Hi been camping for many years, had a lots of different tents. I have set up camp all over the world with 2 man to 6 man tents. I posted on the trailer tent forum about TT's/ towing and my concerns and no one could settle them. Didn't get one response.I have some particular fave sights over europe in tranquil secluded spots which are only accesible up steep gradients, I just wanted to know if I could tow easily. Seen as there were no responses I'm coming home to my first love, rather than buy something that won't allow me to do what I want.
I still want to visit this sights but I am joined not just by the wife but two toddlers now. I have decided to go with a Tent rather than a TT seen as I have experience and don't have to tow!!
To cut a long story short. what is the best quick erect tent when you have toddlers in tow. I've seen the new vango airbeam, and heard about the Kyhams, I will use the money I was to spend on a TT. My main concern is ease and quick pitches not cash. Anyone with Experience, Recommendations, tips etc. Cheers
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Can't really comment on the Kyhams but the Airbeam Infinities look fantastic. Having watched the demonstrations at the NEC I was totally convinced and won over. The build quality looks excellent and you can fully erect a large family tent in minutes. They are quite expensive , but if I were looking for a quick erect tent and had a good budget the Airbeam would be my choice hands down.
I was planning to buy one as I myself have a Cabanon trailer tent which I love to bits, but is a bit much for short weekend breaks. I decided to opt for a small polycotton tent rather than the Airbeam, a Outwell Missouri River 3. I have got used to cotton now and thought it would be worth the extra effort to erect for the benefit of comfort.
Good luck with your choice. No doubt there will be the Kyham and Bell tent fans along soon to offer their opinions.
Thanks for the advice and the reply, the Airbeams "blew me away" (pun intended) as well when I saw them put as well, I was wondering how long it would take with only one person on pump duty or with an electric pump any idea?. The Outwell Missouri 3 you mention do you have any experience of putting one up and entertaining toddlers at the same time any advice welcome. Finally what do you tow your Cabanon with and whats it like on gradients?
Hi, I tow it with my girlfriends KIA Carens (I hate it but won't tell her), but I have towed it with a 1.4 petrol Ford Focus. Practically any car will tow a TT as most of them are only around 500kg. You forget it's on the back really, no problem up hills.
As for the Missouri, it only came yesterday so were off Friday in it for first time. Perhaps too small if you have toddlers as there is only one bedroom. I can't see the Airbeams taking long even pitching solo and I wouldn't bother with an electric pump either as the beams hold far less volume of air than a airbed for example. Say 30 seconds on each beam, tops. I really think they will be a massive hit for Vango and would imagine other big hitters such as Outwell will be taking notice. It isn't the first time a company as made an inflatable tent, but it's the first time they are going to go main stream, and be available to a much wider audience. Inflatable Outwell Lake range???? Who knows?
Andy
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We used a Khyam Rigidome XL all over Europe for about 10 years with youngsters (now oldsters) in tow. I could put it up solo in less than 30 minutes fully guyed, pegged and ground sheeted. It had plenty of room inside for sleeping, eating, playing etc. It was a superb tent and withstood some horrendous weather. This was one of the older (burgundy colour) versions which, I believe, used heavier fabric than the current ones. The only downsides were the pack size and the stifling heat that could build up inside if you were in unshaded Mediterranean sunshine. If they curently make a polycotton/canvas version of it I would not hesitate to buy one again for the same purpose.
Now that we've lost the kids we use a canvas pyramid, a Hypercamp Rosas 4 that takes the same amount of time to erect and is just as weatherproof. Same pack size but less inside space.
Hi,
I also think the airbeams look brilliant,or another one that has taken my fancy is the Quechua seconds Family 4.2XL pop up tent.( sorry dont know how to do a link)
We have got the Quechua T4.2XL air (not pop up) as our weekend tent which is a similar size and its great.
Saw the Airbeams at the weekend. Nice man at the local camping shop deflated the 6 man (can't remember the name) then re-inflated it to show us how easy it was. I didn't time him, but I'd say it took all of 4 mins! He said it wasn't worth using an electric pump as it actually took longer, the supplied pump works on both up and down strokes. One thing that strikes me is that they were very dark inside and that might make them very hot in a sunny climate.
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Quote: Originally posted by happycampers98 on 11/5/2011
Sorry, nothin to do with your question but is your user name from the young ones?
LoL. Didn't even think of that when I choose my name It's abbrievation of Football Club United of Manchester. Plus the initals of my name. I did enjoy the Young ones.
We have recently acquired a Khyam Harewood. It's large enough for 2 adults and 3 young kids, and OH can put it up entirely on his own in around 20 minutes, which is the very reason we got it. It seems very good quality and has a SIG etc, we were lucky to get one off eBay, but they sell them new too. Good luck in your search.
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