Wall tent build out advice?

[lintond]

Looking to get a wall tent this year. Here is what I was planning for setup. Anything you’d add/change & why?

-Davis 14x15 - family camping & up to (4) guys hunting
-Full floor, removable w/ stove cut out
-Eave sleeves for awning
-Awning I was planning to use a tarp for
-Front screen door w/ colorado flap
-Back window - is this enough with front door in warm weather? August antelope, family camping, etc
-No fire treatment
-Will cut my own EMT
-Wood stove TBD but also interested in a pellet feed attachment. Hearing mixed reviews on those…

Let’s hear those recommendations. Thx


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[LaHunter]

For 4 guys hunting, that will be really cramped. I would get a window on the two side walls, in addition to the back wall window. I have a Davis 12x14 and 2 hunters is all I would want in there, especially in colder weather when you probably will be cooking in the tent.

 

[huntsman22]

Doors at both ends, windows on sides only if you really think you gotta have them, and NO stupid floor. It's for 'camping', not housekeeping...

 

[Jeremyc_1999]

windows on both walls, doors on both ends. 12x15 will work for 4 guys, but you have to be efficient with your space or be tidy. Having an awning and storing gear outside will help with the room inside.

 

[Mojave]

Sites-MountainHardwear_US-Site

www.mountainhardwear.com

We have a tent similar to this. I have used it in Alaska, Yukon and in the Rockies in the winter time. I am kind of over big canvas outfitter tents, as I grew up using one as a kid.

Gets kind of cramped for a bunch of grown men, but it's good for a family. Mine is about 12 years old. I don't remember who made it. But the design is the same.

 

[Sccritterkiller]

Windows on both sides and extra guys and stakes for the tarp...go to a hardware store and get washers to go the stakes. I ordered the floor and have never used it.

 

[lintond]

Windows on both sides and extra guys and stakes for the tarp...go to a hardware store and get washers to go the stakes. I ordered the floor and have never used it.

Are the washers to help hold the tarp/rope or pulling the stakes?


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[Sccritterkiller]

Are the washers to help hold the tarp/rope or pulling the stakes?


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I use washers on all the stakes..tent, awning, and guys...they may help hold, but IMO they it make it a lot easier to remove them when your ready to pack up. I also got spring snap clips for all the guy ropes...I leave them tied on the guys then just clip them on to the tent/awning. If you want all the poles to fit in 6.5' bed you will need the couplers and cut the rafters in half.

 

[cnelk]

I welded washers on some big spikes and then painted them red. Easier to pound / remove and find when pulling


I also made a canvas bag to hold my tent frame [Davis will send you a bag for the stakes]


Here's a short video I made of some DIY wall tent stuff - might help give you some ideas

 

[5MilesBack]

I don't know why Davis dropped the 14x16 in lieu of the 14x15, but I'd rather have a 14x17 than the 14x15. Seems like I can always use an extra foot of space in the 14x16 when we put more than 3 people in it. Can't imagine 4 people in only 15 feet, especially with a stove.......the 16 gets too tight even without the stove. We don't like being cramped in a space. But I'm sure you can special order a tent in any size.

Secondly, tarps make a lot of noise.......even staked as tight as you can get them. You get even a small wind all night and you won't sleep much. Davis's vinyl awning is much better in the wind.

Third, you might consider some 12" lag bolts with washers for stakes and use an impact driver to put them in and take them out.

I love my Davis wall tents, very comfortable camping.

 

[lintond]

I don't know why Davis dropped the 14x16 in lieu of the 14x15, but I'd rather have a 14x17 than the 14x15. Seems like I can always use an extra foot of space in the 14x16 when we put more than 3 people in it. Can't imagine 4 people in only 15 feet, especially with a stove.......the 16 gets too tight even without the stove. We don't like being cramped in a space. But I'm sure you can special order a tent in any size.

Secondly, tarps make a lot of noise.......even staked as tight as you can get them. You get even a small wind all night and you won't sleep much. Davis's vinyl awning is much better in the wind.

Third, you might consider some 12" lag bolts with washers for stakes and use an impact driver to put them in and take them out.

I love my Davis wall tents, very comfortable camping.

Yeah not sure why they made that change. I hunted out of a 14x16 this fall and I think the one cot might be pretty close to the fire in the 15'

 

[lintond]

I welded washers on some big spikes and then painted them red. Easier to pound / remove and find when pulling


I also made a canvas bag to hold my tent frame [Davis will send you a bag for the stakes]


Here's a short video I made of some DIY wall tent stuff - might help give you some ideas

Nice setup you have there


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[MHWASH]

I second Davis' vinyl tarp. You didn't mention it, butI made the mistake of putting my stove jack out the wall instead of the roof. It doesn't draft as well because of it.

 

[huntsman22]

Get rid of the stupid elbow and it will draft just fine.....

 

[lintond]

I second Davis' vinyl tarp. You didn't mention it, butI made the mistake of putting my stove jack out the wall instead of the roof. It doesn't draft as well because of it.

I was planning on the roof stove jack but thanks for the heads up


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[huntsman22]

I won't own another wall tent with a roofjack. Never a burnhole in the roof, and easier to tarp with an endmount....... endmounts beat the heck out of wallmounts on the side, as they allow a steeper pipe for draft.

You won't have draw problems if you eliminate the elbows and horizontal pipes. hint

A single adjustable elbow at the stove to allow a steep pipe, is where it's at...

 

[bmart2622]

What brand tent is that?

 

[MHWASH]

I won't own another wall tent with a roofjack. Never a burnhole in the roof, and easier to tarp with an endmount....... endmounts beat the heck out of wallmounts on the side, as they allow a steeper pipe for draft.

You won't have draw problems if you eliminate the elbows and horizontal pipes. hint

A single adjustable elbow at the stove to allow a steep pipe, is where it's at...

I'll have to give that a try.

 

[30338]

I think Huntsman was using Beckel Canvas but not 100%. He's had a few nights in them lol.

 

[EdP]

The angled pipe out the back door is a great idea. The only downside being that you have to carry wood to the back of the tent and track in more mess in the process. Compared to the issues with going out the top I think it a good compromise.

Put a tarp/awning out front but be sure to overlap the tent at least a foot or two and make it match tent roof. It will help with the wind and snow and keep in some heat. Add a side curtain on one or both sides for cold weather hunts.

Definitely doors on front and back for air flow in warm weather. I would not bother with windows. If it is that warm you are going to be out under the awning anyway.

When the weather sucks and everybody comes back cold and wet, space becomes really important as everyone is trying to dry their stuff out. On the flip side, a really big canvas tent is a piece of work to put up and may be too much to handle when family camping unless there are a lot of hands to help.

A cheap plastic tarp under a canvas tarp makes a great floor. No worry about all the gear stashed under cots getting wet. Not needed in a lot of situations though. It depends a lot on where you are camping. I would not want to be without a floor in Mo for example, but in Idaho a scrap of carpet in front of your cot is all you need. Also consider the "family camping" aspect. Women and men tend to have different expectations. If you have a floor, bring a broom.

Mud flaps are essential.