Use a Tarp

Customers often ask us if they need to use a tarp underneath their tents – between the tent floor and the ground. This isn’t a requirement, but it definitely has its benefits:

First, it adds another layer of protection for your vinyl tent floor. Our vinyl floors are heavy-duty, but not impervious to punctures from sharp rocks, branches, etc. A tarp just adds another layer of protection.

Second, it keeps your tent much cleaner! If you don’t have a tarp, you’ll need to clean any dirt, mud, debris off your tent floor as you’re rolling it up. With a tarp, it makes this process a lot quicker and cleaner when rolling your tent for storage.

Having a tarp on hand is never a bad idea. They have many uses beyond ground protection. Kodiak sells tarps that are specific to our tent floor specs, but any poly-type tarp from any store would work great. The general rule of thumb is that your tarp should be 2-4 inches smaller on all sides than your tent footprint. This helps prevent water getting between your tent floor and your tarp. One note, tarps don’t need to be staked down under your tent – simply place the tent on top of the tarp and stake down your tent.