Message Forums

Hello campers!

I'm a bit rusty at this camping lark (and new to this site), but I've been looking for a tent with space (for 5 urchins, a dog and an old lady who likes her comforts and is a 'reluctant camper' - not listed in order of priority!?) and quick/easy to sort (for short / weekend stays at first). 

The Khyam Rigipods have caught my eye (but not my wallet yet), and I'm wandering whether the extra space with the Excelsior would make it a better choice.

Any advice re. the pros and cons for Classic vs Excelsior?

In particular, would we be likely to encounter difficulties due to the pitch size (i.e. are they too big for some / many sites?) and, if this is a realistic problem, is it much worse with the larger Excelsior?

Thanks for any advice, and I must say this looks like a bonzer site for info!

K

Hi

We have a classic (and two bedroom pods) and with three boys (ages 7,5 & 3) and two of us its really big enough. My husband is really tall and loves the extra headspace. We have had a few problems fitting onto our pitch, and a few problems booking, lots of replies like "sorry we dont have any big sites left".  I am glad we didnt go for the bigger excelsior because at the end of the day we don't spend a huge amount of time inside of it, even if its raining we tend to be out and about. Davie is right, we got ours on the internet much cheaper than quoted at the camp shop. Good luck.

If you look, although the Excelsior is taller and has bigger bedrooms it actually has a smaller foot print size than the classic. I have not had any problems fitting onto pitches just book first, you can allways move the pods around to get the best fit on the pitch which other tents do not allow.

 I would go for the excelsior for these reasons however there is actually minimal difference when you look at it. You can allways use a porch inner as well if you wish to increase your capacity without adding an extra bedroom. Have a look at my profile for some pics of my excelsior.

NEWBS 

maybe able to help you if you want the Excelsior. we have one that we have used only once, complete with two bedroom pods, and all the groundsheet. (2 nights use)  too big for us and too much hassle pitching and striking camp. sensible offer would be nice) Ian at ozzyhome.karoo.co.uk

Hi,

We are on our third khyam now, started with an Ultimate Deluxe, great loads of room etc but too big for a weekend so bought a xxl for that use. Both of these were the classic height. We've now got the Rigipod Excelsior which is flexible enough to do both jobs and the extra height is fantastic. We also find the tent cooler as there is a lot more headroom in the living area and being able to stand up properly in the bedroom pods is good.

And no problem if the tent is wet, you can lay these out on a bit of grass and turn in the sun to dry, no need to put them up, although it's quicker if you can just do the main centre section, thats all that fits in our garden.

Simon

Apologies for not responding until now.  Technology got the better of me again (I kept on looking at the Message Board - View New Messages since your last visit, which doesn't show any responses - blue face).

Anyway, many thanks for the responses/advice.  Looks like the Excelsior's a good'n then, and smaller (whilst bigger?!?!).  Sounds like the job, although I can't help but feel apprehensive about the size and find it hard to believe that it can be up in about half an hour!?

So, decision time!  Any pointers for internet bargains (e.g. Ebay, personal sales, dealer offers or any/all depending on the day).

Thanks for the offer Dancer, I'll send you an email.

Cheers all

K

Hi,

There's a camping show on in Wokingham Berks until this weekend, these are the people we bought ours from. That was the cheapest price we could find:

Excelsior, 1 pod, Porch inner, Groundsheets £495, but of course you could be miles away from that.

Simon

http://www.caravans-camping.co.uk/

Thanks again.  Useful price guides, and the outfit you've pointed out aren't too far away and seem to cut the others a tad - thanks Davie. 

Onwards and upwards!  .. (I think I'm turning into a camping geek!?!?).

K