Quechua air frame tent

[djdest]

I’ve spent countless hours trying to find what I consider the ideal tent for what I want, and after near giving up managed to find the “Quechua air seconds 4.2 XL fresh and black”, rather a mouthful
It looks pretty impressive for the money, and the majority of reviewers are all excellent, I just wondered if anyone had experience of them?

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/air-seconds-family-42-...

[djdest]

It’s only ever going to be for two people, so wouldn’t really need anything bigger, plus there might be times when I use it on my own, so a bigger one would be a bit over the top.
One of the reviews I read about Quechua in general mentioned the roof vent, but I can’t see one on this model so not too bothered.
I love the fresh and black aspect, looking at YouTube reviews it is very dark even on a bright day

[djdest]

Excellent, thanks for the detailed reply.
I will only be using it for occasional weekends away, and only during warmer weather.
I would love to get something a bit higher up the quality range, but wouldn't be able to justify the cost for how much it will be used.
One review I read said they had stitched some velcro on the groundsheet at the entrance to over come the problem you mention.
I will be using whatever I get for 4-5 days in Cornwall for the first week of September, so am trying to hold out for further discounts towards the end of the season

[djdest]

I definitely am going for the right one, the one I posted has more headroom in the central area, which is where I’d want it most, I want opposite bedrooms and black out too.
I did look at the other, but discounted it for the above reasons

[djdest]

Just been to Milton Keynes Decathlon where they have them all set up. I was very impressed with how dark it is inside, it was also bigger than I expected.
Purchase made!

[djdest]

Yes, the first one I linked.
I’m just waiting for a ground sheet to arrive and then I’ll pitch it and measure.

Best tip I’ve read for keeping them clean and dry is a ground sheet under the tent on for anyone wondering

[djdest]

Had a nice result at work, 40ft container came in with a waterproof and thermal liner, the ultimate ground sheet!
They cost about 400 quid, so have taken half home to make two footprints

[djdest]

I’ve just pegged it out and pumped it up just so I could cut the ground sheet to size, it was very easy to do! Is definitely get the red pump to go with it.
Without even having the guy ropes to pull it tighter it was definitely 140 width for the bedrooms.
Then I said and contemplated trying to get it back in the bag! It was surprisingly easy, it took me 24 minutes from letting the air out to being totally packed away.
I found that it was easier once rolled up to sort of kneel on it and put the bag over the top rather than trying to lift it into the bag.
I did have an extra pull tight strap that I put round it first to help get it a bit smaller.
Then worked the bag around it as much as possible so I didn’t put any strain on the zip when closing it. Do up the clips and pull the straps tight to get it a little smaller still and job done! Very impressed.

[djdest]

You can swap the pipe to the other side to suck out air if you wanted, I didn’t even do that and found it very easy.
I unscrewed the valve slightly to release the initial pressure that removed it fully to get the rest out.
Then roll it up from the opposite end to the valves and it flattened as you go.
If anything I’d say just the sheer size of it was the only thing that made it a little hard work to fold, the air made no difference at all to me

[djdest]

I didn’t try sucking it out, I thought I’d see how easy it was to put away without doing it.
As above, it was easy.
It is possible to suck the air out if you really wanted to, as I said above. You just swap the pipe on the pump to the other side and it works in reverse

[djdest]

Have you got the red pump? It does say inflate/deflate on each side so I assume that’s what it’s for

When letting the air out did you fully remove the red valve?

[djdest]

Due to possibly moving into a caravan temporarily while I relocate I might have to ask my tent (the one linked at the start of the thread) and other stuff.
I only used it once and it was excellent!
I don’t want to sell it but simply don’t have the space.
If anyone is interested before it goes on eBay?
I’ve got two decent camp beds, table, wind breaks, lamp and other bits and bobs that can all be included

[djdest]

I thought that too!
The tent was £300 and I’ve got another £150 or so of stuff to go with it.
If I got 250-300 on eBay I’d be happy