After my last post I have listened to the advice offered, but I am still undecided. I think the tip about not going for fibre glass poles is a good one. Also the noise issues with synthetic. I like the traditional look of the Marechel, but thinking back to our old tent it was very similar in design and that one was a bit weighty to put up. But it is cotton and has steel poles. We want a airy tent and the Marechel fits that bill. I also looked at the vango Amazon because of its size. But all the tunnel tents look a bit like something that you would grow tomatoes in. Also the colours look a bit military. I think the Vango Nile has a bit more character, and the pod thing will be useful for storage. But I am not sure what material Vango tents are made from. When I say (we looked at).All our research has been online .That is why I'm not sure what tents are made from what. Also just to complicate things do any other manufacturers make traditional style tents like Marechal.
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I looked at Vango "Polycottons" a couple of years back, great canvas, almost a lightweight version of the Outwell "Polycottons", in the end I decided to go for Old Skool "Cotton Canvas", as my camping was mostly to be Southern France in July, glad I made the correct choice, although "Cotton" packs big, and I have now had to invest in a trailer!, as the VW Golf only has a tiny boot, the Marechal are superb tents, and have changed little since mine back in the 70's, this time round I decided to go for "Cotton" with ZiG and steel poles, so I ended up with a Cabanon Biscaya (gallery), superb tent and ticks all our box's, there are just the two of us so the size is more than enough as we also deploy a "Cotton" kitchen tent, hope that helps.
Where to start with other Cotton tent manufacturers ..........
Marechal are god quality tents - if you like them look at Cabanon, Relum, De Waard, De Wit, Karsten, Litchfield, ESVO etc etc (brain gonea bit dead and can't think)
Also worth a look at are the Outwell Lakes series - they are polycottons.
All depends on your budget and the space for packing
The Karsten has to be the ulitimate "Cotton Canvas" tent, although at 3k for a fully blown set-up, it is a serious investment, and almost the same price as a decent TT, it will be interesting to see what Cabanon come up with for 2010, pity that Yeomans are running the Tent display at the Feb NEC show, as they are no longer a Cabanon stockist, I hope to get to the show, as I want't to have a good mooch at the Eriba Caravans, to see if they realy are as good as I am told, especialy as the VW Golf can just about tow any in the range, me thinks.
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We've just bought a Marechal Club 4 for next season which is the smallest frame tent they do so ok for 2. Got fed up with stressing poles to erect a tunnel tent, ain't put it up yet but it looks ok, made in China tho as most tents in that price range are. Its polycotton. £275 so reasonable price for that type of tent.
You do need to compare like with like tho. The only way you can compare a £200 tent with a £2000 tent is to try to justify spending £2k on a tent in't first place!
The best frame tents are probabley Cabanon & priced accordingly but I'm not sure if they are still being made. No 2010 catalogue that I can find & doing a search of French legal websites suggests they've gone bust. You will often find secondhand Cabanons on ebay tho.
Vango make both nylon & polycotton tents depending on price. Look at a tent spec to see what the outer(flysheet)is made of if it don't say polycotton or cotton it will be nylon(ie polyester).
Worth remembering that most tents from the well known names will be made in China or Eastern Europe these days even ones costing several hundred £s. As long as they are made to a good standard tho, I can't see a problem.
I am a Karsten Nutcase, so much so I've just become the New Uk Dealer!
So for you Francis, I will have the full range available for you to see in all their glory, and anyone else will be able to compare a £200 tent to a £2000 tent!
I think the last comment from ArtJackson is to the point - so long as the Tents made in China are screened well for quality there should be no problem. There is a new range of Dutch Designed Tents coming to the UK market in 2010 - Mid Range & Cotton. Although made in China, they go through rigorous quality and performance tests in Holland before they are released to the market. Tent Range Link Here
We are showing them from home to start - Just phone up, book an appointment - Come round and have a cup of tea whilst looking. Nearest CCC site is Hertford. We are also hoping to do a little tour of the UK - so may be closer to you in the year.
My experience of a Nile was very bad we got very wet inside. The water came in everywhere. Buy a outwell one of the lakes far better tents and they keep you dry.
Quote: Originally posted by jimjam1124 on 18/12/2009
Keeley - thought you might not be able to resist <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley2.gif" width=25 alt=24>
We are showing them from home to start - Just phone up, book an appointment - Come round and have a cup of tea whilst looking. Nearest CCC site is Hertford. We are also hoping to do a little tour of the UK - so may be closer to you in the year.
James
Now that sounds promising - loads of places up here to have alittle display going
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: Vango Nile or Marechel
