Why Do I Need So Many Propane Tanks? Video
You may be curious why it is necessary to rent multiple propane tanks per heater to heat your tent.
You may be curious why it is necessary to rent multiple propane tanks per heater to heat your tent. In our example, I’ll use a 170,000 BTU tent heater, which is our most commonly used size. A 100-pound propane tank has enough fuel to operate a 170,000 BTU heater for 12 hours. Most tent events are shorter than 12 hours. Yet, we often recommend two propane tanks per heater. The reason is a bit complicated, but stick with me. Propane is stored in a pressurized tank in liquid form. To burn in a heater, the propane must evaporate first. This requires heat from the air around the tank to warm the liquid as it evaporates. There are several factors that affect the ability of propane in a tank to vaporize:
1. Air temperature
2. Tank size
3. The amount of propane in the tank
Air temperature: on a warm day, propane can vaporize quickly, but the weather that makes you want a tent heater, also causes propane to vaporize more slowly. So, the colder the weather, the more tanks you may need. We recommend using two tanks per heater if the weather is forecast to be below about 50 degrees F. If you expect temperatures below 10 degrees, you’ll need three tanks per heater.
When a tank is nearly full, the liquid can absorb heat from the air faster. As it empties, the surface area where liquid contacts the tank is reduced and the vaporization rate drops. If you plan to use the tanks all the way to empty, you may need an extra tank.
Using too few tanks can cause a several issues:
1. The heater produces less heat. As the heater starves for fuel, it may continue running, but it may not produce enough heat to keep your tent warm.
2. The flame does not burn cleanly. The pressure from the tank drops and the heater can’t create a clean, hot flame. This can cause a propane odor inside the tent.
3. In the worst cast, a tank can freeze up entirely and the heater shuts off.
If you want your tent event to be warm, don’t skimp on the number of propane tanks. If you’re not sure what you need, we’ll be happy to recommend the proper heaters and tanks, when you place your order. We have charts that give us the average low temperature and the necessary heaters to warm a tent any day of the year.
Securing Tent Sidewalls Video
When you’re planning an outdoor winter event, one of the most important aspects of the tent is the heat, specifically keeping the heat inside the tent. Typically, the standard tent walls do a great job. However, wind can play havoc with the walls that hang to the ground.
When you’re planning an outdoor winter event, one of the most important aspects of the tent is the heat, specifically keeping the heat inside the tent. Typically, the standard tent walls do a great job. However, wind can play havoc with the walls that hang to the ground. Frame tents with kedered walls don’t normally have this problem, but pole tents can. The best way to solve this problem is to secure the bottom of the tent walls. If you’re concerned about wind, you can add this option to your order. One way we secure the walls is wood boards under the tent poles. We screw the walls to the boards. This can make the difference between walls that look like this… and walls that look like this in case of a storm. Ask us how we can keep your guests warm and comfortable at your next outdoor tented event.
Troubleshooting an L. B. White tent heater video
If you’re having trouble with your tent heater, there are a few simple things you can try.
When heating a tent, there are occasional issues that cause the heater not to work properly. Here are a few easy things to check:
Is power getting to the heater? You can confirm this by plugging something else into the same outlet and be sure it powers on.
Is the power switch in the “up” position?
Normally the thermostat switch should be in the “down” position, but you can eliminate the thermostat by switching it to “manual”. Note that the heater will run continuously.
Confirm that the gas valve on the propane tank is open.
Be sure that nothing is obstructing the airflow either at the intake vent on the end of the heater or on the heat side. If the duct goes around a corner or is not smooth and straight, it can restrict airflow. If that is the case, the overheat reset button may pop.
Open the end panel on each end of the heater with a flat screwdriver. Inside each end, is a small red reset button. Press it firmly.
Turn the heater off and on again.
If it still does not heat, call us at 717.733.9700. We have someone on call at all times and we will return your call promptly if you leave an emergency message.
How to Host an Outdoor Party in the Winter
From table and chair rentals to party activities, these are all the tips you need to plan your own wintertime outdoor party. When you're ready to rent a tent to keep your guests warm, rely on Tents For Rent today.
Just because it's cold out doesn't mean you can't party, and the snow and cold temperatures shouldn't keep you indoors. After all, you have a back yard. Why should you be kept from using it half the year?
The idea of a wintertime outdoor party comes as some surprise to most people, but it's actually far more achievable than you might think. However, there is some special planning involved. How do you prepare for an outdoor party in the winter, and what makes it different from any old summertime party?
This article will help answer that question. From cold-weather party tent rentals to table and chair rentals, the following is everything you should keep in mind to plan the perfect winter party.
How to Keep Guests Warm at an Outdoor Winter Party
First of all, let’s discuss the obvious problem: in an outdoor winter party, how does everyone stay warm?
The answer to this question is actually somewhat multifaceted, and we'll touch on it throughout this guide. From serving the right foods to recommending the best activities, there's a lot that goes into keeping people warm and happy in cooler temperatures.
Next, even though you'll be outdoors, you should still provide a way for guests to warm themselves. Trudging into the house every fifteen minutes is an obviously bad idea since it would be a pain for guests and result in a lot of clean-up for you. Instead, consider renting a heated party tent for the occasion.
The size of tent you rent will depend on how many guests you're having. If you want to seat everyone at table and chair rentals inside the tent, multiply your guest count by 15 square feet. For casual standing room, multiply your guest count by eight square feet. Add an additional two or three square feet for dancing.
Outdoor Activities for Winter Parties
As mentioned earlier, the activities you and your guests will engage in should help you keep warm. To start with, even if you already have a heated tent set up, you could have a bonfire or outdoor fireplace outside the tent as well. After all, what's the point in being outdoors if you’ve got to stay inside the tent all the time?
Roasting marshmallows, hotdogs, and other foods over the fire is a good activity for your guests. It also allows for everyone to cook their own dinner when they want to -- you wouldn't even have to prepare anything else if you wanted to keep things simple. Get table and chair rentals and have these set up around the fire for easy eating.
Next, snowball fights and sledding can be great group activities if there's snow on the ground. Depending on the age and comfortable activity level of your guests, any activities involving a lot of movement will be great during the winter. Even classic games like tag and hide-and-seek could work.
If your guests are more mature and less active, they might prefer sitting around the fire to talk. Try to situate your fire and sitting area so that there are good windbreaks where you need them, just in case there's a breeze that day. Also, be sure the fire is located safely away from the tent to avoid damaging it.
Wintertime Party Foods
Besides hotdogs and marshmallows, try to have some warming foods available for your guests. Special pastries that can be cooked over a fire are always fun. Soups, ciders, and warm drinks are obvious choices. You don't have to have an entire meal of heated foods, however: just make sure most of your dishes contain warming spices, such as cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
Anything that can be grilled, such as steaks and hamburgers, is also a good idea. Having the grill up and running can help keep everyone warm, especially if your bonfire isn’t burning nicely right when everyone arrives.
From table and chair rentals to party activities, these are all the tips you need to plan your own wintertime outdoor party. When you're ready to rent a tent to keep your guests warm, rely on Tents For Rent today.
Outdoors or In?
If you’re planning a wedding or other event, you may wonder if you should plan it outdoors.
Here are the top 5 reasons to choose the outdoors:
If you’re planning a wedding or other event, you may wonder if you should plan it outdoors.
Here are the top 5 reasons to choose the outdoors:
1. You get to experience the great outdoors, fresh air and sunshine or stars.
2. The outdoors is a great backdrop for a country or rustic theme.
3. Even if your home is small, you can have a large guest list.
4. You don’t need to worry about guests damaging your home by leaving punch stains on the couch or mud on the carpet.
5. Outdoor events feel very relaxed and casual.
Here are the cons of outdoor events:
The weather is unpredictable. It can be hot our cool. (although tent heating, fans and cooling are available). It’s also important to have a plan to host everyone underneath a tent in case of rain.
If you aren't willing to adjust plans to work with the weather, it may be best to plan your event indoors.
While there are pros and cons of planning events outdoors, we're sure you'll be just as happy with your outdoor event as these customers were.
Winter Storage Tents
Tents can be used for a wide range of different types of events, but temporary storage is not a use for a tent that most people think of. However, with winter approaching, keeping your equipment warm, safe and dry can be important. Our industrial tents are great for temporary warehousing, construction projects, manufacturing and much more.
If you're looking for something that is semi-permanent, check out our sister company Coverdomes. These fabric buildings are quickly installed, but can be left in place for many years. Contact us today for a fabric structure to meet your needs and your timeframe.
10 Things Our Tent Crews Do in Winter
Even though it's cold outside, we're working hard to be sure that your event is safe, secure and beautiful.
Since most outdoor tented events take place in summer, you may wonder what we do all winter. Here are just a few of the things that keep up busy during the winter:
Helping brides plan their summer weddings
Measuring and inspecting tent sites
Cleaning, inspecting and repairing tents and other rental equipment
Keeping construction projects on schedule with heated tents
Attending MATRA and other tent conferences
Counting inventory
Ordering additional inventory and replacing worn out items
Maintaining vehicles
Servicing generators
So, even though it's cold outside, we're working hard to be sure that your event is safe, secure and beautiful. If you'd like to join our team, see our employment page for full time and summer job opportunities.
Can I Rent a Tent in the Winter?
This article is part of a series of posts with further explanation on many of our frequently asked questions.
Fall is here an winter will be before you know it. Great news, it's not too late to plan an outdoor event. Tents can turn your frosty back yard into a warm, inviting event space. Your next New Year's Eve party could be in a tent. With a little extra planning a winter tent event can be a success.
Things to keep in mind:
Plenty of heaters (of course)
A walkway to the house, building, parking lot, etc.
Flooring, and carpet
Tent doors
We make it easy for you to plan a winter event. We'll help you plan a solution just for you. Our heaters have automatic thermostats that keep your event warm even when the weather isn't.
We have extensive experience with winter tenting for Christmas parties and other special events, car sales, temporary storage and much more. Contact us to fill all your winter tenting needs.
What If a Storm Comes While the Tent Is Up?
What if the weather doesn't cooperate and there's a severe storm during my event?
As you're planning your outdoor event, you may wonder, "What if the weather doesn't cooperate and there's a storm during my event?" That's a great question. Asking that question now, helps you have a great event rain or shine.
Here are a few things you should do ahead of time. When planning your event:
Have an evacuation plan for the extreme worst case scenario.
Designate one person to decide when the tent should be evacuated in extreme weather.
Place the tent in an area that is not prone to flooding.
Be sure to rent tent sidewalls.
Have a rain plan for any outdoor portion of your event.
Consider renting a covered walkway for your guests to enter the tent.
Consider renting flooring if the ground may become muddy.
If severe weather is immanent:
Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
If high winds are expected, open the tent side walls to allow the wind to blow through the tent.
Tighten the ratchet straps on the tent.
If a storm does arrive during your event, like it did at this wedding, you'll be prepared. All of our tents are very sturdy and are designed to withstand storms. Of course, in the case of a very severe storm, you should vacate the tent. Tents are designed to flex and move slightly during a high wind, but here are some signs that the tent is becoming unsafe:
Wind speed is over 38 miles per hour
Tent poles are lifting off the ground.
Tent stakes are pulling out of the ground
Tent fabric is starting to tear
Nearby trees begin to fall
Lightning is striking nearby
If you are unsure about whether your tent is safe, call us at 717.733.9700 (after hours, select option 3 for an emergency). If any of these conditions occur or you feel unsafe inside the tent:
Immediately evacuate everyone to a safe building.
If no building is available, guests can go to their cars until the storm passes and the tent is secure.
After everyone is safe, call Tents For Rent 717.733.9700 and select option 3 for an emergency.
If possible, send videos or pictures of the tent to us so that we can assess what is needed to secure your tent. You may email them to tents@tentsforrent.net or text them to 717.733.9700. Please be sure to include your name and phone number.
If you are in a tent during a thunderstorm, keep everyone at least five feet from any tent pole. If the lightning is nearby evacuate everyone from the tent.
Even though many events have beautiful weather, it's always best to plan for the worst so that your even can be a success either way. Contact us to learn more about how it's always fair weather in a tent.
Emergency Planning Guidelines from American Rental Association:
Can I Keep a Tent Warm in the Fall?
But, you may wonder how you will keep your guests comfortable.
Fall Tent
Fall is officially here and the lovely fall colors won't be far behind. God's beautiful seasonal decorations make the perfect backdrop for your outdoor event. But, you may wonder how you will keep your guests comfortable. It's hard to believe that only a few months ago, I wrote a post about cooling a tent. Now it's time to start thinking about heating a tent. Many people ask whether a tent can really be kept warm in fall and winter. The answer is a resounding "yes." A tent is not completely airtight, but it can be heated and kept very comfortable.
So, what does it take to plan an outdoor event in cooler whether?
Fall often brings windy weather. So, be sure to rent a sturdy tent from a reputable company. You want to be sure that your tent will be safe and secure.
Tent sidewalls: I recommend ordering sidewalls with windows in them so that your guests can see out of the tent and not feel boxed in by the walls.
Heaters: We have charts with the average low temperatures listed for each day of the year. So, we can estimate the amount of heat you will need. Keep you eye on the weather forecast though. If colder weather is predicted, you may want to add more heaters closer to your event date.
A positive attitude: Embrace the fall weather and colors. Have a campfire outside the tent. Roast s'mores. Relax from the busyness of summer.
This fall, don't let the cooler weather put a damper on your outdoor event. With a little extra planning fall is a wonderful time of year for any event.
Tents in the Fall
Fall is here with cooler weather, but it's still a great time for outdoor events. Our heaters will keep you warm through the winter. "It's always fair weather in a tent."