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Topic: Outwell , time for a change, or not ?

okitsme

14/1/2009 at 1:45pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: Outwell Sun Valley 8

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Hi everyone
We've had our Outwell Sun Valley 8 for 4 years now and its provided sterling service. It hasn't really been overused during that time and kept us dry throughout some torrential downpours in Devon in august 07(the last time it was used)
it's has been packed away (dry) since.
However, I'm a little concerned that given its age its weatherproofing properties may have diminished. I noticed on its last use that some of the internal seam sealing tapes had started to peel away from the seams. I repaired these using some sealing compound.

Now here's the dilemma.
Basically I'd like a new tent! but (as we're probably not alone) we're trying to look after the pennies this year. The second option is to pitch the tent in the spring and go over every seam and if necessary repair best I can.
However, would this be a false economy I may have watertight seams but does the actual tent fabric deteriorate over time?

My heart says It would be great to choose a nice new updated tent this spring but my head says otherwise.

Any help suggestions or advice most welcome.

Rog

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tin pockets

14/1/2009 at 2:09pm
Location: Stoke on trent
Outfit: Outwell sunvalley 6 Outwell Jersey M

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Hi rog,
check out the sunvalley thread on this forum. I explain how our sunvalley 6 died this summer after 4 years good service. It might give you an idea of how much more you can expect from your tent because UV light will be damaging your tent, the question is by how much. We spent approx 150 nights in our sun valley and the fabric was thinning and ripping before we tore the whole thing apart. It sounds like maybe you don't use your's as much so might get more use out of it. The tape on our old tent was also peeling away but the seam sealer always solved little problems like that.
We have just replaced our old sunvalley with the 2008 sunvalley 6. it's a well designed tent and less than half the price of the equivelant 2009 outwells. Money is tight for everyone right now so sticking with what you have might be the best option for another year then see if you can get a bargain on a new tent at the end of the 2009 season if you still want a new tent.

Bradybunch4

14/1/2009 at 2:32pm
Location: East Kent
Outfit: Cabanons x 2. Norfolk Lake

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Nice frame tent on ebay......

-------------
Jo
PREVIOUSLY u400jb9

okitsme

15/1/2009 at 1:02pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: Outwell Sun Valley 8

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Thanks tin pockets, that sounds like good advice

Like I said my sun valley has given excellent service. I'm sure it will see us through another summer given a little care and attention. I still think its a fab tent and will be looking for something very similar next time.I will probably go with Outwell again, they still do some great looking tents but the prices are creeping up so fingers crossed for some lower prices at the end of the season.

Cheers all
Rog

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dadsbeaniemad

15/1/2009 at 3:51pm
Location: Cumbria (Upper Eden Valley)
Outfit: Cabanons SunValley Michigan Khyam ABI

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Iwould be tempted to agree with tinpockets - pitch up and use the seam sealer.
Have a look about on eBay as well or some websites see if there are still any bargains about.
We too have aSunvalley 6 (2008) but have only had a week in October/Nov so far so have not experienced any ageing problems. Great tent though.

-------------
Keely :-))

okitsme

19/1/2009 at 12:50pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: Outwell Sun Valley 8

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Well, I think I've found myself a solution.

I had a look on Ebay and managed to secure myself a new 2007 model sun valley 8 less the poles, the small inner bedroom and porch groundsheet for £60.

So providing my exsisting poles last the distance, I now have a complete newer tent with in effect a complete spare as well. Hopefully this will provide me with a few more years of cost effective camping

As an aside, can anyone tell me the differences I can expect comparing my original 2005 model to the 2007 model Sun valley 8 ?

Cheers
Rog

tin pockets

19/1/2009 at 1:44pm
Location: Stoke on trent
Outfit: Outwell sunvalley 6 Outwell Jersey M

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here you go, looks like no change for you so you could take the missing third bedroom out of the old tent and slot it straight back in.
Claud
http://www.lpccaravanandcamping.co.uk/popup_sunvally8.htm

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tin pockets

19/1/2009 at 1:46pm
Location: Stoke on trent
Outfit: Outwell sunvalley 6 Outwell Jersey M

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Actually the two bedrooms at the back will be different. They are zipped together so you can have them as two seperate rooms or one huge big one. Much more flexible.
Claud

tin pockets

19/1/2009 at 1:48pm
Location: Stoke on trent
Outfit: Outwell sunvalley 6 Outwell Jersey M

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hmm, that link didn't work. try this here

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