> Any recommendations on vanagon side tents for use in
>  hot/dusty/windy conditions (i.e. joshua tree, burningman, etc.)?
>  Main considerations are heat rejection and ability to seal out
> in case of  dust storms.

Both of our tents come with both a sleeping cabin and ground sheet at
minimal additional cost, which will help keep the elements out. For your
use, I think a sleeping cabin in particular is a must. It is fully
self-contained (a tent within a tent, which zips up completely), whereas
the ground sheet overlaps with but is not completely integrated into the
tent.  The Hanover ($339 fully loaded) is particularly robust, and
easily comparable to other tents sold for $600 or more. That is the one
I'd recommend. I've used an older version of it myself for years, and
even in extreme weather it's held its own against anyhting nature threw
at it. The Koln ($239 with accessories) is extremely compact when packed
(which is a big help if space is at a premium) but is not as heavy-duty.
Both were originally designed for the British market, where they may not
get dust but they get a heck of a lot of rain, so they are built (and
tested) for severe weather.

Link:  http://busdepot.com/busdepot/details/tents.jsp

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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