Eureka Spitfire 2 -- Need to make footprint.

Now I know this is a cheap tent, but why in the hell would they not make a footprint for it. Has anybody ran into this problem with another tent and made one for themselves? Any ideas as far as getting a different foot print and trimming it? The print should not stick out the perimeter of your tent correct?

Any and all ideas would be helpful. I will be upgrading tents eventually, but for now I am but a poor college boy who needs a footprint. Thanks!

i have never made this type of stuff but you are right it must not stick out past tent. if i can remember correct in the make your gear section there seemed to be a very talented fellow named frenchie who is very good at this stuff, also there is another seamstress lady but i can not recall her name maybe some one else could help here

dude
quote
Now I know this is a cheap tent, but why in the hell would they not make a footprint for it."
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Because maybe they don't think anybody needs one? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Like I don't have any, don't believe in them, and I think they're instead of having real floors so people can say their tent is lighter. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> They collect moisture, and of course are extra weight. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> They're one of the biggest wastes of money in the business, like - care for a coke with that burger? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Its almost free profit and allows them to use too thin of floor material. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

So maybe thats why they don't make one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I'm confused whats so bad about your tent??? It looks like a legitimate tent. I'm also confused whats so wrong with wanting a footprint for it.
It all depends on how you want to make it. You could go from super cheap to super over done. A trash bag can be cut up to shape, or tyvek is very comonly used. Eureka sells 6mm polyethelene. Just cut and be done with it. Most footprints are made from waterproof materials. 1.9 oz coated, either taffeta or ripstop for lightweight or oxford for the heavier but sturdier. Get the correct dimensions with a trashbag/tape or newspaper/tape and copy the pattern. Some grosgrain ribbon on the corners for stake out points, a half inch seam around the edges and instant footprint.
You could make it such that your fly and poles could be set up with out the body. The problem with this will be finding buckles that will fit. Good luck with that. You may just have get new set of buckles and attach them to the webbing on the fly and switch them out depending on how you are using it. Not being familiar with you tent, you are going to have to figure out the details (how to attach the poles and dimensions).
Any specific questions?
Scott
Oh and check out the eurkea site, they only make square and rectangular footprints, so any shaped tent has to cut them down to fit.

Thanks for the input guys. The reason I want one is to try and make sure that this tent lasts me as long as I need it to -- which is until I can afford to upgrade.

And Turkeybacon, thanks for the great input. The reason I want an upgrade is not because I think this tent is a piece of junk or anything. I actually love it for what I'm getting into right now. But, I plan on taking some extended winter trips and want to upgrade to at least a hybrid 4 season, or if not a 4 season, then a 3 season that is free standing.

I was just curious and wanted to see if anybody had any experience with this. I am still baffled that Eureka! doesn't make a footprint for this one when I'm pretty sure they produce one for most of their other models.

Again, thanks for the input and any other ideas for a solution will be greatly appreciated.

Just get some 2 mil plastic which is found in hardware stores. Comes in a roll for a few bucks. Much lighter, does the job, and can be easily replaced. All you need to do is cut it to the shape of the bottom of the tent maybe a few inches shorter along the edges and you're done. You can buy thicker plastic as well. If I feel the need for a groundcloth, that's what I use. Otherwise, I generally don't use one.

Not all tent makers supply footprints. Look at all the tarp tent manufacturers...they don't. The Spitfire is a nice little tent. Maybe due to the size and shape, it would cost more for them to make.

BTW...profanity here doesn't cut it.

I don't think you need one, but if you think so, then do what has been suggested. Buy some 2 or 3 mil LDPE (found at the paint section) and cut to shape. Replace as needed. Or, get some tyvek and do the same. The tyvek will last longer, but not as waterproof. You won't notice the waterproof difference, unless you setup camp IN a lake.

If I am buying a tent, I wouldn't want the manufacturer to make the footprint. They are way overpriced for what they should be.

I used a Spitfire UL this past Summer and used a trimmed down trash bag. I mainly used it to help ease the wear and tear. For the most part, I kinda like this tent due to the height. Got a couple showers with some wind, made a few adjustment's and stayed dry. For the most part, I kinda like this tent due to the height, it's light weight, and somewhat reasonable price, even more reasonable now.

Yes you are correct....your foot-print should not be able to be seen around the perimeter of your tent on the edges. This will keep the foot-print from gathering water underneath your tent....a sure way to get water in there sooner or later... I have made many foot-prints for different tents and I find that Tyvek works the best and is probably the lightest. There are different grades of Tyvek so make sure when you go to a construction site (to get it free) that you mention that you need the "totally" water proof Tyvek. They will let you take all the scraps that you want and sometimes they are fairly large.This stuff is very durable and I have been using the same piece for over a year now and it has many miles on it. It does get dirty and stained but as long as it keep water out of your tent....who cares. It works great and the best gear is always the free stuff...sabre11004

P.S. Put it in the wash machine for a short easy cycle and it will take all the crinkly sound out of it too

The first step that you take will one of those that get you there !!!!!

I just use 3mil contractor grade 55gallon drum liners or 43 gallon trash bags. Works just fine, costs hardly anything and is a super light, multi-purpose item for your bag.

I hate to say it, but i agree with Jim Shaw on this one. Totally useless, footprints! Big waste of your money.

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

backpacker magazine's website has the instructions for it a I believe theres a video on youtube from them.

My Dear James Shaw,

Much as I respect yer knowledge on backpacking I gotta differ on this subject.

I use a thin, plastic groundcloth for my Tarptent Contrail that is 3/4 length so the front part of the tent floor is protected. I do so B/C when I didn't use one in Utah's Paria Canyon my tent floor got a lot of fine sand IN the coating/fabric and it was hell to wash out at home.

Plus, in winter a groundcloth keeps the tent floor from freezing to the ground. (Don't ask me how I know this.)

That's my take on groundcloths.

Eric
P.S. Jim, I open my eggs from the small end. I'll bet you're a Bigendian. (Read Gulliver's Travels.)