jersey_gray
northern California
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Joined: 03/13/2009
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We want to start tent camping. It's my husband, myself and our 16 month old. Maybe take the dogs on occasion-80 lber, 18 lber and a 4 lber though most likely would leave the little dogs with a sitter. I like the thought of bringing the big dog for added security on more remote outings. We do not have a lot of money to start off so looking for recommendations for a decent inexpensive roomier tent (think Walmart prices). Also recommendations on sleeping bags, gear-everything really but tent is the big thing. We'll be camping in state parks and private campgrounds. The weather here isn't very extreme though it does get HOT (dry heat) in summer. We're in northern California.
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fordsooperdooty
Orange Kounty Kalifornia
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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Some big box stores like WalMart and Target have already sold at big discounts their summer tent stock, but you may be able to still find good prices on line at Cabella's, Target and WalMart. Coleman is always good, Wenzel, get an easy to set up dome tent, 10x10 or a bit bigger. Same air matresses and sleeping bags and you're good to go! Thats the way we started our outdoor experiences!
WalMart on line has free shipping to your store a Wenzel 8X10 2 room Ponderosa Dome Tent for $58.00 (this one got great reviews!), and an Ozark Trail 9x8 for $32.00! Have fun!
This is our 7th new Jayco in 30 years! Loved 'em all!
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vwGTImkv
Canada
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Joined: 03/05/2005
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If there is an REI close to where you live, pay the $20 lifetime membership fee and go to their Garage Sales. Items sold are all returned items. You can find very good deals on items that are as good as used.
Ebay is another good source of good deals.
www.steepandcheap.com has a lot of good deals put are posted one item at a time.
Features I would look for in a tent is good ventilation, full rainfly with vestibule, lots of pockets and a storage loft, quality zippers, etc
Engineers Rule The World
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4*phun*2
Canada
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Joined: 09/24/2008
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If you want a 'Good' tent you need to go to a store that specializes in camping or outdoors. Otherwise Walmart etc. Remember when they say it sleeps 4 they really mean it sleeps 2. You need a minimum of a 8 x 10. Full fly. 3 poles are better than 2.
Glenn & Karen
'06 F350 4X4 Lariat CC LB DRW (nice hips)
'09 Victory Lane 38SRV Toy Hauler
'02 HD Road King FLHRCI KRUZN
'04 F150 XLT Super Crew
Our Toys
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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Good Sam RV Club
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Isn't `good and inexpensive' an oxymoron. Sort of like an `honest politician' or a `light weight RV with three slides'?
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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deadticket8
Ivebeeneverywhere
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Joined: 02/10/2006
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Try Sierra Trading Post on line.They have some real nice deals. Some are high end but keep scrolling. Also Campmor has some good deals. I would not go too cheap. You will be dealing with bad zippers chintzy rain flys etc. And if you go midline you can always use a couple of times and sell on Craigs list in a snap.
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frank6160
Alabama
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Joined: 04/07/2007
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I have had good luck with my Coleman tents.For the crew you have you need something big. I have a 17X10 Coleman Red Canyon. It has worked well for me and my family.
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deadticket8
Ivebeeneverywhere
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REI tents are nice, some made by Diamond. I have a 21 year old Diamond tent, paid about $60. Held up in some tremendous storms. Diamond also makes tents for LL Bean and military. But the yard sale at REI is great if you can wait in line like for Rolling Stones tickets back in the day.
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mgordon
Bucks County, PA
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Joined: 10/07/2007
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Eureka Tetragon series. Great value. I've spent lots of nights in these without getting wet.
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3hooligans
New England
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I have had good luck with the 10x10 from walmart, nothing extreme as far as weather, but we slept 2 adults and 3 kids, one in a pac n play this summer, cramped but with only three you should be fine. Make sure you get a few tarps/rope to keep the play area for the 16 month old dry. it also helps to have the air mattress for you and your spouse. i have also used coleman sleeping bags got those at the outlet store. not sure if you have marshalls or tjmaxx out there, but i saw a king air mattress for short money there yesterday.
walmart and target are good for starting, but do invest in a quality stove.
look to spend 60-100 on a coleman.
good luck
Steve, Eileen, Caroline, Jack and Mikey
2004 F150
a tent and a dream of an HTT
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