New Tent

[cheesy]

An impulse buy. Gander Mountain Speed Up

Ok, it's not Spuds' Catoma. Not even close. But, it was very affordable(under $100US)and it is a quick set up tent. 7'x7' foot print with a 42" inside height(w/o gear loft).

First impressions. Quick set up. The first time took three minutes. Once I got it figured out, it was under two. First time take down was in the neighborhood of five minutes. Subsequent tries were in the two to three minute range. However, none of that includes unpacking and repacking. Figure on adding a couple minutes for each operation.

It is very well vented.



Includes two gear pockets plus a loft.




Not as well made as my Eureka, I found a few shortcuts in the construction of the tent but nothing to stop me from using it. It does breath better than the Eureka ever did. Important when you are stuck inside on a rainy day. Also, with a rainfly, I expect less leakage that the Eureka.

The carry bag is a tad long, but just a bit narrower than the width of the saddle bags on the CX. It should bungee on quite easily. I will be using the tent next Saturday.

My old Eureka is a sealed tent w/o a fly. The sealer has broken down over the years and I've been needing to reseal each year now. Also showing some wear in the floor. And it is starting to smell. Time to retire it.

[SpudRider]

That's a nice tent. I love summer!

[Adjuster]

Very cool.


/

[JTHSPACE]

Where does the bike go?

[Weldangrind]

I've only just started impulse buying. That's how I got my holiday trailer.

Nice looking tent. I've never had one that goes up that quickly.

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I've only just started impulse buying. That's how I got my holiday trailer.

Nice looking tent. I've never had one that goes up that quickly.

Some how me thinks the trailer was a bit more spendy than the tent. That said, I came home with an 84 E150 conversion van when I 'just went to look'.


Five to eight was normal for the Eureka, double that for take down and packing. So, I'm pleased.

Saturday camping isn't happening now. I got an offer of a bed and, at my age, I won't turn that down. About a 700 mile weekend. 95th birthday for a cousin. And my Dad and I will be sorting out the paperwork and spare parts for the De Soto.

[Weldangrind]

That sounds like a full weekend! Are you riding the CX that distance?

[cheesy]

Yup.

I was pretty proud of that until I found out that a buddy in Tejas is doing an 11 day, 11,000 mile Iron Butt.

[cheesy]

I will be shaking the tent down next weekend at the annual get together with the whole fam damily in Trego, Wi. The kids and I are running up with the Chevy and the pop up. They will stay in the trailer with the grandson and grand dog. I will stay in the tent, if just for my own sanity.

[dsrt4]

Needs more a/c..

[cheesy]

Well, poo. Not too happy with tent. Going to take this one back to Gander for exchange or a refund.

It's a crapshoot to get one of the supports to stay locked in position. Was fine on Friday. Noticed it sagging funny on Saturday and found the one support unlocked. Figured one of the myriad of nephews or nieces landed a soccer ball on it. Locked it, turned to walk away, and heard 'pop' and the support unlocked again. Took several tries to get it to stay locked. I'd get lucky and it would hold for hours, then pop open again. So, I woke up this morning with one corner sagging. At least it didn't leak with all the rain last night.

I'm back home and it is still raining. It's supposed to be a decent day tomorrow, so I will set the tent up to dry for a few hours and see if I have the same issue. If I do, it's down to Geneva and Gander with the receipt.

Ya know, my cousin works for Cabelas and he handed all of us at the reunion an employee discount coupon for friends and family.

[Weldangrind]

Sweet deal! They're building a new Cabelas a couple of miles from my place, so that'll be a lot more convenient. Now to find someone I know who will work there...

[cheesy]

Well, the tent has made a liar out of me. It has been set up in my back yard since early this morning. We have had a couple rough thunderstorms roll through and nothing. The tent didn't sag, leak, nothing.

I know I didn't start drinking until after I had set up the tent and I have pics.



There's a year warranty on it, so I guess I'll give it another chance.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by cheesy

I know I didn't start drinking until after I had set up the tent and I have pics.

You have pictures of yourself drinking? I'd like to see that.