It is a good idea to get a duffel bag or work bag to hold your "stuff"; stakes, straps, extension cords, extra rope, tape, etc.

Check your site for stones, sticks, or other obstructions. Check for the nearest electrical outlet and TEST IT before you start. This can save you a lot of work later. Many outdoor outlets do not work. Once you have your site ready, unfold your tarp.

A word about tarps: some people do not use them on grass setups. We always use a tarp a) to protect our investment and b) so a driver isn't making the decision whether to use a tarp or not. The picture shows the tarp unfolded and ready to be staked down.

Stakes: Shown here are lightweight tent spikes used to hold the tarp in place and landscape spikes with washers for securing the inflatable unit. You can use heavy-duty tent stakes for the inflatable unit as well. We like the landscape spikes because you can use a hammer or mallet to drive them securely into any type of soil, even hard-packed clay.

Stake down your tarp in at least 4 corners, driving the tent spike all the way into the ground so no one will trip on it. You may want to drive spikes into the center hole of each side of the tarp as well, although the corners are usually enough. It is important to stake down your tarp to prevent it from moving while you are setting up theinflatable unit.