Blackwolf tents or other?

LWB123 · 5th February 2009, 10:58 PM

Following on from the earlier threads and comments on BW Turbo tents, I mentioned that despite thinking my 300 was a good tent, I also did not think the fly fitted all that well. I used a work cash bonus to buy it at the time and did not assemble it for some time after I got it home, so had not noticed the apparent fault or thought to see if it was a warranty issue.

Basically I bought the tent as a complete deal - tent, regular fly and deluxe fly and wall/door kit. The first time I set it up I did not actually fit the regular fly which is the bit at issue now. Figured I would be using the deluxe kit and it was a bit superfluous. But over the last few days I got to thinking that I should do something about it anyway. Prompted me to get it out and put it up this afternoon and recheck what the status is.

The regular fly does not fit `exactly' on the frame - i.e. on the LHS front corner the sewn fly roof edge (breaks the tent fly into quarters) with reinforced panel does not track over the pole upper corner knuckle dead centre, as it does on the other 3 outer corners. Rather it appears to be about 25mm too tight or short depending on your viewpoint. It could still be used, for sure, but I have a sense that the frame knuckle (plus screw) is a bit close to the edge of the reinforced panel in the fly and may lead to abrasion and possible tearing. I have had quite a few tents over the years and all the others seemed OK when they were new.

I contacted BW and they seemed quite happy for me to drop it in to the orginal sales outlet for inspection, since the tents have a lifetime warranty. The BW rep also suggested that the tents do `free up a bit with use' - although they are usually close to a good fit from the box new.

Figured that before I put either me or them to any trouble I should ask the many satisfied BW Turbo tent owners out there if their tent fly was an exact (or very close) fit from the box or sounds similar to mine. If the latter, did it 'free up' with use? Feel like a bit of a goose if both myself and the BW rep traipses half way across Brisbane to discover the product is actually within acceptable tolerance. On the other hand it all cost neary a gorilla new, so is not without some sense of mission now.

Cheers,

**lardy** · 6th February 2009, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by duncanw

Ive got a blackwolf turbo lite tent, it's is about the size of a dead body when its all wrapped up, weighs 20kg. I found when I was looking around the 2.4 x 2.4 tent seemed a bit small, so I got the 8 man 3.0 x 4.8.

Easy to put up, to put away is a bit tricky but there are some videos on the blackwolf website of a butch women putting it away by herself. So after you watch the video you will wonder how she did it but after a few attempts they fold up quite well.

EDIT:
The aftersales service is excellent, when I bought the tent there were a few holes in the fly. Blackwolf had it replaced in a week with a whole new tent.

have seen the video ..she is 'HOT' lol, this same discussion was on explore oz ...interestingly enough oz tents were 'bigged up' because if a seam or zip fails they have a no quibble policy on exchanging which is nice in this consumeristic throw away world we exist in

Heggs · 6th February 2009, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by lardy

have seen the video ..she is 'HOT' lol, this same discussion was on explore oz ...interestingly enough oz tents were 'bigged up' because if a seam or zip fails they have a no quibble policy on exchanging which is nice in this consumeristic throw away world we exist in

Just had a look at those vids on the blackwolf site checking out this HOT woman.....wow different definition of hot

I think her's are bigger than mine

**lardy** · 6th February 2009, 09:03 AM

mate too funny she could carry 6 tents at once, i reckon she works in the wharehouse and the company hasn't got round to buying a fork lift yet ...made ya look but !

**Savanahkelpy** · 11th February 2009, 10:35 AM

The one thing i see missing from this thread, regarding erecting any of the tents mentioned, was whether or not, it could be managed by one person. All of my tents are of the backpacker size, light weight and easy to carry, but no standing or head room. While i,m thinking of upgrading to something i may be able to stand in, i,m not game to ask a sales person if it can be assembled or put up, by one person, as i figure they would say anything to make a sale.,

, cynical, i know!
Anyone had a go at putting up their tent, by themselves, or the tents mentioned in this thread, with no help from a second person?. The time taken isn,t as important as the ease of the operation, as i tend to travel, solo.
Thanks, in advance.
Laurie

**stevo68** · 11th February 2009, 10:50 AM

solo tents
The one thing i see missing from this thread, regarding erecting any of the tents mentioned, was whether or not, it could be managed by one person. All of my tents are of the backpacker size, light weight and easy to carry, but no standing or head room. While i,m thinking of upgrading to something i may be able to stand in, i,m not game to ask a sales person if it can be assembled or put up, by one person, as i figure they would say anything to make a sale.,

, cynical, i know!
Anyone had a go at putting up their tent, by themselves, or the tents mentioned in this thread, with no help from a second person?. The time taken isn,t as important as the ease of the operation, as i tend to travel, solo.
Thanks, in advance.
Laurie

Hey Laurie...I have a Oztent RV5...the largest size...they go down to an RV2. Pic below...I did that all myself......pretty bloody easy.....just requires a bit of oomph to get onto the roof rack...but thats for the RV5....the other models are lighter...I think mine is around 22kilos. That pic is with the front and side panels

This is without the panels...

Regards

Stevo

**Savanahkelpy** · 11th February 2009, 10:57 AM

Hi stevo, Are the side panels a sort of zip on, segmented fly?

**stevo68** · 11th February 2009, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Savanahkelpy

Hi stevo, Are the side panels a sort of zip on, segmented fly?

Hey mate...yep...zips straight on with velcro for added fitting...then you just unzip the side and front doors.

Heres an inside shot:

From front door of front panel looking back:

The Front panel, whilst enclosing the awning from the tent....then acts as another awning, or can be zipped down for bad weather

Regards

Stevo

**Savanahkelpy** · 11th February 2009, 11:03 AM

I see, now, just noticed, after previous posting, by looking at the roof line, that its that a sort of front or extra room.,

**Savanahkelpy** · 11th February 2009, 11:14 AM

Thanks, Stevo, it looks quite an impressive setup.While i,m getting restoration work done on my Def, i,m investigating tents as i,m thinking of future tavel, with work in mind, possibly following the harvest trail. Roof top tents look ok, for use when traveling, but i may need something for moe of a home base, if i stay at one place, and need to commute to a work place or farm, etc.
thanks again.
Laurie

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