So, off we went on Thursday to Appleby camping. We decided to take the new Quechua base 4.2 and the base xl. Pitching was a dream, all done and dusted in about 20 minutes. Really easy.
However, that night discovered the base xl has 4 permanently open vents, 'twas a bit chilly to say the least, hasn't noticed when we bought it and they hadn't been pointed out. So decamped (!) to 4.2, much better even though this also has open vents that can't be closed.
4.2 stayed bone dry even though it was raining heavily. XL did not. Following day, trip to go to buy a tarp to try to sort the open vents in the XL, was blowing a hooley, got back to camp site (still the on,y ones daft enough to be there), to find the xl has decided it isn't a tent at all, but a kite. It's on the other side of the field, our carefully placed bits and bobs are strewn all over the place and soaking wet. I think to myself, damn those tent pegs, but the tent pegs are all in situ, after chasing the kite around the field notice it has actually ripped away from the guy tethers. Now it was gusting, but to rip e tethers off i'd expect extreme weather not what we had. To me that is poor workmanship. Are decathlon bothered? No. Poor customer service. It's ping back and won't be replaced. 4.2 stood firm.
Sorry it's long, I just couldn't believe it when I got back to the site.
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Omg that's awful for you! Are 4.2 and BS have never let us down and tbh we've never felt drafty from the vents either. Haven't seen the Xl BS so don't know about the vents. Surely it's bad manufacturing if guys come off? Doesnt sound fit for purpose to me and I would definitely be demanding my money back or even a replacement to have another try. Just out of interest, did you zip one of the doors closed when using one or the other tents for long periods? We do when sleeping.
Really hope you can get this sorted out. I like the look of the BS XL too
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Yes, it was zipped up. I think it is just poorly designed. I noticed the smaller base doesn't have the vents, I didn't notice this did until it was up. Don't get me wrong, it is a brilliant space, and so easy to pop up and down, but I think it is not suited to our fabulous British weather! A bit of wind and it was really not happy.
I have spoken to decathlon again, and despite them refusing to agree it is faulty they are sending a courier to pick it up, it can't be replaced as there are non left (so I'm told?) They wanted me to take it back, but I live in cumbria and my nearest store is 75miles away, had to dig my heels in for a courier pick up!
The vents (to me) let it down. As to the dodgy guy tethers, it could do with some on the centre point of each 'eye' this would give it stability and stop it taking off. I'm so disappointed as this with the 4.2 was going to be my weekend tent with the kids. Maybe I should invest in the smaller base instead? Just not feeling the quechua love at the moment!
Hi I know some one else who had problems with the XL base, it got shredded in Scotland but Decathlon replaced it even though she didn't have a receipt and I think it was over 12 months old, if you get a Decathlon card I'm sure any tent you buy has a life time guarantee.
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Topic: Quechua base xl & the wind = disaster
