How to Measure Inner Air Tubes for Air Tents: A Complete Guide

 

Air tents, also known as inflatable tents, use air tubes instead of traditional poles for their main structure. Over time, these air tubes can develop leaks, become damaged, burst or even if you’ve not put them in properly can cause damage to the actual tent.

Knowing how to measure your inner air tubes accurately is essential for getting the right replacements that fit your tube sleeves. 

And we all know how frustrating it is to find the right air tube for your tent with various types of measurements required. So we’ve made a short guide on how to measure inner air tubes for your air tents.

So let’s get started and by following this complete guide you will ensure that you’ll get the perfect fit for your air tent and get pitched in no time.

 

Materials Needed:

- Tape measure or ruler 📏 (measure in CM for best practice)

- Pen and paper 📝

- Inner air tube 

 

Step-by-Step Guide

      1. Deflate the air tube

Before measuring, make sure the air tube is fully deflated. This will give you the most accurate measurement and make handling easier. If your air tube is leaking or popped it will already be deflated so you don’t need to do anything.

 

      2. Remove the air tube from the tent

Carefully remove the deflated air tube from the tent and the sleeve. Follow your tent’s instructions for removing the air tube, as different models might have specific methods for detaching these components.

      3. Measure the total length

Lay the deflated air tube flat on a clean surface. Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the length from end to end as seen in the image below. Ensure the tube is fully extended and straightened out for the most accurate measurement.

      4. Measure the width

Measure the flat width of the air tube when out of the sleeve. Since the tube is deflated, gently flatten the tube and measure the width as seen in the image below.

      5. Measure the length to valve

Measure the length of the air tube from the centre of the valve to the end of the tube, as seen in the picture below. This will ensure that your valve will fit into the correct location within the tube sleeve.

 

      6. Note the valve type

Take note of the type of valve your air tube uses. Different air tubes can have different valve systems, and it’s crucial to match this when purchasing a replacement air tube. The types of valves include a Boston Valve, AirSpeed Valve and the Dynamic Speed valve.

      7. Record all measurements

Write down all your measurements; the total length, width and length to valve. Note down any specific features like the valve type, brand and model of your tent too. These details will be essential when searching and finding the right replacement tube for you.

 

Notes:

The tubes we stock are single straight tubes with their own inflation/deflation point. If your tent/awning has tubes that are connected with either smaller plastic tube connectors or it is one complete ‘H’ shaped tube, then unless you can isolate the rest of the tubes and still inflate them without the damaged tube in position then our tubes will not work for you and would need to contact the manufacturers. 

 

Tips:

• Precision is key: Accurate measurements ensure you get the right replacement tube, so take your time and double-check your measurements. It’s best to measure in CM (centimetres) rather than inches and feet.
  
  
• Keep original specifications: If you have the original specifications or manual for your tent, refer to it for precise details about the air tube and your valve system.
  
  
• Consider asking for help: If you’re unsure about measuring the air tube yourself, consider seeking help from friends or family members.

 

Conclusion

Accurately measuring the inner air tubes of your air tent ensures you can find the correct replacements and keep your tent in top shape. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be able to measure your air tubes like a pro.

Happy camping! 🏕️

 

Need air tubes?

Check out our wide range of high-quality air tubes and other camping essentials at www.tentspares.co.uk. We also do universal air tubes with a boston valve cut down to the size you need. We’ve got everything you need to keep your tent pitched up and in top condition!