We are nearing final 'make our minds up' time in respect of buying our 1st tent. Pretty sure we want Vango Aspen. Have seen 500 erected and really like it but just think we'd probably need a little extra space as there is 5 of us. Only problem is we can't find 700 in any showroom and wondered if it will be exactly the same spec as 500 just larger dimensions. Does anyone know if this would be right? All help appreciated. PS what a great idea this message board is, I've already learnt so much. Thanks to everyone for advice already received.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Hi. We decided to buy the 700 as there was not much difference in the price and we wanted the extra space. It's a great tent although it is rather bulky when packed. Have a look at vango's web site for dimensions and details.
Between the two tents the difference in dimensions are 1m15cm width so your doubles either side of the master bebroom turn to singles, 10cm length on the porch , 20cm length on the living room. Height of both sizes remain the same and all features remain the same. The width made my mind up as the living room is alot bigger on the 700 so in rainy weather you have a huge room to spread out. Theres only the two of us but already we have invited another four people along and our little dog and it works lovely, imagine fridge, tv,cooker,2 tables and 6 chairs all in the living room at night and still lots of space to move. The only thing you may not like is the weight of the poles(25kg) but the way I see it, once they are all in place you have one very strong frame which is piece of mind...Hope this has helped
Thanks for both these replies, really helpful. Well I've bitten the bullet and ordered it now, so no going back. So many weeks of indecision!!!!! Lady at Outback reassured me by saying it's their best seller and a lovely tent. It's being delivered Tuesday, can't wait, feel brilliant now the deed is done. Can't believe we'll be proper campers soon! Will let you know if we ever manage to erect it, may be back on line for some help. Cheers
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Ginger one, whats the method you guys use for errr getting it up person eitherside tends to put alot of pressure on the poles so i suppose one inside is the only way but would love to hear your views and tried methods....thanks
------------- Regards Ian
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Your right getting it up if a bit of an art. As there are only two of us it takes a bit of team work. We find it helps if you stake out a couple of the corners first, and then hubbie lifts up the tent holding the front roof pole which runs from side to side and the left roof pole which runs from back to front. I then take over from him and support the tent while he goes around and lifts all the poles to half height. Takes a bit of strength to support the tent, but I can just about do it and I'm only 5ft tall and just over 8 stone.
Next stage is that he hold the tent while I take myself inside along with a little plastic pair of steps (need these cos of my lack of height) I then hold the centre pole which runs from side to side and start to push the tent up while he goes around and lifts all the poles to full height. I continue holding and supporting the tent (gets easier when all poles are up to full height) while he goes around and starts putting in the ring and pins.
Once all this is done I usually take a breather and have a large drink, then between us we finish of the pegging out etc.
Hope this helps, would love to hear how you get on.
Ginger1 Good idea about putting the poles up to half height first then full later. Doing it in one go is difficult so I will try your way and let you know. Did you say that you peg down all four corners prior to the side poles going in. Have you found that those little ties are a pain because you have to slide along between the inner and outer to tie them all up. Also I reckon the porch flaps dont fit as well as the rest of the tent , have to let me know your thoughts, take care
We have an Aspen 700 and the space is excellent we have only used it once and then the second time we used it the red coded roof pole snapped at both corners front and back so we are in the process of replacing them. Other than that the tent seems great it is big and ideal for us as we are a family of 4 and gives us lots of space to live in if the weather gets bad. we also go camping with family that have a Diablo 600 and that is also a great family tent. Personally I prefer the Aspen for the rigidity of it and the overall space. But as for comfort they are both up there at the top for family tents.
Last time we pegged down just a couple of corners, but hubbie said will be trying pegging all four next time we go out with the Vango. (not until September)
Your right the little ties are a nuisance, we didn't do up the very top ones and I held out the flysheet while hubbie squeezed between the two.
Can't remember the porch flaps not fitting well, but will take a look next time.
Notice your from Hampshire, lovely area to live, we always come down that way for our hols, last time went to Sandy Balls near Fordingbridge.
Hope you get on okay next time you erect your Vango.
Regards
Ginger
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Thanks Ginger1 for your reply, Was surprised to see the corners of the red poles have given way on Jed 1609s as no weight is on them whilst putting the tent up , how did it happen Jed?
I am going to ring Vango Monday Morning to sort the pole business out we have inspected that tent and it is the two longest roof poles the red ones that have snapped at the ends, so we rang the retailer where we purchased it and they have said that none of any poles from any tent manufacturer are guaranteed and that we will have to take them back to the shop and pay for them to repaired or replaced. So tomorrow I will ring vango to see what they can do for me. Oh by the way don't by a tent from Outdoorworld Bootle.
Just had a look at mine but they are ok so far, how would you say they have failed, just a clean break or something else? I think Vango will do the right thing and send replacements but your local retailer should be doing that as the sale of goods act defends the consumer, a shocking result from outdoorworld though
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 Aspen 500 or 700
person eitherside tends to put alot of pressure on the poles so i suppose one inside is the only way but would love to hear your views and tried methods....thanks
