cougar flats II lying flat We used our tent for the first time last weekend. When we set it up, it would not lie flat. It pulled up at the door and all around. We could not put the stakes in to make it lie flat. Has anyone else had this problem? We double checked the top poles and they were in correctly. cougar flats II lying flat We used our tent for the first time last weekend. When we set it up, it would not lie flat. It pulled up at the door and all around. We could not put the stakes in to... » Read More cougar flats II lying flat We used our tent for the first time last weekend. When we set it up, it would not lie flat. It pulled up at the door and all around. We could not put the stakes in to make it lie flat. Has anyone else had this problem? We double checked the top poles and they were in correctly. « Show Less
2065939
Hi Vicki,Did you install the steel poles around the sides of the tent that go from the plastic Y connectors to the steel pins in the stake locations around the bottom of the tent? If they fit it seems the floor would be flat on the ground and the stakes would go in. The stakes go at the same places that the side poles attach. The steel pins lock in the bottom of the side poles to pull the sides down. Ed
2065940
Yes, we put the pins in the poles. For some reason, the floor seems to pull up. We are hoping that after a couple of uses, the tent may stretch enough to lay flat. Thanks
857797
I just ordered replacement poles and a new rainfly for the Cougar Flats 2 tent. The manufacturer of the tent is Northpole and can be gotten to at http://www.northpoleltd.com/ Customer service number: 800-625-8772 The wait is long 30 min or more and have your model number available before they answer. The model number for the Cougar Flats tent is: CB-9001 Cougar Flats IIOnce the call was answered after a 20 min wait..the rep was very helpful and took my order. The prices quoted for replacement included shipping by UPS and were reasonable...she promised delivery within 4 to 5 days. Very Satisfied with outcome..I love this tent. I just ordered replacement poles and a new rainfly for the Cougar Flats 2 tent. The manufacturer of the tent is Northpole and can be gotten to at http://www.northpoleltd.com/ Customer service number: 800-625-8772 The wait is long 30 min or more and have your model number available before they answer. The model number for the Cougar Flats tent is: CB-9001 Cougar Flats IIOnce the call was answered after a 20 min wait..the rep was very helpful and took my order. The prices quoted for replacement included shipping by UPS and were reasonable...she promised delivery within 4 to 5 days. Very... » Read More I just ordered replacement poles and a new rainfly for the Cougar Flats 2 tent. The manufacturer of the tent is Northpole and can be gotten to at http://www.northpoleltd.com/ Customer service number: 800-625-8772 The wait is long 30 min or more and have your model number available before they answer. The model number for the Cougar Flats tent is: CB-9001 Cougar Flats IIOnce the call was answered after a 20 min wait..the rep was very helpful and took my order. The prices quoted for replacement included shipping by UPS and were reasonable...she promised delivery within 4 to 5 days. Very Satisfied with outcome..I love this tent. « Show Less
2147648
We had the same problem and had to fold the box spring in half in order to get it started. You might have to try pulling the cover on in several different directions, but we were able to get it started once we folded it in half and then finished pulling it on as we flattened the box spring back out.
292967
When my tent came, there were two poles bent and one bottom (foot) pole was missing. I photo-ed the bent poles and they sent the three poles in the next day which I got three days later. Very responsive. -cf-
1043318
I had the Cougar Flats and loved it too! That is until year 3 of use when the door zippers fell apart. Could not get them fixed..tent became worthless! After much research, I purchased the Kodiak Canvas Flex Bow tent from Cabelas. This tent is amazingly well made! Zippers are unbelievable and the tent poles are made of steel! This tent stands up to rain, wind and snow. I have the bigger one..it is roomy and comfortable. Easy to set up...only 3 poles! It's heavy but it is extremely well made. I've used it for 3 years now and it's still as good as new. No regrets! After having to replace the Cougar Flats poles after the 1st year due to a wind storm and then having the zippers go..I was ready for something that was dependable and made to last! Take a look here Kodaik Canvas Flex-Bow 8-Person Canvas Tent, Deluxe
1916401
I have the same problem. The way they shipped it (folded), you can't make it lie flat. It is a piece of crap. I'm going to send mine back.
2177290
Had it staked down very well but the wind (granted it was pretty windy..) collapsed the tent multiple times. I made up a 'splint' with tie wraps and sticks to bind the knuckle joints to get thru the night. Attempts to use it again was just a pita even without wind. The joints had failed.. But.. before the wind event the tent sure set up fast and was really nice. I'm keeping it simple again with the next one sticking with normal shock corded poles/rain fly/etc even though it's more trouble to set up.
1564731
When I put mine together, I found that I had to put the upper canopy on after stretching the large canopy because the opening was too small to go over the upper frame. Because the ridge pieces telescope and lock with buttons the way tent poles used to, I just unbolted one corner, released the lock and slid the ridge piece up a bit, slipped it back in to the cover's pocket, locked the ridge piece again (stretching the cover tight in the process) and put the bolt back through the corner. Ditto the small top canopy, then bolt it on last.
99952
This is my second Coleman tent of this design, didn't seal the seams on either one and the only leaks Ive experienced were when i didn't zip or set up properly. Check your seams, mine looked like they were covered with some type of coating.
93964
Hello Linda, I actually lost my instructions too since they were left out in the rain after the setup, however I just got done setting the tent up yesterday for my cousins wedding ceremony. Perhaps I could send you scripted instructions to describe how to set it up?
1194674
Hey Cali Girl, I feel your pain ;) I put that problem in my review. Maybe 3 out of 6 times I can get it to lay flat, but it never really is totally flat. You just have to work with it. Lay it on it's side and see which panel wants to fold. I keep the zippered top on, that might make it more difficult. Wish I had the answer.
829359
I have set this type of tent up in advance before. It unexpectedly rained and ruined it because the cover was on and it held water and pulled the whole thing down. It bent poles and broke connectors. If setting up in advance, leave the cover off and only put together the roof. Leave the legs and cover until right before event time.
1004676
I sure did over the weekend! I have a 5 person tent with a queen size air bed. It was just my wife, my 7 year old daughter and I. My buddy told me to only run it while I was awake to heat the tent and turn it off. Well, hard thing to do when it's freezing outside, lol. I ran it all night about 3 feet from my mattress with no issues. A couple things: 1) one tank will run about 6 hours and the bottom of the tank will freeze, which will melt water inside your tent. Just an Fyi, you might want a better base to catch the water.2) keep another tank close if one runs empty. Second night I had to change one at 4 in the morning. I sure did over the weekend! I have a 5 person tent with a queen size air bed. It was just my wife, my 7 year old daughter and I. My buddy told me to only run it while I was awake to heat the tent and turn it off. Well, hard thing to do when it's freezing outside, lol. I ran it all night about 3 feet from my mattress with no issues. A couple things: 1) one tank will run about 6 hours and the bottom of the tank will freeze, which will melt water inside your tent. Just an Fyi, you might want a better base to catch the water.2) keep another tank close if one runs empty.... » Read More I sure did over the weekend! I have a 5 person tent with a queen size air bed. It was just my wife, my 7 year old daughter and I. My buddy told me to only run it while I was awake to heat the tent and turn it off. Well, hard thing to do when it's freezing outside, lol. I ran it all night about 3 feet from my mattress with no issues. A couple things: 1) one tank will run about 6 hours and the bottom of the tank will freeze, which will melt water inside your tent. Just an Fyi, you might want a better base to catch the water.2) keep another tank close if one runs empty. Second night I had to change one at 4 in the morning. « Show Less
1310585
There are many poles in this tent and some are bent very specific to the tent. I thin k your only chance to be whole again is to get the factory parts. Below is the link:http://www.coleman.com/Parts/1520/cabin/2000004666/elitereg-weathermastertrade-screened-6-tent
1977241
First, you fold out the legs with hinges so they lock in place. Sometimes it's hard to find the hinges because the material slides over them. Once the legs are locked in place push down on the center spar while supporting the tent directly below the center spar. The tent should pop up fairly easy, once you set it down verify the foldable legs are still locked in place. It is possible to bend them while opening the tent. You may have to collapse the tent partially and re-lock the legs. This was the only issue I had and once I figured it out I never had the issue again.
473192
We have the same problem. We tried many different thin air beds due to the lack of headroom if you used a regular air bed. We have since switched back to a regular tent.
1475598
Mine does not lay flat either. It popps up even with a sweater drying on it. The legs also tend to fold in so it can be a bit frustrating but it seem to work even though it does not lay flat.