Right, where do I begin? Well, we've just sold our caravan after much deliberation and thought we'd stick with the tent as I don't want to give up camping altogether. The thing is that it's a bit of a nightmare to erect (Royal Andorra 6) so we've decided to look into frame tents. The thing is, are they as sturdy as we've been led to believe and how easy are they to erect? We've had a trailer tent in the past but now because we're already set up with a trailer and the equipment, it's just the tent we need.
There have been lots of previous threads on this one; have you tried the 'search' facility (icon at the top of this page)? Just enter keywords and you will find lots of info and advice.
But, quickly (sorry, am in a rush right now), yes, frame tents are sturdy; ours hasn't moved in the most dreadful storms and nor has it let in a drop of water. They are bulkier and heavier than synthetic tents but, if space is not a problem, they are a doddle to pitch; the frame simply interlinks (it is made more simple if you mark the connecting sections with coloured tape when you first pitch). They are breathable, warmer in cooler weather and cooler when it is hot, and don't suffer from condensation. They provide really good living space and have a certain ambiance which, perhaps, synthetics lack (subjective viewpoint). They will last for years, if properly cared for, but that means re-pitching to thoroughly dry out if you are unfortunate enough to pack up wet.
Have you looked at any? Cabanon are an excellent maker of frame tents; you can view all models on their website, here.
I have three frame tents at the moment andwith having five in the family our 6 berth tents with the large living space are just what we need when we go on holiday. The only thing that puts people off frame tents are the weight and space they take up plus the problem of ensuring that you get them dry before you put them away.
I would not change as i have tried synthetic ones and cannot adjust to them.
We have both types of tent and I am now a big frame tent convert and we also got ours off ebay. I spent a few weeks watching tents on ebay to get a feel for manufacturers, berths and size, price etc and then bought a Lichfield which you can see at the weblink in my profile.
Liddenham has just about covered all the advantages. The main one for me is how easy it is to put up and take down along with the fact that it will be cooler than a nylon tent when we take it abroad. Frame tents are also designed for cooking inside and most will have a recess for a cooker stand with a vented window over it.
The only disadvantage for me is the lack of a SIG as I do like the SIG on the Yale I have but I'm sure I can find a well fitting groundsheet and make it snug. Good luck with your search.
We have both types of tent and I am now a big frame tent convert and we also got ours off ebay. I spent a few weeks watching tents on ebay to get a feel for manufacturers, berths and size, price etc and then bought a Lichfield which you can see at the weblink in my profile.
Liddenham has just about covered all the advantages. The main one for me is how easy it is to put up and take down along with the fact that it will be cooler than a nylon tent when we take it abroad. Frame tents are also designed for cooking inside and most will have a recess for a cooker stand with a vented window over it.
The only disadvantage for me is the lack of a SIG as I do like the SIG on the Yale I have but I'm sure I can find a well fitting groundsheet and make it snug. Good luck with your search.
Carol
Have you looked at the pyramid tents: Cabanon Noumea, Guadeloupe or Barbados, or the Bora Bora, or the Biscaya tent? All have SIGs.
I am used to using a framed 9x9 canvas n never had a problem yet.
Easy to erect - even in the darker end of the day n can be done on your own fairly quickly.
The sound of the rain also sounds better on canvas lol
I'm a 5'2" woman and have pitched our Kos 6 on my own, where as I wouldn't stand an earthly of pitching a similar sizes tunnel or dome single handed.
Plenty of space inside. Ours has stood up to torrential rain and very strong winds. One night was very windy - the next day I just needed to knock a couple of pegs back in, where as one or two other tents on sites looked a mess. They have better thermal qualities.
Quote: Originally posted by Liddenham on 21/9/2006
Quote: Originally posted by magicaly on 21/9/2006
We have both types of tent and I am now a big frame tent convert and we also got ours off ebay. I spent a few weeks watching tents on ebay to get a feel for manufacturers, berths and size, price etc and then bought a Lichfield which you can see at the weblink in my profile.
Liddenham has just about covered all the advantages. The main one for me is how easy it is to put up and take down along with the fact that it will be cooler than a nylon tent when we take it abroad. Frame tents are also designed for cooking inside and most will have a recess for a cooker stand with a vented window over it.
The only disadvantage for me is the lack of a SIG as I do like the SIG on the Yale I have but I'm sure I can find a well fitting groundsheet and make it snug. Good luck with your search.
Carol
Have you looked at the pyramid tents: Cabanon Noumea, Guadeloupe or Barbados, or the Bora Bora, or the Biscaya tent? All have SIGs.
I would love one Liddenham, and I have seen your excellent offer of the Guadeloupe but it is out of the question this year finances wise but, that is the road we hope to go down in a year or so. I love all those pyramid tents that you see the Dutch using on French campsites.
We have a Sunncamp Grange - one of the biggest frame tents you can get before having to get a trailer tent. It is great for all the reasons already mentioned here....
.....but, it is big, heavy & takes some time to put up & take down correctly. We only use it once a year when we go abroad for 3 weeks. It is just not worth the effort for a weekend.
So we have bought a dome as well - it is light, quick to put up and packs away to a nice small size. It is used for weekends only. Wouldn't dream of using it for longer or replacing the Grange.
Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. Definately made our minds up that we're gonna get one. I'll keep the Andorra anyway for "just in case" but will be on the look out now.
I have a Sunncamp Palace frame tent,which I rate very highly. My husband and I find it very straight forward to put up, and luckily have not had to pack it away when wet. It's spacious inside and there's plenty of room (to cook and eat) when it rains. We've used it abroad for 2 seasons, yet it still looks brand new.
We also have a smaller nylon dome tent for weekend use, which is fine for a couple of nights,but not half as homely as our Sunncamp Palace.
Bear in mind it looks like these have been used as "Euro" tents, which means they could have been out in the elements 24x7 all season for 3 years.That's a hell of a lot more wear and tear than a privately owned, out 3 weeks a year, tent is going to get. Also, because the "tenants" don't own them, you may find they've not been treated with that much respect. That said, Cabanon are built to take it, and from the pictures, they look in reasonable condition. But ask yourself (or even better, the seller) why are they all being replaced?
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Topic: Advantages of frame tents?
