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Tue Jun 23, 2009 8:30 pm

Can anyone Help?
I'm hoping that someone out there has one of these van tents and could possibly send me some pics and/or provide some dimensions for the top gable assembly, so I could try and make them. My 9 year old son would like to go camping this summer but I would need to set up this tent and can't since the p.o. can't find these pieces.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

many thanks
toppmark

Tue Jun 23, 2009 8:32 pm

Umm, what are you talking about other than a tent that goes on the side of a Bus.

Which tent?

Tue Jun 23, 2009 8:37 pm

Yes it is the side tent. They were an option from Riviera from the late 60's to early 70's. Do you have any info that can help me?

Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:37 pm

Are you needing dimensions of the poles? I have a white stag tent (I think) from that era that is complete. I could measure the pole pieces for you tomorrow if that is what you need.

A friend of mine has a similar tent (maybe his is an actual white stag) and they are very much the same. Not sure when I would be able to get a look at that one, though.

Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:10 pm

Hi cdennisg

Since I don't know how to put a pic up here - here's a link to the tent I have; http://www.clarkcraft.net/jsclark/vw/images/wstag1.jpg
Yes, I am trying to figure out how to make the top gable poles (I have the proper slider poles-I think) If you could supply me with some pics and/or lengths of poles (especially the curved ones) - we would really, really appreciate it.

Many thanks

toppmark

Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:20 pm

That is the same one I have. I will see about getting some pics/dimensions for you tomorrow, or Thursday, depending on how my work day pans out tomorrow.

Sat Jun 27, 2009 11:20 pm

Hi ya all

I'm still looking for some help with this - Is there anyone who can help? - Please! There must be someone somewhere in this big world who has this tent that can help me. One fellow member told me that the top poles are 40" length, but does't know what the size and angle of the center apex is - This is what I need. a size, degrees & pics would get me on my way.

Please if you can help - I'm begging for it now. please, please help me.

Sun Jun 28, 2009 6:57 am

I can't help you as I don't own that tent. It is a relatively rare set-up. Somewhere in the gallery are pics of that tent and a guy selling it as he found it and set it all up for the pics. What exactly are you missing parts-wise? I'd think that you could leave your poles behind and make all the poles for now using metal conduit and joiners: just make sure the screws aim away from the cloth. Set it up between trees or objects that you could tie the tent up into its rough shape with sisal twine or cotton clothesline. Then get a tubing cutter and make the poles. The corners could be "90 degree street-sweeps", a pre bent corner piece. As far as the top pitch angle just bend it as you go. It doesn't look to be very much of an angle. Good luck.

Sun Jun 28, 2009 8:55 pm

Here we go, sorry it took so long.

Here are the top gable sections. The angle is approximately 12 degrees. They were likely 20 inches long before they were bent.

Here are all the rest of the poles. Four of each.

Here are the dimensions of the poles. The ones with the 90 degree bend on one end are measured from the approximate inside apex of the bend. Not sure if that was the best way to measure them, but I had to start somewhere.

Bent poles.

Here is the rod that fits in the sleeve of the tent that fits in the bus gutter above the sliding door. It appears to be just 1/4" solid bar stock.

Here is the pole bag, just because.

Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:06 am

I love these posts when someone really goes out of their way to help out a fellow enthusiast. kinda restores my faith in people. Good on you cdennisg.

Wed Jul 01, 2009 12:53 pm

Toppmark, did this help you with what you needed? Do you need any more pics or info? Let me know. I may set up the tent this weekend, maybe I should take a bunch of pics and measurements for future reference.

Wed Jul 01, 2009 4:19 pm

Thanks cdennisg!

A picture may be worth a thousand words but a pictures with measurements - priceless. I see there is going to be some challenges for me to make these.
Am I correct in assuming that the 90's slide over the center apex piece and then are adjusted outwards? And that the apex not only bends upward but slightly forward as well? It seems all of these lock into certain positions so that the apex is pointing at the right angle. Please let me know if you can.

Many thanks

Wed Jul 01, 2009 8:26 pm

Since I haven't set it up for almost a year, maybe it would be best if I do just that. I will get several pics and try to answer your questions then, since I can't recall clearly how it goes together. I need to set it up for a few small repairs, and to air it out for a future campout. My daughter will be excited, too. I will plan on it this weekend.

Sun Jul 12, 2009 7:49 pm

I have the parts that you need. PM me to discuss.

Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:08 am

This side got slightly bent in a wind storm.

Here is a sampling of the pics I took of the tent in my backyard. There are many more in my gallery.

Thu Aug 09, 2012 4:45 pm

can anyone give me an idea of what one of these is worth? I am looking at purchasing one and want to be fair with the owner and neither of us have a good idea on the value.
Thanks!!

Thu Aug 09, 2012 7:22 pm

type2bill wrote: can anyone give me an idea of what one of these is worth? I am looking at purchasing one and want to be fair with the owner and neither of us have a good idea on the value.
Thanks!!

Honestly, I think they are a better tent than the Westy version, But the Westy stuff is in higher demand, and therefore demands a higher price. If the tent you are looking at is in excellent condition with all zippers working and no holes or stains, it might go for $250. I got mine for free, but I have seen them sell for $100 or less in nice condition.

Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:54 pm

thanks for the info!

Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:58 pm

type2bill wrote: thanks for the info!

Did you get it?

Fri Jul 18, 2025 9:54 pm

Resurrecting this old post to show the side tent that came with my 68. The pole and tent bags are identical to the one shown here but opposite color pattern.