Quote: Originally posted by linny2008 on 07/9/2009
have sent you some pics tetley
THANKS linny ave sent u a message to ur email addy.Have you tried toms field in swanage dorset small site but very good, u can find it on site locator spent 3nights there in july very friendly site.
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No experience of Outwell as yet, although I'm just about to post a request for info as I'm thinking of buying one. We did own a Vango Oregon 800 (bought new) for a few years and were generally pleased with it. However, we eventually got rid of it after about 2 or 3 years of fairly constant use when 3 of the 4 zips gave in. What really disappointed me, though, was the customer service. We had bought the tent online and by an accidental click had deleted the receipt email. When the poles began to split we tried to take Vango up on their lifetime guarantee. Their response, when we phoned them direct, was that we needed to contact the supplier. When we said we'd lost the receipt and couldn't trace the supplier they said they didn't hold spares(?!?), so we ended up going to our local Yeomans and paying to get them fixed.
Having said that, the friend we are thinking of buying the Outwell from says the poles on it are splitting after a handful of trips, as is also the case with our Wynnster Mercury 9. Our old VauDe Base Camp 4 berth dome, however, with its aluminium poles is a little gem. That's the Germans for you!
HI kev split/broken poles seems to becoming a common thing at moment lots of threads on here about it, have had to replace 5 poles in our lichfield arapaho, was looking at a outwell iowaL which we really like but may now go for the minny4 or minny6 as they both have steel poles.
It certainly sounds as though you're right. Possibly a case of manufacturers cutting back on materials or component design in order to cut costs? If so it's very annoying. Our day tent has steel poles which certainly seem more proof from splitting, however it's quite a weight for its size and the square socket joints appear to be splaying out over time, leading to a less positive fit. We've had it about 4 years now, though.
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Yes i agree it seems to be a materials issue across the board rather than 1 tent manufacturers problem tends to put you off abit dose'nt it. We're looking for a sig tent to stop the bugs n draughts and basicly upgrade from our lichfield, and 4yrs seems to be the average age of a tent before things start to rapidly fall off and show their age lol.When your looking for steel pole tents it narrows the market down somewhat unless you want to spend serious money so may have to wait awhile and see if things improve for next season.
Cannot comment on Outwells as no personal experience of them, though we looked at a few before buying a Vango. Just so happened that there was aVango which ticked all our boxes in a 1/2 price sale.
I know others have had probs but we are delighted with ours so far. See my profile for review if you want. We have both bought Vango for years (rucksacks etc etc) & no complaints. Sadly I think most companies are inclined to switch around where they have their stuff made & often this means quality is not consisitent - or even `existent' at times !
HI we,ve looked at the michigan L nice tent but found the bedrooms were smaller than our arapaho and could not stand upright in them. I agree outwell have the edge in quality thats why you pay more but to be fair vango aren't far behind but at the momement we,ve found 2 outwells and a vango which all tick the boxes and all have their pros n cons,,,ahh decisions, decisions lol. PS it seem from other threads on here that vangos customer care people are red hot at the moment another thing to bare in mind.
However, i do have the minny 6, look at the reviews mines on there about it.
When we started looking for a tent we did loads and loads of research, went to lots of shops and displays, and in the end the minny 6 was the best for our needs. Let me put it this way, after buying the tent, the carpet and a heater it really changed my view of camping. Ignore the reports of the side door pole being to long, ours fitted but just and after i lopped of 1/2" it was fine. We have had no issues with the tent or poles and are now firm outwell fans.
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HI thanks ohhmyback, we've looked at minny4 and minny6, like them both as theres only he 2 of us(maybe 3yr grandson next year) and they tick all the boxes but like the 6 as its got that bit more space and we can get 1 for the same price as the 4 lol.my only other ques is have you had any issuses regarding pitchsize with this tent as a lot of sites are turning big tents away?
HI there just to let you know we've now purchased a minny6 from our local yeomans store £249 seems to be a fantastic tent had practice pitch in back garden,took 4 attemps to get back in bag ,ah well practice makes perfect lol, once again thanks to all who have given their advice on this thread, can't wait to try tent out for real.
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: outwell or vango??
