I use a brown/blue tent that PBV supplies, puts up and takes down every day!!!

I’ve got a small compact light tent I use when touring self supported. I’m looking at getting a Coleman Sundome 4 tent for Ragbrai, and for those times that I’m car-camping. Lots of good reviews, about 70 bucks for the 4 man and about 100 for the 6 man version. If there are 3 of you, I’d go for the 6 man one, I’ve found that that tent size designations are a bit ‘optimistic’. I know my touring tent is a 2 person, but it would be cramped. For just me and my gear it’s fine however.

4 person SunDome

6 person SunDome

Steve

mentor58:
I’ve got a small compact light tent I use when touring self supported.I’m looking at getting a Coleman Sundome 4 tent for Ragbrai, and for those times that I’m car-camping.Lots of good reviews, about 70 bucks for the 4 man and about 100 for the 6 man version.If there are 3 of you, I’d go for the 6 man one, I’ve found that that tent size designations are a bit ‘optimistic’.I know my touring tent is a 2 person, but it would be cramped.For just me and my gear it’s fine however.

4 person SunDome

6 person SunDome

Steve

I would go for a 2 person tent before I would go for a 2 man tent, LMAO!!!!! :twisted:

Michrider: I would go for a 2 person tent before I would go for a 2 man tent, LMAO!!!!!

Well now Mich, who wood’a thunk THAT???!!! :roll:

Have a2 I use self contained. No way I’d want 2 in that. Perfect for 1 with gear. On RAGBRAI old North Face 4 man A frame for me gear and bike.

I KNOW, I KNOW!! The Eureka Sunrise 8 (there are also larger sizes) is a great summer tent. Big windows on all four sides, mesh top. Rain fly works great, and you can still get air. Mine has been going on RAGBRAI for 5 years now. Wouldn’t change a thing … except, after last year, … I’m bringing a tent fan as well!

Watch the website,www.steepandcheap.com. They have some great deals and you won’t have to wait long to find a tent.

How do those Coleman Sundomes hold up to wind and rain? That’s a reasonable price. Would it be wise to store you bike in your tent? Thanks for the replies.

Do most riders put their bikes in their tents for “security” or is this not really necessary? I would prefer to use a solo backpacking tent since it is small, light and portable. But I’d take a larger tent if the prevailing or recommended practice is to keep your bike inside your tent at night. Can someone provide some insight about this issue. Thanks.

Av8tor:
Do most riders put their bikes in their tents for “security” or is this not really necessary?I would prefer to use a solo backpacking tent since it is small, light and portable. But I’d take a larger tent if the prevailing or recommended practice is to keep your bike inside your tent at night.Can someone provide some insight about this issue.Thanks.

Some riders put their bike’s inside tents, however, most do not! I’m one of those who don’t tent my bike! My friends and I lock the bikes at our campground and cover with a tarp!

I put mine in. keeps it out of the way so it won’t get stepped on or try to find a place to lean it, keeps it dry at night, don’t have to carry a lock, plus, it helps anchor the tent. Also I don’t bring a seperate light for camp and bike, just the bike light. If it’s on the bike I know right where to find it when I need it.

jwsknk +1
I like a larger tent (4-person) for air movement and room to get
changed. I bring two duffo-bags; one with camping stuff and one
with clothing, etc. There’s room for them (I repack every night)
and the tent has a vestibule just large enough for my bike.
I’ve seen others in those backpacking tents ~ I’ve got two of them,
and over seven days, I’d rather bring some creature comfort items.
The Charter carries my bags, so weight & size aren’t really issues;
omfort is!

Satman: jwsknk +1I like a larger tent (4-person) for air movement and room to getchanged. I bring two duffo-bags; one with camping stuff and onewith clothing, etc. There’s room for them (I repack every night)and the tent has a vestibule just large enough for my bike.I’ve seen others in those backpacking tents ~ I’ve got two of them,and over seven days, I’d rather bring some creature comfort items.The Charter carries my bags, so weight & size aren’t really issues;omfort is!

I do like to be comfortable. I’ve been scoping out the tents on-line, I did find a Coleman 4-person with a vestible. It got okay reviews, except not very durable. I’d spend the extra cash for a more durable tent. What tent manufacturer do you prefer? I also own several backpacking tents that I feel will be too small on this bike trip. I won’t be carrying the thing so might as well go for more comfort. Thanks.

I like my MountainSmith Morrison 2 person tent. Pretty easy to set up, and quite roomy. Packs down enough with the footprint included to lash to the back rack of my bike.

JScout: How do those Coleman Sundomes hold up to wind and rain? That’s a reasonable price. Would it be wise to store you bike in your tent? Thanks for the replies.

Coleman Sundowner lasts ….not too well. I had one at RAGBRAI a couple of years ago. By the fifth day I had used duct tape to hold the frame together, later threw the damned thing away in Mt. Pleasant rather that drag its carcass home.

Then I bought a Kelty with an alloy telescoping frame (all one piece on a swivel). Strong as can be and much easier to pitch. Never again will I buy a cheap tent. My Kelty was not cheap but it is worth every penny I paid for it (although I will use the PBV tent service – hey, they carry your bags for you so for heavens sake, why would I opt to carry my own tent).