Hi, we currently have an Outwell Vermont 5 berth tent but with the kids getting older we're all needing a little more bedroom space and privacy. We have two bedrooms at present but have just started looking into the prospect of getting an extension as a bedroom. I'm lost looking at the outwell awnings etc and we don't have a decent showroom anywhere near. Also, would other makes work or would it have to be an outwell?
Any help on this would be GREATLY appreciated as I haven't a clue where to start!
Thank you in advance!
Doris x
------------- Very green at camping but full of enthusiasm!!!! :OP
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Hi Doris - have you considered a separate tent for the kids?
Only downside is that some sites charge a ridiculous amount for an extra small tent. We got caught out a few years ago at Fintry in the Campsie Fells - the small 2 man backpacking tent used by my eldest son was charged the same as our van!
No actual experience of this scenario, nor indeed of these side extensions, but I do read a lot of these forums, so here's my tuppence worth...
As far as I know, these side extensions are just "thrown over" and guyed/pegged out. Not sealed to the tent with zips (or similar), single skin fly sheet, no groundsheet (or if there is, it almost certainly won't be sewn in), so basically like going back to the 1920's, when camping cost the aforementioned tuppence a night, from what I hear!!!
Ok, you can add a ground sheet, which I'm sure will help.
I can only imagine "most" modern day teenage(?) campers wouldn't fancy sleeping in there. It could easily be described as a bit draughty and nippy, on anything other than a balmy summers night (remember them!!)
Many of us are now used to sealed tents, plus bedroom inners to form a double skin sleeping area.
Maybe from this single-skin-extension-plus-separate-groundsheet position, you could then sneak in a pup tent or two, hidden from any possible additional charges?
Not exactly honest (if indeed that particular site would charge extra for pup tents, as I'm sure many wouldn't?). Not something I would do myself, but then I don't need to!
Not exactly cheap either, as both extension and pup tent(s) would need to be purchased.
Not exactly as cosy as a proper bedroom inner, but maybe the kids would consider it an adventure?
OK, anyone on here over 90 (and there are many!) may well come on kicking and screaming about how they used to camp on concrete slabs under a thrice read newspaper, and add a flattened cardboard box when it snowed, for extra insulation, but remember they are old, they are wizened, and their memories are painted in a heavy hue of sepia, so don't even consider their input to be of any merit!
Youngsters of today... and those of us still young enough to relate to them... want and expect a tad more comfort in this day and age.
I'm not saying you should count these side extensions out of the running, but I would suggest you at least give it some thought, before forking out on something that may not be suitable!
A bigger tent however, with more "proper" bedrooms, should never be counted out of the running!
I think Mucker's suggestion of using a side extension which may be a bit draughty but with a pup tent a brilliant idea. Could even use a cheapy pop up tent.
Your teen then has their own space but still uses the main room and as a parent you know where they are at night. I think that my children may still be in the same tent as me when they are 25!! I'll happily trust them in the daytime but at night time I need to know that they are safe when they are sleeping.
Some campsites do charge extra for pup tents, some charge per person and some by the size of your tent. Obviously you don't want to try to cheat the rules - so do check the site first.
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Topic: We need a bedroom extension!
