Message Forums

Ok, I know this has probably been done to death but I need to know if anyone has tried this.

I have found the Minnesota 4 front canopy which I know will fit (although I believe the clips are different but will still work).  I also know that the Vango Icarus will fit and is much cheaper but I dont really want to have a mismatched tent.

So the question is, I found the Oakland XL Side Canopy and looking at how it sets up, fibre glass poles etc, I wondered if anyone had tried to fit one to the side of the Virginia?  And if no one has tried it, what are the thoughts of the more informed (than us) members out there, do you think it would work?

In my mind, the width doesnt matter as its not covering the whole of the tent but the height is a little taller, however, as it wraps over the tent, I wondered if this was a problem?

I dont mind whether I have a front or a side canopy, I would just like a canopy to cook in and store wet boots and I am really hoping as the side one would work as it's £60 and the Minnesota is £160! Big difference.

If the worst comes to the worst, we will buy the Minnesota and swallow the price, we have talked about it and decided that we want a proper set up and we also want our lovely little Ginny to last us for a good few years, either as our main tent like it is now or as a weekender when we decide to go a bit bigger but if we dont buy the canopy now, they wont be available anymore so we need to make a choice. 

We will just buy things in order of importance so that we can get everything we need in time for our big break in October and have set ourselves a maximum budget per month to do it :)

Thanks for your help folks :)

Hi Petanda,

I thought it was the Oakland XL too.  I think we will take Arsendales advice and just buy it and try it, if it doesnt work, I can sell it on an only lose a few quid.

I'm trying to make contact with that camper who uploaded the photo though to ask their advice as well, if I get a reply, I'll let you know!

Hi Krazy,

Thanks for that, I'll try that.  The only thing with these "special" ones is that the prices are far higher because they need to get them made.

I'll email them though and post the reply here.

WOW they are FAST!!!!

Email reply below

"I'm afraid Outwell no longer make the accessories for the Virginia 5, so we will not be getting any more extensions in now. As for alternative models you can use, the best fit of the ones that we've tried is the Vango Icarus 500 extension. It's certainly not a perfect fit, but it's the closest we've managed to find"

Personally, I dont want to get the icarus if I can avoid it, I'd rather pay more for the minnesota and have it all matching or ideally the Oakland side canopy which is cheaper but at least we know that the Icarus is a good option and the Virginia extension wont be coming back!

Thanks, Kate!

We haven't tried our tent yet but will be using it in August for the first time.

I have a feeling I'll be buying the side extension as we'd get more use out of it. Plus I'm like you and like things to match!

Hi Petanda,

Us too, going to buy one at the end of this month, £60 is a big difference to £160!  We'll use it for cooking and we have king poles for the front door if we need to, win win all round :)