Having had some good advice both from colleagues and on here, I’d set my heart on an Outwell Hartford XL, saw one in a shop and really liked it. However, I’m now put off with what seems to be a lot of criticism about recent build quality of this brand.
Does anyone have any comments on this, or any recommendations for a similar tent of similar quality? The Khyam Ontario 8 seemed ok as well, but as a novice I’ve no experience with any of these brands.
Many thanks, TT
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I can't really comment on the build quality of 2007 models, but we have a 2005 xl, (with the 5000HH and bigger bedrooms), which is absolutely Clyde Built. Or, as Clyde Built as any plastic tent could be.
Fiendishly brilliant piece of engineering. You don't necessarily need to buy new, especially if you don't have tons of experience. Buying a well looked after "pre-loved" tent will save you money, and will probably release some cash to allow you to experiment with other items.
Hi i have the hartford xxl love it to bits when camping and had no problems even in the 36 hours of rain and wind last week to be honest i havnt read any posts about leaky hartfords might be wrong though sharon
------------- Easter: Forest Edge
May Bank Holiday: Southbourne
May Half Term: Verwood
August: Setthorns New Forest
August Bank Holiday: Arundel
and many weekends in between
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We have the Hartford XL and have used it for several holidays now - including the May bank holiday week in Cornwall in 30mph winds and very heavy rain storms. While all around were losing their tents, ours stayed up and completely dry!!
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We have an XL & an M, both have stood up to gales & we have just got back from Shell Island with the M where it absolutely persisted down at times, we were bone dry & snug as bugs. The only thing we had to do was take the porch down as it was swaying & moving the tent a lot. If you do a search I dont think you will find many problems with the Hartfords what ever year they were.Ours are 06 & 05 respectively by the way.
We took our 2007 model back as it was very shoddily made. We went for the Vango Oregon range in the end and it is a wicked tent and really easy to put up etc.
Got the Khyam Nebraska Deluxe. Very similar in design to the Hartford XL. It's been through three 4 day breaks so far this year without hitch. I prefer a non sig and the door and window config are excellent, as well as being an outer pitch first.
Huge tent, great for kids too.
Nick
------------- 'I liked freezing my n*ts off so much, I bought the company'