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We have just returned from our first trip with the montana 6 (previously had the hartford xl) and all 5 of us were very pleased with the tent and the space inside. I did however have a problem with the poles. When trying to pull the poles apart, most were hard, but one section i couldnt pull apart. (I must admit that when the tent was erected the roof poles seemed sloppy) The pole had moved to such a degree in the socket that it had stuck the two sections together, mind you it was very windy. The place i brought it from said they would look at the poles and today swapped the poles for the brown poles which i have been told are heavy gauge than this years poles (and were the replacements for last years model)

I was just wondering if anyone else have the problem with sloppy poles and if anyone could offer any advise on the brown poles!

Also had a few problems pitching the tent, getting pins into base of poles, SIG to taught! and trying to lift the poles after pegging the end section.

Hope to get some advice

Thanks Rob 

The pole problem is extremely common.  The poles twist slightly so making it hard to seperate them.  The best way to do it is to tap the joint where it is stuck with a mallett.  After a couple of taps it will loosen and you will be able to pull it apart.

Don't pull too hard, the metal wire that links the poles together has a habit of moving.  If this happens, the best way to get it back into position is to get a thin fibreglass pole from your local camping shop and push that down into the metal pole and tap it with the mallett until it is back where it should  be.  I am not sure that Outwell have made the best job possible in the design of these poles.  They certainly do their job and are extremely strong, but can be a pain sometimes.

Quote: Originally posted by 6000KGV on 13/7/2006

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I was just wondering if anyone else have the problem with sloppy poles and if anyone could offer any advise on the brown poles!

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The brown poles that i have been given, like Lanleys says are the same dimensions, although they look a slighty smaller diameter that the original poles. I did ask the question regarding the side clips, apparently the clips will be ok as they are tight on the original poles. (Hope hes right)

The brown poles definately seem a better fit than the original poles, alot less movement when joined together.

On the brown poles, each section is shorter that the poles that came with the tent. What i mean by that is that the roof pole on the brown poles is made in 5 sections, where as the original poles were made in 4. Side poles are the same. Net result is that the carry bag is now shorter and fatter!

Thanks for the information all, looking forward to trying ours out again. Have to see if we have more luck putting the tent up.

Langleys, hopefully wouldnt have to tap the poles with a mallet now as they seems a better fit.

hartles, will have a look at your pitching experiment when i get home.

Bevie, enjoy your holiday in Devon, we are off there in August!

Rob

Hi Steve

The poles that came with the tent allowed the pole to twist quite abit, i would guess that it could have been upto as much as 30deg!

So hoping that these ones are better, definately look it. Might be being a bit of a worrier now, but hope the tent looks ok with the brown poles! as have only seen it with the silver ones!

Rob