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After a lot of thinking, we're pretty sure we want to get the Sun Valley 6. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be anywhere nearish to us (Oxford) where we can have a look at one in the flesh, so I have to rely on the videos/3D graphics on the outwell website. Just a couple of questions:

- Can you remove the panel that separates the main living area from the porch? So if the weather was good you can have the whole thing open making one large living area?

- We've got two little girls at the moment but there's the possibility that we could go for a third in the near future, in which case we might struggle to fit in the SV6 (especially with a travel cot) and are now wondering whether it's better to go for the SV8 instead. Looking at the measurements, it looks like the living area in the SV8 is smaller than the SV6, even if you remove the third bedroom, although the porch is much bigger. And also the tent overall has a much bigger footprint, so would that be a problem with pitch size in some campsites? And also, I've read quite a few comments about problems with leaks on the SV8 but not the SV6, so that could be an issue.

We're thinking of ordering from Outdoorworld because they're offering a free groundsheet. Anyone used them before and recommend them? I'm worried about having problems with leaks and not being able to return it easily.

Thanks for your help.

Hi

I am afraid I cannot help you with regards to the above tent but I have just brought and Outwell Montana 6 and accessories from them and found them very good.  Products arrived quickly and in good order.  Not that I have had chance to check the tent out mind you so have not had to deal with returns or anything like that.

Scat.

Hi babedia

We had a SV8 until recently.  The internal wall unzips halfway and folds back or all the way opening the tent up completely and giving a huge living space.  It's also handy that it closes as you can use the SIG living area in the evenings and heat it (we use a fan heater) to make it really cosy.

We are a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 11 year olds).  We opted for the SV8 as it gave us the option for each of the kids to have a room each or share.  We have no desire to expand the family any further but the third bedroom was also useful if one of them decided to bring a friend.  Normally we didn't use it but appreciated the living space removing it allows.

We loved the SV8 - the design is fantastic - but have had 2 problem tents.  The first one had a problem SIG which did not sit flat to the ground.  It was exchanged for 2007 model which unfortunately leaked.  We've now changed this for a Vermont XL which we will be trying out this weekend and hope that it's got no problems.  Don't let this put you off the SV8 - we were just unlucky - many people have them without any problems.  Our retailer, Highbridge Caravans in Bridgwater, have given us fantastic service, changing both tents without any problem in liaison with Outwell.

Good luck, it's a great choice.

Hi Babedia,

Welcome to UKCS.

We're a family of 2 adults and 3 kids (3, 7 and 9) and yes we have an SV8. We are fortunate in that it is a 2005 model so doesn't have the problems experienced in 2006. Our friends have a 2007 model (replacement for a dodgy 2006), and we would both only swap them for another SV8.

For the small price difference I would strongly recommend the SV8 over the SV6. The internal SIG area is the same between the SV6 and SV8 (if you go by the Outwell website dimensions - which look odd !). Main difference being the extra bedroom pod and larger porch area in the SV8.

The SV8 is a great tent, you shouldn't be penalised at campsites because it is a regular tunnel (albeit 7m long). If you get one I don't think you'll be disappointed. Just make sure the one you receive is a 2007 model (it'll have a temp gauge and guyline retainer velcro straps).

If you'd like any more info, please shout.

Cheers,

Pete.

After a lot of pacing around the SV 8 we finally decided on the 6 (two adults + two little kids). The 8 was just too bl**dy big ! Maybe when the kids are older....

Martin