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Just be careful, is my advice. We sent for a Ridgipod from Aspinalls and, when it arrived, we found there were a few minor problems; glue had perished on the lower upright porch poles and so the plastic end caps were loose and came off inside the upper poles (a devil to get out!). Luckily, we found this out prior to unpacking the tent or attempting to pitch. Also noticed that there was no Khyam repair kit or spare joint, so contacted Aspinalls within 24 hours of receipt to ask them (politely) to send out replacement porch poles and the repair kit etc.

No response.

After approx 20 emails (no kidding) and many phone calls, his response to us was that he would send out repair kit/spare joint if we ever needed it, not now (pointed out this might not be so handy if we had problems whilst camping, and surely repair kits should be kept with the tent?) and speak to the Khyam rep about the pole ends. He didn't. We heard no more, so contacted Khyam direct who said they had not had any word from Aspinalls about this.

More emails, and response was that we should 'send the tent back'. So, after 3 weeks of attempting to resolve these fairly minor issues on an amicable note, we have had no option but to return the tent entire for refund. I only trust that Mr Aspinall will be fair enough to refund the order in full, including carriage charges both ways.

I read threads on here regarding Aspinalls, prior to purchase, and decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. It would appear that they are good to deal with if no problems are encountered, but seemingly choose to ignore those that do, which is a shame, and rather stressful for the purchaser!

There is another thread running on this:

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=3&TopicID=57920&PagePosition=4