Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 10/4/2010
Quote: Originally posted by *returntocanvas on 10/4/2010
The tent we have isn't small (Sunncamp Magnum XL) the ease of pitching is a bit of a concern (and I know my eldest son won't be a lot of help - there's no use me kiddling myself) The dome needs raising and as it is pitched inner first, then the flysheet takes a bit of fiddling to get the roof light in the right positon
We had one of those, it was a god awful tent to pitch, the only time it was straight forward was with three or four people!
Trouble is I flogged it to a friend of mine and we end up pitching the damn thing with her once a year!!
LOL - Glad you posted this - I do remember it being fiddly but not too bad. Maybe I'm remembering it with rose tinted glasses. Looks a new tent then!
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Quote: Originally posted by *returntocanvas on 10/4/2010
Thanks for this - I've had a look and I really like he looks of this one. As I've had the rapidex system before I know it's fairly easy, also the fact it has a sewn in groundsheet would make it even easier I think as it would help ensure everything is straight. I'm definately going to have a look at one of these - although I can already see my budget through the roof as the deluxe with the porch looks even more apealing although I assume that would make it harder to pitch. I also like the idea of the optional carpet and stone protector!
Actually (now I remember) the footprint for the Harewood is pretty much essential. The 'groundsheet' of the tent is thin material rather than the more common thicker plastic type, presumably to get the whole lot to fold up!
I've already fallen in love with the Harewood to be honest. I've been looking at them on-line all evening and am already reasonably familiar with the set up from having already owned the ridgi-pod & a family member having had an XL. I like that it now has a sewn in groundsheet to keep the beasties out & it's based on the classic version (as oposed to the excelsior) will suit me even better I think. Having looked around I think I would opt for the normal version over the deluxe with the option of adding an annexe for even more living space on longer breaks.
I can see that the built in ground sheet is quite thin so yes, I agree I would need a more protective layer underneath.
I'm quite excited and can't wait to go and look at one just to be sure before I make my final decision. Thanks for recommending it.
I think the Harewood sounds like a great idea . Gives you a good bedroom layout and a decent sized living area but most importantly the Khyam QE system entirely solves the problem of raising a dome structure to full height single handed. And as you're already familiar with the QE sysytem - even better.
I had a Khyam QE tent back when I was putting up a family tent with only the 'help' of quite a small child, and it always worked well for us.
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
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Welll I went to a couple of local dealers to look at their displays. One told me that Khyam have gone into liquidation (I knew that) and that the owner has now set up on his own and is selling them on-line. He told me that since then the quality has suffered with the fabric quality having dropped from 4000 to 2000 hydrostatic head. He also told me I would notice a definate drop in quality and because of this dealers in the UK will no longer the Khyam brand hence I would never get to see one on display in the UK.
I'm inclined to question that as there seem to be plenty of UK dealers still selling them on-line, many of them large reputable companies. Also I thought the hydrostatic head thing changed a few years ago to 2000, Will go off and do more research and post another thread on here asking for some more advice/info but the tents I saw today made me favour the Khyam even more in terms of the fact it is a large easy to erect model. The fact they went into administration doesn't concern me overly to be honest as in the recent climate that could easily happen to another company & at present they are still trading and selling at a very competitive price considering I paid around £800 for my ridgi-pod when it first came out.
I did see the Bear Lake and really liked that but it's definately a bit much for me to manage, over-budget and would probably be difficult for me to dry out if I had to bring it home wet. Saying that the Khyam with an annexe and groundsheets is also over my original budget.
Quote: Originally posted by *returntocanvas on 11/4/2010
Hmmm -
Welll I went to a couple of local dealers to look at their displays. One told me that Khyam have gone into liquidation (I knew that) and that the owner has now set up on his own and is selling them on-line. He told me that since then the quality has suffered with the fabric quality having dropped from 4000 to 2000 hydrostatic head. He also told me I would notice a definate drop in quality and because of this dealers in the UK will no longer the Khyam brand hence I would never get to see one on display in the UK.
I'm inclined to question that ....
So this was objective advice from a dealer who doesn't sell Khyams and would like you to buy something else, anything else, which he does sell?
Not saying you should entirely discount what he said but you do right to take it with a pinch of salt and continue with your research. Can't say I've noticed many complaints about Khyams on here over the last few years, and there've been plenty about some of the other volume suppliers.
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
Yes I was inclined to think he would just like me to buy a tent that he stocks. He hasn't put me off, so long as what he has said re the quality dropping in the last year isn't true.
Have posted another thread on here for some more info. I'm still all for this tent to be honest but I'd really like to see one to be sure.
Well I've bitten the bullet and ordered a Khyam Harewood without seeing it.
Gone for the tent, annexe, groundsheets for both and a carpet - £557.97 including delivery in the 2010 colours as I couldn't find anywhere that had a blue annexe in stock.
Will let you know what I think when it arrives & I've pitched it, which should be on Friday.
Single mum here too, we have a Tigris 800, not pitched on my own yet (sister helped ) but I think I could. I have also found other campers more than willing to help! I did go for an Icarus 500 too, for more flexibility!!
Good luck with your search, it took me ages to finally decide as you have no one to bounce ideas off!!
------------- Dawnie
May: Hurley Riverside
June: Northam Farm
and Bank Farm!!
July: TBA
Aug : Woodovis