Big House 6 Vestibule: Setup and Storage Tips

Quick Answer

Set up the Big House 6 vestibule in about 10 minutes by attaching the pole-supported frame to the tent's existing guylines and zippering the fabric to the main body. Use the extra space for gear storage, but leave the vestibule at home when you need to pack light.

Step-by-Step Setup and Storage Guide

1. Lay Out the Vestibule: Unfold the vestibule fabric next to the Big House 6 entrance. Identify the pole sleeves and the zippered edge that attaches to the tent body. Common mistake: Trying to attach the vestibule while the tent is still inside its stuff sack. Always set up the main tent first.
2. Assemble the Poles: Connect the shock-corded poles and insert them into the designated sleeves on the vestibule fabric. The poles are color-coded or notched to match specific sleeves. Checkpoint: Ensure each pole end seats fully into the grommet or pin at the sleeve base. A partially seated pole can collapse under wind load.
3. Attach to the Tent: Zip the vestibule's fabric edge to the matching zipper track on the Big House 6 rainfly. The zipper should run smoothly without forcing. Common mistake: Starting the zipper at the wrong end. Align the zipper pulls so they meet at the top center of the door opening.
4. Secure the Guy Lines: Stake out the vestibule's integrated guylines at a 45-degree angle from the poles. Tension them so the fabric is taut but not stretched. Checkpoint: Loose guylines allow the vestibule to flap in the wind, which can stress the pole clips. Tighten evenly on both sides.
5. Organize Gear Inside: Place heavy items like coolers and camp chairs against the back wall of the vestibule to keep the entrance clear. Store muddy boots or wet gear on a ground cloth or footprint to keep the vestibule floor clean. Common mistake: Piling gear against the zippered door, which makes it hard to enter or exit the tent. For overnight trips, store your cooking gear and food in the vestibule to keep smells away from the sleeping area, but never store food inside the tent itself.
6. Pack and Store the Vestibule: When breaking camp, remove the poles first, then unzip the vestibule from the tent. Shake out debris and let it air dry if wet before stuffing into its storage sack. Checkpoint: A damp vestibule stored in a stuff sack will develop mildew. If you cannot dry it fully, hang it loosely in your garage or car trunk until you can.

Product Facts

• Big House 6 Vestibule: Add this optional vestibule to your Big House 6 to convert it from a simple structure to a cavernous escape from the sun or unexpected weather. The vestibule is not a permanent attachment; you only bring it when you need extra covered space, keeping your base weight low on simpler trips.