Clam tent

[trumpetguy]

We just returned from four nights at Stephen Foster Folk and Cultural Center where we had the first opportunity to use the 12 x 12 Clam room. What a pleasure. Sets up in less than two minutes, great space with the tall vertical walls, and kept all the bugs out. We camped with another family and even with seven at the picnic table it was roomy. Rain threatened one night so we picked it up and set it over one of our tenters for extra protection.

 

This is a great addition to our camping experience.

 

[llfalcon]

I gotta have that thing. Thanks for the photo!

[topgun2]

We got the small version - big enough for 4 people or so but you can't put it over a regular picnic table. They are really great and the people at the factory are also easy to work with. A bit on the pricey side, but, in my opinion, well worth the price.

 

Bill

 

p.s. we also bought one of those "magnetic" screen doors that are "seen on TV" via Amazon and sewed it onto the Clam. Now we do not have to be bothered with zipping the door shut - it just closes automatically.

[KWRJRPE]

What a great suggestion - clam plus the magnetic screen. We live in FL and battle bugs every day. I am convinced mosquitos are the fiercest animals on earth. Speaking of bugs, my FL camping buddies tell me when you setup camp you should spray anything that comes in contact with the ground (jacks, wheels, tongue) to prevent bugs (ants and spiders) from hitching a ride in your travel trailer when you leave. Any thoughts on that? I don't recall the material they recommended be used.

[geO]

We love our Clam... Just a word of caution! we've had it blow away during thunderstorms and now use bungee cords to stake it. The wind pannels are also a great edition if camping in cooler weather.

[Trainman]

We just got back from Colorado and used our Clam for the first time, it was great and several campers stopped by to check it out. The setup and take down is very fast and getting it all back in the bag is a no brainier. Only thing I would do is get those metal tie down stakes, it takes 12, 6 for the shelter and 5 for the extra tie down straps, ok, takes 11. You really can't use the plastic ones that come with it, unless your ground is perfect for pounding them in. 12 stakes from Academy should be around $12.00. They do sell side panels to keep the wind out, but we have not needed ours yet, but did buy them.  We got ours here,  http://www.landmsupply.com

 

trainman

 

 

 

 

[KWRJRPE]

Do you use a floor (outdoor carpet) in the clam?

[RnA]

A few considerations for the 12’ Clam.

 

Pros: - very easy setup

- protects against bugs

- lots of anchor points. Stake down grommets on inside and anchor points outside.

- the material is very water repellent.

- very heavy duty zipper.

- very easy to take down and put in bag. I lay the bag open on the tailgate of my Tundra. It opens the full length with a heavy duty zipper. The Clam lays in the bag and you just zip it up while tucking any material in. The bag has plenty of room to get everything back in.

 

Cons: - the same tight mesh (see 3rd photo) that protects against bugs blocks very slight breezes. Air movement you will feel outside the Clam but not inside.

 

- roof is not totally opaque. A portion (~70%) of the outer circumference is translucent (see 1st photo). This lets solar radiation through and coupled with the tight meshed screen will be warmer than under your awning. This could be a pro if camping in cooler weather such as Black Fly seasons in the north.

 

- stowed length is 74”. It fits diagonally in my Tundra 5-1/2’ bed. I knew this going in to it as I plan to get a 6-1/2’ bed with my next truck. You can also carry it in a roof ski carrier of the appropriate length.

 

- if a bug gets in there is no easy way for him to exit short of turning the Clam on one side. Mine just got a wasp in so I’ve left the door open in hopes that he will find his way out.

[KountryKamper]

We had the larger clam and ended up selling it and purchasing the smaller 4 sided one because its just the 2 of us most of the time and its shorter, easier to carry and lighter weight. Its still large enough for 4 chairs and a small table.

 

They do get hot during the day in the summer and most of the time in hot weather we don't use it and just sit under the awning. It will not fit over a picnic table. We do not use a floor in ours.

 

We stake ours down but if a big storm is coming I will pop it down and let it lay on the ground. I have not had a problem in a storm when its laying on the ground.

[KWRJRPE]

the Pavilion appears to come with standard rolldown window covers. However, as the name implies, the Pavilion looks to be rather large. Any thoughts on this model?

[ScubaRx]

I like the pavilion model because it has the built in side panels but it needs a long pickup bed to stow it lengthways. It is 81” in the case. In anything less than an 8 foot bed it will will have to go in diagonally. Other than that, it’s not really a lot larger than the the one that has the add on panels.

[Trainman]

Do you use a floor (outdoor carpet) in the clam?

 

Yes, we do carry a carpet with us to use outside the trailer, we do set the Clam over it at times, it just depends if we have a concrete surface, or dirt.

 

 

 

trainman