We're thinking of upgrading to one of those swanky new inflatable tents, having spent a few years lugging our Outwell Vermont XLPs around the country.
We like the look of the Outwell Montana 6AC, it's big enough for us and we can spread ourselves out in the bedrooms (2 adults & 2 small children but we always keep the bedroom dividers open as one child doesn't like to sleep alone.)
We were wondering whether it's worth splashing out on one towards the end of this season or whether we should go to the NEC camping show next February and have a look round. We've never been before, so do the dealers really give decent discounts at the show or is it a case of 'here's £5 off, isn't that a bargain?'
Has anyone on here every managed to get a really stonking deal at the show? And is it worth the entry price to go and mooch round all the tents?
We got a great deal this year on my Outwell Concorde 5SATC, we went on the last day. We were on our way out at the end of the day, I decided to have one last look at the tents, fatal!. The rest is history, got a free carpet too!.
And yes I think it's worth a day trip for, we like seeing everything though. If you just want tents and tents only then maybe not.
Sorry. Not read this properly.
Just saw "inflatable", "show", "splashing out...", "decent discount", "keep dividers open... etc" and "swanky new".
Unfortunately, these aren't "swanky new", as the tried and trusted design has pretty much held its own since 1981 (Boring! I know!!) but they do have shows, and they do offer a 10% discount for orders during September.
As much (or as little) space as you want, when you want, and quality you can only dream about (OK, also prices that give some folk nightmares!)
There were some good deals this year, we bought a Kampa Croyde 6 Air (polyester version) with footprint and carpet as a package for £750 after some negotiations so don't be afraid to ask for discount at the show
Quote: Originally posted by jujitsuelf on 11/7/2016
Sorry Mucker1884, not after a Karsten tent. We've had vango and outwell for years and we're happy to stick with those brands.
Damn! I was hoping for a bit of commission!
I was gonna come round on punch you on the nose for letting me down... then saw your username, put two and two together... and quickly changed my mind!
Quote: Originally posted by jujitsuelf on 11/7/2016
Sorry Mucker1884, not after a Karsten tent. We've had vango and outwell for years and we're happy to stick with those brands.
Must admit I agree with you. Not a fan of the Karsten tents.
Nice quality but not keen on the aesthetics or price tag on them
We went to the NEC to just have a look around and have a closer look at the Vango Solace but not buy. Came out with a completely different tent, still haven't seen it anywhere online at the price I paid though.
Places like the NEC are great to go to and get ideas, decide what you want and what suits you then go to your local retailer to buy even if its a little more it will be worth it if you get a problem I speak from experience although I am sure lots of members here will say otherwise
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
Quote: Originally posted by richardandjo2010 on 12/7/2016
Places like the NEC are great to go to and get ideas, decide what you want and what suits you then go to your local retailer to buy even if its a little more it will be worth it if you get a problem I speak from experience although I am sure lots of members here will say otherwise
I'm lucky in that respect, my tent bought from the NEC is also my local supplier.
Then that's lucky for you Kirsty as you have the best of both worlds.
Just today I see a friend of mine who had insured his car with an online insurance company a he did save a few hundred pounds, unfortunately he had a crash the car is a BMW valued at £23000, his insuers sent the car to their repair centre, on return the car was not fixed right poor paint work body panels not fitted well etc and was rejected. The car was repaired again and still not up to standard. My friend took the car to BMW dealer upon inspection it was found to be severely bodged and was estimated at £13000 to fix it properly. So after solicitors letters back and forth the insurers decided to write the car off, then offered him £14000 settlement with a fight and struggle he managed to get £20000 it has now taken 6 months to resolve it. This is what you get when you try to save a few quid
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
We bit the bullet and ordered a Montana 6AC from Towsure today (£749 for the tent, which seemed rather good!). Hopefully they won't let us down in terms of delivering what we've asked for :)
Quote: Originally posted by Mucker1884 on 11/7/2016
Unfortunately, these aren't "swanky new", as the tried and trusted design has pretty much held its own since 1981
They were actually invented by British company PTC (The Pneumatic Tent Company) in the early 1960's and called the Igloo tent.
The Karsten tent was almost an exact copy other than the doorway, the Igloo had a circular door.
Quote: Originally posted by Mucker1884 on 11/7/2016
Unfortunately, these aren't "swanky new", as the tried and trusted design has pretty much held its own since 1981
They were actually invented by British company PTC (The Pneumatic Tent Company) in the early 1960's and called the Igloo tent.
The Karsten tent was almost an exact copy other than the doorway, the Igloo had a circular door.
Thanks Bernie.
To be fair, I'd read about that on here, and seen a couple of pics (of the igloo) but I couldn't remember the details, so decided to use this as my info source, and stick to the Karsten brand itself...
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: NEC Camping & Caravan show - good deals?
