I have an Outwell Wolf Lake 5 2013 tent and intended at a future date to purchase the so called awning conversion which is essentially just a zip in front door, ok it has windows and a mud valance and a toggle in groundsheet too.
Does anyone know what the zip size on the existing front awning is?
The thing is I wouldnt want to use a groundsheet in this awning area, I am not bothered about windows either, all I want is to be able to shut the elements out leaving me with a fully closed area. At the lowest advertised price of £325 this just seems too steep for what is in reality just a small area of polycotton compared with the cost of the tent its nearly a third of the price!
I can source some decent canvas in a matching colour inexpensively, have someone to do the sewing, I'm just unsure of the zipper size or how to measure accurately.
Thanks in advance if anyone can help
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It might be worth taking your tent in to somewhere like Tent Valeting Services (TVS), in Bolton, telling them what you want and asking them to give you a quote. They'll be able to properly measure the zip (will have to be the same sort, as well as same size, as you'll probably already know) and they might agree to make you something up, using your own canvas.
Lots of other places around the country also do tent and awning repairs/alterations etc. so just let us know where you're situated and I'm sure you'll receive lots of suggestions.
I found the items I needed at Brian Park Camping. In the end after much searching and headscratching...wait for it. I bit the bullet and bought the Outwell awning conversion as I managed to find it for the sum of £200.
Yes its still expensive but considerably cheaper than the previous best price I found of £325! and obviously it completely matches the rest of the tent design now, still not sure Ill ever use the groundsheet though as I dont like the idea of cooking/spills on it.
I don't blame you for buying the "extension", we did the same with the 2013 Wolf Lake 7. Although the extension is not cheap (we found it for £300) if does fit perfectly and makes all the difference. Its perfect for our 2 dogs, leaving the rest of the tent dog free ;-)
I know what you mean by breaking the bank, I paid £956 which once again was the cheapest I could find and at least I managed my summer holiday in it.
At first I was a bit gutted when I saw that Go had it for the price you mentioned but this was nearly 2 months after I bought mine so cant really grumble.
Yes the actual tent door is windowed, in the same smoke effect as the rest of the windows which really does cut out glare, you can still see out but it is more difficult for other people to see in as well.
A problem that I considered when toying with the DIY door other than the zip is that the awning conversion (ok new front door really) is shaped and also kind of flared out towards the bottom and has the storm/mud valance too, difficult to replicate DIY I would think.
Smiler, I/we looked at just about everything new or nearly new before making the decision to buy the WL5.
I even made a 180mile round trip to the nearest place that had one up to actually view. Even then I didnt make a decision on the day and came back to read more reviews etc. Finally I ordered the tent and it happened to be from where Id been to view it, this was despite the staff on site having very little knowledge/experience/interest in assisting me to purchase the tent...it just happened to be the cheapest place.
All I can say is WOW, the tent is a beauty and I know you won't be disappointed. I havent done a review yet, maybe I should!