It's been years since I set mine up and I can't remember exactly how I overcame the tension in the nylon, but I remember it was a struggle. I think I may have set it up as far as I could, leaving one cross-member off, then laid in it for a while to catch my breath, and that may have stretched it out a little and made the last step easier. <br><br>One thing I do remember clearly is that by putting 2 thermarest air mattresses on top of it made it very comfortable - I've rarely slept better (if you can believe that!).