4 Man Tent

[STindy05]

I have never done camping and am looking at getting into it. My wife likes the idea actually. Does anyone have any experience with a 4 man tent that will fit in either the saddlebags or hondaline top box? Most of my camping will probably be solo, but I would like a tent that would work for one up or two up so I don't have to buy two of everything and take along. I was going to ask this at motocampers.com, but figured many of them may not have an ST1300. Thanks in advance.

[Mellow]

What are the inner dimensions of the saddlebags or the top box , diagonally?

Take that, minus and inch or two and that should be a good target for the size poles you can use.

[dmulk]

Quality Eureka tents compress surprisingly small using compression straps....


I like the El Capitan series tents (Eureka Canada).

I have a 'Cap 2 and a 'Cap 4...i purchased the 4 thinking my girlfriend might want to do motocamping with me, but that isn't going to happen. So I am going to stick with the Cap 2 and probably sell the 4.

Sad thing is that I haven't even used the 4....but I know it will be too much space for my needs since I have the 2 man.

<D>

[Mark]

Check the REI Raj; it is a 3 man and I have fit the poles and tent into the right saddle bag of the ST1300.

Mark

[uptoblackwood]

Poles.....I have a North Face 3 man tent, the Stratos, a great tent. The pole sections were a couple of inches longer than my side bags. I called North Face and asked if they could make the same poles with shorter sections. Ten days later I had new poles that fit in the bags. Any good outfitter can make up poles. If shorter sections are used....it may mean that the aluminum alloy may have to be different than the original poles to accomodate the different bend ratio.

Just a thought.

Forest

[dmulk]

This is a great idea. Never thought to call the manuf. and simply ask.... :)


Poles.....I have a North Face 3 man tent, the Stratos, a great tent. The pole sections were a couple of inches longer than my side bags. I called North Face and asked if they could make the same poles with shorter sections. Ten days later I had new poles that fit in the bags. Any good outfitter can make up poles. If shorter sections are used....it may mean that the aluminum alloy may have to be different than the original poles to accomodate the different bend ratio.

Just a thought.

Forest

[uptoblackwood]

This is a great idea. Never thought to call the manuf. and simply ask.... :)
It doesn't have to be the manuf.....most good outfitters, selling top quality tents, can do the job....
As a matter of fact, the pole materials, bungee and end pieces are availible for purchase online or at many outfitters. You can do it yourself. You just have to be sure to get the right aluminum shaft material so that it bends correctly for the tent you intend to use the poles with. Some material is too stiff...others too soft. There is a relationship between the length of shaft/stiffness of material/bend....

Forest

[dmulk]

It doesn't have to be the manuf.....most good outfitters, selling top quality tents, can do the job....
As a matter of fact, the pole materials, bungee and end pieces are availible for purchase online or at many outfitters. You can do it yourself. You just have to be sure to get the right aluminum shaft material so that it bends correctly for the tent you intend to use the poles with. Some material is too stiff...other too soft. Their is a relationship between the length of shaft/stiffness of material/bend....

Forest


Good to know!

<D>

[uptoblackwood]

A few links...
http://www.abc-of-hiking.com/hiking-tents/tent-materials.asp
http://www.guide4home.com/leis-tent/poles.htm
http://www.trailspace.com/forums/backcountry/topics/34511.html

There are many links....including materials to purchase. Look around.

Forest

[uptoblackwood]

Another good site with lots of good info about tents...one of the most thoughtful articles about criteria to use when deciding on a tent for motorcycle camping I've seen!

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tripplan/equipment/tents.php

[uptoblackwood]

This is the tent I use when I want things to be roomy or two up:

http://www.outdoorreview.com/cat/outdoor-equipment/backpacking-camping-hiking/tents/the-north-face/PRD_76736_2955crx.aspx

This is the tent I use when I go light or ride solo:

http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF1330/c3/s28/The-North-Face-Tadpole-23-Tent-2-Person-3-Season.html

Both tents have great flys and good vestibule areas. The Tadpole packs incredibly well....it only takes a small portion of one sidebag. The Stratos is a hog to back (most of topbox area) but man is it nice to have the room.

Forest

[STindy05]

What are the inner dimensions of the saddlebags or the top box , diagonally?

Take that, minus and inch or two and that should be a good target for the size poles you can use.

They are going to have to be 21" or less to fit in either the saddlebag or the trunk. I have been looking and cannot seem to find a 4 man with that short of poles. Maybe I should try to contact the manufacture.

[George]

STgeeks!

I strap my (cheap, inexpensive, don't cost much) Wally world tent to the luggage rack along with my cot, pad, and (cheap, inexpensive, don't cost much) Igloo 48 can cooler, and...

GO RIDE!

You've all seen the pics, many of you have seen it in person. She ain't purty but she gets the job done. :D

[STindy05]

I think I may just have to make my own poles to go in the saddlebag.

Tent Poles (http://www.questoutfitters.com/tent_poles.htm)

[scootac]

Another option is to pack the poles separately from the tent. I made a pole case from a piece of PVC pipe, cap on one end, screw-in plug on the other, and strap it crosswise to the back of the bike. Then you don't have the constraint of pole length deciding what tent you buy.

George

[STindy05]

Another option is to pack the poles separately from the tent. I made a pole case from a piece of PVC pipe, cap on one end, screw-in plug on the other, and strap it crosswise to the back of the bike. Then you don't have the constraint of pole length deciding what tent you buy.

George

I thought of that, but I would really like to not have to strap the poles on. If I make custom poles I guess I can get any tent I want:D

[RideTN]

we bought a eureka pinnacle apex 3xta and have been very satisfied with it.