Quote:
Originally Posted by loquito
Arn't you supposed to be out doing field test this weekend?  |
Field testing done!
The trip on the Rubicon trail was pretty fast this time around.
I neglected to snap any pics of the tent set up at Rubicon Springs, but, it looked just like all the other pics...just in a different setting
Comments...
The tent on the trail.
No...the U-bolts don't hold worth a sh
t. For those who don't know, the trail I was on is very rocky. Therefore the rig moves side-to-side quite a bit. I tightened the U-bolts down very tightly at the start of the trail. All the side-to-side rocking and jarring of the 80 series bouncing off rocks, caused the tent to shift side to side...first by very small amounts, but the small side to side movements became larger and larger as the U-bolts slid out bit by bit. Eventually the U-bolts are no longer holding the tent in place -- they're all the way outside the edge of the tent.
There needs to be another way to hold the tent in place. The U-bolt is not effective and will not work on the types of trails I run. Any time spent on rough fire roads or any dirt road that's corregated will cause the tent to shift over time and will vibrate the U-bolts loose.
I might try Skillet's solution with the hose and hose clamps.
Ratchet straps did a good job of keeping the tent in place on the way home.
The tent at camp.
Setting up the tent is very easy. Just remove the cover, grab a hold of the CORRECT portion of the ladder (the part that doesn't slide) and pull. The tent pops right open. Spend a couple minutes with the cotter pins in the ladder and you're done. (lost a pin on the trail already
Suffice it to say that I am not a fan of this ladder assembly process).
The tent is very roomy. I was sleeping alone this time around, so I opted to set up my sleeping bag corner to corner. I had tons of room. I had no concerns about whether or not the rack or the bed would support me. It felt solid enough.
It was very windy at night. I felt very secure in the tent. No issues with movement at all. The "bat hole" isn't that bad, IMO. There was enough velcro on mine to close off almost the entire hole. True, it could be better, but not too bad.
Getting in and out was not easy. The angle of the ladder (I kept the cable (the one that keeps the ladder at the proper angle) makes it difficult for me to get in. When I tried the ladder at an angle that allowed for a more graceful entry/exit, I didn't feel it would support my weight. So, for me, I have to have the ladder completely vertical.
IMO, the best set up for this particular tent would have a couple poles at each corner to support the weight of the tent and occupants and a ladder that could be angled outward a bit to allow for easier entry/exit and that would work as a secondary support system.
The bungee-type cord that holds the cover in place did get damaged somehow. I'll need to replace that. I wasn't too thrilled with the hooks anyhow, so not too big of a deal there.
Overall.
I think the tent is great. I need a better solution for holding the tent in placed and to get in and out. For the price...well...that's a no brainer. You won't find a better deal out there. Even with some of it's shortcomings, I'm pleased with it.