We were skeptical about the vestibule’s ability to handle wind, since it’s big and supported by a single pole, but it stood fast in 30 mph oceanside gusts and 15 mph hilltop winds. We also appreciated the shepherd’s hook stakes that come with the tent. Most of the tents we tested came with basic L-shaped stakes, which tended to spin around in the soil and slip a line.
We set it up one day, and by the next day or so it was down. A mild wind came along and the screen house is so “sturdy”, that it was knocked down and one of the corner braces broke. We found that company representatives are reluctant to estimate ozark trail chairs the lifespan of their tents. When pushed, most of the reps we talked to estimated five to 10 years, though the actual lifespan will vary widely depending on care and frequency of use (for more advice, read REI’s excellent tips).
Wasn’t even able to get the tent set up in a mild wind before one of the corner plastic parts broke. I contacted Wal-Mart (1-800-WALMART) to see where I could get a replacement pole for the tent. They are idiots and seemed like they didn’t want to help me by supplying me with the manufacturer’s phone number. I purchased Model #WT98010R and I’ve had it for 2 years and have put it up probably 6 times. This summer I had it up in the backyard after a birthday party for several days and one of the poles broke during a bad storm while I was at work.
Also, one of the parts broke before using it one time. I would like to spend 5 minutes with the designer of this POS, in a locked room…just me and him and a 2×4. Absolutely no apology for the poor quality of the product. I’ve had them for 5 or 6 years and I have no complaints with this company and its products. Got this product, it came with no instructions.
My ONLY problem is that I lost the darn instructions, and don’t remember which pole goes where! This product, when properly set up, is wonderful. I actually use mine in the yard in the areas where my trees don’t give shade. Had it up for about 6 weeks last year, and it still looks new. Throughout all our testing, we wanted to know how it felt to be inside the tents for long periods of time.
The rest of the process was funny too, with wimpy frizzy guylines, and inexplicable bits of plastic that are supposed to tighten them. I had to use every knot I’ve learned from rock climbing. There’s shade, and fewer bugs than outside the screenhouse. I wonder what will happen when the wind comes.
In terms of how the two tents feel, the Marmot Tungsten 4 is more geared toward hunkering down and providing stalwart defense against wind, rain, and sun. In contrast to the Mineral King 3’s triangular vestibules, the Tungsten 4’s vestibules are trapezoidal, opening via a central door with protected areas on either side. This design does a better job shielding the tent from incoming—and sideways—wind and rain.
We used it to put it over a little swimming pool for our children and it works great. We do get a lot of random rains during the summer so one of the 3-way gables broke (part of the corners of the frame) with the weight of the water that accumulated on one side. I called to get a replacement and the customer service person I talked ozark trail canopy to was awesome! She guided me through until I was able to find the correct serial number for the part and sent it to me right away. This product from the list of stuff that I wish I never had bought it would in the top two. Setting up the screenhouse you need an army of people to hold the frame in place to put the screen over.
A senior staff writer at Wirecutter, Kit Dillon has written about everything from backpacks and cooking gear to luggage and road-tripping. It is oddly relevant work for testing aluminum tent poles. Step 2 – Install the PolesInsert the ends of each of the three roof poles into the 3-way hubs. Insert the four side roof poles into the 3-way hubs. Insert the leg poles into the hubs to raise the screen house frame. Make sure that the pole end with the holes in the sides ( ) is pointing down.
Will I come home and just find the screenhouse gone, or will I see it blowing around in the street, trailing pipe segments? What about the rain, or the potential for 120-degree heat? For the moment, my dream of an extra room in the back yard has come true. One mad idea often begets another, and that is how this $34.95 purchase came about. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere in the blog, I’m getting married in Joshua Tree on August 2nd, outdoors.