Summer Car Camping Tents

[DaveSunRa]

Going to be doing some car camping this summer with only the wife and possible a 70lb lab. So looking to buy a larger tent to accommodate. Thinking of 4 person size with ample height for standing and which provides entry and exit without much bending. Would appreciate opinions and thoughts on tents brands and models in the 300 dollar price range.

~Dave

 

[Waumbek]

Eureka used to make bombproof gazebo-style tents in that price range. The sides were nearly perpendicular to the ground for 3-5 feet, which prevented 70-lb labs from pushing against them and transferring condensation from the outer fly to the inner wall. The entry was about 4' high. Scrounge around a building site and find some tyvek wrap to use as an inner ground sheet against dog claws. Run the stuff through the laundry to get rid of the crinkle sounds.

 

[BorealChickadee]

For car camping I use a Eureka Timberline 6 man base camp with a slightly larger than 8 x 10 footprint. I like the spaciousness because I'm setting it up for two weeks. I even put two folding chairs inside. Nice to be able to sit in a chair and read in the rain or put on your shoes etc. For two weeks I like my comfort. I use one of those cheapo tarps in WalMart for less than ten bucks to cover the tent floor. That way I can walk in and out in shoes all I want without a second thought to the floor. Works for dogs too and it will stay in place a lot easier than tyvek. Now I got mine at the Eureka store for less than $200 with tax (first qualitiy at the annual sale). My first one lasted about 25 years and I finally had to replace it a few years ago. I decided to stick with the Timberline style as a full base camp instead of going with a dome because the ridge can fit at any site and I can erect mine in less than 5 minutes by myself. I've seen too many people trying to maneuver a big dome style tent to try to find a way to keep it out of the branches. With mine I've never found any site that I couldn't find a clear line for the ridge. And I've surprised many a person over the years who have watched me set mine up in just a cople of minutes. I've even done it in the dark without a lantern, but that took me a bit longer.

Eureka's factory outlet in Binghamton
http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/

The 6 man
http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/product_information.html

Whatever you go with, look for comfort when car camping. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than a hotel so you might as well be comfortable.

 

[Rick]

Eureka used to make bombproof gazebo-style tents in that price range.....

Those were the great umbrella style - Kinda heavy, but very solid - Awesome for canoeing.

For car camping I use a Eureka Timberline 6 man base camp with a slightly larger than 8 x 10 footprint......

I don't think you can go wrong with a Eureka tent. They have been a mainstay of mine for years.

You can also check the factory outlet - They do mail order.

Eureka Factory Outlet
625 Conklin Rd.
Binghamton, NY 13903
Phone: 607.779.2265
Toll Free: 1.888.6 EUREKA
Email: [email protected]

 

[DaveSunRa]

Interesting thoughts and good tips. Was just checking the eurek web site, looks like I just missed a good sale. Got sticker shock looking at the cost of Timberline 6 ($350). Would not have guess that. The hexagonal tents seem to offer more interior space and more exterior support. The Equinox 6 retails for the same amount as the Timberline 6. As for ease of setup, it's not as important to me as comfort and space. After all I'm just car camping so it doesn't matter to me if it takes 20mins or 45mins to get the tent up. Going to take a look at ebay.

 

[WBB]

LLBean http://www.llbean.com/ has a nice line of family tents. The King Pine Dome( $269.00) meets your listed requirements and has the added advantage of an attached screen room.

 

[daxs]

Check out the REI Base Camp 4 (listed at $299) and Base Camp 6. These are both large, roomy tents with some headroom. If you are an REI member, they have a coupon right now that is good for 20% . If not a member, you can join for $15 and still save off the price of the tent.

 

[Rick]

Interesting thoughts and good tips. Was just checking the Eureka web site, looks like I just missed a good sale.....

If you see a particular tent you'd like, you can always call them and see if they have any class A or B's in stock.
A's are minor blems that won't affect performance. usually around 40% off.
B's are returns that were repaired or were just cleaned - I think they can be as high as 65% off.

they are very customer friendly over the phone.

 

[BorealChickadee]

And to add to Rick's advice about calling for blems- the tag says what the blem is and how the repair was made so you know ahead of time what you're getting. Personally I wouldn't take a floor repair but I did pick up a tent with a mesh repair. An Apex 2 for about $40. I think it was a grade B.If I remember right the used ones are a grade C.

 

[Chip]

Sportsmansguide.com is showing a lot of good tents on sale, including Kelty and Eureka!
I like this one for roominess. Big vestibule, good interior height.

There's a lot of nice tents.

I like this Kelty for your purposes.

We put a porta-potti and shower bag in one of these.

 

[DaveSunRa]

Going to try to get over to Hilton's Tent City and check out the Euraka line. Then over to REI and see how REI's tents compare. Hate to buy blind, that is what out kicking the tires of a product. I don't mind spending the money, just want to be happy with what I get.

 

[jbreen]

I have both the REI Base Camp 4 and 6 (older 4 season model of this one). Neither ever leaked, fly goes down to the ground, aluminum poles with repair sleeve included, two large vestibules. Highly recommended though I have not used a Eureka.

Jim

 

[MichaelJ]

I have the LL Bean King Pine 4 (the "Taj Michael") and it has served me well at many a Gathering. I've never been wet inside at all, and it seems sturdy enough, especially staked down, that if a storm blew through it would hold through the wind. I can stand up in it, and very little ducking at all is required to get in. It is humanly possible for me to put it up alone.

The King Pine 6, if you opened both doors, you could bike through. It's a big, beautiful tent. If you really want space (and have setup space where you'll be going), it will definitely fit the bill; however, 2 people and the lab will have more than enough room in the 4.

The newer versions out this year greatly improve the screen room by adding optional fly along the sides, so that you don't end up with wet ground in the vestibule if it rains.

 

[audrey]

I have a Sierra Designs Bedouin 4. About 8X8, strong, and the nearly vertical walls make it feel even bigger. It is on sale right now at Campmor for $239.

The Bedouin 6 is 8X10 and also on sale for $299.

Now we own 3 Sierra Designs tents - I've never been disappointed.