Si Click
Well-Known Member
I like the idea of the i-Kamper and the space it can provide, but some reviews are critical of the quality of materials used and and I am not sure how it would stand up to high winds. I think there is a Mk2 version which may be better.
I'm in the market at the moment focusing on the Alu Cab Gen 3, Bundutec Bundutop or one of the James Barouds, all of which get excellent reviews from serious overland specialists.
I'm in the market at the moment focusing on the Alu Cab Gen 3, Bundutec Bundutop or one of the James Barouds, all of which get excellent reviews from serious overland specialists.
Si Click
Well-Known Member
I was there most of the day and was very glad I went on Sunday, although seeing how the tents performed in a gale would have been interesting.
The Ikamper was huge and very light and airy inside, you could easily sleep 4 people and the quality seemed fine although the clips are pretty basic and uninspiring. The chap selling them had a Mk1 on his VW T6 and was open that the quality is constantly improving and much better in the Mk2. Clever design, but expensive and more geared to a family holiday than overland travel IMHO as you cannot place solar panels on the roof (double skinned fibreglass) and I'm not convinced it would cope well with seriously bad weather. The guy said it "should" be fine in winds up to 25-30 mph. I don't need that much space, but I do need something very solid that won't flap too much in a gale.
I think I will be buying a Bundutec Bundutop. Lots of space for 2 people, the most comfortable mattress at the show by far, solid aluminium hardshell already wired for solar panels, integrated LED and fan, 20 secs to set up or pack up and £600 cheaper. It has been tested to winds of 75 mph and there is lots of Youtube testimony as to how well it holds up to torrential rain and gale force winds. Really strong fabric as well and no flapping. Not cheap at £2795, but a really well proven tent.
The Ikamper was huge and very light and airy inside, you could easily sleep 4 people and the quality seemed fine although the clips are pretty basic and uninspiring. The chap selling them had a Mk1 on his VW T6 and was open that the quality is constantly improving and much better in the Mk2. Clever design, but expensive and more geared to a family holiday than overland travel IMHO as you cannot place solar panels on the roof (double skinned fibreglass) and I'm not convinced it would cope well with seriously bad weather. The guy said it "should" be fine in winds up to 25-30 mph. I don't need that much space, but I do need something very solid that won't flap too much in a gale.
I think I will be buying a Bundutec Bundutop. Lots of space for 2 people, the most comfortable mattress at the show by far, solid aluminium hardshell already wired for solar panels, integrated LED and fan, 20 secs to set up or pack up and £600 cheaper. It has been tested to winds of 75 mph and there is lots of Youtube testimony as to how well it holds up to torrential rain and gale force winds. Really strong fabric as well and no flapping. Not cheap at £2795, but a really well proven tent.
Last edited:
sharkey964
Active Member
I went......
VERY disapointed.
Took all of 45 mins to look round the actual show.
Though,the car park was a lot better.Some realy nice set ups,& met some nice interesting folks.
Marc
sharkey964
Active Member
I have a James Baroud,(there wern't any at the show)I find it brilliant,used it in all weathers -10 to +40,& gale force winds,never a problem.
Devon 4x4 is a stockist.
Marc
Si Click
Well-Known Member
There was one James Baroud at the show - though not on show if you see what I mean. I spotted one on someone's roof and they were good enough to talk about it and let me have a nosey. It was an XXL, really nice tent and very spacious. My only concern was that the hard top had streamlining moulding that would make fitting solar panels tricky. Otherwise ideal.
Frankly the margin between the car park and the show was a bit blurred and I agree chatting in the car park was just as useful as speaking to the vendors.
I was there with my sister who is looking to buy and convert a VW T6 Transporter into a long range campervan and the International Campervan Show part was even smaller and more disappointing; I'm sure most people did not even know there were two shows together. Fortunately she made contact with a firm that seem to do superb conversions at sensible prices.
Frankly the margin between the car park and the show was a bit blurred and I agree chatting in the car park was just as useful as speaking to the vendors.
I was there with my sister who is looking to buy and convert a VW T6 Transporter into a long range campervan and the International Campervan Show part was even smaller and more disappointing; I'm sure most people did not even know there were two shows together. Fortunately she made contact with a firm that seem to do superb conversions at sensible prices.
Si Click
Well-Known Member
Congratulations, did you buy the big £3500 one? I also went to the show, looked at the iKamper again, but bought a Bundutec Bundutop which meets my needs better. They are getting a new consignment in October and this is the first chance I have had to buy a black one. My son also ordered one in silver and then spent half an hour with Whitbred Off-Road ordering a roll cage for his D90 and discussing how it could be modified to have the Bundutop mounted directly on it, together with a built in ladder and mounting points for his kite surfing boards. Tuff-Trek will deliver the tent to Whitbred who will fabricate to match then fit the cage and tent to the vehicle.
Si Click
Well-Known Member
The big iKamper is the best family tent on the market IMHO. As well as being vast in size, it is the only one I have seen with a well designed annex that actually becomes somewhere you would want to spend time.
Ours will be just for the two of us (strictly humans only), and we will use a Vango Hexaway II Tall drive away awning as living space. It is inflatable so goes up and down quite quickly and if we are staying more than one night we can head off and leave it in place. The downside is that when packed it is quite bulky. On the upside, it keeps the rain out properly unlike most awnings.
Ours will be just for the two of us (strictly humans only), and we will use a Vango Hexaway II Tall drive away awning as living space. It is inflatable so goes up and down quite quickly and if we are staying more than one night we can head off and leave it in place. The downside is that when packed it is quite bulky. On the upside, it keeps the rain out properly unlike most awnings.
Attachments
Si Click
Well-Known Member
Picked up and fitted the Bundutop this weekend. Very comfortable and dry overnight despite torrential rain, the internal light and ability to charge my phone/tablet is excellent and the fact that the cables in the roof will support a tablet so I can watch a film lying on my back, was a bonus.
