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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Red Emperor on April 13, 2012, 08:09:56 AM

Title: Passenger side folding tents
Post by: Red Emperor on April 13, 2012, 08:09:56 AM

Folks

In putting together my custom trailer (http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=15676.0 (http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=15676.0))  it didn't occur to me to think about passenger vs driver opening tents so I bought a driver side opening.

Problem is the kitchen is on the RH of the trailer and its a serious PITA to get around - see photo

We could modify the kitchen but we want to upgrade to a bigger (multi room) tent ideally that ideally has a height of 130cm.

Can anyone recommend a good tent to sleep up to 8 (up to 6 kids) that is passenger opening for under $2K.

As always any and all help and advice appreciated.

RE

Title: Re: Passenger side folding tents
Post by: Desert lover on April 13, 2012, 08:25:43 AM

I see what you mean about being a PITA!   How much modification would need to take place with the trailer itself before you could fit a passenger side tent?  I'm not sure what the checkerplate "tank" thingo is on the passenger side... and how difficult will it be to change that racking over?  I guess if you can do all that yourself then may be worth the trouble however if not then I would look at modifying the kitchen.    Just my 2c worth!   Good luck with it and sorry I can't help with any links to a canvas goods manufacturer.

Title: Re: Passenger side folding tents
Post by: Red Emperor on April 13, 2012, 08:46:25 AM

Desert lover - SWIMBO is not impressed....

The checkerplate is the side boxes that hold the gas cylinders electrics etc.

It wouldn't need many mods to drop on the passenger side as its just the inverse of the current set up - the roof rack swings both ways so this isnt an issue.

Looked at modding the kitchen but we want a large tent anyway so it make sense to do it this way.

Thanks

RE

Title: Re: Passenger side folding tents
Post by: whitedg on April 13, 2012, 09:03:08 AM

I'm not sure about the cost, but our tent is made by Bell Canvas and it is a Passenger side folding. We have the 12' version, and I reckon you could easily fit 6 kids on the floor section (2 up on the bed).

Cheers
whitedg

Title: Re: Passenger side folding tents
Post by: Alan Loy on April 13, 2012, 09:22:43 AM

I know I'm strange but I like the kitchen setup as it keeps everyone away from MY kitchen. ;D

Title: Re: Passenger side folding tents
Post by: Bookleaf on April 13, 2012, 09:39:25 AM

I know you want a bigger tent, but as a stop-gap measure, would it be possible to sell the kitchen part of the Drifta and purchase a LH Drifta.  Just need to re-arrange the runners in the tub then and the kitchen is on the better side for your current set-up

Title: Re: Passenger side folding tents
Post by: db on April 13, 2012, 03:58:46 PM

Would it be feasible to add a door to the drawbar side of the tent and a zip for the annexe and then just reverse the tent?

Title: Re: Passenger side folding tents
Post by: Red Emperor on April 13, 2012, 04:28:14 PM

Bookleaf - good idea but the Drifta is a custom spec and Im keen to hang on to it - I figure it will be the same once we sell the old tent and get a bigger one without the hassle of modding the kitchen.

DB - good idea also one I hadnt thought of, I'll look into it to see how much the canvas work will cost.

My preference is for a bigger passenger opening tent that has a 130cm drop so if I can find this I'll happily swap it over.

Cheers

RE