Vanlife: Setting up our 10 by 14 Kodiak Flex-bow canvas tent

[@Creek-Critter]

Hi from Australia, just a note for your viewers from this part of the world, Lag Bolts/Screws are called Coach Bolts here.

[@sc00Bay]

Nice tent, unfortunately not available in Europe....but maybe I will try a near similar tent Pratic by french company Cabanon. I like the fast setup. Would it be possible to put a tarp to the horizontal pole if you fix the vertical poles with guy-lines?

[@RobandMarvy]

Go for it!

[@texasdeplorables]

You guys have put some trenendous videos together! We're waiting delivery of our first Kodiak 10 x 14 VX tent and can't wait to get away and enjoy it. What is the soundtrack at the end of your video? It's awesome!!

[@RobandMarvy]

Sounds and music rights of usage are purchase through epidemicsound.com

[@cubey]

Only 40mph winds? May seem weird to ask that but in my Class C motorhome, I've been camped places with 50-55mph gusts.

[@RobandMarvy]

You can also drive at 60-70 mph in the class C. Big difference between that and a canvas tent.

[@thomastaylor2513]

Smart guy you didn't break the one unwritten rule about setting up tents being that you didn't walk on your tent with your shoes on

[@mariorios8783]

Awesome video I really do want a Kodiak 10x10

[@RobandMarvy]

They are great tents. I would encourage you to do your homework. We almost bought a 10x10 but are SO happy we went with the 10x14.

[@mariorios8783]

@@RobandMarvy actually so funny that you said that. I ended up ordering the 10x14 deluxe from Basspro. Its on its way now

[@RosaFernandez2009]

I have one and wish I got the 10x14.

[@usaman7358]

@@RosaFernandez2009 Why? Is the 10x10 too small for 2 people or?

[@s.r.gemmill6246]

Thanks Rob, nice video on the Kodiak tent set up.

[@adammarc1912]

This guy is a legend. Thanks for the great tutorial and greetings from Australia! Cheers

[@RobandMarvy]

Thanks for watching!

[@DavidKralikOutdoors]

We have a Kodiak 10 x 14 flex-bow and are very satisfied with it.

[@RobandMarvy]

Yes... a great tent indeed. I think we have spent over 100 nights in ours. Time I think for a new video tent update!

[@merds01]

Do you need washers for the lag bolts?

[@RobandMarvy]

Not Necessary but they help.

[@johngrijalva1425]

I have this tent same size,had it for 10 years now..LOVE this tent had to replace the zipper a few weeks ago.When your in soft dirt it will take 8 to 10 min for set up.I nail down the 4 corners and 2 stakes between the corners and had no problems with wind.Used it in the summer with temps in the 90s down to -20..I am going on a dec elk hunt next week the temps will be 5 high 38..Still looks new the canvas they use is top of the line, I don't take off my shoes when I set it up so I have so I have size 15 hunting boot tracks on the roof..lol!!!..IF it ever wears out i'll buy the same tent..

[@RobandMarvy]

Great to hear! Good luck on your hunt!

[@johngrijalva1425]

Thanks buddy!!

[@aaronpat123]

How did you replace zipper?

[@PadmaDorjee]

What an amazingly fast set up for such a heavy duty tent. I just found out that we can buy these tents in Australia and you have given me the confidence to buy one and be able to set it up on my own, thank you. I love that you have the excitement after all these years. And I love the respect you have for your tent to take your Croc's off to stand on it. My friends laugh at me for wearing my boots half on when I set up their tents because I NEVER wear shoes inside. I even have a door mat and then slide on slippers for inside the tent. Im a bit crazy like that but I just takes one sharp stone stuck on your boot to put a hole in it... Thanks again for the inspiration.

[@RobandMarvy]

Yes we try to take care of our things too. It is hard when you live on the road and does take that extra energy, but in the long run, it is worth it.

[@PadmaDorjee]

@@RobandMarvy You have inspired me Rob to do something similar here in Australia which is a great country to travel. Silly question, where did you get those Crocs from if they are as they seemed a lot more comfortable than I have seen here, plus I liked the colours.

[@RobandMarvy]

@@PadmaDorjee They are called the Croc Sport Clog. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01011SFZ4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@PadmaDorjee]

@@RobandMarvy cheers Rob 🏆

[@twinsister55]

What kind of heater do you use for your Kodiak tent?

[@RobandMarvy]

Sleeping bags and a dog. We don’t winter camp in it. At the most down to freezing. But comfortable inside

[@aaronpat123]

Will a 20 volt drill driver work or do you need an impact driver?

[@RobandMarvy]

I guess really it would depend on the soil. Many times neither work because my 6"ag screws dont hold in softer ground, so I have to use the killer stakes that come with the tent. (I actually just set up the tent here in the desert and filmed a "Real Time" set up with all the mistakes so people who want to buy a canvas tent have an idea what the set up, without time-lapse, is all about. Should post it next week.

[@Mongoose155]

Great video. I appreciate the content.

[@RobandMarvy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@genepierson1728]

Thanks for sharing. How does it do in the summer? There is another version with more windows for another $100. So just wondering if this one is hot in the summer without the extra windows.

[@RobandMarvy]

This one has windows on all four sides. Can't imagine where they could add more. But to answer your question, it works great given it is not a fan or air conditioner

[@gilberttejeda4669]

Very very cool. !!😃🤣😃

[@rickycowan6969]

I have a 10x10 Kodiak. I love it!

[@RobandMarvy]

Yes, after I finish my Walk Across America, I am looking forward to staying in one place long enough to set my tent up again!

[@drleo6409]

looked easy enough to me.... Thanks for the LAG BOLT idea that is good to know no matter what tent you have...

[@RobandMarvy]

You bet

[@hawkeye31k]

Thank you for the tutorial. Heading out now to set up my new 10x14 to season it in the yard. Pumped!

[@RobandMarvy]

Rock on!

[@jingcao8702]

@@RobandMarvy Thank for the tutorial. I was wondering what you used to drill in the stakes.

[@philipjsecor]

Thanks for the great set up instructions. For years I have desert 4x4 and horse camped for up to 5 weeks at a time. I am going to add one of these to my truck gear. I think these are the best for standing up to the Southwest Desert Weather

[@RobandMarvy]

I agree!

[@TheJoepeanut]

Bought the 10x10 flexbow we have 2 xl camp cots and a portal potty and love it we opted for the 10x10 because we thought it would be easier to heat and lug around as they are so heavy we also bought the vestibule to keep the coolers in the shade and have a dry shades area to keep gear thank your for the video happy camping

[@RobandMarvy]

The vestibule is a nice addition to add extra storage space!

[@scottcolvin6243]

I have the 10x14 and it's a great tent. I was disappointed when we set it up and discovered a small seam tear where the floor meets the canvas.

[@RobandMarvy]

Did whoever you bought it from fix or replace the tent?

[@keith9875]

I have this same model tent and I feel that it is the greatest. Going on four years now and it is always a great feeling to bed down in this tent. I wish that there had been tents this good when I was growing up. It’s well worth the money.

[@RobandMarvy]

Couldn't agree more!

[@northwesthome4692]

Great video really enjoyed it.

[@user-gn5uy6lx7z]

After 4 years, use what do you think about this tent? I'm thinking about buying one so you're input from a reliable source would be helpful for long-term camping. Thanks

[@RobandMarvy]

I sold the tent about a year ago, ONLY because we sold our van and moved to Mexico. Otherwise I would still have it. If you just don'tabuse the zippers, the tent should last for as long as you plan onn using it for long-term camping.

[@BookOfMoonY2K]

I want to thank you for this content. When you said 50 years of camping it put a big smile on my face hearing your appreciation for the outdoors. This is inspiring me to make some great memories with the family. Thank You,

[@texasfirefighting]

so are the lag screws keeping the tent staked down because you have the floor pulled as taut as possible at each stake loop point? I feel like someone could just pull on a stake loop and take it off of the ground where the lag screw is holding it in place. btw, I own the 10 x 14 deluxe and so far, the only setup parts that I hate are hammering the factory stakes in and getting the second upright pole in place on its corresponding pin. I’ve found that if you stake down those particular stake loop d-rings too deep, the d-ring will sometimes get pushed into the soil or dirt so much so that you can’t put the pin into the bottom of the second upright pole because the pin is not perpendicular to the ground like it should be. thoughts?

[@RobandMarvy]

I guess I should have mentioned that I use large washers on the lags, and I drill at a bit of an angle. Never have much of a problem with them coming out.

[@texasfirefighting]

@@RobandMarvy That makes sense then. I didn’t think about washers but if you put a big enough washer and angle it properly, you will definitely keep the stake loops down.

[@KempOutside]

I love the idea of lag screws for stakes!

[@doncook294]

I have the 10x10 and for some reason the side poles are insanely hard to put up. I'm not weak by any means, and it takes every ounce of strength I have to get the poles into the pins at the bottom. I've set it up around 15 times and it's vever gotten easier. In fact if anything it has gotten worse. I otherwise love this tent, but I absolutely dread putting it up now.

[@RobandMarvy]

I do agree that moment when I have to connect the poles by myself is hard. I do try get my wife to help or at almost 64, I just suck it up at get it over with.

[@mmcgee1231]

I'm think about buying the 10x10 and this was a very helpful. Do you use washers on the lag bolts?

[@RobandMarvy]

Good question. Yes I do.

[@jayphillips1575]

One commment I have so far is something (floor) has a strong chemical smell. I would set up and air out for a couple days before use.

[@RobandMarvy]

Very true. I strongly recommend setting it up and even "seasoning" the tent. (Put a sprinkler on it and get it soaking wet, then drying completely before using it.) Then you will be ready to go!!

[@gregmadsen6550]

I have this same tent 10’x14’ it’s a very sturdy tent I have been in gusts of winds 50 mph it holds up very good. We went up to the high sierras camping for a week it was chilly that’s were the little buddy heater works great(5gall propane tank) I love that I can put a queen size air mattress inside and fit a table and chairs, lots of room for me and my wife

[@RobandMarvy]

HI Greg... yep... ours holds up well. Right now we are in the desert just west of Yuma, AZ. (Christmas Day.) Tomorrow they expect high winds, heavy rain, flash floods and temps in the 40's. So we will be hunkered down with a good book in our tent.

[@sangwoochung1029]

Hi. I am torn between 10x10 and 10x14 for me and wife. Is 10x14 too big for just two of you?

[@keith9875]

@@sangwoochung1029 the 10 x 14 sounds large but the wife and I appreciate the added floor space. There is room for a couple of easy chairs and a small table. Use the space under and behind the sleeping cots for gear storage. If you are experiencing inclement weather then you will enjoy the added interior roominess. Get the deluxe model with the windows for letting in summer breezes.

[@Edward-fw2hy]

Thanks so much for putting this video together! Love the use of the lag screws for stakes. We actually have a Teton 10 x 14 canvas tent - and the ability to stand in the tent comfortably (as is the case with this Kodiak tent) is just an amazing feeling. Thanks for showing your setup at the end of the video.

[@RobandMarvy]

No problem Edward…. Yep, canvas tents are wonderful!

[@jayphillips1575]

Oh and thanks for the video!

[@toddg3268]

Thank you for the video! I’ve been looking for info on the weight of individual components (tent, poles, etc.) and you are the first I’ve seen who showed that, while the combined weight is significant, weight of individual pieces is not. I’ll probably be camping solo mostly and I wanted to make sure I could manage everything on my own. I realize the 10 x 10 tent would suffice for me alone, but I’m hoping my wife will eventually join me. Do you ever have issues with finding a level spot for a 10 x 14 footprint? That’s my only reservation with the larger tent. Thank you for the wonderful content and if you have any suggestions for persuading my wife to give glamping a try, please let me know!

[@RobandMarvy]

No, we usually camp on free BLM land which provides us with endless amounts of spots. I found the only limitations for us is when we have to camp in a maintained campground with limited amount of campsites.

[@jeffbriston9940]

I just got 5/8 12 inch lag bolts with washers, haven’t used them yet do ya think that’s over kill?

[@RobandMarvy]

Hi Jeff. Maybe a little over-kill, but If you can get them in the ground I am certain they will NOT fail! Everything that we do is trial and error, I am sure you will find what works, but I agree pulling stakes is not fun.

[@bobcolorado3491]

Would a placing a large washer on the lag bolts help hold the tent down in rough weather?

[@RobandMarvy]

Yes, Yes, Yes! I do use a large washer and it realiy does help a lot. And again, I would encourage people to buy at least an 1/4 by 8" lag screw...maybe longer.

[@huskerider]

Jon at Kodiak Canvas is a great source of info as well. We have the 10x10 flex bow VX and love it. Nice vid and great info on the lag screws, who would of thought?

[@RobandMarvy]

Yes, I think the VX is a great way to go!

[@efromhb]

Thanks for the demo. I just ordered a 10x10. Might need more drill batteries and lag bolts.

[@RobandMarvy]

Have fun! Don't get the larger lad bolts, they are HUGE!!!

[@RosaFernandez2009]

What size bolts and what size washers? And how many?

[@RobandMarvy]

Hi Rosa, got to the 3 minute mark on this video.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn7ZYWqca62Hbpo

[@rickvollmer3646]

Just came across your channel and ironically we're in the market with buying a 10 x14 tent . Thanks for the info about the lags in hard rock soil , now just have to order one . I'll have to check out you're other videos . Thanks again

[@RobandMarvy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sherryn39455]

Are you using washers on those screws

[@RobandMarvy]

I should! But I keep forgetting to buy them. LOL

[@sherryn39455]

Ok, Because I bought one last year and I find them steaks are hard to nail in a bit one trying to nail it in so I might try to get me some of them toggle bolts or screws thanks a bunch

[@Roadie1240]

Show the inside of the tent and the stitching etc. looks good.

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

Cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBowdoc1]

Does the footprint come with the tent or is it sold separately?

[@RobandMarvy]

It came with a footprint when I bought it. I believe it still does...but check before you buy.

[@TheBowdoc1]

Rob and Marvy - I bought today. The deluxe doesn’t come with the footprint.

[@RobandMarvy]

Terry Chapman both the manufacturer’s website and where I bought my Super Deluxe Kodiak Canvas Tent 6041VX 10x14 (with tarp 6043) The Competitive Edge, show that they do in fact include the ground tarp (footprint). Not sure where you bought yours though....let me know if you have different info, but this is still what their websites list.

[@JorgeMendezTol2]

Exelente contenido amigo saludos 👍😃🙋‍♂️

[@RobandMarvy]

Gracias Jorge!

[@aaronpat123]

Great vid!You didn't need any help with lifting that tent!

[@مشارك-ي9ث]

حركة الدريل رائعة ..ومريحة وفعالة 👍👍👏 والخيمة فازت على الأغلبية

[@grounded7362]

Does this tent really measure 10 X 24? I have a room in my house that is 10 X 14 and the footprint of the tent does not look like 10X14

[@RobandMarvy]

Yes the footprint is 10 by 14. Remember the walls in your house are 90 degrees, while with this tent they are more slanted, giving the impression of a smaller footprint. Overall though, there is a lot of room!

[@aroundmichaelsbarn601]

I love my 10x14! We finally had our first trip in it a few weekends ago.

[@CountryComesToTown]

The lag screws seem like a great solution. I keep seeing videos of people putting up shower tents and others that blow over in the desert winds. Would the lag screws prevent that? Great video and install. I know it’s an older one but KZbin keeps feeding me your videos in random order. :-) Jim

[@RobandMarvy]

You can always go to the playlists and usual see categories of videos in order. But lag Screws wont keep a shower tent up in a heavy wind. They are pretty cheap and can get ripped up easy.

[@uspdthm]

What size drill socket are you using on those 6" x 1/2" lag screws? 1/2"?

[@ChrisBarclay-nd6bj]

Springbar is better....

[@aaronpat123]

Dear Sir Thanks for your vids!My 10x14 basic will arrive tomorrow.Question are you lag bolts 3/8 in thick or 1/2 thick.I purchased 3/8 thick by 8 in.In your opinion are mine adequate?

[@mariorios8783]

He put this together faster than I can put my rainfly on my insta tent 😆

[@TheTruth-ys4ov]

Watch the video titled KODIAK TENT FAIL. Neither Kodiak nor Comp Edge offer any warranty or customer service

[@RobandMarvy]

Understand your frustration. To be clear, Kodiak does offer a warranty. They do cover defective zippers, but not exhausted zippers (whatever that means.) I have also had some very good conversations with the folks at Competitive Edge. So I guess we have just had different experiences. Like I have said, we have used our tent for over 100 days and have had no issues with the zipper. Although if the tent is too tight or not square, they can be a bear to open. I also leave the tent unzipped during nice weather and few insects. Throwing your $700 tent away to save $165 seems a bit extreme. I watched your video and I think quite a few people would be happy to buy it in as in condition and put a new zipper in. For those reading these comments here is the Kodiak Warranty: Kodiak Canvas Limited Lifetime Warranty This product is warranted, to the original purchaser, to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the product. This product is made with quality materials and expert workmanship, but is not indestructible. This warranty does not cover damage attributed to or resulting from normal wear and tear (e.g. exhausted zippers), natural hazards (e.g. weather, animals), abuse (e.g. mold, mildew, burns, ultraviolet), or alterations or modifications of any kind. If your product is found defective, we will repair or replace it free of charge. Charges for shipping your product to Kodiak Canvas will be your responsibility. We reserve the right to make substitutions if parts are unavailable or obsolete. If your product needs repair beyond what is covered under warranty, we will provide parts and service at a reasonable charge.

[@baileymoto]

Damn, are you going to spam every Kodiak video on the internet?

[@jayphillips1575]

I just purchased this tent yesterday and set up in back yard. I love this tent, kids think it's the best thing since the dog. I setup the queen air mattress and I'm sure you can put another one in the tent and still have room up the middle.Thanks for the lag bolt tip, that is a great idea. Went camping South Bass Island (PUT_IN_BAY) a few years ago and the ground was rock. It took me forever to set-up. What was the size of lag screw? is 3/8 thickness good or bigger?

[@RobandMarvy]

Sorry about the slow response, but I use 6' by 1/2" lag screws. I have a new video coming out on Wednesday where I do a 100 days of use with the tent. In it is a segment at home depot talking about the lag screws.

[@matthewdineen3239]

What footprint did you buy?

[@RobandMarvy]

I just use a Walmart cheap tarp. Works fine.

[@krllyy]

I'm thinking about this with my Prius. Do you think you could make it with a tent alone (no van) ? Whats it like sleeping in the tent with high winds? Have you ever had to abandon it and go to your van ? Thanks...............

[@RobandMarvy]

Ken Lumley if you are planning to stay in one spot for at least a week or two at a time, a 9x8 or 10x10 might be ok. These tents take up a lot of room in a Prius. And yes we have slept in over 40 mph winds and heavy rains and were fine. Better to make sure you have all stakes firmly in the ground. The tents use no guy lines.

[@chetfall]

Thanks so much for this great video! My husband & I also enjoy watching your Walk Across America videos. With so many of us sticks & bricks bound & so much going on in the world, we truly appreciate the respite your videos provide. Thank you to you & Marvy for sharing your experiences. Now my questions! We'd love to get a van, but it's not in the cards for us right now. We like the hard shell rooftop tents, but they're expensive & complicated to store. I like the Kodiak flex-bow tents, they seem sturdy, good in wind, hot & cold weather & almost like an apartment out in nature. If we want to setup camp for only a night or two, do you think it's impracticle to consider them over a traditional nylon tent? Why did you choose a Kodiak? And why did you choose the 10x14 over the 10x10?

[@RobandMarvy]

Thanks for your response and questions Robyn... OK, first there are two drawbacks to using a canvas tent...first, they are bulk and heavy (nylon tents are so much lighter and compact.) second, they are a not the easiest to put away after a night of rain. Given that, I can set my tent up faster that most people can set up a nylon tent of equal size. So, let's talk about 10x10 vs 10x14 and using it for one or two days... Because, once you lug it onto the ground out of your car, it sets up pretty quickly you can certainly use it for one or two nights given the about info. Now, most people who have had 10x10 wish they had gotten the 10x14 and, the majority of sales go to the 10x14. But remember, people are usually staying longer times (3 days to a month at a time) Because we live in the van, I now only use my tent when we will be parked for five days or more. (We are now in Casper Wy and headed to the Tetons where we probably will set up a base camp.) I chose Kodiak over Springbare because it was less money and I liked the design. I think the Springbar has some better construction points but for me they are insignificant. I hope I answered your questions.... here is a link to a comparison blog someone wrote: sleepingwithair.com/springbar-tents-vs-kodiak-tents-reviews/

[@chetfall]

@@RobandMarvy You answered my questions & more, thanks so much! I tend to take my time processing & researching before making most purchases, so all this info helps a lot. Thanks again! Grand Tetons, awesome! Enjoy! We look forward to your next videos.

[@CharleyHansen]

Now that is epic! Visited your site and I'm inspired by your dedication and motivation. Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@RobandMarvy]

Glad you like it. By all means check out our other videos. The Lava Cave video is a fun one. 🤪

[@robertholl6925]

Have you had any problems with the 6in lag bolts? I use 10in for the corners and 8in for the sides. If the six inch would work could save some weight and would not have to use the 1/2 impact. Also you do not tie the ground tarp to stakes? Good video. PS I only have the 10'X10' tent

[@RobandMarvy]

Well now it is just past midnight and we are in the desert with over 40mph gusts and a constant 20mph wind. Everything is holding very well.

[@RobandMarvy]

SO Robert to answer your question... no, no need to tie the ground tarp down, the weight of the tent keeps it down. (I might throw a rock on it if it is windy while I am setting up the tent.) Also, WOW 10" lag bolts are HUGE!!!! No I have never had a problem with 6". But remember, I only use then in very hard rocky ground, otherwise they will pull out. When in a forest I use the stakes that came with it.

[@patriciagrant6687]

Very nice Tent 👍

[@peterfigueroa8807]

Absolutely awesome vid Rob loved it, as i have one as well and it's one of the best investments i have made. Perfect for beach camping and its soooo cool at night and solid in very heavy rain. keep em coming! Rgds, Fig