Side Tent Side Tent Install Problem?...

Hi folks,

We've had our tent for a couple of years now, and have experimented with erecting it and making it snug to the trailer. My first idea was to get four bricks in socks for the four corners of the tent when it cannot be staked down. That worked until the wind was high, then they'd drag. Second iteration is a Schedule 40 1/2" PVC frame, which, when augmented by the bricks not only makes it more wind-proof, but MUCH easier to tune next to the trailer. The PVC frame is in four sections -- two sides with the 90 degree ends glued, and the other two pieces with the ends sanded so that they insert easily, and remove easily as well. We clip the roof straps to the tent first, then insert the PVC frame. Once the poles are inserted, the tent can stand up by itself, and we can then move it as appropriate to snug it to the trailer. I've pretty much stopped staking at all, even if we're on soft surfaces. Now and then I'll use one stake to secure it from BIG wind. BTW, the PVC frame fits into the pole bag.

Skip Eastman
 
Skip - sounds like a good idea. I had trouble with the side tent last time on the asphalt. I didn't want to have another thing to lug around, but now that you say the PVC fits in the pole bag I'm going to do as you say.

What diameter pipe did you use?
 
Skip Eastman said:
Second iteration is a Schedule 40 1/2" PVC frame, which, when augmented by the bricks not only makes it more wind-proof, but MUCH easier to tune next to the trailer.
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What a great idea! Thanks for sharing this Skip. I'm going to give this a try.
 
I offer no advice for putting one of these up other than don't do it my way.

My first attempt putting up the side tent this last weekend was NOT a pretty sight.

I was terrified to take it down and try over because putting it up the first time was like wrestling a greased pig. I had poles flopping all over, straps coming loose and extra pieces just begging to be added.

I then got out the instructions. It went pretty smoothly after that. <doh>
 
I'm posting this for Ron:

"You know how hard it is to pound in (or remove) that one stake behind the tire for the Camp-Inn side tent? Here's my solution. You simply back over the plate (or jack up the trailer so the wheel is off the ground and slide it in) and connect the corner of the tent. Wallah! It works good....."

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Actually, I'm just posting Ron's ideas in an effort to entice him to start posting here. :)
 
Evan said:
Actually, I'm just posting Ron's ideas in an effort to entice him to start posting here. :)
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He's probably to busy camping and coming up with new things to tempt you with. :D :D
 
We are back from camping at Waldo Lake in Central Oregon. Got back yesterday. Now we're packing for another trip to Jacksonville, Oregon's "Yard Sale Day" this weekend. Maybe I'll find some cool, usable stuff to stick on our trailer....The plate that I put together for our side tent works great. No more twisting & flexing my body to get that stake in or out of the ground!
 
And a BIG welome to Ron who has been a major contributor to the forum recently and now makes his first post! Wohoo! (I like that little bug avatar, too).
 
Acantholyda sawfly? Don't just take Ron's word for it. Get an expert!

Where are Eileen and Tim when you need 'em???
 
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