Before I bought my Carolina M, I searched around for any information regarding pitching a steel poled tunnel tent solo. There wasn't a lot of info so in the end I worked out a method which works for me on the Carolina. It would probably work with other medium to large tents of similar design so I put together some photos of the method I use in the hope that it may be of use to someone who is thinking of getting this type of tent but might be put off by the thought of not being able to pitch (or strike) it alone....
I first laid out the tent (on a footprint) and pegged the 4 corners very loosely.
Next, in go the top sections of roof poles into the sleeves
I then bring the tent "to its knees" leaving the bottom pole sections hanging loose
This makes it easier to line up the pin with the bottom of the pole, less strain on the fabric.
Once the pin is in, I can lift the tent by clicking the bottom pole sections in
Just keep fingers out the way! in can nip!
Now I can tighten up the pole straps but not the corner straps yet.
The tent will stand with only the 2 sets of poles and 4 corner pegs in, even in a wind
I then slide in the fibre glass outrigger poles and clip all the poles with the plastic snap clips
And finally all that is needed is a nip up of the corner pegs, peg the rest of the ground pegs and peg out the guy lines.
7 days too late for me i had a struggle getting to grips with putting the poles in the pins with poles fully in place will certainly try this method next time i'm out.
Cheers for the tips
Mo
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Check this link out, the guy erects a Vermont XL on his own in 10mins. This video changed the way we put our vermont L up and has certainly made it easier and far quicker
Quote: Originally posted by Rodders1470 on 18/4/2011
Hi,
Check this link out, the guy erects a Vermont XL on his own in 10mins. This video changed the way we put our vermont L up and has certainly made it easier and far quicker
That is certainly not pitched. I'd hate to have the slightest bit of wind with a tent pitched like that.
Also, I'd love for him to come down to Brean and try and pitch it like that. The tent would be off like a kite. It's lovely pitching a tent with no wind, but the reality is that, that doesn't happen.
Personally I would be a little hesitant in pulling the tent up with the last pole section hanging loose. There is a wire spring connector between the sections and that must put a lot of strain on it. Also, as your photograph shows, you are likely to get dirt, leaves, grass etc; in the joint.
I erect mine pretty much the same but I don't put the pegs in the corners first. I fit the metal poles completely and fit the pins while they are still lying on the ground, then I lift one pole and balance it using the guy ropes, then lift the other pole and pull it all taut, then peg the four corners.
I used to lift the poles first and then put the pins in but that was a heck of a struggle and I scraped the skin off my knuckles doing it. This man does it in 6 minutes... Outwell Carolina 3 erection
However, I am considering just putting the rear pegs in then pulling up the poles and stretching it out all in one go like a concertina. I am not sure if that will work.
Incidentally, beware of the plastic clips that clip the tent to the main poles...they bite too!
Thats a very good point you make about the spring connector Bob, I will need to pay particular attention to that next time. And oh yes the plastic clips dont just bite! they take the skin as well!!!
I had a Vango equinox tunnel which I used to pitch using the "concertina" method you mention. Time for experimentation I think
I pitch mine the same as Bob - steel poles in, ring & pin attachments done while still on the ground then raise it from one end using guys to stabilize. Back 2 corners pegged and then pull out from the front like a concertina to straighten & tighten.
------------- Anne - mad mum to one - foster mum to many - adoptatent to you guys!
Thats a very good point you make about the spring connector Bob, I will need to pay particular attention to that next time. And oh yes the plastic clips dont just bite! they take the skin as well!!!
I had a Vango equinox tunnel which I used to pitch using the "concertina" method you mention. Time for experimentation I think
It is good to see how other people erect their tents and your explanation and photos are great. I struggled with it a little at first...mainly getting the pins in after it was standing so your idea solves that.
I have also always had trouble centralising the fly on the poles. It always seems to want to sit further over to one side or the other which means the groundsheet is slightly lifted on one side. Not a big problem once everything is inside the tent weighing it down but a little annoying.
I am glad to see Outwell have improved the end clips for the fibre poles on the Carolina M. The clips on the Carolina 3 are dangling on a strap. These can be adjusted tight but I would imagine having fixed clips attached to the main poles makes the tent much more rigid in windy conditions.
Thanks for this thread, it will prove very useful for me when I finally get round to pitching my Carolina as its the tent I'm taking in June. I'm hopeful I will be able to solo pitch it.
Thanks for this thread, it will prove very useful for me when I finally get round to pitching my Carolina as its the tent I'm taking in June. I'm hopeful I will be able to solo pitch it.
Well, I'm a 5' 2" female (and not a spring chicken either ) and I pitch it solo without any trouble. You'll be fine - it would be better if you could have a couple of practise runs beforehand to find out which is the easiest way for you - as you can see from this thread, there are several ways to pitch it.
------------- Anne - mad mum to one - foster mum to many - adoptatent to you guys!
From the looks of it, it will most likely be easier to pitch solo than the 3 berth tunnel tent I'm now getting rid of, since there isnt any major bending of poles. If I could manage that one, I can manage this (fingers crossed) ;) Just channel a few Xena vibes as I did before..
I may have a go this weekend if it fits in my garden and the weather stays this good. I'm only 5'3 so it will be ...interesting! :)
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Topic: Pitching solo pictorial guide
i had a struggle getting to grips with putting the poles in the pins with poles fully in place will certainly try this method next time i'm out.
) and I pitch it solo without any trouble. You'll be fine - it would be better if you could have a couple of practise runs beforehand to find out which is the easiest way for you - as you can see from this thread, there are several ways to pitch it.
