Currently we have a frame type ensuite - it takes 6 to 8 minutes to erect depending on how hard the ground is to drive the pegs in for the corners....about 2 minutes to pull down and pack away. It's never blown away but then again it's never been tested in anything other than a stiff breeze. Used for a shower and toilet. Weight 8KG
We're thinking a popup one may be better - instant up and (with training) instant packaway. However if there is any wind then we will have to peg it down and apparently in strong winds they will still blow away. Possibly we could anchor one side of it to the Avan to prevent it blowing away. Weight 1 to 2KG.
Space is a premium as is weight. The next trip will a long one with mostly one night stops so maybe the popup for that one and for longer stays take the frame one.
Hi Denis ,we have the Oztrail single popup onsuite bought it from BCF for about $69 , really good to use , easy to erect and dismantle although the first time we used it , was a test on the patience until we watched the Utube video , simple , we do the same as youself toilet and shower.
Thanks for the replies - looks like a popup is the next buy - I saw some in Big W for $38 - OzTrail brand. Actually Big W have some good camping stuff sometimes - recently bought 10 tent pegs Companion brand chromed and about 1/4" thick for $3.50 normal price. Seen them elsewhere for about $1.65 ea.
Regards
We've 'experimented' with an in-house brand pop-up from Rays. Only set it up on our front lawn to see how to best to integrate it into the Aliner annexe. We haven't actually taken it on a trip yet, as we tend to stay in parks close to amenities blocks or use private ensuite sites - not yet been out in the wild blue yonder !
However, what we did find was when setting up, the roof is supported by two curved 'flexi-tubes' crossed over and sitting in pockets at the top of each corner. The problem is the 'flexi-tubes' are three-section hollow plastic with metal ferrules to connect them and an elastic cord running through to tie them together. We found that it is very hard to get the right curvature on the tubes to hold the roof without one or more of the plastic tubes breaking right at the ferrule joint. We've had three tubes break just in the experimental period alone - funny thing is Rays had replacement tubes and cord 'out the back' and gave them to us free. Must be a common problem when they have quantities of backup replacement parts at your local store ! The 'thing' is still packed up in its bag without ever firing a shot in anger !
Regards, Brian
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Wondering about ShortNorth ? - Short North is the railwayman's nickname for the NSWGR main line between Sydney and Newcastle
We've 'experimented' with an in-house brand pop-up from Rays. Only set it up on our front lawn to see how to best to integrate it into the Aliner annexe. We haven't actually taken it on a trip yet, as we tend to stay in parks close to amenities blocks or use private ensuite sites - not yet been out in the wild blue yonder !
However, what we did find was when setting up, the roof is supported by two curved 'flexi-tubes' crossed over and sitting in pockets at the top of each corner. The problem is the 'flexi-tubes' are three-section hollow plastic with metal ferrules to connect them and an elastic cord running through to tie them together. We found that it is very hard to get the right curvature on the tubes to hold the roof without one or more of the plastic tubes breaking right at the ferrule joint. We've had three tubes break just in the experimental period alone - funny thing is Rays had replacement tubes and cord 'out the back' and gave them to us free. Must be a common problem when they have quantities of backup replacement parts at your local store ! The 'thing' is still packed up in its bag without ever firing a shot in anger !
Regards, Brian
Thanks Brian....our frame en-suite is similar to the Rays one you have but has metal tubes on the roof (from Tentworld)...still a pain but they don't break.
Regards and must meet you one time at an Avan club meet!!!!
Hi Denis ,we have the Oztrail single popup onsuite bought it from BCF for about $69 , really good to use , easy to erect and dismantle although the first time we used it , was a test on the patience until we watched the Utube video , simple , we do the same as youself toilet and shower.
I bought the same popup and used it for about a year, but just recently I took it out after it had been packed up for 2months and found that the frame had become brittle and broken in several places. I know it wasn't expensive, but still
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Cheers, Marianna.
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dogs (Mark Twain)
I am going against the tide here. We used one of those popup ensuites for 3 years or more and endured the hassle of never getting it back in the original bag. One day I put it on top of the camper trailer whilst trying to find something in the back of the ute. We drove off down the main street of Griffith unaware I hadn't put the popup back in the ute. It was one of the happiest days of my life when I discovered we had it no longer.
We replaced it with one with poles and life is good. Actually life is even better now we have a new en suite van!
cheers
Gary
-- Edited by Gary J on Monday 7th of April 2014 08:33:22 AM
I've have the pop up one and have used it for the last 4yrs with no breaking issues. Can generally pack it away with out to much effort. But...the last 3 times out it has been very windy...even well pegged didn't really help. It kept blowing in and trying to escape while showering. Apart from the last 3 times it has been good to use. I went and had a look at the ones with the poles on the outside at BCF last week and thought they were still flimsy so have come up with another idea to try out with the popup next time out. If it works I'll post a photo.
Oh for an inside ensuite.....nice to dream.
-- Edited by Jayco Gypsy on Monday 7th of April 2014 10:27:53 PM
