Hi, I have posted another topic similar to this one (sorry) just thought i might get some more answers. Would I be able to put up one of the above tents on my own with the help of an eight year old? I like big tents with lots of space and headroom but am single parent. Thank you for your replies, Kay
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We have a Montana 4 and I wouldn't fancy putting that up by myself, the 12 might be abit big for you, if there are just 2 of you why not have a look at the Montana 6, it has quite a lot of living area, arguably more than the 12 with the bedrooms in place. Although you can remove bedrooms in the 12 or leave them attached and use them for storage there aren't as many windows. Think the 6 would be a better option, depends how helpful your 8yr old is.
There is a Yeomans Outdoor show on at the minute, address below, we went to one in Cumbria and they had a Montan4, 6 and 12 on show so why not go and have a look at them in the flesh.
Mansfield Show - OPEN NOW
Wonderland Park, Off A614,
Farnsfield, Notts
Tel: 01623 884186
Saturday 9th July to Wed 3rd August
I agree that Montana 12 (even perhaps all of them) it would be too big and heavy and difficult for you. We have the Monty12 now for all the same reasons you want it but I don't think there's any way you could pitch it with an 8 year old. I am 5 ft and my hubby and I have enough trouble getting it up (ooh-er) especially if there's the slightest gust to take hold of it. We bought it from a Yeomans Show too - the 6 and 4 looked the same height (7ft) and the tricky bit is raising the tent from the ground by the first set of poles - remember the weight of the heavy duty groundsheet and bedrooms which are attached. You could take the bedrooms out to make it a little lighter perhaps. However, you have to attach the side poles to the roof section and life the whole thing up, then one of you has to hold it there while the other pegs out the end guys to keep the whole structure up before you attach and raise the rest of the poles. If you don't stretch your arms to hold the poles quite near the top, they bend and creak something chronic, especially in the wind. I think you'd have to take a mate to help you or you'll end up splitting the poles. My friend changed from a tunnel tent design to a high dome once he split up from his wife because he found it was not a design he could pitch by himself, even with lighter-weight fibreglass poles. Methinks a domey type would be better. Shame but not worth the stress chuck unless you're brave enough to enlist fellow campers.
I have the colorado 8 and whilst it is a doddle to put up (even for a complete novice like me), it really does require 2 people. I think an 8 year old would struggle, but I might be wrong. I suspect this may be a problem with any tunnel tent though.
the 8 man colorado is HUGE though and would be more than big enough for your needs. The internal bedrooms are very flexible making it easy to increase the living space, or use one as storage. I am absolutely delighted with mine. No SIG though.
Do you know anyone with a tunnel tent you could practice on?
Some of the domes have really good height in the living area and might be easier to erect for you. Don't really know though, as I haven't tried to put one up!!
paula
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I have a montana 6, and as a single mum I camp with my three kids (15, 12 and 8)... no way could I manage to pitch it with my just youngest. Otherwise, it's easy enough to pitch, and fast, but you do need a bit of muscle power... if you do go for it, I'd say that the montana 6, or perhaps even the 4, would be plenty big enough for two of you, the living space in the 6 is massive and we all love it, especially with the added space of the side porch
Thanks for all the replies - it seems that I will have to go for a smaller tent (never mind) will carry on looking. Thank you everyone for your comments you are all very helpful. Kay
Quote: Originally posted by cheekychonker on 25/07/2005
Hi Kay6759
I agree that Montana 12 (even perhaps all of them) it would be too big and heavy and difficult for you. We have the Monty12 now for all the same reasons you want it but I don't think there's any way you could pitch it with an 8 year old. I am 5 ft and my hubby and I have enough trouble getting it up (ooh-er) especially if there's the slightest gust to take hold of it. We bought it from a Yeomans Show too - the 6 and 4 looked the same height (7ft) and the tricky bit is raising the tent from the ground by the first set of poles - remember the weight of the heavy duty groundsheet and bedrooms which are attached. You could take the bedrooms out to make it a little lighter perhaps. However, you have to attach the side poles to the roof section and life the whole thing up, then one of you has to hold it there while the other pegs out the end guys to keep the whole structure up before you attach and raise the rest of the poles. If you don't stretch your arms to hold the poles quite near the top, they bend and creak something chronic, especially in the wind. I think you'd have to take a mate to help you or you'll end up splitting the poles. My friend changed from a tunnel tent design to a high dome once he split up from his wife because he found it was not a design he could pitch by himself, even with lighter-weight fibreglass poles. Methinks a domey type would be better. Shame but not worth the stress chuck unless you're brave enough to enlist fellow campers.
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Thanks for all your information. I have tried to put up a dome tent with three separate bedrooms and found it quite easy apart from having to have someone hold up the middle while i went round the outside, but this was in someones back garden and it wasnt windy! I just cant stand to think of me and 2 kids in a small tent it would drive me mad. I might go and look again at the exhibition near me (I went the other day when I saw the Montana 12) I suppose I'm kidding myself really. I dont like being told I cant do something thats my trouble!! lol Kay
Kay, if you get to the Yeomans show, have a look at the Coleman Weathermaster Plus, if they have one on display. I can put this tent up by myself. I know its not as big as the tents you were interested in, but you may have to compromise a bit, you just don't know what sort of weather conditions you may end up erecting the tent in. There are a couple of pictures in my profile.
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: Montana 12 or Colorado 8
