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Right, where do I begin? Well, we've just sold our caravan after much deliberation and thought we'd stick with the tent as I don't want to give up camping altogether. The thing is that it's a bit of a nightmare to erect (Royal Andorra 6) so we've decided to look into frame tents. The thing is, are they as sturdy as we've been led to believe and how easy are they to erect? We've had a trailer tent in the past but now because we're already set up with a trailer and the equipment, it's just the tent we need.

Any negatives or positives?

Thanks eveyone, Michelle

There have been lots of previous threads on this one; have you tried the 'search' facility (icon at the top of this page)? Just enter keywords and you will find lots of info and advice.

But, quickly (sorry, am in a rush right now), yes, frame tents are sturdy; ours hasn't moved in the most dreadful storms and nor has it let in a drop of water. They are bulkier and heavier than synthetic tents but, if space is not a problem, they are a doddle to pitch; the frame simply interlinks (it is made more simple if you mark the connecting sections with coloured tape when you first pitch). They are breathable, warmer in cooler weather and cooler when it is hot, and don't suffer from condensation. They provide really good living space and have a certain ambiance which, perhaps, synthetics lack (subjective viewpoint). They will last for years, if properly cared for, but that means re-pitching to thoroughly dry out if you are unfortunate enough to pack up wet.

Have you looked at any? Cabanon are an excellent maker of frame tents; you can view all models on their website, here.

Hope this helps a little!

Thanks for that. I'm watching a few on ebay at the moment and have had a look on the web. I think this is the way we are gonna go now so thanks again.

Michelle

Hi

I have three frame tents at the moment andwith having five in the family our 6 berth tents with the large living space are just what we need when we go on holiday. The only thing that puts people off frame tents are the weight and space they take up plus the problem of ensuring that you get them dry before you put them away.

I would not change as i have tried synthetic ones and cannot adjust to them.

cheers

steve

We have both types of tent and I am now a big frame tent convert and we also got ours off ebay. I spent a few weeks watching tents on ebay to get a feel for manufacturers, berths and size, price etc and then bought a Lichfield which you can see at the weblink in my profile.

Liddenham has just about covered all the advantages. The main one for me is how easy it is to put up and take down along with the fact that it will be cooler than a nylon tent when we take it abroad. Frame tents are also designed for cooking inside and most will have a recess for a cooker stand with a vented window over it.

The only disadvantage for me is the lack of a SIG as I do like the SIG on the Yale I have but I'm sure I can find a well fitting groundsheet and make it snug. Good luck with your search.

Carol

Quote: Originally posted by magicaly on 21/9/2006

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We have both types of tent and I am now a big frame tent convert and we also got ours off ebay. I spent a few weeks watching tents on ebay to get a feel for manufacturers, berths and size, price etc and then bought a Lichfield which you can see at the weblink in my profile.

Liddenham has just about covered all the advantages. The main one for me is how easy it is to put up and take down along with the fact that it will be cooler than a nylon tent when we take it abroad. Frame tents are also designed for cooking inside and most will have a recess for a cooker stand with a vented window over it.

The only disadvantage for me is the lack of a SIG as I do like the SIG on the Yale I have but I'm sure I can find a well fitting groundsheet and make it snug. Good luck with your search.

Carol

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I'm a 5'2" woman and have pitched our Kos 6 on my own, where as I wouldn't stand an earthly of pitching a similar sizes tunnel or dome single handed.

Plenty of space inside.   Ours has stood up to torrential rain and very strong winds.   One night was very windy - the next day I just needed to knock a couple of pegs back in, where as one or two other tents on sites looked a mess.
They have better thermal qualities.

Definately a frame tent fan

Quote: Originally posted by Liddenham on 21/9/2006

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Quote: Originally posted by magicaly on 21/9/2006

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We have both types of tent and I am now a big frame tent convert and we also got ours off ebay. I spent a few weeks watching tents on ebay to get a feel for manufacturers, berths and size, price etc and then bought a Lichfield which you can see at the weblink in my profile.

Liddenham has just about covered all the advantages. The main one for me is how easy it is to put up and take down along with the fact that it will be cooler than a nylon tent when we take it abroad. Frame tents are also designed for cooking inside and most will have a recess for a cooker stand with a vented window over it.

The only disadvantage for me is the lack of a SIG as I do like the SIG on the Yale I have but I'm sure I can find a well fitting groundsheet and make it snug. Good luck with your search.

Carol

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Have you looked at the pyramid tents: Cabanon Noumea, Guadeloupe or Barbados, or the Bora Bora, or the Biscaya tent? All have SIGs.

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I would love one Liddenham, and I have seen your excellent offer of the Guadeloupe but it is out of the question this year finances wise but, that is the road we hope to go down in a year or so. I love all those pyramid tents that you see the Dutch using on French campsites.

Carol

We have a Sunncamp Grange - one of the biggest frame tents you can get before having to get a trailer tent.  It is great for all the reasons already mentioned here....

.....but, it is big, heavy & takes some time to put up & take down correctly.  We only use it once a year when we go abroad for 3 weeks.  It is just not worth the effort for a weekend.

So we have bought a dome as well - it is light, quick to put up and packs away to a nice small size.  It is used for weekends only.  Wouldn't dream of using it for longer or replacing the Grange.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. Definately made our minds up that we're gonna get one. I'll keep the Andorra anyway for "just in case" but will be on the look out now.

Cheers everyone,

Michelle

I have a Sunncamp Palace frame tent,which I rate very highly. My husband and I find it very straight forward to put up, and luckily have not had to pack it away when wet. It's spacious inside and there's plenty of room (to cook and eat) when it rains. We've used it abroad for 2 seasons, yet it still looks brand new.

We also have a smaller nylon dome tent for weekend use, which is fine for a couple of nights,but not half as homely as our Sunncamp Palace. 

Quote: Originally posted by Uncivil Servant on 21/9/2006

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This Cabanon looks a bargain

and this seller has approx 40 of these

Post last edited on 21/09/2006 22:18:58

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