Actually re looking at the C&CC website it does say standard pitch...basically grass with no electric hook up.
However you then have two types:
G = Grass only
J = Grass only for larger tents more than 9m x 5m
So technically the label is right it will fit on a standard pitch (grass only) but it should say standard pitch: type J (pitches for large tents 9m x 5m over)
I contacted C&CC today and am waiting for a call back ! Do you see my position with this one ? I'm being cornered into keeping a tent that has been thoroughly miss represented unless I am willing to cancel my trip that the children have been looking forward to, that simply can not happen not is it fair ! I'm hoping given it has the C&CC logo on it and as you state it is not correct C&CC my carry some weight !? Also due to the fact I have alerted vango to this problem I'd of thought they would of helped me more to be honest instead of trying to back me into a corner !
It is my feeling that what has happened is they produced the card/drawings for the 600 then the graphics people simply added another pod and changed the dimensions without actually seeking proper facts - it's clearly an oversight with the doors etc. However the canopy that never got produced is a bit out of order !
Also - the 2 boys are aged 11 and 7, do you think that that is too young for them to have there own 2 man tent ? I could get a smaller one for me the mrs and our 3 y/o and the boys a 2 man, just think they are a little young !
Quote: Originally posted by mcguire6078 on 15/8/2013
Actually re looking at the C&CC website it does say standard pitch...basically grass with no electric hook up.
However you then have two types:
G = Grass only
J = Grass only for larger tents more than 9m x 5m
So technically the label is right it will fit on a standard pitch (grass only) but it should say standard pitch: type J (pitches for large tents 9m x 5m over)
It's all very technical !
Speaking to C&CC today they said a standard pitch is the 8x ? I forget the figure and this tent recruits a jumbo !
I called the site I'm staying at and I have had to pay extra for a touring can pitch ! Lol
Can you say why you're considering putting the kids in a separate tent? Most family tents will accommodate a family of two adults and three children no problem. Five people can go in a five berth tent, but for comfort you could go for a six or eight berth tent and still stay within your footprint size required by the C&CC.
To be honest the C&CC standard pitch is only applicable to them and the Club Sites.... no where else. Each campsite owner/operator has there own policy. I'm guessing you would only have seen the label on the box after you purchased it..?
I see you have booked into Park Wood campsite which is not a C&CC club site anyway. When you looked at the tent on line did you not realise it was so big...? Because of it's size unfortunately you may have to pay for larger pitches.
No doubt a lot of your disappointment has come after receiving the tent. As far as the canopy goes we could look at another scenario...lets say they did manufacture and release a very small number but they all sold out at the begning of the season...what would be your thoughts and reaction then..?
Hope all turns out okay, at least you've made the campsite aware and they now have you on a pitch to accommodate you. Did Vango come back to you regarding the alteration..?
Quote: Originally posted by Blackpoolrock on 16/8/2013
Yes - they will do it end of October IF ISENT THE TENT TOMORROW
If you speak to Vango and explain your situation, I'm pretty sure they will arrange collection of the tent on your return. As mentioned by me and others I've found Vango very helpfull and I'm sure if you explain your situation they will try to help. Given that the alteration won't be completed until October then I'm sure this will be fine. Maybe you could ask SK Camping to talk to Vango on your behalf to organise this...? I'm sure they will have a contact at Vango who could organise this..?
I have I've spoken to both Andrew and his boss - no joy - I get the feeling they are worrying due to the apparent amount of tents out there that have sold !
Quote: Originally posted by Blackpoolrock on 16/8/2013
I have I've spoken to both Andrew and his boss - no joy - I get the feeling they are worrying due to the apparent amount of tents out there that have sold !
Ask SK Camping see if they can have a word, they may have a contact within Vango who can make this happen.....
I would imagine most people are not bothered about the rear door as technically it's behind the bedroom pod....?
I wouldn't put kids in a separate tent just so I could store my bikes in the tent, if that's what you're asking re space. I just chain my bikes up with half a dozen locks round the nearest tree...and that has included my OH's £2000 touring bike on occasion btw. Make enough of a spaghetti type mess with bike locks and bungie a tarp over them, that will deter most folk. TBH valuable bikes are less safe in a tent if you're out, it gives any potential thief time to work on the locks undetected.
On the other hand I'd have no problem with a sensible 11 and 7 year old sharing a pup tent on a suitable site, if they wanted to. However I wouldn't buy a main tent that was too small to take them as well, some sites don't allow pup tents, some charge (silly price) extra, some pitches aren't suitable for pup tents imho. (Pup tent too near the road for example, ours got clipped by a car once when the kids were still inside, eek!) Pup tents are nice extras but they shouldn't be relied on, you know?
If you're looking at other tents, the rule of thumb is for a weekender berth no = no of people + 2 so for five of you you're looking at a 6/8 berth. For a long stay it's no of people x2 so a 10 berth. Or for the sake of compromise a 9 berth, which is what the Diablo 900 is of course so you got it right there. But for ease of pitching size a rectangular tent of less than 5m x 8m is the most versatile and has the most usable living space. With a spread dome + outrigger pods like the Diablo you've got a huge amount of wasted space between the pods, but you've still got to pay for it re pitch size. And, btw, if you stick on a long porch extension to a Diablo 9 man you may find you exceed the dimensions for even some jumbo pitches. Just saying!!
Anyhow, none of this solves your problem. TBH if I were you I'd go away on your break as planned and then keep pressing for the alteration if that's what you've set your heart on but otherwise, look for a small day tent or tarp setup for the bikes. The Diablo is a very, very sound tent, it was Vango's best seller for years and deservedly so, it's just that campsite owners wised up around this time that it and similar tents were taking up twice the usual amount of pitch or two fixed EHU pitches and started charging accordingly. Can't blame them for this, really, but that's why the trend swung back to rectangular tents.
However that doesn't negate the fact that the Diablo is still a great classic tent and you'll be satisfied with its performance, I'm sure. You may find that after you've spent some time in it you won't want to change it, or you might find that, like many of us, you'll invest in a second smaller tent for short stops and weekends so you can have the best of both worlds.
Quote: Originally posted by Blackpoolrock on 16/8/2013
Quote: Originally posted by RachlN76 on 16/8/2013Well, that's OK isn't it?
They'll do the alteration that you want, and you still get the family holiday that you want.
That all sounds like a great solution to me.
I'm going away tomorrow so it means cancelling 2 booked holidays ! And I won't get it back until November !
They are forcing me to accept the tent if I want to go on the break I actually bought the tent for ! So no they are not sorting anything
Sorry, I thought because you said (kind of!) "If the tent isn't sent tomorrow" then that meant that they were going to take it after your break.
Well. It's now tomorrow, so I guess you've made your mind up one way or another.
I hope you enjoy your break if you go, and worst case scenario, if it's not what you want, you'll probably be able to sell it on ebay when you get back.
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Topic: Issue with VANGO as company
