We are in the process of looking for a new tent. We currently have a frame tent but would like a much lighter weight tent. We need 4 bedrooms and a good sized living area with plenty of windows. We are thinking of the Sunncamp Vario 900. Comments and recommendations please
cheers
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We have the vario 900. Unfortunately we had a leak problem but only when the annex wasn't on. Ours is a 2006 model and feedback from here has indicated that the problem has been resolved for the 2007 model. Ok, that's the nasty bit done (oh, should mention that we've since had a replacement fly from our decent supplier but haven't used it yet as we've been using our more robust halo for out of season jaunts).
The living area is HUGE, the windows let in loads of light (with skylights too), and the two annex bedrooms are big enough to take 2 single airbeds and a couple of holdalls. The two bedrooms in the main tent are smaller but will take two single airbeds in each, without room for storage. With the size of the living space it's not so bad to store bags in there though.
It's easy enough to pitch, once you get the hang of it, and we can manage with one adult and one small person. There are lots and lots of guyropes to peg out, which takes as much time as putting it up!!! It's also very warm with the SIG, which is great when its cold but not so great in the heat. However, adequate ventilation helps the circulation of air through mesh panels on windows.
There are a few things that niggle me about it though. When its raining and you open the door the wet just falls in due to the flat front design. The living space is perhaps too big, given that we spend most of our time sat outside the tent, even in the rain. My hubby loves the vario, but I prefer our wild country halo 73 (which also comes in a four bed model 104) because it has a porch and because I've also bought a halo 43 that can be zipped on to the 73 to make extra space (and a large footprint but not as large as some of the xxl tents). I also love the halo more because it has steel poles, is guaranteed not to leak in living area, and its better for the nasty weather we've had. However, as you're looking for a light weight option this wouldn't be for you.
On the whole, the vario is a good, spacious tent and seems to meet with your requirements, I think.
We have a Khyam Kansas 8 (also known as the Ontario 8, I believe) which is great. It has three seperate sleeping areas but the bigger one can be divided into two with a curtain that comes with it, thus making four rooms in all. It is a tunnel tent so no problems fitting onto pitches as it's only about 3.5m wide, it is fully sewn in throughout so very comfortable and the living area is enormous. Because it's a tunnel it's very easy to pitch (minimum of two people needed) and you can buy plenty of extras to go with it, such as a footprint/groundsheet, matching windbreaks, sun canopy and even a carpet! Being a Khyam, it's a reliable brand and it has a HH of 5000. All this for £199, what a bargain! Here's a link to it http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1428744-10475506?url=http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Khyam_Family_Tents_30.html#a3167 Happy hunting!
Hi campfull.
If you are going to use a trailer to take your gear. There are acouple of 4 bedroom cabanon espace frame tents on Ebay at the moment These realy are the camping bungalows,and are still an accepted size for pitches
Regards
Rex.
------------- "Be the person your dog thinks you are" (BM)
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OOooooooooooo, that Kyham sounds a bargain! Wanna swap one for my vario?
Joking apart, the kansas wouldn't give as much living space as the vario tho. As for pitching, we've not had any problems with its size. But I still think its a good option as an alternative to the vario.
Quote: Originally posted by good_in_tent on 17/7/2007
OOooooooooooo, that Kyham sounds a bargain! Wanna swap one for my vario?
Joking apart, the kansas wouldn't give as much living space as the vario tho. As for pitching, we've not had any problems with its size. But I still think its a good option as an alternative to the vario.
After I have just splashed out thirty five quid for wall to wall carpet for it? I don't think so The vario does look lovely in size, the trouble I had was being a member of the c&cc club I had to bear in mind their pitch resrictions when buying this tent, we already made one mistake buying a dome with pods that was too big LOL!
We have just opted for the Vario 900 and it was delivered yesterday. Currently sat in my living room desperate to put it up and have a look but our garden is too small! We went for this one because of the lightness and size of living area. Our last tent was much smaller, but with a growing family and having had so much bad luck with rain, I really fancied being able to see out of the tent even if I couldnt go out of it.
My only reservation about it at present is the size and weight of it. Its enormous when packed down, but then maybe this is just because this is our first venture into the larger tent bracket and they are all similar.
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Topic: 4 bedroom tent recommendations
