I would really appreciate some advice. There is a second hand Cabanon Biscaya 370 for sale, from 2004, in all weather polyester, and they want 580 quid (700 euro). This includes the extra sun canopy.
The tent is in very good condition, but the problem is, I cannot see the tent in the flesh before deciding. And 580 for a 2nd hand tent from 2004 seems a lot to me, but then, I am not used to Biscaya's...
So basically, I am a bit scared to decide. Suppose we buy it, but find it does not suit us, do you think it would have a good value left here in the UK? (The tent is not listed here but in my home country, where I would pick it up all packed up).
Info: We are a family with one young toddler and think we would like the solidity of it, the living space and the 2 adjacent bedroom pods.
Any thoughts much appreciated! (Am a bit reluctant to buy a tent unseen as I bought a so called factory second day tent today which turns out to be used and smells strongly of campfire!!)
The image below is very similar to the tent in question, except for the windbreak...
Post last edited on 10/05/2012 20:16:22
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I'm no Cabanon expert but i think thats too much money, especially if you aren't going to look at it first. I think if you are going to
part with that much cash seeing it first is essential.
For that kind of budget you could get a new tent and not have the worry. As an example, here is a Hypercamp Trail, similar size, polycotton, complete with awning and at £500 its less than the Cabanon.
Thanks TT! I recently learned about the Obelink tents, they look great on paper, I had my mind on a Hypercamp Firino at first, very similar to yours. But found a review of someone who said the poles were awful and that it took 4 people to set it up, and that they had no hands left after handling those poles, especially in wet weather. That got me worried about Hypercamp tents, as my husband needs to be able to do 95% of the pitching alone.
(Hence the Biscaya/Falco/Baco tents looking attractive as their poles are so easy to zip in from the inside).
Sigh. I might have to find a way of seeing it first....
But if any Biscaya owners can give their opinion too that would be great!
I have the Hypercamp Avantgarde 6 and haven't had any problems with the poles. In general, I think it's extremely well made for the money. I think I'm right in that the poles in the the Trail, like mine, zip in from the inside which makes pitching very easy. I manage to put mine up on my own (just!).
In terms of quality then yes Baco/Falco are top notch, but a new one of this size is €2000.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
From the photo it looks to be a 370 or 440 (i.e. 3.7 mtrs wide or 4.4 mtrs wide) my guess would be a 370. If that is a recent photo it looks in excellent nick. We have a 320 model also in the all season polyester and as there are only 2 of us and for us its perfect so a 370 for 3 would be ideal. we have been absolutely delighted with it and if there is a better tent we have yet to find it (our opinion of course).
The new price cost would have been probably around £750 plus the canopy back in 2004 which makes it seem a high price. Whilst £580 seems a lot providing it is as good as it looks in the photo its not that bad. They dont make the 370 anymore but the price of a 440 or similar Awaya is now over £1600 without the canopy.
I think the price therefore is not that bad but I would definitely want to see it first. There is no way of knowing when the photo was taken hence an inspection for me would be a must.
Hypercamp tents do look good and there is a huge following on this website. Whether they will last as long as a Cabanon I don't know but time alone will tell.
I do know that if you buy the Biscaya and its as good as it looks you will be delighted.
Thanks John. They claim they paid 1750 euro at the time, which seems a lot, but maybe they paid full RRP in a weaker Euro at the time, when the pound was strong.
Yes it is definitely a 370 but the photo I posted is not from the actual tent! It is from ukcampsite, as the site that is used to sell the tent is not allowing me to do a direct link! But theirs looks good too, I´ll ask when they toke it.
I like your picture, the tent just seems to be built for comfort! by the way, did you find the All season polyester hot? I am worried that compared to polycotton, it will heat up much quicker in the sun.
TT, I did not see your post somehow. That is great to know about those poles zipping in on some hypercamp tents! I know the Bardani Prestige tents have it too, BTR they call it I think. Will investigate the Hypercamps again. But still tempted too by the Biscaya. Just wondering how easy it would be to sell in the UK if it does not turn out to be right for us...
Should have noticed that its a generic photo and not specific to the one you are thinking of. To answer your question we have found it to be comfortable in the heat especially as you can unzip the whole of the front which turns it into a giant sunshade. We have used ours in France in very hot weather and not had a problem. When we were in the dordogne one year there were a Dutch family with young children opposite us in a 440 and thats what they did was to unzip the front and the children seemed very happy.
As to comfort you are right, it is built for comfort (shot attached, I refer to this as "who says camping is roughing it". You may note the fridge on the left hand side so we have EHU for heating, fridge, lighting and anything else and it makes it so comfortable. As an aside we have had some horrendous weather (thunderstorms etc and strong winds) and the tent is incredibly stable so have no worries on that score either.
Good luck
John
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
£580 is not a bad price if the tent is in very good condition (especially with the canopy), but I'd definitely want to inspect it first. We have a 370 and it is fantastic - you won't be disappointed.
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: Worth buying a 2nd hand Cabanon Biscaya?
