We're possibly regretting our purchase of the Rivendale 800xl. 2 adults and 2 children and this just seems too big. I do think though that maybe it's only 800 because of the optional and additional hook up bedroom.
As it's a v recent purchase and unopened we'd have no problem swapping it but what to? We considered the Edoras 600- perfect size but without the great porch space. We also considered the Rivendale 500. This should be enough for 4 people but it strikes me it's on the small side. Previously we've had a Go Outdoors 6 man tent (Voyager) and we've always appreciated the nice light living space.
This is a big purchase and we want to know we've made the right decision. Any opinions or advice would be welcome.
I'm even considering keeping the 800. I just have a feeling it's MASSIVE!
Thanks, Kate
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Hi,
How old are the kids? As they grow you'll appreciate more space. And how long do you intend to go away for?
We have a similar size canvas mansion. We love it and for the three of us and small pooch it's perfect for a week or more. I wouldn't particularly want to go smaller for our main holiday.
However, being a slightly older canvas design it take literally hours to set up which does leave me dreading going away or striking. It would be perfect if this time was shortened. So we have purchased a smaller weekender that takes just half an hour.
If the pitch time is quick and the layout works for you I'd be inclined to keep it. But it's all down to specific personal preference. I'd say, if you're going for a week or more be comfortable, you don't want to be getting under each other's feet and if u do have a few rainy eves the space may well be a blessing.
Thanks and actually I think you're right. I've been watching lots of tent videos and I do like ours best. We have a small dog too and what's wrong with a mansion (they're all small compared to houses- we're talking an extra metre really!) thanks for reassuring!
We recently bought a Rivendale 800XL and took it for it's first outing last week and I have to say that I love it. We're two adults and two under 7 and found the space to be great for us. We did take out the extra bedroom in the living room but that still left the third room across the back to stash luggage etc which was great. The main area is BIG, but that's what we were after and the porch is big enough to act as a kitchen and house a small table for meals for 4 if youd rather not have food mess in the main tent.
We tend to go away for multiple weekends and for one full week a year so wanted a decent amount of space where the kids could still play when it gets wet. We also start early in the year so having somewhere that we and friends can gather indoors in the evening was a big plus.
If you're not sure then I'd suggest going to a camping shop or show and looking again before unpacking it (the Illusion is about the same size if you cant find a Rivendale). Take the bedroom down and borrow a chair if you need to get an idea of space.
At the end of the day, it is big but 'what will do more will do less' as they say. Id rather have spare space than not enough, particularly if you need somewhere to hide from the rain with kids.
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It's virtually impossible to find the perfect tent. Everything is a compromise.
The 800xl is an amazing tent. If you dont need 8 berths then you can drop the extra inner and have more living space. However if you dont need the extra berths, you probably don't need extra living space.
But - if you go for the 500 then it is a way smaller tent altogether, possibly too small especially once the kids grow up a bit.
Maybe look around for a good 6 berth from a different manufacturer?
turquoisepoppy we had a similar issue recently ourselves. We bought the Vango Capri 500XL to replace our Icarus 500. There are just two of us but we go away for a few weekends and one 3 week trip in France each year.
We took it home and pitched it in the back garden and had instant regret that it was way too big. Luckily the store we bought it from were very nice and allowed us to return it.
We have now bought the the Solace TC 400 and it is perfect for us. It was much more expensive than the Capri but we found it almost impossible to find something that had enough space for comfort without that feeling of being too big.
So my advice is go with your gut feeling and if you can get a walk around a pitched 800XL to get a real feel for it.
We have just purchased an Illusion 800XL TC, which is a little bigger than the Rivendle you have. There are four of us and a dog.
We had an Outwell Vermont L, then moved to. Bear Lake 6 as we wanted polycotton, 6 years ago this was the best alternative to the Vermont. Over that period we have missed the enclosed front porch enormously. We now take a dog who goes in a cage at night. So for us the Illusion 800 is perfect, the 500 would be just too small fitting the cage in and all the other clobber, leaves perfect room for inclement weather, the table we will eat at will stay up in the porch.
It looked massive on display, in reality it is not much bigger than our Bear Lake apart from it has an enclosed porch rather than a canopy at the front.
Very similar to the Vermont we used to use, the Vermont has a 'wardrobe' where Vango put the extra bedroom. I am sure that you are correct that it is only a 800 because of this extra removable bedroom. Most, like use, will probably never use it, we will just enjoy the extra living space.
In our experience you only ever find out how your tent is by actually using it, then it's too late to return it. I would say finding it too small or cramped is harder to live with than having too much space.
Cheers,
------------- Bodmin August 2017
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If you get a tent that's too big you'll probably camp less and if it's a monster to dry out then impromptu weekends will likely be fewer and fewer.
It depends how you want to camp, how often you want to use it and how easy it'll be for you to sort out/dry out/pack and store/carry.
If you're having doubts then now's the time to send it back, get your money back and re-think. You can always buy it again if you decide it's the one for you. Once you lose your right to return you'll be stuck with it, whether you like it or not.
Maybe go along to your nearest camping shop or exhibition and have a good poke around in the tents to see which really feels right for you and which you feel confident and capable in handling.
We have the Maritsa 700 which is huge, but I love it.
I hate all the pegging out, but once that's done, I'm very very happy.
The only downsides I can think of are that
1. It's really, really heavy - but that's what my husband is for
2. Sometimes it's too big for some pitches, so depending where you're going, you have to check first.
We bought the 2016 model of the Vango Edoras 500XL and that was just for two of us and we love the luxury of the space it gives us; so for 4 of you, and with 2 kids in particular, I would say the Rivendale XL will be just perfect and should last you a few years as the kids grow. keep it and use it.
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Topic: Regretted tent purchase- Vango?
