Hi Colin. We got ours last year second hand - hardly used. We never got it out in sunny weather (very eager to use it) and still got out 3 times. The weather wasn't great yet we were snug and warm despite the wind. My tip, well as lots of great people here say - code the poles. I did it with letters (frontl, frontmid, frontr) - basically it's in two main parts, the part that attaches to the cabin, and then the extension. Here's how I do it (hope this helps) :) ->
1. I set up the cabin obviously, but i level it out (i've got a spirit level to help) and peg it down. This helps as it's easier to run round altering the legs before the awning is on.
2. Then I attach the awning, I tried putting the awning on after the frame. Oooh, big mistake. Zip the awning on, it isn't too hard but a bit awkward. Then sling back the awning over the cabin. Exposing the frame. I'm 6ft 2in and a big lad so I just manage it alone. Steps can be handy.
3. Now attach each long pole, left, middle and right. Lay them down gently then attach the ends on, making a secure frame. You can now, with help attach the legs and slowly raise it up. Once the 3 legs are on the frame will be sturdy.I put the long midd bit leg first, then get someone to hold one side whilst I attach the other.
4. Now do the same for the next front section, but first roll the awning forward to this bit as there are some holes to attach the next section bars through it. Everyone has forgot this bit (well I have!) - this secures the awning very well in winds and pulls it out tight.
5. The front has adjustable poles, leave them small for now.
6. Once erected, pull the awning forward again, locate the holes as before - put them over the jutting out connections.
7. Nearly done. Put the 3 little poles on the end (to the exposed connections) - pull the awning front lip over them - they fit in sleeves.
8. Now adjust the poles out until the awning is tight.
9. Now make the wardrobe/toilet and kitchen area. It's a lot easier at the end I think. Make a long frame with the clip on bars at each end then swing it up popping a pole at one end to keep it up (it fits through a hole in the awning) - your helper can hold the other side up whilst you do the same.
You are now good to go. Peg out the awning and enjoy a great tent which we love. I like the 400SE option of placing the walls at the very end or making a large canopy. We like the lobby option using all 3 walls. Everyone who has seen our tent loves the design, the homeliness of the curtains and roof linings and the massive dimensions. Remember to tell them on site you have a big awning when you book as it's a monster when up. We store everthing on board (except the bedding) - portaloo, TV and all the cables in the handy boxes.
I made a little shelf at the end of the cabin for a TV and lamp stand (see the pics). Underbed is a great area to store stuff - we'll invest in the tents when the baby is grown a bit!
It takes a while at first but now I can get her up and running in about 90 minutes on my own and less with help. The good thing is you can always dive into the cabin if it rains on arrival. Takes only a couple of minutes!
There are lots of little things which I took a while to discover like the trimming for the kitchen curtains and stuff (didn't even realise it has roof linings - use them... it makes it a lot warmer). Enjoy figuring the little touches out. That's what makes the Sunncamp so nice. The little bits. People who own one will know what I mean!
Sorry this is a bit long and tells you how to suck eggs. Just know how daunting it can first be. I made all the mistakes myself. Hope this helps a bit. We've just booked
Hello to everyone on this great message board - glad to join. We've just booked Haltwhistle for the first trip out for Easter bank holiday weekend with the C&CC (let's hope the weather does the job). Hope to see any of you there!
Sean and Helen.
PS. Like the Raclet TT pics Cat! Looks a nice unit.
Post last edited on 08/02/2006 13:34:48
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Topic: Sunncamp holiday 400
