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Im sure you will not be disappointed with your new tent.  I could not believe how big the Aruba was when we first put it up, loads of space for the 3 kids.  We bought the utility annexe but never used it this time, but I think it would be good if the weather was really bad, the more space the better! luckily we picked the best place to go for weather this year.  I would recommend the sun canopy if you can get hold of one, keeps things dry outside the door.  Also we have a large car and trailer which you definately need for this tent, final tip make sure you take it down in the dry if possible, otherwise a lot of hard work at the end of your holiday.  Have a great time.

SUE

Quote: Originally posted by irons on 13/8/2008

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Oh i am the lucky one then as we have just a second hand Aruba not used it et but hope to this weekend weather permitting any tips??

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Tip poles out onto the ground and scratch head, disagree with other half as to what goes where then swear profusely, retrieve pole section from bushes where other half tossed them and look again at the pile, start to assemble poles, ask OH where this bit goes then disassemble again while bringing OH's parentage into dispute, smile through gritted teeth at other campers who have suddenly all appeared sat outside their tents, enventually when you get the frame up blame OH for everything and put on canvas

Remove cork from wine bottle and sit back admiring your work in the fading light of dusk

Quote: Originally posted by grindysl on 13/8/2008

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Also we have a large car and trailer which you definately need for this tent, final tip make sure you take it down in the dry if possible, otherwise a lot of hard work at the end of your holiday. SUE

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Don't agree that you necessarily need a trailer to transport the Aruba.

I put the poles and canvas behind the front passenger seat in a large (hired) estate car with storage boxes, towels, blankets, cold box etc on the rear seat behind the tent.  This keeps the not inconsiderable weight of the tent in the middle of the car but the disadvantage is you can only take two passengers, one in the front and one in the back. 

Totally agree that it's best to get the tent dry before you take it down.  If I have to take it down wet, the poles and inner tents go in the car as described but the outer goes folded flat on the load behind the rear seat with a polythene sheet under it to stop it dripping over everything else.

The tent is very easy to get up and down, I put it up on my own in a moderate wind a couple of weeks ago.  If you are lucky enough to have people to help you, always have one person (not necessarily you) directing operations and never blame them if they get it wrong: it saves rows.

Take care

R

Hi Piglet/Rik

Thanks for the good advise about drying tent, I will remember this for next time.  By the way my comment about needing a large car and trailer to transport this tent is probably only for people, who like me take everything but the kitchen sink!  

Sue

My trailer has a kitchen sink on the back!!

(used to be a trailer tent!)

Quote: Originally posted by grindysl on 15/8/2008

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Hi Piglet/Rik

Thanks for the good advise about drying tent, I will remember this for next time. By the way my comment about needing a large car and trailer to transport this tent is probably only for people, who like me take everything but the kitchen sink!

Sue

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