Firstly, have you been to shops to see the various options? It's so difficult browsing through web sites thinking you've seen something you like but not really knowing what its truly like for space or how easy it is to pop up.
We've a Outwell Montana 12. Now this thing is big. Two double rooms one and and the same the other. We (myself, partner and our twin sones agd 5 now) rarely go away alone so there normally at least six of us. The couple who normally come along bought a vangoo 9 person (like you described, central area with outer pods) but it was a bugger to put up. They found it to be a bit of a chore so consider that. They sold it after 2 outings. Will all of you be pitching it or will the kids push off and leave you to it??
Another thing to consider with those is the fact that often the wall of the pods taper inwards quite severely so the person sleeping on the outside may feel a bit closed in. Our friends bought a hugh inflatable matress. It was tall enough to actually push the inner against the outer fly and collected moisture to the extent the bed clothes felt wet in the morning. I'm not saying this is common... but in this case it happened.
I certainly wouldnt buy without going to somewhere like Go Outdoors and actually getting inside them and asking for things like inflatable beds etc to be set inside to give you an idea.
Hope this helps....and good luck!
------------- I’m getting too old for this…but I like it
hi we had the same problem we liked the vermont xl and the royal bordeaux 6 xl zg after seeing the bordeaux our mind was made up its a large 6 man tent 3 bedrooms huge living area kitchen area and porch excellent quality and a good allrouder loads off windows which make it really bright inside
I think tunnel shape tents are much easier to put up than the domes with pods, and have same amount of usable space in living area and good height throughout. also a lot of sites charge extra for the larger dome types or can't accomadate them
Both of these would suit a family of 5.
------------- Debbie
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Post a new topic with tent displays in your own area in the title. Another great way of checking out tents is to go to a campsite and have a look around. they'll be packed this weekend, so take a little trip to your nearest site and have a nosey about. Go to reception and tell them you'd like to have a look around the site facilities,with a view to future booking, and if you like what you see, go back there for your first trial in your new tent. Most campers are friendly and glad to answer questions about their tents pros and cons.
The best advice i can give you is, only buy reputable makes, theres plenty out there, dont go looking for biggest n cheapest, or you will soon find out what cheapest means, find one you fancy then come back here and ask, i promise you wil get no holds barred answers, good luck.
The choice is endless, my son and i went to Norwich caravan and camping to have a look at some 2008 models, and i couldnt see much change from last year on any of them, but i still like the vango range, i have the 900 xp and it is great for families, i think i managed to talk someone into buying one yesterday while i was there, now off to ring Vango and see how much commission i get...LOL.
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Topic: First time buyer needs help!
