I will definately give Webb's a try. My Mrs loves that place. I Hate the drive to Redditch so Will have to think about that one though. Many thanks for the info.
Check the website for when Cotswold have a display up (not there yet) otherwise it will just cost you money in Webbs!! Winfields have a much bigger selection as well as all the other bits and bobs so if she finally agrees you could get set up before she changes her mind!
I would give the Monty a chance - last time I pitched it was together with my 11 year old daughter, and I myself have to use crutches! But of course it took a lot of time, so I think the question for you is if you want a tent for weekends or for longer stays. I wouldn't recommend the Monty for weekends.
With time and practice you shout less and less while pitching - I myself have now moved from shouting at my daughter to the occasional growl, and she has learned to growl back.
------------- Proud owner of a 1987 Sprite Alpine 370 EK, a cheap popup tent and a beloved retro Trio frame tent from the early seventies, called Giraffen.
I have been thinking long and hard about what we would be using the tent for. I like the idea of full weeks away on the coast leading up to going to France for a week or two. The most likely set up though will be long weekends on the spur of the moment. I work four on four off and the Mrs works two and a half days per week as a teacher so three night breaks at the drop of a hat when the weather is good should be quite easy and cheap especially low and mid season.
The Nevada has just pulled ahead slightly of the Monty now!
A bell tent might work - easily put up by one person, while the other sips the first of many glasses, loads of space, can make it really lush inside, good in wind and rain, and with a good air bed, just like sleeping at home. They are lovely to personalise too, comfy stuff goes well in them. However I'm biased but it did get me back into camping last year after several years of caravans. Downside is the cost, but if you spent and it was a real disaster, second hand value is quite good!
we first went camping when our 2 were 2 and 3 year old, I have to say that the worst bit was putting up the tent as one of us had to constantly keep an eye on the kids. So now we have 2 different stratagies
1. hubby puts up the tent on his own - it's a Minnesota 4 (which we have found big enough for 4 and now 5 of us, but we don't spend hours and hours at the campsite).
2. kids watch a dvd in car (we borrowed a DVD player) and hubby still put tent up on his own as I didn't do it right!!!
I would go and have a look at some tents before picking one on ebay you might get a better feel for the tents.
Ribble
Went to see the Cotswold display at Webb's today (many thanks for the suggestion Clunty). What an eye opener that was. Sadly they did not have a Nevada M on display but they did have and Oakland XL, Monty 6 and Michigan 6. The Michigan was the only one kitted out with carpet table and chairs though sadly. They had a Vango Icarus 5 on display that I assume is similar to a Nevada though. I am so far liking the Oakland XL but will definitely try a few other tents before buying.
Tried a Moon Chair XL in Webb's. They are going on my must buy list!!
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: When and where do I buy?
