Eureka! Equinox 6 Tent Assembly Instructions

Introduction

This is a large tent and we recommend that you have help. With first-time set-up or in windy conditions, assistance is advised.

Component List:

• 1 Tent Body
• 6 Poles
• 1 Tent Bag
• 1 Pole Bag
• 1 Fly
• 2 Brim Rods
• 1 Stake Bag w/ Stakes

Assembly Steps

1. Unpack the tent bag, pole bag, and separate all components. Unroll and unfold the fabric with the Eureka! label facing up. Locate the hub fitting attached to the center of the roof. Important: Align the hub arms to match the layout of the fabric. (See Figure 1)

2. Assemble all shock-corded poles. Ensure each section is fully seated into the next. Slide a swedged pole section labeled "TOP" into a hub arm. (See Figure 2)

3. Make sure the hub and fabric are still aligned. Insert the proper corner ring & pin into the bottom pole section. (See Figure 3)

4. Repeat with a second pole onto the opposite hub arm to form an arch. Attach the pole clips as you work. (See Figures 4 & 5)

5. Lift the arch and continue attaching all remaining poles and clips until you have a free-standing structure. (See Figure 6)

6. Move the tent to the desired location and stake down all corner rings. (See Figure 7)

7. Drape the fly over the tent with "Eureka!" positioned above the door. Fit the brim rods into the grommets on the tent wall and into the web pockets on the underside of the fly. (See Figure 8)

8. Reach under the fly and locate the Velcro® tabs. Wrap these around the tent poles to secure the fly to the frame. Attach the shock-corded S-hooks from the fly to the staked rings. (See Figure 9)

Your Tent is Ready for Use!

NOTE: In the event of strong wind, we recommend that the storm rings on the fly be guyed out. (See Figure 10)

Warnings and Safety

WARNING:

KEEP ALL FLAME AND HEAT SOURCES AWAY FROM THIS TENT FABRIC.

• This tent meets the flammability requirements of CPAI-84. The fabric may burn if left in continuous contact with any flame source. The application of any foreign substance to the tent fabric may render the flame-resistant properties ineffective.
• Do NOT operate any device which burns fuel inside your tent. Combustion consumes oxygen and can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which could lead to serious injury or death.

Seam Sealing

We recommend using a sealer such as Kenyon Seam Sealer 3 or McNett Outdoor SeamGrip®.

• Work in a fully ventilated area.
• Set the tent up or lay it out flat. Taut seams allow for even application and penetration of the sealer.
• Decide which seams need sealing: seams exposed to rain, runoff, or ground-level water are essential. Seams on uncoated nylon or mesh panels do not require treatment. Do not seal roof seams or factory-taped seams. We recommend sealing both floor and fly seams and reinforcements.
• Apply sealant to the inside and outside of all exposed seams. Several thin layers are better than one thick layer. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Staking

All tents need to be staked down to prevent them from blowing away. Securing the tent by placing heavy objects inside is not adequate.

• Once the tent body is erected, stake it out before putting on the fly. This allows you to square the tent, ensuring the fly goes on properly and seams align with the frame. Pull the base of the tent taut between each web stake-out loop or ring & pin. Ensure all corners are square. Do not stake the tent out too tightly, as this can make door zippers difficult to operate. Drive stakes through the web loops, or with ring & pin, drive the stake just outside the ring so the "J" hook catches it. Tie a piece of cord or web into a loop through the ring to create a large stake loop if needed.
• With the tent properly staked, drape the fly over the frame, attach its tent connection points, and stake down any pull-outs.
• Do not attempt to remove stakes by pulling on the tent becket loop, as this could tear the fabric. Pry on the stake itself for removal.

Staking in Special Conditions:

• Sand: Use long, broad stakes with plenty of surface area in loose soil.
• Hard, Rocky, or Frozen Soil: Steel stakes work best. Store steel stakes separately as their sharp edges can cut fabric and leave rust stains.
• Snow: Use "dead man" anchors. Tie the tent to buried objects (branches, tent bags, or stuff sacks filled with snow) or tie tents to snowshoes, skis, or ski poles stuck in the snow.

Guy Lines

Do not rely solely on staking to keep your tent secure during high winds. Most tent models have built-in loops or rings at optimal guy-out locations. It is important to invest the extra time in guying out your tent; correctly done, it can save your tent during exceptional weather.

• Ensure the top fly is securely attached to the tent frame using ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, or dog-bones and elastic loops sewn to the underside of the fly.
• Attach parachute cord to the loops/rings and stake them in the ground three or four feet from the tent edge. Staking too close can cause wind to dislodge the stakes via upward pull.
• If your tent lacks guy-out loops or rings, attach guy lines one-third to one-half of the way up the framework on the main sidewalls. This allows the guy line to support the lower pole section while the upper pole flexes and deflects wind gusts. It is best to run two cords at an angle from the side of the guy-out point to prevent all movement except toward the anchor. The guy lines work together through opposition.

Guy Line Setup Examples:

• Good: 4 stakes / 4 lines
• Best: 4 stakes / 8 lines

Condensation & Venting

An adult exhales about a pint of water overnight. If this water vapor cannot escape, it condenses into liquid. Water found inside a tent is often condensation, not a leak. Condensation typically forms where sleeping bags touch the tent walls, under sleeping pads, or on coated surfaces like door flaps. A tent's double-wall construction allows vapor to escape through the roof, keeping the interior dry.

To reduce condensation, leave windows partially open at night for cross-ventilation. This is especially important in humid or cold conditions when the roof's permeability is reduced. Features enhancing ventilation include windows, short-sheeted flys (bottom venting), roof vents, and High/Low venting doors, specific to each tent model.

Eureka! tents often feature High/Low venting, allowing cooler air in through low vents and warmer, moist air out through high vents. This is achieved via roof vents, doors, and windows within the inner tent. Venting the vestibule is crucial to prevent inhibiting airflow into the tent. Vestibules can be "short-sheeted" using zippers and toggles, and staked vestibule pull-outs create a bellows effect. Most tents have a High/Low venting door design for increased bottom airflow. Open the low vent/window for cool air intake and allow warmer air to exit through high roof vents. If rain or wind prevents opening the low vent, the high door vent can still be used, protected by fly overhangs or vestibules.

Ultraviolet Light Protection

Excessive sunlight exposure can damage tent fabric. While Eureka! fabrics are UV resistant, all synthetic fabrics are susceptible to UV degradation, causing nylon and polyester to become brittle and tear easily.

It is recommended to use the rain fly even on clear days, as it acts as a sunscreen for the tent. A rain fly is easier and less expensive to replace if damaged. UV damage can be minimized by setting up tents in shaded locations with low direct sunlight exposure.

General Pole Care

• Never let tent poles snap together, as this can damage the pole ends.
• Avoid dropping tent or pole bags on their ends, or bouncing a tent bag on its end to remove the tent. These actions can cut the shock cord and damage pole ends.
• Aluminum frames may bend slightly and take a "set" with use, but this typically does not affect frame performance.

General Tent Care

• Sweep the tent floor daily to prevent damage from stones.
• Try not to wear shoes inside your tent.
• Use a ground cloth whenever possible.
• Do not keep food inside a tent, as hungry critters may chew through tent fabric in search of food.

Storage

• Ensure the tent is completely dry before storing. Store it loosely rolled in a dry, cool place. Cover it with a cloth to prevent dust accumulation and allow the nylon/polyester fabric to breathe.
• Ideally, store tent poles in their fully assembled state to reduce tension on the shock cord and prolong its life.
• The tent bag should be used only as a carry sack, not for long-term storage.

Color Transfer

Due to the nature of tent fabrics, color can transfer from darker to lighter fabrics when they are in contact over time, especially when wet, damp, or exposed to a combination of moisture and high heat. This does not affect the tent's performance. To prevent or minimize color transfer, always ensure your tent is completely dry prior to packing and storage.

Cleaning

• Clean the tent by setting it up and wiping it down with a mild soap (liquid hand soap) and lukewarm water solution. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Never use detergent, washing machines, or dryers, as they can damage the tent's protective coating and seams. After cleaning, ensure the tent is completely dry, especially the heavier, double-stitched areas like seams, before storing to prevent mold or mildew growth.
• Clean tent poles with a cloth and lubricate them with silicone spray. This is especially necessary after seaside camping to remove salt spray, preventing poles from corroding or becoming gritty.
• Clean zippers with a quick dip in water and then dry them off. This is particularly important if camping in sandy or dirty conditions. Failure to clean zippers can lead to slider wear and inoperable teeth.

Alterations or Modifications

DO NOT misuse, modify, or alter this product in any way from its condition at the time of sale. Alteration, modification, or any use of this product contrary to the accompanying written instructions shall void the warranty. Furthermore, any misuse, alteration, or modification of the product shall absolve Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC of any liability for property damages or injuries sustained as a result of such misuse, modification, or alteration.

Limited Warranty

What Is Covered:

Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC warrants to the original purchaser that its products are free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product, except as qualified below. The life of the product is determined from the date of purchase until it is no longer serviceable due to normal wear and tear.

What Is Not Covered:

Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC shall not be responsible for the natural breakdown of materials that occurs inevitably with extended use (e.g., Ultra Violet (UV) light damage on tents, exhausted zippers), or defects caused by accident, abuse, alteration, animal attack, storm damage, misuse, or improper care.

THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES BEYOND THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT SHALL JOHNSON OUTDOORS GEAR LLC BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

What Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC Will Do:

If, after inspection, a product is found to have failed due to a manufacturing or material defect, Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC will repair or replace the product, at its option, without charge.

How to Obtain Warranty Service:

Return the product, freight prepaid, to the Dealer from whom it was purchased; or, contact the Customer Satisfaction Department for return authorization: toll-free 1-800-572-8822. Collect shipments or shipments without return authorization cannot be accepted. The product registration card packaged with the product need not be returned for the warranty to be effective.

Repairs:

If a Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC product requires service or repair due to normal wear and tear, animal attack, accident, or other reasons not covered under warranty, Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC will provide the necessary service for a reasonable charge, plus shipping and handling. Products accepted for repair must be properly cleaned according to recommended care instructions. Send the product or component requiring repair (e.g., tent fly), postage prepaid, along with a description of the issue. For service and repairs, contact the Customer Satisfaction Department: toll-free 1-800-572-8822.

How State Law Relates To This Warranty:

This warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.

About Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC

Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC has over 100 years of experience building quality outdoor equipment. They manufacture sleeping bags, screen houses, day-use shelters, and camping tents. They also design and manufacture tents for the United States Military and the rental industry. Visit eurekatents.com.

Sister brands, Silva and Tech4o, offer electronic instruments, baseplate, and digital compasses. Visit tech4o.com and silvausa.com.

All brands are part of the Johnson Outdoors family. Visit all brands at johnsonoutdoors.com.

Johnson Outdoors Gear LLC supports the "Leave No Trace" Seven Principles:

1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
2. TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES
3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS
6. RESPECT WILDLIFE
7. BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER VISITORS