Tent doors....which is best???

Baz,

I'm with ya on zip quality.

Thanx

Adrian

I have been told by an upholsterer that all zips are ment to go straight,not around corners.As they go around corners it pinches the inside teeth and stretches the outside teeth resulting in worn out teeth.
Our new tent had YKK zippers and they failed after the 70th consecutive night in the tent last year.Replaced under warranty,have to wait until next year to see how long they last this time.

Hi Pluto,

I haven't found the zip self opens with my OZTENT, I've used it more than 100 nights and cant complain about that aspect. With the OZTENT I only zip the verticle zip when entering and exiting, so I find access swift.
And i'm a big 120 Kg bloke. I do feel the zip quality is only average though.

Thanx

Adrian

Chrispy,

I haven't used a "U" door before, and wondered how user friendly they were.

Thanx

Adrian

Adrian

The "U" door is no more difficult to operate than the other designs. The zip starts at the top of the "U", goes down to the radiused bottom and up again. Unless you are four foot tall - it is pretty easy...

Self closing.

Moggs,
It's COI that seem to be changing their doors from "D" to "U", at least on some models. I agree with the hanging down effect of "D" doors.
thanx

Well 55,
Self closing mmmmmm almost, I can see the advantage of the door hanging almost in line with the zip....so I presume "U" door would be easiest.
Mmmmmmm IMHO I do see a potential problem when entering and exiting while its raining though, with the door hanging vertically, rain would drain straight in...maybe worse then other designs??
More to think about.
Thanx
Adrian

Gday Moggs,Ive got the same tent as you and have suffered heaps with the zippers.These tents have YKK zips but still the outer door zip seperated and although its self repairing it kept splitting next time you used it.They replaced the zip under warranty with another YKK one but different teeth.The upholsterers that repaired it said that the original zippers are not good quality even though they are YKK zips,also said zippers are ment to go straight,not around corners.
Mind you I love the tent and wouldnt hesitate to get another.

Hi Nick, I also love the tent, just get frustrated sometime with a handful of something whilst trying to do the zip up. I haven't had any problems with the zips with the exception of them being a little stiff.

Just on the "U" design, hadn't thought about the rain aspect...could be a problem. Although due to the shape of the walls even a "D" door hangs inside and also drips water if wet.