Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2020 20:20:33 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Add a Room tent question
In-Reply-To: <38CD17C6-B1DE-4006-9469-0217F8A9EEC8@icloud.com>
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Hi Jeff,
I have not had the chance to attach to my bus but it looks like it will work well. I think this model is a bit updated. There is a floor that can be attached or left off. The sides can flip up into a awning something like 15 feet wide and the front can do the same. Or the sides can roll up making a open pavilion. Or some combination.
I would not be surprised if the directions are not posted on bus depot. I can make scans of mine and email for a buyer but not sure if exactly the same.
It is heavy but as it is temporarily replacing my bus it is worth it.
Also, for extended camping it would be sweet.
The hardest part for me is actually figuring out how to fold it back up!
Once I figure out what the additional poles are for I could also decide to leave some poles at home. Example I might open the sides on occasion but not the front so leave the poles for that at home. Or just role up the sides and leave all the flexible poles at home. I’m liking the awnings though for hot summer camp outs. That shade is really helpful. Still the reduction of wait means I won’t always carry all the parts.
And, sometimes just the regular Bus Depot awning is the way to go!
But, I have directions if needed And two sturdy mystery poles.
Eric
> On Jul 1, 2020, at 6:45 PM, Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@icloud.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Eric. I have the same tent. I haven’t used it in awhile but I wonder if those two poles are for an awning or to hold the door or a side up if detached from the tent?
>
> I found the quality to be good but it’s bulky and heavy. I believe newer models had poles made of lighter material. I don’t believe this tent is made exclusively for the Vanagon and as a result the fit between van and tent isnt as good as with the original tent. By original I mean the orange canvas Westfalia tent that connected to my 79 van. I also have a mid 80s Westfalia tent that I use more frequently. It doesn’t connect as well either. I “believe” my 79 tent had a floor but neither my mid-80s nor my Bus Depot tent have a floor. The BD tent may have a separate floor that attaches? I don’t recall.
>
> Anyway it’s a sturdy beast of a tent as you know but I’ve found it too bulky and heavy for regular use. If anyone is looking for a brown model near Winnipeg let me know :)
>
> I’ve lost my instructions in a move. If there’s any way to scan them I would appreciate it!
>
> Jeff
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 1, 2020, at 3:53 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>> Hi folks,
>>
>> Anyone have one of the Bus Depot tents? I’ll be getting to know mine well this summer.
>>
>> I’ve assembled it for a test run and basically have one question. I have two poles that I don’t know what they are used for. Everything else is figured out.
>>
>> The directions were a bit funky as they refer to colored dots on the poles but the poles didn’t have them.
>> Over all though they were easy to follow.
>>
>> The two mystery poles are about 6 feet lone. Have a pin on one end and a round plastic foot on the other.
>>
>> I don’t want to assume they are not important as they may be important for stability in some way.
>>
>> I’ve emailed Bus Depot, Monday morning and called but they are busy and I’m not sure when I’ll hear back.
>>
>> So if someone knows the tent and the poles I’d like that mystery solved.
>>
>> I look forward to giving a review, I won’t be able to talk about how it hooks to a bus as I’m using it as a bus replacement. But, first impressions are very positive.
>>
>> And, man, it is big!
>> Much bigger in my memory then my long gone Westfalia original tent.
>>
>> Eric Caron
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