Just did our test run of putting up of our new Coleman Evolva.
Really struggled with the main tent as it was under so much tension took us well over an hour to get the thing up.
Would this be normal with a brand new tent?
This is our first polyester family sized tent so struggling to get the ring and pin (well it's not a ring and pin but a tapered end on the poles into a ring attached to the groundsheet) was incredibly hard in one or two places.
Is there an Evolva owner out there who may have some tips about the order in which to do things that might make this a bit easier?
Otherwise it's a fab tent. Extremely spacious, very light and incredibly versatile. The bed and kitchen (chef) annexes are a doddle to put up and attch really easily with good robust zips.
Looking forward to testing it properly Over the May Bank Holiday.
Will upload photos then, as at the moment it is very crowded on the front lawn and won't come across as very flattering!
Quote: Originally posted by Hippo33 on 13/4/2009
I recently bought one and things loosten up & poles begin to flex better after the first few times, as you say a great tent.
Thanks Hippo33. Any other tip with this tent you can pass on?
Have you tried using a sun canopy with the tent and if so what make?
We have had this tent for over a year now. Used it about 4 times so far.
Absolutely brilliant tent. Love it to bits. When we first put it up, it was a LITTLE bit of a struggle, however it was nothing really to worry about.
We find it easier when erecting the main part, to start from the back and work our way forwards. This is also especially useful when setting up in gusty conditions, with the front door facing the wind. Peg the front down, start from the back. The wind actually keeps the front down whilst you work your way forwards. We have managed to put this up in 35mph+ winds!
Firstly inserting the small BLUE poles that create the main 'dome' and securing them in the correct end stops. Then feeding in all the GREY poles that create the walls and securing a corner pair into the end stops and milk the fabric down the pair of poles until I can secure the two end spike into their fixing eyelets. Then the same for the next back corner, then a front corner and then the last front corner. Next I insert the GREEN porch 'ridge' pole trough its' sleeve and into the end stop at the front of the dome and above the entrance. Then feed in the 2 GREY poles that form the entrance support arch and slot one of them into the end stop and milk the canvas down 'til I can fit the end of the pole into its' eyelet, then do the same for the the remaining GREY pole.
If it is windy, peg down the 4 corners of the main dome and the pole end points of the porch and work your way round the tent loosening off the guys to a suitable length so that as you erect a corner, you can immediately peg its guy out to support it and take some of the strain off the poles.