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Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

Original poster

Second hand bell tent

21 replies

loopyloops · 31/08/2010 14:28

Dear all

I'm looking for a second hand bell tent, but can't find one anywhere! Does anyone know where might be best to look?

Many thanks

OP posts:
TheButterflyEffect · 31/08/2010 15:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
loopyloops · 31/08/2010 16:14

I think we'll have to go new too, (none on Preloved or Ebay) but DH hates parting with cash!

Was it worth it? Have you used it? Which did you go for? I'm looking at the Souldpad 400lite, but not sure if it's worth getting a more expensive one? Any ideas?
Thanks for your help.

OP posts:
MollieO · 31/08/2010 17:15

Have a look at Cybercheckout. I got my 3m from them last year and I see they are doing 4 and 5m ones this year. Same weight as the other makes although no SIG or ZIG. I've had no problems with mine. Nice thick guy ropes with wooden runners as well.

Original poster
loopyloops · 31/08/2010 17:50

What is a SIG or a ZIG please?

And thanks :)

OP posts:
Original poster
loopyloops · 31/08/2010 17:53

They do have them on Cybercheckout but everything on that website says out of stock... is it still trading do you know?

Thanks

OP posts:
MollieO · 31/08/2010 19:01

Sig is sewn in groundsheet zig is zipped in gsheet.

No idea. I bought it last year direct from them and they were very helpful. My tent was missing a guy do they sent a replacement and spare. They also reduced the price a couple of days after I ordered mine and refunded me the difference. I'd give them a call if I were you. It is/was a family business iirc.

MisSalLaneous · 31/08/2010 20:49

We've got an Obelink one (bought in Holland) with the zip-off groundsheet, which is similar to Belltent Ultimate and except for door part, to Soulpad Hybrid. If I had to buy here, I'd go for the Soulpad Hybrid, I think (cheaper in Holland, hence buying there).

The zip-off groundsheet means it's water/bug/everythingproof, yet can detach if muddy for cleaning and drying at home without dirtying rest of tent in bag.

You don't, of course need that, the plain one apparently great as well and people say it never leaks from the ground if you fold the flaps in as directed. I don't think I'd buy the all-in-one one for the cleaning and drying reason alone.

Original poster
loopyloops · 01/09/2010 10:27

Well, it seems as if there is a lot of controversy surrounding Obelink! They won't sell to UK buyers as they have an exculsivity contract with belltent.co.uk, but have now got around EU legislation by only selling their cheaper tents in store, so you actually have to go to Holland...

so our choices are:

Go to Holland for a camping holiday and pick up tent on the way (would have to be next year, as weather isn't great and finances...)
Get friend in Holland to go to the shop for us and buy (but she lives the other side of the country so fuel, shipping etc. would make it as expensive)
Get one from Soulpad
Hold out for a second hand one
Don't get one :(

If we knew someone with one that we could borrow to try out for the weekend it would make the decision easier, if we love it then I'd have more leverage over DH!

The other question is size. There is me, DH and DD, with potential for more kids later. I'm keen on a 5 metre one, DH wants 3m so I guess 4m is the compromise...? Any suggestions for this?

Thank you.

OP posts:
TheButterflyEffect · 01/09/2010 11:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MisSalLaneous · 01/09/2010 18:46

loopy, no way in hell can you go for a 3m one, they're cute, but tiny. I'd seriously try and persuade dh to consider the 5m if you're looking at it with the view of more children. We took the 4m one as it's perfect for us (2 adults + toddler), and a lot lighter than the 5. When we have more children, we'll trade in for the bigger one though.

MollieO · 01/09/2010 19:09

I have the 3m one. It is perfect for me and ds however it would be a struggle to fit in another bed. I would get the biggest you can afford.

Original poster
loopyloops · 02/09/2010 18:25

Thanks for your help.

I've decided it's worth waiting until next year and saving for the 5 metre one. (DH still not convinced, but we'll get there...)

OP posts:
MisSalLaneous · 03/09/2010 16:29

I'm a bit baffled by that listing - how can they have 40 bell tents that have only been used for 2 days each?? Not saying it's not try, but surely someone wasn't thinking when they bought it? Hmm, guess they could have rented it out at a festival for loads of money? Odd.

MrsMellowdrummer · 03/09/2010 17:37

I wondered if it was a really posh wedding, or private event, or something. Bedding and mattresses and rugs are included, so it looks as though they've been all used for something like that.

If it's for real, it's a bargain...?

VivaLeBeaver · 03/09/2010 17:40

The listing's ended now.

MollieO · 03/09/2010 20:32

There was a thread on uk camping. They were for his daughter's wedding this weekend.

MisSalLaneous · 03/09/2010 20:44

Ah ok. Must have been a pretty cool wedding!

Original poster
loopyloops · 15/09/2010 22:19

WOW! Only just seen this, it's been re-listed now, but that's a hell of a lot of bell tents!!!

OP posts:
pitchperfect · 18/09/2010 23:46

If they've been relisted it would be a good buy. One of the UKCS people got it for £179 as they didn't need the bed or bedding (which isn't camping gear). When they were first listed it was thought it may be a scam but it seems that it was genuine enough. I wouldn't mind being a guest at that wedding.

Needanewname · 20/10/2010 12:20

Don't go for a 3m - tiny. We are a fmaily of 4 and have a 5m - perfect (though would have loved to get the Emperor (like a circus tent) but it dodn;t have the ZIG - however they are bringing one out next year.

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