Worth Buying 10 Year Old Tent for Camping?

Lmirz on 06/06/2019 - 11:04
Last edited 06/06/2019 - 11:29 by 1 other user

We are thinking to have family camping as it’s just gonna be start and don’t want to spend lot of money. In start we are only thinking weekends or max up to 4 days. Mainly in campsites park so we all can have feel of how it would be.

We are family of 5, kids in early teen. So everyone will be fine to participate.

I found some large good quality tents on Gumtree and Facebook buy sell groups. Sellers claims they have not used them much and are is very good condition. But my main concern if these tents will still have water proofing capability after 10 years or they will start just ripping apart in winds?

Any other tips would be great. TIA

Sports & Outdoors Tent

Comments

  • memphisraynz on 06/06/2019 - 11:19
    +4

    I'd be very concerned if it is a synthetic tent, a canvas one may fair better. After that age I would expect the water proofing to be useless.
    It may not be of great help to you now, but the tents from Aldi may be a good place to start for the price.

  • mirz on 06/06/2019 - 11:25

    I forgot to mention mainly looking for Coleman gold range like Montana or similar. They are canvas

  • dogboy on 06/06/2019 - 11:36
    +1

    One issue is that the plastic clips that attach to the poles deteriorate after a few years and will break very easily. In terms of waterproofing, you can just throw a tarp over the top if you are concerned about that. Other than that, if the tent has been well maintained, then probably ok to get you started.

  • Chewiebacca on 06/06/2019 - 12:07
    +1

    I would not be cheaping out and buying a 10 year old tent if it were for my whole family, but maybe that's just me..

    • mirz on 06/06/2019 - 13:09

      Not trying to cheap out. First horrible camping experience can spoil the whole fun part.
      That’s the reason for this thread to seek advise from people who been camping.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2019 - 12:34

    You can't know. If it's been under sun/UV it will be junk. Mosquito net windows and floor tarp is really annoying if it has holes.

    • mirz on 06/06/2019 - 13:07

      Agree, buying parts for old tents would be expensive and sometime companies don’t carry parts if that model was discontinued 3-5 years ago.

  • dust on 06/06/2019 - 12:42
    +1

    YMMV but I've found and used tents found in council cleanup that have been fairly good quality.

  • mirz on 06/06/2019 - 13:05
    +1

    One thing, I’m thinking to ask sellers if they can setup tent (obviously happy to help them) to check condition. But not sure if many people will agree to this idea.

    A colleague also asked to look for any bad smell. That can create lot of trouble even if it’s in good physical condition.

    • abb on 06/06/2019 - 14:06
      +1

      Yes, absolutely must see it set up so you can ensure it's in good condition and all parts are there. If you help you will also learn how to do it - better to learn now than in the rain at camp!

      If it looks (and smells) good, go for it. I've used older tents with no worries. In the unlikely event the waterproofing is worn out, you can repair it easily enough.

  • dasher86 on 06/06/2019 - 13:14
    +1

    What's your budget?
    Will you consider getting 2 smaller tents instead of one?

    • mirz on 06/06/2019 - 13:21

      would prefer to go with one tent (kids fights still escalate time to time, lol)

      brand new Coleman 10 person dark is around $580 delivered.
      Second hand 10 years old Coleman Montana 12 person around $150.

  • frondono on 06/06/2019 - 13:26
    +1

    Black wolf had a pretty insane sale not too long ago on their tents. With some good value represented. Might be worth waiting for another one. Had a quick look at their clearance section and come across this one. It might be worth just ponying up for once you consider all the factors.

    https://www.blackwolf.com.au/store/tents/turbo-tent/turbo-30…

    edit: silly me, it's out of stock.

    • mirz on 06/06/2019 - 15:10

      As it’s still very cold here in Victoria, happy to wait. Which one is better between black wolf turbo and Coleman gold instant?

      Black wolf generally twice the price.

  • fantombloo on 06/06/2019 - 14:09
    +1

    Second hand is a great way to try. If it lasts only a few times and you're still into camping you then have the opportunity to get something new you really like and you'll have a better idea of what you actually need/want. While you're camping you'll see others with their own tents and that will give you more inspiration too for future purchases.

    I'd make sure the seller lets you erect and dismantle the tent in their presence so you can see it goes together well, and spend a few minutes inside and out giving it a good check - tears, holes, etc. When you go camping know that there may be a chance the seams might leak, but unless it's bucketing down you should be ok.

    • mirz on 06/06/2019 - 15:12

      That’s one of the reason I’m discovering second hand option. Also noticed that self inflating mats and sleeping bags are pretty expensive when buying everything for five. these items would prefer to buy new ones.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 06/06/2019 - 14:10

    IMO if you have young teens you’re better off doing what our family did which was to have cheap single person tents for each kid then a bigger tent for the parents that has an undercover area at the front for storing food, equipment, etc.

    • Cheaplikethebird on 06/06/2019 - 14:35

      Just saw your price range in the comments. I would go buy a 4 person tent with covered outdoor area second hand then buy one of these for each of the kids - https://www.bcf.com.au/p/jakandjill-2-person-dome-tent/52000…

      The kids will have a lot less fights if you give them their own space. Our cheap single person tents were used for about 5 years with about one 2 week beachside camping trip a year.

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