hi pigletandtiger , a lady in my local shop is selling her frame tent , dunno how much , she says it was a great tent for her and her hubby i was lookin into it myself but thought a smaller tent just for me n young one might be better. if you want i can ask her what tent it is and how much she will let it go for . just seen one in cheshire leisure , a cabanon etna it looks nice if your into frame tents me , i want a vango venture 500 coz it looks a superb tent . hope this post helps , stewey
Glad you're all pleased with your frame tents as we've not long brought one!
It's the Sunncamp Europa 6, which is plenty big enough for the 2 of us. We also have a Wynnster dome tent for weekends awy but decided we'd like something a bit more sturdy for weeks away.
It does take up much more room in the boot than the dome tent though as is comes in two huge bags (bin liner size)
We haven't yet had the opportunity to use it but hoping to the bank holiday weekend.
We've heard conflicting stories re waterproofing though.... Some have said to just wet it with the hose and let it dry (which we've done in the garden) but some others have said you've got to actually waterproof it with some sort of covering? HELP!
Not so sure about buying tents on ebay - since my BIL brought a tunnel tent for £65 thought he had a bargain, until it rained! oh well you live and learn.
Also does anyone cook in there Frame Tent, it has the kitchen bit in it but not sure i like the idea of gas flames in my nice new tent!
Kim, the best way to waterproof your tent is as you have said, erect it in your garden and give it a good soaking with the hosepipe, when the tent dries out this causes the canvas to shrink a bit, thus giving the tent its waterproof shield, there is absolutly no need to use a waterproof sealant on a new tent as this process has already been carried out at the manufacturing stage, you only do this yourself after about 10yrs of use,
best regards, Martin
PS. I would not cook with a gas stove inside the tent, it's better and safer to do this outside.
------------- " Oh! but for the grace of God go I "
Being cowards we have in the past packed away a day early just to make sure we put our tent away dry. Having a Cabanon with the PVC roof is a massive reassurance in wet weather and having suffered high winds in a tunnel tent ( which we loved for the room it gave us ) I now never get nervous about weather conditions. Tunnels are great if you go at short notice and the weather is settled which is why we keep ours but a frame tent can be used for any trip. The only problem with frame tents, particularly canvas ones which most are is the weight and room they take. If this is not an issue then buy one tomorrow.
We cook in our frame tent but it does have an extented cooking area with a plastic splashback and a ventilated top section. I would never consider cooking in our dome. Just use common sense but if in doubt always err on the side of caution.
I've cooked in our frame tent, no problem. The only thing I would suggest is that you get a splatter-guard for the frying pan, to save getting fat splash marks on your new tent.
You won't need to use Fabsil waterproofer on your tent for about five years, so don't worry about that. And congratulations on purchasing a smashing tent
We cook in our frame tent. It has a proper ventilated kitchen extension. Always make sure the window is 'open' and use a rock solid camp kitchen. The one I have has adjustable legs. I also have the windshield around 3 side of my stove - apart from protecting from any draughts it saves the canvas from splashes. Always keep a bucket of water nearby just in case.
The Frame tent does have a kitchen area with the plastic bit and vetilated section too, I think i'll still cook outside unless it's pouring down with rain!
Those of you that do cook inside, does it smell? I just have the feeling that the canvas will smell of sausages forever
Can't wait to actual sleep in it! - Roll on Bank holiday! (whats the bets in rains)
Have any of you's been to any of the meet-ups that are organised?
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Frame tents
