prevent damage to the flysheet.
- Measure the folded awning against the carrybag to ensure it fits. Roll the awning around the poles in their bag and place it into the Outwell carrybag.
Product Information & Usage
Outwell Wind Stabilizer System (OWS System):
Testing and performance ratings for the OWS System are based on Outwell's knowledge and available techniques at the time of testing. Outwell is not responsible if later developments reveal flaws in this knowledge or technique. Ratings are obtained by testing similar tents at Oase Outdoors ApS facilities and do not constitute a guarantee. Factors like ground conditions, pegs, weather, setup errors, and normal wear can affect performance.
[Patent Pending]
Usage Guidelines:
Outwell products are designed for camping use, typically 2-5 weeks per year. They are not intended for permanent use. Camping near the sea or lakes can intensify UV radiation effects, which also applies to poles and metal parts.