Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Camping under canvas - Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations

Topic: Frame Tent or Nylon?

Page: 1 2

Katieep

03/11/2012 at 8:41pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Xplore 422

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/8/2012

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 708
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	9

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	3
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	3
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	14
Site Nights 2018:	0

I would really recommend getting a sewn or zipped in groundsheet - i wouldnt consider a family tent without one as it makes a tent snug and dry. Also a separate porch for cooking and wet/muddy gear for us is a must. We camped for a few years with a cheapish vango (tigris 600 with a porch) abroad and uk and had fab time. Have upgraded now to polycotton which is very luxurious but big and heavy. As long as you stick to a decent brand I would focus more on getting the layout right than what the tent is made of. Also might have to accept that you might have to kiss a few frogs (buy a few tents) before you find your prince (somewhere out there there is the perfect tent

Post last edited on 03/11/2012 21:03:16

Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!

Tynxuk

03/11/2012 at 11:09pm
Location: Sunny Suffolk (West)
Outfit: inflatable dome Palamos6 frame tent

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/8/2011

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2395
Tent Reviews: 4

Site Reviews Total:	16

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I have a similar sized car to yourself (Citroen synergie) and it really was a struggle getting the 6 man tent in with everything even with inflatable roof bars & bag for bedding, the car looks low at the back before you load it and once loaded I'm not really sure on how legal it was! I have the smallest child in the very back and remove the centre seat and other rear seat, tables and solid stable stuff go in the middle with poles across the centre footwells to try and keep the weight across both axles but it still looked low

AngelicMinx

04/11/2012 at 2:34pm
Location: Netherlands
Outfit: De Waard Esvo (3) Hypercamp

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/6/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4656
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you have space in the car/trailor then go for the canvas.

Cotton has many advantages over poly.

If you have a frame tent then there will be no sig but this really is not a problem. Lay a good groundsheet over the mudflaps and it is as snug as a tent with a sig.

You can also use a carpet on top of the groundsheet if you wish. A cheaper version is to use picnic rugs or cheap ikea rugs etc.

Hope this helps

Angie

PennyCV

05/11/2012 at 9:29pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/7/2012

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 9

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

After tynxuk's reply and comments about not having enough space in the car I started looking at other options and have seen an advert for a Sunncamp Shadow 800 8 berth tent with porch, footprint, gas stove, cooking stand, camping table, electric hookup, electric cool box, some plastic cutlery and camping pans and 2 single blow up beds for £400 for everything. Apparently the tent is in very good condition and only used for 4 weekends and is 2 years old. What do people think in terms of value and reliability? all the reviews on hear for a Sunncamp tent seem really positive however you can buy a new tent for £200 and a porch for £70 and a footprint for £30 so is all the other stuff worth it? How much is the going rate for a second hand tent?

Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!

Opensauce

06/11/2012 at 8:45am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4530

Site Reviews Total:	13

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

One would hope the tent has been put away dry, difficult in UK conditions unless tent is unrolled & dried indoors. This is the main problem with 'little used' secondhand tents, they may be covered in mould & only fit for the bin.

Tbh if you want a tent that is less than £400 new it is better to buy it new.

lidds0

06/11/2012 at 10:03am
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/8/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4494

Site Reviews Total:	57

Site Reviews 2024:	7
Site Reviews 2023:	10
Site Reviews 2022:	1
Site Reviews 2021:	4
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	8

Site Nights 2024:	37
Site Nights 2023:	48
Site Nights 2022:	20
Site Nights 2021:	9
Site Nights 2020:	2
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	8

Quote: Originally posted by PennyCV on 05/11/2012
After tynxuk's reply and comments about not having enough space in the car I started looking at other options and have seen an advert for a Sunncamp Shadow 800 8 berth tent with porch, footprint, gas stove, cooking stand, camping table, electric hookup, electric cool box, some plastic cutlery and camping pans and 2 single blow up beds for £400 for everything. Apparently the tent is in very good condition and only used for 4 weekends and is 2 years old. What do people think in terms of value and reliability? all the reviews on hear for a Sunncamp tent seem really positive however you can buy a new tent for £200 and a porch for £70 and a footprint for £30 so is all the other stuff worth it? How much is the going rate for a second hand tent?

You can pick up a brand new Sunncamp Shadow 800DL for under £200, with warranty, so I wouldn't even think about paying £400 for a used one, no matter what the extras! IMHO the used package is well overpriced, especially at this time of year.

If this is the tent you want, you should be able to negotiate a package inc porch and footprint etc, with a retailer.

bluenosewidow

09/11/2012 at 10:26am
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Bailey

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/5/2004

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 799
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by Katieep on 03/11/2012
I would really recommend getting a sewn or zipped in groundsheet - i wouldnt consider a family tent without one as it makes a tent snug and dry.

Post last edited on 03/11/2012 21:03:16

Most frame tents have aa decent depth of mud flap which just tucks inside the tent and you can lay a tarp over it. In my opinion it would be a shame to rule out a tent just because it didn't have a SIG or ZIG.

Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!

bridgeywidge

10/11/2012 at 2:22pm
Location: North Herts
Outfit: Monterey4 Cabanon E

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/8/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3348
Tent Reviews: 9

Site Reviews Total:	27

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	4
Site Nights 2023:	2
Site Nights 2022:	6
Site Nights 2021:	5
Site Nights 2020:	1
Site Nights 2019:	2
Site Nights 2018:	4

Quote: Most frame tents have aa decent depth of mud flap which just tucks inside the tent and you can lay a tarp over it. In my opinion it would be a shame to rule out a tent just because it didn't have a SIG or ZIG.

I'm with BNW. putting a tarp over the mudflaps works well with the option of lifting the groundsheet to air or for access. Just weight the edge down with your kit if you need to.

Canvas is lovely if you have the space and actually doesn't take that long to dry out IMHO.

I have both and love my canvas frame tent but merely like the others with for their relative speed of pitching/utility.

For a long break in one place I'd plump for cotton anytime - despite the fiddle with roof linings and curtains. And I don't think they're that much bulkier than large nylon/poly tents TBH but, probably heavier!

I can put up the frame tent on my own too, but even the small B&B polyester is better with two bods.

Happy bargain hunting.

-------------
Do campers 'peg it'?

newbie73

02/12/2012 at 9:20am
Location: South Coast
Outfit: Cabanon Estoril Quechua Base 4.2

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/8/2011

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 189
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We were in your situation 2 years ago and bought a Cabanon Estroril - a truly lovely canvas frame tent for £75 from Ebay. It is a great tent, much more solid than a nylon tent and a great price. It even has flowery curtains. We use thick pond liner as a ground sheet (just measure and buy online - ours was abou £30). As with the Eurocamp tents, we can sit comfortably inside if its a bit chilly at night and open it all up during the day if its hot. I do genuinely love the tent. But... it weighs a lot, it takes up a lot of space in the car, its at least an hour to put up and take down with two people, and, the dealbreaker fo me, if it gets wet you're stuffed if you need to take it down before fully dried.

So we bought a Quechua Base Seconds Family 4.2 for stopovers and in case it rains and we now have two tents to fit in the car plus 2 adults 2 children and all our camping kit. To be honest I don't think we'll take the Cabanon next time - too much hassle and not a lot of fun to put up in 40 degrees.

dk168

02/12/2012 at 12:19pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/6/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9596
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	56

Site Reviews 2024:	9
Site Reviews 2023:	9
Site Reviews 2022:	8
Site Reviews 2021:	9
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	45
Site Nights 2023:	47
Site Nights 2022:	46
Site Nights 2021:	34
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Check out the range of Hypercamp canvas and polycotton tents at Obelink.

They have a small fan base on UKCS, myself included, and would gladly replace like for like should my Escala 4 goes to tent heaven.

DK

-------------
* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *

Suzianna

09/12/2012 at 4:36pm
Location: Gtr. Manchester
Outfit: Going Go Pod

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/12/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 339

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	7
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Cabanon tents are brilliant and if you can get one in decent nick on Ebay for £300.00 then I would go for it. The bedroom areas have a sealed groundsheet so no issues there. I never found any problems with our frame tent living area without having a SIG. I simply pushed the mudwalling bottoms under the tent inside and then put the groundsheet down on top and pegged out where there were gaps. Rather than buy a carpet, I bought three camping rugs and laid those out on the floor and found them much warmer to walk on, they were flat so no issue about tripping over them either. I had a thin roll up mat for near the front door for taking boots off under the canopy. If you want to do comfortable camping then I would highly recommend a frame tent. Downside of a canvas frame tent - bulky packed size (helps if you separate canvas and pole into separate bags and don't attempt to put them all in the same bag) - they weigh a tonne. We have camped in very high winds, storms and all sorts and never had a leak or a bent pole. You can buy replacement parts easily and cheaply too.

Suzanna

Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!

Suzianna

09/12/2012 at 4:41pm
Location: Gtr. Manchester
Outfit: Going Go Pod

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/12/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 339

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	7
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

The tent getting wet thing - we have taken the tent down wet and simply folded it and put it on top of everything in the back of the car. We had no garden to dry the tent out at home either. We put the tent in our spare bedroom on two workmates when we got home and turned it over for a day or two and it dried out fine. The problem with canvas tents when they are wet is if you pack them up wet and leave them. The canvas needs space to air out and breathe whilst it is drying. For the comfort of camping it was worth the pain in the arse of the odd occasion where we had to dry the tent out in the house when we got home.

Suzanna

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

5578 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder