Shelter while building cabin

xrsrfn · Dec 13, 2013

So I have mate excited about the spring and starting work on our weekend cabin. She has been showing me pictures of the canvas tents built on raised platform and erected with a wooden frame. They are calling them walltents and look like it would be very nice to stay in while we are building. Does anyone here know anything about them like what not to do and who is a good manufacture to purchase from. We have looked at many online and of course all of them are the best.I will try to post link for picture.

Google Image Result for http://www.pantherprimitives.com/products/tent13.jpg

r porter · Dec 13, 2013

i have stayed for a week at a time in one of the canvas cabins on fishing trips several times. the Canadian outfitters take them down at the end of fishing season and then reinstall them the following spring. i would consider it a possible option for a short time.

i know nothing of panther [but have heard the name]

Davis is a brand that seems to be well thought of.

wolftree · Dec 13, 2013

Have you looked at a Lawn Barn, say 10'X12'?

dave1949 · Dec 13, 2013

I don't where or what season you will be doing this, but Cabelas sells the outfitter tents mentioned above with optional cooking/heating wood stove kits. You can get a reservoir type water heater for the stove too.

No experience.

Stimw · Dec 14, 2013

Around here, (you haven't filled out your location) you can buy older travel trailers in the $2500-5000. range.
They would be much better than a soft side building and have the normal living items already installed.
And could be re-sold easily when finished.

smstonypoint · Dec 14, 2013

Stimw said:
Around here, (you haven't filled out your location) you can buy older travel trailers in the $2500-5000. range.
They would be much better than a soft side building and have the normal living items already installed.
And could be re-sold easily when finished.

But you will need to pony up for this sign:

Steve

westcliffe01 · Dec 14, 2013

The thing I don't like with tents is that they are damp, critters have easy access and they are easily damaged in high wind events or snow. I have knocked around similar ideas and I think I am going to build a "cabin" to go on my 7'x20' gooseneck trailer. Its then just a "trailer" and less legal/permitting issues. My "cabin" will have a diesel genset, hot water heater, washing machine, shower, kitchen and little office area. I guess I could sleep in it during really adverse weather conditions, but my general sleeping quarters will be a regular hard sided camping trailer which is exclusively for sleeping and hanging out / internet. No cooking/bathroom/kitchen to rob space in that.

The sleeping quarters will have a vented diesel powered stove, so I can make coffee/tea/toast before going outside and not freeze when the temp drops to 32F in mid summer...

dave1949 · Dec 14, 2013

My camping tent experience is that a good quality nylon, or whatever man-made fabric, tent will rot in one summer if left up in the sun. Mine disintegrated on the south wall after being set-up for 3-4 months. I guess I could have sprayed it with a UV protectant.

The bow frame, rain cover, zippers, floor, etc. were still in good shape and it stayed dry inside. It served its purpose.

r porter · Dec 14, 2013

the ones that i have stayed in with a wood floor were not damp and were fairly bug tight. in Canada bugs can be a problem. we would spray once a day with dairy spray. a real door frame and door was installed for entry and was a great addition. with a sink, stove, refrigerator [propane] and wood stove we had room and comfort for 4. there were 3 bunks and it would hold six. i wish i could remember the size. it was certainly larger than a 12x16 and probably more like 16 x 20. there were also gas lights over the table. we were not cramped at all.

i have hunted from wall tents pitched on snow of about the same size. they were a good shelter as you could have in the winter.

another brand is Montana canvas that seems to get good press. all of these will take much abuse and last many years. and they are able to be used for other jobs in the future if you learn to pitch it with a traditional pitch.

dont miss the fly that was pitched over the roof of the link to panther. it is sorta important[and replaceable]

Pete Judd · Dec 15, 2013

Around here, you can get old camp trailers for free or a couple of hundred bucks with stove and heat. Might have water leaks, but for temp living not a bad deal. Sell it for scrap after you are done with it.