Wall Tent Rentals? Shelter questions...

[saltysugar]

Hi Burners!

This will be my second time attending Burning Man, and I don't want to make the same mistakes! Last year, I brought a cheap, large tent, and all was well until nighttime. When I woke up in the morning, half the tent had collapsed on my body. I had no idea I was such a sound sleeper.

I'm quite poor and don't have more than $300 to spend on the complete shelter. I've checked out forums, posts, and ideas on all different websites, and I haven't come up with anything useful yet.

BIG PROBLEM: I cannot build my own shelter! Most of these sites I've looked over have instructions on how to build your own shelter, but I'm a young, skinny klutz and have trouble putting together ikea furniture! One time I tried to put together a shelf, and a neighbor actually offered to by my "piece of art" for a nice price.

Ultimately, what I'm looking for is a wall tent or dome that sells for less than $300, or rents for a very VERY cheap price. I'm also hoping that perhaps someone might have a used one they might want to get rid of and give to a good home.

For almost a year, I've checked out ebay, craigslist, and every other website I heard of, but I've had no luck. Please help a fellow burner survive the night so she might once again be able to bring her joy and love to the playa!

Thank you in advance!

[Steven bradford]

I have to admit, I'm a bit puzzled as to why your tent went down--particularly at night, when the weather tends to be calmer.

I've taken a cheap coleman family tent for 8 of the last 9 years, with nary a problem.
Costco Garage shelters too. No problem. Neither of these was anywhere close to $300 in cost.

[saltysugar]

Last year there was a terrible windstorm on monday night, which was the first night I was there. It was the worst winds of the week, but it did its damage. In case of another windstorm like that, I want to be prepared.

It's interesting that you used a car port- I was thinking about trying that, but there were so many bad experiences that were posted. Most said it was too hot with no ventilation. Did you find any problems like that?

[hunter S]

Saltysugar, I have used carports for the past three years, never a problem. ventilation is easy just tie a line to the top of the end walls, raise & lower as needed lets air pass through end to end The key is put some effort into staking it down & bring an extra package of bungee ties(pick up at home-de-pot) also make sure the car port you buy is 2" diameter tubing, single tube legs. I have one from Kraigen cheap-o framing & I wouldn't trust it on the playa.

[ThePikey]

We stick our regular $30 tents and use a carport for our shade structure. Leaving one side or end open for ventilation still cuts down the wind and lets you breathe a little easier. It gets kinda hot during the day, but you're not in your tent then, right?

[saltysugar]

Thank you for all your help! I decided to purchase a costco carport and put a cheap 23 yr old tent underneath for our bedroom quarters. Totally living in style, aren't we? See you on the playa!!!!