I bought the Gazelle Overland T4 edition(comes with the ground cloth). I'm 69 years old and love the easy setup and take down. I have had no problems with this tent. Love it!!!
Brother, I have had this tent for a long time and I live in a tropical country, heavy rains, winds that knock down trees and impressive heat, I have never had problems, it has excellent performance unlike other famous brands. The only thing I will always hate about this tent is the huge size to transport it, but heyyy not everything can be perfect!! mine is the T4
If you have the T4, and he is here talking about the T3... those are two different tents, right? Just seems like pretty much everyone here commenting with a contradictory opinion on this tent have the T4.
I personally use a very small tent. This tent does have some appeal though. It looks to be very roomy (I am not tall) providing options. The ventilation options seem helpful and safer. This to me would be good if you were going to spend time in the tent. For me, my tent is basically just for sleeping. I always cook on a fire.
I have the T3X and use it for solo car camping. Yeah you can't stand up vertically but then I don't stroll around inside of a tent much anyway. I use a cot along one wall and a table and chair along the other. When it gets down below freezing I can relax before bedtime with a little buddy junior heater while watching a movie. It is ideal for the way I use it. YMMV. I have taken it on a 2 month road trip camping most of the way and it performed very well. The doors are a fixture of the design and I have learned to live with them.
"Shockingly bad"? You're mistaken, sir. I've used this tent a couple dozen nights in the Green Mountains, Adirondacks,White Mountains and Maine and have never had a single problem.
I have the t4 overland edition for several years now and really like it for car camping. I do not have the quality issues as you have with the t3. Yes the doors are awkward to enter and exit but with the pop up frame design door location and shape are very limited. The t4 has great head room but is several pounds heavier
Also have the T4 Overland edition and I must say I love it. Thing is bulky and heavy as hell, I'll admit, but I can stomach those things when car camping.
I have a T4. I believe most people who use this tent will use it 6 times a year for about five years. Many just lose interest. The quality is good enough. If I were worried, I would just seam seal and cut any stray stitching. While the small amount of leaking is bad, many use this as a "cabin". Cots allow one to be off the ground so a small amount of leaking won't affect things. The roof vents do lessen condensation, but it does build up. This is especially true when winter camping. Many use a packing blanket over the roof(under the "rain fly"). This seals it up pretty good. Marry this to a Buddy heater and you have condensation. We had people survive a 3 degree Fahrenheit night in this manner. As for size, when I saw the T3, I knew I needed the T4. The main plus is how quick this sets up. I always put down a ground cloth. The "removable" floor is nice, but I won't be removing it. What do is get an RV site with water and power. I run the power cord through the floor. Not to be snarky, but is there a better quick set up tent? I am NOT paying for a rooftop tent. I am NOT going to spend the time to put together tent poles and feed them through fragile, sticky, nylon channels. Just to make you laugh, if I were to get a regular ground tent it would be the Eureka Timberline. Mine served me well when I was a kid. It sets up quick and was very waterproof after seam sealing.
I've had my Gazelle T3 for 4 years and use it 4-6 times a year. I love it. I've had it in wind, snow, rain, and 95+ degree heat. Strong wind can blow in the sides but if you guy-line the side facing the wind that is enough. The door shape and interior height are my only complaints; I will probably get the T4+ or T Hex next time. Pro-tip for the window flaps; they don't unzip all the so you can roll them up and stuff them next to the mesh so they aren't hanging down.
I live in BC, Canada (a literal rainforest) and I own the T4 Overland and it is amazing. There are no real concerns for front country or family camping. The ventilation at the top allows for proper air circulation, no condensation issues. HOWEVER, I recommend the Overland Edition because you get the proper footprint and way better stakes. You need a proper footprint, bare minimum.
Hello again Luke! Its Beth from Boise ID. You dont know me most likely, but you have been most kind to reply to comments in the past. Thank you for taking time to do that, it was and still is appreciated! I was watching your video on pros and cons of hammocks, and you “casually mention you broke your back in highschool! OUCH!!! And scary too! My son had a spinalcord injury in highschool that left him paralyzed from the wIst down, but because the injury was in his low back where you have a nerve bundle, not teue spinal cord, he recovered but also, still has chronic pain. Thanks for all your reviews! Im going to tey to go backpack on the pacific crest trail at least one night. So i need to listen to your other video before seeing this one. Tell Suzie I said hi, and would love to see her in more videos! Thanks again luke for all you do! Your friend in Boise, Beth
I just bought a T4 tent one month ago to take a trip to Iowa for a family visit. I am extremely pleased with the overall construction quality and waterproofness. It went through two weather events while at our campsite. First night was about 2 inches of snow. It shed the snow off easily and no moisture inside. Third night at about 3am I was awoken by a torrential thunderstorm with severe wind gusts in the 40-50mph range. I was waiting for rain to start seeping in, but at daylight I checked, and the entire tent was dryer than expected with zero water inside anywhere. The weeks temperatures ranged from lows in the high 20's to 70 degrees on one afternoon. Zero condensation and the tent held in the heat from a space heater just fine.
I've had the T4 and T4 plus hub overland edition for a few years, recently had the T4 hub up in the back yard for two weeks in 20s degree weather and mixtures of wind rain and snow and hail over that period never leaked or collapsed,I love these tents,only negative is they are heavy. Keep up the good work 👍
I've had this tent for about 5 years and used it all over SoCal and the desert southwest. I never had a single problem with it and it endured some incredibly strong winds at TDS. It fit perfectly in my Jeep and I actually built my storage area in the back of the rig around the size of the Gazelle. I've since bailed on Cali and have been using it in the southeast. Less wind but way more rain. Again, no issues using it in these conditions either. I've had no quality concerns and parts are readily available if you need to repair any damage. It's definitely a favorite of the off-road and overlanding community for sure!
For older people like myself this tent is easier to setup compared to smaller tents where I have to bend over alot to setup and take down. It was too hard last time I went camping with my grandson taking down the tent. I have been looking to get the T4 plus tent because of ease of setup and the extra room to watch movies. Just waiting to buy my truck first. Thanks for testing this out. I do believe this is still a good tent and I hope the company fixes those small quality problems. If I don't get this one then it will be the Kodiak Flex Bow tent.
I have the T4, and agree with the pros and cons so far. One piece of advice, I have a 5' bed. The T4 package is so long I have to lay it diagonally in the bed. Get a 6' bed and you will be good unless you want to carry it in a rack out side.
I have two sizes of this tent and have been using them for years. I have nothing but great things to say about this tent. So easy to setup and take down. The zippers are great. And the storage bag is the perfect size. Great in every way.
I have the 4 person version and I really like it a lot. but there is one problem; when it's raining and you need to go into, or out of the tent door(s), rain WILL get in through the open doo. So the one accessory the Hud tent NEEDS, is a vestibule to prevent rain from entering. Plus it would take care of the gap on the door zippers storm flaps.
As a follow-up comment to the one I left on your rain test for this tent, I'll note that the complaints about it seem pretty consistent--mostly quality control on the stitching in parts, ventilation is okay but not great, cut-rate stakes, and the bathtub floor is kind of a pain to reattach properly if you remove it for a thorough scrub. All that said, having camped in a T4 now in both rain and below freezing weather, I think the positives FAR outweigh the negatives on these tents, especially considering the comments from people here that have used them for years and feel they have gotten their money's worth. As long as you use the tie-downs, get some solid steel stakes to replace the trashy ones that come with the tent, and give it a good coating of silicone spray, you'll have a good tent for long weekend escapes that is perfect for casual campers, and a good option for experienced ones as well.
I have had my T4 for 3 years now. I solo camp with it. I leave in eastern Wyoming so I can tell you, when properly set up and secured, this tent will hold up to almost anything short of an f2. I chose this tent instead of a roof top tent. It s extremely quick and easy for me to set up band take down by myself. It’s weather performance is reliable the t4 has enough room for myself and all my gear (I do not travel light) I just wish they made a hot tent model
I have had many tents over the years. I got this one solely for the quality and the easy of setting up. I put mine through very heavy wind storm (anchored), very heavy mountain rain storm (anchored) and even taken to the beach to camp ON the beach. My experience is different from yours. I think the quality is good to great. I think some of what you are saying is a bit nit picky, but in the end, it is your experience. I can not knock it as you are very thorough.
Hello Luke, I have this tent. You are right about the inside height issue and the step over/dunk issues with the door. This tent is truly for children or people under 5 ft. I don’t have the quality issues that your tent has and it has not leaked. The T4 would be the better option for buyers. I did notice that your rain fly was not properly aligned. The T3X is not square. The rain fly has 2 shorts sides and 2 long sides. They must align properly with your tent to get the proper performance.
I've yet to take mine on a trip (just got it and set it up in the garage), but I think your criticisms are probably spot on. I would not fail this tent on water proofness based on your results. I have a couple of very nice tents, probably more expensive and bigger than this one, but I'm so done with setting up poles. My use case is to get out of my jeep, set the tent up and be done with it. This tent is big enough for my cot, a chair and a small table. I don't really care about not being able to stand up in it. I like the fact you have windows on all sides. so if there's something going on outside you can just look through a window without having to unzip to get out. The doors are clumsy. If you had 2 cots in it, it would be a real clown show getting in and out. I did not notice cheap construction so much (loose threads), but I'd have to look again. I'd almost consider buying the T-4, but then it's an even bigger tent to shove in your vehicle. My favorite outdoor canopy/screen room is my Clam instant up shelter. Pretty much the same deal as this thing except with more sides. I love it. We had one for 8 years until a wind came up and blew it into a lake. But the thing is huge lengthwise. no big deal for my pick up, but definitely takes some creative storage for the Jeep. But the set up esase makes it worth the trouble. And I think that's why die hard Gazelle fans don't want to give up these tents. It's all about the setup. Plus, by your own testing, this thing seems pretty good in really bad weather. I think set up and weather resistance makes it worth the $ despite the down sides you accurately discuss.
Seems more like minor issues, rather than 'shockingly bad' you've really got it in for this tent, one wonders why and what's going on behind the scenes.
He did say he was "fairly impressed" with how the tent performed, I agree the issues are relatively minor for most people but it's good to have a really detailed review. RUclips incentivises people to be a bit over dramatic, I don't think anyone is immune to that but it can be a bit irritating for sure. Usually this channel is spot on IMO but he is a very thorough and critical reviewer, which I personally appreciate:)
Agree... I have 5 outings in my T4 and "shockingly bad" is unwarranted. He also said it's stuffy due to tight bug nets... Uh, physics... Take a fan. Still far better bang per buck than similar size offerings from BA or REI, don't get me started on "One Tigris".
My T4 Overland Edition has a nice ground footprint and awesome stakes. The flaps cover the zippers totally. I put seam sealer over all the tiny pin holes. Also I can see how the door and screen zippers meet, that could be an area of wind blown rain intrusion. All in all, we love our Gazelle tent so much, we even bought their Gazebo!
I have the T4 and I love it. I have used this in a couple of pretty haevy rain storms here in Washington state and I didn't have any leaking. When I close my doors. I keep both of my zippers at the top of the door. That is possibly why your T3 leaked. Just an observation. Love your channel. Thanks
I camped out in Death Valley with my T3 during sustained 30mph winds with gust to 45mph, and it handled the wind well. I am going to get the T4 because of the size of it. I do love it. Camping with friends and being set up in 2mins they do envy it and have borrowed it several times. But my previous tent experiences have been coleman and ozark walmart $40 tents. I was concerned about water leaks as in the 2yrs ive owned it ive only camped in dry and windy conditions here in the surrounding Las Vegas, Az, Ut area with one road trip to Rockaway Oregon camping up the 101. I have had no problems at all with it. Now i know ill need a few towels iin n conditions.
After having an RTT for years I switched to the T4 overland about 3 years ago. I'm 6' 3 and it's got plenty of headroom and plenty of interior space for all of my gear. The best part is the 90 second setup. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the doors. Somewhat awkward but thats about the only complaint I've ever had about mine. The tent itself is pretty much bulletproof.
I have had no leaking in my T3 in 4 years. The doors are awkward. I am 5'8" and I can stand upright in the very center, though my head rubs the ceiling. I don't have any of the poor stitching on mine. I wonder if their quality control has diminished in the last 4 years since I bought mine. I like the T3 because it fits sideways in 2-door Jeep Wrangler which has limited space. My brother, who is 6' tall has a T4 and he fits a queen size air mattress in his. He and his wife have had no issues in 2 or 3 years with theirs.
I am 5‘10“. I have bought the T3 use it for one camping trip cannot really stand up in it. But we had a heavy rain that night and it did not leak one drop so I went ahead and got me the T4 overland edition, went camping in Highwinds. It held up pretty good. Wasn’t too thrilled about the bright orange in the sunlight in the morning so I bought me a green T4 and I absolutely love it. I will admit it will take to get used to going through the doors because of their shape but I really like to see him do a review on a T4 to see if it has the same quality issues he had with the T3.
I’d like to see the T4 review also. I steady myself at the curve of the D and go through with my foot closest to the bottom left of the D. Its a sturdy tent. I like Luke’s reviews.
Luke, I have the T4, next size bigger tent Mine is four years old. I watch most of your reviews. I have asked you to do a review on this brand before. Yes the stakes are Badder than bad! And mine leeks at the door depending on where the zippers are closed. I always leave them near the top. but you can also get water dripping inside when you open the door climbing in and out. I just keep a towel on the floor. I just experienced those hi winds a few weeks ago here in Virginia, and you know what I mean!! AS I said mine is four years old, and it FAILED ME in that event! There was nothing really wrong except the top hub plate had dropped 1/2 inch because two nuts, one to hold the hub together the other a lock nut had loosened up. As a mater of fact all the side hubs needed a half turn too. these hubs work like a ball joint. My celling came down and I couldn't push it back in place. It was at night with forty to fifty mph winds. The fly bungy hold-downs couldn't take it anymore and separated. The tent was mostly in the open. So it took some time for those nuts to work themselves loose. A few days later I removed the top hub assembly and discovered the problem and the solution. Just check those two nuts before opening up the sides maybe locktight one of those nuts. Check the single nuts periodically inside the side hubs too. I still Love my T-4 PS it ain't no Ozark Trail!
I have T4, as a woman solo camper with Lab I love it!!! Made well, no issues! I did buy steel stakes and an 8x8 tarp for pad-2 very inexpensive items so not really a problem.
I'm 5'7 and can stand straight up in the middle of my T3X. Excellent tent. Try it for yourself. It is kind of long to fit in your car. You are being very negative lol. It's 299. Still pricey though. YKK zippers. That's not even the same tent you have under the rainy conditions.
I have had my T3 for 4 years now. Use it year round. It fits perfectly across in my Suzuki Samurai. Used it in Scandinavian winter storms. Never had any leak issues. I absolutely love this tent. For me its the ease of use and the versatility. - regarding the doors, I see your point, but for me it was just a matter of getting used to.. Not a problem in the long run. .. and how else would you design the doors?
Hey Guys I'm 63 & 6ft 8 tall, with big feet and mobility issues. I have T4 in green which I absolutely love... Yes. I hate the door and with my mobility issues I do find the door a bit of a challenge. However the speed and ease of pitch is a direct trade off... I camp alone in my T4 but with friends and a group. I have a work around for access to and from the tent via the door. I have my cot across the wall directly opposite the door, a small bedside table to the right side of the tent and just inside the door I have a camp chair on the right side of the door within easy reach when entering or exciting. Immediately outside the door at the peak of the corner I position a tripod footed folding adjustable lantern stand. The three feet peg down and the vertical Lantern stand works very well as a hand hold while stepping through the door... Either in or out.... And it's a convenient location for an external lantern. The final recommendation from the manufacturer was that when stepping through the door you keep your face towards the corner and your butt towards the angle of the triangle for. This improves head room and lowers the trip hazard. So obvious once you make the adjustment but surprisingly very counter intuitive. I love this tent. I call it the TARDIS as it seems to be bigger on the inside than it appears from the outside. Given unlimited transport options I would choose the T4Plus but only for the two rooms and standard door entrance. But the reality is that for a person of my age I think that the bigger heavier unit would be more of a challenge to manhandle and transport ... I have had the T4 for about 18 months and though I do hate the doors, the tradeoffs are worth it as I really love this tent... And recommend it very highly... 👍🏻
I have had the T4 for a little over a year. There are definitely some cons to the tent, mostly being the clunky door (I am 6'7" so that doesnt help) Its also huge and heavy, but i think the reason so many people love it is that they dont have to mess with tent poles. Something about being able to just pop it open and be done is so satisfying. The only problem I have encountered is that sometimes the eyelet on the hub of the wall gets popped in and you have to search for it. That is annoying!
I wish we had more solo Susie over nights. Luke was right, some women like to see how another woman's ability on setup. I've owned two dome tents that when they were new I was not strong enough to stretch it to get the pole in the loops to set up.
I’ll be interested in her review also. I have a T4. I love my tent. When in doubt about size, I like to go bigger. I think they should exchange the T3 to see if they got a defective tent.
I have a second t4 the first one developed holes where the hubs rubbed against it's self during the trip from Michigan to Colorado. It even wore a hole thru the cover. I had to patch the floor in a couple of spots. I contacted the company and they were very helpful. I sent them a couple of pictures and explained what happened and the sent out a new tent. Just did the same trip with no problems so far. But customer service was very good. One thing the doors are a pain, hard to get in and out of. Zippers are a little awkward to use but thats my only complaint
Did you notice in your video , during the rainstorm, that there was no flapping? Ordinary tents blow down before gazelles even make noise. I agree with the door issues, and I struggle with the zipper covers sometimes, but love my T4. Maybe you got a Monday tent, or a new employee, because my tent is great quality, and the material is a lot thicker than the average tent. I haven’t seen much rain in it, but I did face some heavy wind at the beach, and it was literally the only tent left standing. It laughs at wind.
When it comes to tents, manufacturers always love to exaggerate sizes. In fact, whenever a tent says it fits a number of people, cut that number in half for reality. Because a tent that says 4 people, means 4 people who are cuddling and don’t have any gear in with them. If you want some elbow space and a backpack with you, it’s only two people.
That tent setup is identical to an ice fishing shelter. Ice tents are built better than the Gazelle. Ice shelters can also be insulated. For the price and build you are better off getting an ice fishing shelter. Without the insulation they can become a 4 season shelter.
@@daves3016 Exactly! Weather uninsulated ice shanty you can run a portable AC unit and enjoy glamping. And of course you're camping spot must have electricity in order to run the AC. Or carry with you a small inverter generator.
2 years with mine. Actually just got back a few hours ago from a 4 day trip with a few night of rain. Has always been my go to tent and worked flawlessly. I do agree with the doors. I have neuropathy and they can be a trip hazard. But so far the pros ha e far outweighed that con. Mine is the Alpine green t4
My wife and I car camp and tried the T4 for several camping trips. In the end the only thing we liked was the fairly rapid setup. We noticed several of the issues you mentioned....interior room was not completely usable due to the pop out walls, entry was a pain, and no vestibule for items we wanted to keep outside. Ultimately we went with the REI Basecamp 4 and haven't missed the T4 at all. Great reviews and channel!
I have a T4 and love it. Quality isn’t an issue in mine. Maybe they changed the manufacturer in the T3. Taking care when entering through the doors is important. Suggest you return this one and step up to the T4. I think you will enjoy it better.
I had the orange T3 version and I actually loved it. The negative issue was its size or bulkiness. In a small Jeep SUV it took up quite a bit of space. As far as mine was quality control wise it was fine with no loose threads or fitment. My main goal for use was to be able to enjoy camping without having moskey and other insect issues. It never rained during my uses of the T3.
Luke, I love your reviews, as well as your outing videos in general. Your honesty and sense of humor make it fun to watch. Your humorous life events being shared make me feel like we're just sitting out by the fire, "chewing the fat". 🙂 After you mentioned the difference in size between the T3 and T4, I went out to Amazon and found that the T4 is actually selling for $347.99, and the T3 is $299.99 currently. So the T4 is less than the T3 was when you purchased it. I'd definitely pick the T4, after you mentioned the height difference. Oh, and the tablespoon of water found in the T3 after a storm of that magnitude seems negligible. I get more water in my car, just climbing in when it's raining! Keep 'em coming, friend!
It's a great tent, except for the doors. Threads really Oh My God! You're nit picking. I have both the T3 and T4 never had leaking. But you're still The Man!
Agreed. I have the T4 and T4 Plus for probably close to 5 years and have used these several hundred times between the two in all of the worst conditions and haven’t had issues with either.
I'm 6' 4", I like this tent but it's too small. After reading the comments below about the T4, I may get one of those, I only do car camping these days as I'm 63 and my hiking days are behind me. I would love to see you do a test and review of the T4! Thanks for all you do Luke!
We have the t4 plus and I specifically got that over the t8 because I knew the D style door would be a trip hazard for my youngest. We haven't had any issues with leaking or condensation.
Hello I was wondering 💭 about the Gazelle tent also the Clam , Also the Eskimo shelter as a tent to waterproof it of course what you think 🤔 about those as well
I have used the T-4 for the last 5 years and have been completely satisfied with its performance. It has kept me dry in driving rains and withstood snow and ice. I have not experienced the quality issues that your T-3 has exhibited. The door shape is limited by the hub design of the tent. I have only had one bad experience with the door and alcohol may have been involved. I also use Gazelle’s G-5 gazebo when camping.
Have the T4 Overland Edition. Love it. Had it out last summer in high winds and when staked down at all points it withstood the wind. Has lots of room and I can fully stand up inside it. Granted there are problems with getting in and out the door, but due to the design of the tent with the HUBs not sure it can be fixed. I think if he had tested the T4 Overland Edition rather than the T3 he would have liked it more due to the increased height.
As someone who has had multiple ice fishing shelters upon which this tents design is based on, the actual big issue will be the poles and hub system. They break period, haven’t had one where they have not broke.
I was between the t4 and nemo wagontop 4 for a new car camping tent this year. I ended up going with the wagontop 4, because of the size/weight of the gazelle tent vs it. After hearing about the quality issues here, I'm even happier with my decision. It doesn't setup as easy as this but is super high quality and packs up to almost half the size.
When did you buy it? A got a t4 a couple years ago. And have had it setup on my property the whole time. Its still hilding together excepept for the fly and one door zipper.
I’m with Luke… this tent is just ok. I’ve had my T3 for a couple years now. The doors are terribly awkward, and there is virtually no vestibule. There are newer ice fishing hubs with much nicer door styles that are larger and easier to step into. Also, I wish gazelle would make a solid roof option. This thing lets out too much heat when camping in cooler weather.
If you want a tent with a vestibule area, then why not purchase one with a vestibule area? That's like by a 2 X truck and complaining because you got stuck.
I have the green t4 overland and have used it in rain and snow conditions. It's been phenomenal. The stakes and footprint that come with the overland edition are a must though. Thankfully I haven't experienced the same qc issues as the tent you purchased.
You may not see this, but I have the orange T4, and a couple things. I do like it, but some issues I wish I’d see yoh call out: You have to stake the walls in any kind of wind beyond a light breeze or they will push in. I’ve read it’s impossible to properly line up the floor to thr tent once you remove it, so I never have. This makes this feature unusable since I’m worried I won’t get it to properly square up. There is a gap in the bottom floor right around where the tent material conforms around the internal pole skeleton. Right under the doors in the corner. My brother used it with his wife and a massive spider got in. I’ve thought about trying to sew this shut or something, but I’ve always wondered: how could they not engineer a solution to this problem?
I will say the CON's of this tent are the weight, packed size, and the doors are akward, as i've almost tripped once or twice but I feel the Pro's outweigh the con's, IMO. the Use case for this tent is definitely Car Camping.
I have this exact tent, zero issues and I've been in some all-day down pours up on Lake Superior in Michigan, love the tent, its never leaked on me, not even a little
I have the T4 Overland, I absolutely love it. However the doors are awkward and some of my stitching is shoddy. However it holds up amazing during medium/heavy rain. Its a perfect size for me, the girlfriend and our dog.
I have the T8 two years now and it has been fantastic. I did order the footprint and use proper tent spikes but the tent has held up in high winds and wind driven rain very well. Having had shoulder surgery I appreciate how easy it sets up but it is HEAVY. I haven't had any of the issues Luke saw in the T3X. Maybe they've moved production to a different facility or the giant T8 is made in a different facility? I replaced my REI Kingdom 8 with the T8 and never looked back.
I had and sold a T4 and had none of those quality issues. I recently purchased this T3x version since it's just me and the dog. I have yet to set it up so I'm curious that maybe the quality control has gone downhill. I bought the T4 about 3-4 years ago.
I hate to see the quality issues on this tent I have the T4 version of this tent and have none of these issues it's not the first time I've heard of these issues on the T3 makes me wonder if they don't have a contracted manufacturer make the T3 because again I have a T4 and know many people that do and none of us have these issues I've been through wind and rain storms and heavy snow no leaks or issues what so ever I'm willing to ship mine to u to try it out and as for the hubs leaking I spoke to someome i dont remeber who it's been a long while since that interaction but the representative did state they did have issues with the early models leaking at the hubs but did fix the issue by adding more and different materials at the hubs
Love and trust your reviews. I feel like you give some of the most honest and fair reviews out there. Been comparing the T3X and the T4 for a bit and am leaning towards the T3X. Though you mention the headroom and suggest the T4 for that, I have one big reason I’m leaning towards the T3X… Packed length. The T4 is too long to fit in the bed of most short bed pickups without putting it in diagonally. That makes the T4 a fair bit more awkward to pack. The T3X can fit lengthwise and makes organizing my load out that much easier. That’s worth it to me since I only need to sleep 2 or two and a toddler in it. S&H
You said for the money you expect better quality. I want a similar design as this Gazelle T3X. I need a 3 season tent that i can stand in Im 6ft tall and have no mobility issues. What do you recommend
Have the t3 but never used it in the rain your right about the tent stakes I have to use a rope around the end to pull them out also the door is a little tricky getting in and out other the that it works fine for me since I camp alone and I'm only 5-8 and 72 years old and don't stand up to straight anymore lol 😅 .keep doing what you do because you do it best.
Was trying not to be harsh on my last post on one of the last videos.I totally agree with your impression with the quality control of the product.Having 2t4’s a t 8 the t4plus witch has become my favorite takes care of the door issue.I seem sealed the leaking t4 haven’t had it in a long duration rain to see if that fixed it all. The material is strong so it takes repairs well if you happen to get a hole in the bathtub. Great tents just had a quality control issue for sure.stitching on the g6 deluxe tore on first time setting it up at on panel were the roof meets the side wall. Tenacious tape and good seem sealer and has held up well after a years use.But I do really enjoy these tents so easy to set up roomy and yes heavy but the material is solid and has a high denier so will be worth the weight.
I have this exact model. Something looks off about your setup; is it possible the rain fly is on sideways? One side is slightly longer and it isn’t always obvious. I wonder if it’s pulling the roof and sides askew. I do hate the doors though, so total agreement there. Otherwise I quite like the tent.
After seeing the poor quality of your tent I'm glad I decided to go with a canvas tent. I was very close to pulling the trigger on the T4, but just had a gut about the gazelle after a long time checking into it. That's a shame to see such poor quality at that price point.
While valid points. The doors are that way because of the poles. Do you prefer mesh on the outside or inside? If it gets cool in this tent you have to open the mesh from the inside then adjust the window covers letting all the insects in.
Wondering if you’ve checked out the Overland edition and if it’s any better in your experience. I’ve read mostly good reviews about the T3X. My only concern is if it gets a little colder than smaller, lower tents. The main negative reviews are from taller people who couldn’t stand and those who didn’t use the guy lines. I’m short and standing in a tent isn’t a huge deal breaker for me anyway. I do like your reviews more than any other gear channel so I do strongly respect your opinions.
Had my T4 for years, best car camping tent I’ve ever owned aside from being heavy and 6’ long in the bag. Plenty of standing room, large enough for my queen size Exped mattress…definitely worth the extra space.
I have two T4s the orange one has a few threads here and there, the green one is flawless. Planning a trip with friends they will get the pumpkin 😅. T4 is big on the inside. If you ever want to camp let me know and I'll bring both for you to check out. Really enjoy your vids.
Just received the replacement tent, and it is worse than the 1st one.. Holes and loose stitching hanging threads . Now the company is telling me thats normal .
I have a T4. I run it with cots and a Buddy Heater. Never in the rain but it stood up fine in some pretty stout winds. The doors are a bit of an issue for access but I do like this tent.
demier 2000, to 5000 is great but YOU STILL NEED TO SPRAY ON THE WATERPROOFING SPRAY FOR THE WATERPROOFING TO WORK IN THE RAIN ATSKO SPRAY IN 1 GAL CAN, SPRAY ON , WIPE IT ALL OVER WITH A WET SPONGE AND LET DRY, .APPLY IN SHADE , AND LET DRY IN SHADE, . TO SEAL MOUISTURE OR RAIN FROM COMING INTO TENT THRU THE DOORS AND WINDOWS COAT THE ZIPPERS OF THE DOORS AND WINDOWS WITH VASOLINE IN THE ZIPPER THREADS, OLD TRICK
At least I can stand up in my Springbar, but it cost over twice what this tent cost lol. Any big freestanding tent like this I highly recommend swapping out the stakes with some large lag bolts with washers. Makes it super easy to zip the bolts in and out of the ground with my impact wrench and they hold extremely well in a lot of ground types.
Is there a tent you can recommend that has no exterior mesh, other than sealable from the inside. Every tent I see has a mesh roof now. Preferably not too expensive?
I got the clone of the T4 made by Qomotop for $159. It’s a smoking good value. The quality is very good and the amount of room is excellent. Heavy and big to transport, but great features.
I have had the T4 for three years and have had no issues with the tent. No problem with quality or weather. It has been a great car camping tent. The only things I don’t like is the weight and the doors are awkward to enter and exit. Mine is so good that I have been really surprised with all the issues with your T3.
I bought the Gazelle Overland T4 edition(comes with the ground cloth). I'm 69 years old and love the easy setup and take down. I have had no problems with this tent. Love it!!!
Brother, I have had this tent for a long time and I live in a tropical country, heavy rains, winds that knock down trees and impressive heat, I have never had problems, it has excellent performance unlike other famous brands. The only thing I will always hate about this tent is the huge size to transport it, but heyyy not everything can be perfect!! mine is the T4
Same here. Total BS.
If you have the T4, and he is here talking about the T3... those are two different tents, right? Just seems like pretty much everyone here commenting with a contradictory opinion on this tent have the T4.
I personally use a very small tent. This tent does have some appeal though. It looks to be very roomy (I am not tall) providing options. The ventilation options seem helpful and safer. This to me would be good if you were going to spend time in the tent. For me, my tent is basically just for sleeping. I always cook on a fire.
Same. I've absolutely put the t3 through hell amd it's still rocking.
BS review 😊
I have the T3X and use it for solo car camping. Yeah you can't stand up vertically but then I don't stroll around inside of a tent much anyway. I use a cot along one wall and a table and chair along the other. When it gets down below freezing I can relax before bedtime with a little buddy junior heater while watching a movie. It is ideal for the way I use it. YMMV. I have taken it on a 2 month road trip camping most of the way and it performed very well. The doors are a fixture of the design and I have learned to live with them.
"Shockingly bad"? You're mistaken, sir. I've used this tent a couple dozen nights in the Green Mountains, Adirondacks,White Mountains and Maine and have never had a single problem.
I have the t4 overland edition for several years now and really like it for car camping. I do not have the quality issues as you have with the t3. Yes the doors are awkward to enter and exit but with the pop up frame design door location and shape are very limited. The t4 has great head room but is several pounds heavier
Same here my t4 is verry well assembled
Luke only buys the ones with shitty quality problems. 😂
Also have the T4 Overland edition and I must say I love it. Thing is bulky and heavy as hell, I'll admit, but I can stomach those things when car camping.
@@Ayesuku well it’s not like we’re humping it in the back country. 🙌
I have a T4. I believe most people who use this tent will use it 6 times a year for about five years. Many just lose interest. The quality is good enough. If I were worried, I would just seam seal and cut any stray stitching. While the small amount of leaking is bad, many use this as a "cabin". Cots allow one to be off the ground so a small amount of leaking won't affect things. The roof vents do lessen condensation, but it does build up. This is especially true when winter camping. Many use a packing blanket over the roof(under the "rain fly"). This seals it up pretty good. Marry this to a Buddy heater and you have condensation. We had people survive a 3 degree Fahrenheit night in this manner. As for size, when I saw the T3, I knew I needed the T4. The main plus is how quick this sets up. I always put down a ground cloth. The "removable" floor is nice, but I won't be removing it. What do is get an RV site with water and power. I run the power cord through the floor. Not to be snarky, but is there a better quick set up tent? I am NOT paying for a rooftop tent. I am NOT going to spend the time to put together tent poles and feed them through fragile, sticky, nylon channels. Just to make you laugh, if I were to get a regular ground tent it would be the Eureka Timberline. Mine served me well when I was a kid. It sets up quick and was very waterproof after seam sealing.
I've had my Gazelle T3 for 4 years and use it 4-6 times a year. I love it. I've had it in wind, snow, rain, and 95+ degree heat. Strong wind can blow in the sides but if you guy-line the side facing the wind that is enough. The door shape and interior height are my only complaints; I will probably get the T4+ or T Hex next time. Pro-tip for the window flaps; they don't unzip all the so you can roll them up and stuff them next to the mesh so they aren't hanging down.
Peter, You should read my comments Neal Rehm. Mine is the same age Check all the hubs make sure the nuts are snug!
@@nealrehm6900 I appreciate it; I'm the type that double-checks the condition of my gear regularly so I already do. 😎😉
I live in BC, Canada (a literal rainforest) and I own the T4 Overland and it is amazing. There are no real concerns for front country or family camping. The ventilation at the top allows for proper air circulation, no condensation issues. HOWEVER, I recommend the Overland Edition because you get the proper footprint and way better stakes. You need a proper footprint, bare minimum.
Hello again Luke! Its Beth from Boise ID. You dont know me most likely, but you have been most kind to reply to comments in the past. Thank you for taking time to do that, it was and still is appreciated! I was watching your video on pros and cons of hammocks, and you “casually mention you broke your back in highschool! OUCH!!! And scary too! My son had a spinalcord injury in highschool that left him paralyzed from the wIst down, but because the injury was in his low back where you have a nerve bundle, not teue spinal cord, he recovered but also, still has chronic pain. Thanks for all your reviews! Im going to tey to go backpack on the pacific crest trail at least one night. So i need to listen to your other video before seeing this one. Tell Suzie I said hi, and would love to see her in more videos!
Thanks again luke for all you do!
Your friend in Boise,
Beth
I just bought a T4 tent one month ago to take a trip to Iowa for a family visit. I am extremely pleased with the overall construction quality and waterproofness. It went through two weather events while at our campsite. First night was about 2 inches of snow. It shed the snow off easily and no moisture inside. Third night at about 3am I was awoken by a torrential thunderstorm with severe wind gusts in the 40-50mph range. I was waiting for rain to start seeping in, but at daylight I checked, and the entire tent was dryer than expected with zero water inside anywhere. The weeks temperatures ranged from lows in the high 20's to 70 degrees on one afternoon. Zero condensation and the tent held in the heat from a space heater just fine.
I've had the T4 and T4 plus hub overland edition for a few years, recently had the T4 hub up in the back yard for two weeks in 20s degree weather and mixtures of wind rain and snow and hail over that period never leaked or collapsed,I love these tents,only negative is they are heavy. Keep up the good work 👍
I've had this tent for about 5 years and used it all over SoCal and the desert southwest. I never had a single problem with it and it endured some incredibly strong winds at TDS. It fit perfectly in my Jeep and I actually built my storage area in the back of the rig around the size of the Gazelle. I've since bailed on Cali and have been using it in the southeast. Less wind but way more rain. Again, no issues using it in these conditions either. I've had no quality concerns and parts are readily available if you need to repair any damage. It's definitely a favorite of the off-road and overlanding community for sure!
For older people like myself this tent is easier to setup compared to smaller tents where I have to bend over alot to setup and take down. It was too hard last time I went camping with my grandson taking down the tent. I have been looking to get the T4 plus tent because of ease of setup and the extra room to watch movies. Just waiting to buy my truck first. Thanks for testing this out. I do believe this is still a good tent and I hope the company fixes those small quality problems. If I don't get this one then it will be the Kodiak Flex Bow tent.
I have the T4, and agree with the pros and cons so far. One piece of advice, I have a 5' bed. The T4 package is so long I have to lay it diagonally in the bed. Get a 6' bed and you will be good unless you want to carry it in a rack out side.
I got my T4 into a Chevy Spark. Love finds a way.
A Gazelle will be much easier than a Kodiak to set up.
Jonny I have the T-4 I love it I too am up in age and agree with you. check out my comment Neal Rehm.
Johnny, I have the flexbow and the T4. The T4 is MUCH easier to set up and are down.
I have two sizes of this tent and have been using them for years. I have nothing but great things to say about this tent. So easy to setup and take down. The zippers are great. And the storage bag is the perfect size. Great in every way.
I have the 4 person version and I really like it a lot. but there is one problem; when it's raining and you need to go into, or out of the tent door(s), rain WILL get in through the open doo. So the one accessory the Hud tent NEEDS, is a vestibule to prevent rain from entering. Plus it would take care of the gap on the door zippers storm flaps.
As a follow-up comment to the one I left on your rain test for this tent, I'll note that the complaints about it seem pretty consistent--mostly quality control on the stitching in parts, ventilation is okay but not great, cut-rate stakes, and the bathtub floor is kind of a pain to reattach properly if you remove it for a thorough scrub. All that said, having camped in a T4 now in both rain and below freezing weather, I think the positives FAR outweigh the negatives on these tents, especially considering the comments from people here that have used them for years and feel they have gotten their money's worth.
As long as you use the tie-downs, get some solid steel stakes to replace the trashy ones that come with the tent, and give it a good coating of silicone spray, you'll have a good tent for long weekend escapes that is perfect for casual campers, and a good option for experienced ones as well.
I have had my T4 for 3 years now. I solo camp with it. I leave in eastern Wyoming so I can tell you, when properly set up and secured, this tent will hold up to almost anything short of an f2. I chose this tent instead of a roof top tent. It s extremely quick and easy for me to set up band take down by myself. It’s weather performance is reliable the t4 has enough room for myself and all my gear (I do not travel light) I just wish they made a hot tent model
Martin Check all the hub nuts are snug! Read Neal Rehm comments!
@@nealrehm6900 will do. Thanks for the tip
I have had many tents over the years. I got this one solely for the quality and the easy of setting up. I put mine through very heavy wind storm (anchored), very heavy mountain rain storm (anchored) and even taken to the beach to camp ON the beach. My experience is different from yours. I think the quality is good to great. I think some of what you are saying is a bit nit picky, but in the end, it is your experience. I can not knock it as you are very thorough.
Hello Luke, I have this tent. You are right about the inside height issue and the step over/dunk issues with the door. This tent is truly for children or people under 5 ft. I don’t have the quality issues that your tent has and it has not leaked. The T4 would be the better option for buyers. I did notice that your rain fly was not properly aligned. The T3X is not square. The rain fly has 2 shorts sides and 2 long sides. They must align properly with your tent to get the proper performance.
I've yet to take mine on a trip (just got it and set it up in the garage), but I think your criticisms are probably spot on. I would not fail this tent on water proofness based on your results. I have a couple of very nice tents, probably more expensive and bigger than this one, but I'm so done with setting up poles. My use case is to get out of my jeep, set the tent up and be done with it. This tent is big enough for my cot, a chair and a small table. I don't really care about not being able to stand up in it. I like the fact you have windows on all sides. so if there's something going on outside you can just look through a window without having to unzip to get out. The doors are clumsy. If you had 2 cots in it, it would be a real clown show getting in and out. I did not notice cheap construction so much (loose threads), but I'd have to look again. I'd almost consider buying the T-4, but then it's an even bigger tent to shove in your vehicle.
My favorite outdoor canopy/screen room is my Clam instant up shelter. Pretty much the same deal as this thing except with more sides. I love it. We had one for 8 years until a wind came up and blew it into a lake. But the thing is huge lengthwise. no big deal for my pick up, but definitely takes some creative storage for the Jeep. But the set up esase makes it worth the trouble. And I think that's why die hard Gazelle fans don't want to give up these tents. It's all about the setup. Plus, by your own testing, this thing seems pretty good in really bad weather. I think set up and weather resistance makes it worth the $ despite the down sides you accurately discuss.
I have to say that your reviews are SUPER thorough. No detail is left unaddressed. Best reviews on RUclips 👍
Seems more like minor issues, rather than 'shockingly bad' you've really got it in for this tent, one wonders why and what's going on behind the scenes.
I could see those minor issues being a big deal for the price point. If I remember right, it’s kinda pricey right?
He did say he was "fairly impressed" with how the tent performed, I agree the issues are relatively minor for most people but it's good to have a really detailed review. RUclips incentivises people to be a bit over dramatic, I don't think anyone is immune to that but it can be a bit irritating for sure. Usually this channel is spot on IMO but he is a very thorough and critical reviewer, which I personally appreciate:)
Agree... I have 5 outings in my T4 and "shockingly bad" is unwarranted. He also said it's stuffy due to tight bug nets... Uh, physics... Take a fan. Still far better bang per buck than similar size offerings from BA or REI, don't get me started on "One Tigris".
My T4 Overland Edition has a nice ground footprint and awesome stakes. The flaps cover the zippers totally. I put seam sealer over all the tiny pin holes. Also I can see how the door and screen zippers meet, that could be an area of wind blown rain intrusion. All in all, we love our Gazelle tent so much, we even bought their Gazebo!
I have the T4 and I love it. I have used this in a couple of pretty haevy rain storms here in Washington state and I didn't have any leaking. When I close my doors. I keep both of my zippers at the top of the door. That is possibly why your T3 leaked. Just an observation. Love your channel. Thanks
I camped out in Death Valley with my T3 during sustained 30mph winds with gust to 45mph, and it handled the wind well. I am going to get the T4 because of the size of it. I do love it. Camping with friends and being set up in 2mins they do envy it and have borrowed it several times. But my previous tent experiences have been coleman and ozark walmart $40 tents. I was concerned about water leaks as in the 2yrs ive owned it ive only camped in dry and windy conditions here in the surrounding Las Vegas, Az, Ut area with one road trip to Rockaway Oregon camping up the 101. I have had no problems at all with it. Now i know ill need a few towels iin n conditions.
After having an RTT for years I switched to the T4 overland about 3 years ago. I'm 6' 3 and it's got plenty of headroom and plenty of interior space for all of my gear. The best part is the 90 second setup. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the doors. Somewhat awkward but thats about the only complaint I've ever had about mine. The tent itself is pretty much bulletproof.
I have had no leaking in my T3 in 4 years. The doors are awkward. I am 5'8" and I can stand upright in the very center, though my head rubs the ceiling. I don't have any of the poor stitching on mine. I wonder if their quality control has diminished in the last 4 years since I bought mine. I like the T3 because it fits sideways in 2-door Jeep Wrangler which has limited space. My brother, who is 6' tall has a T4 and he fits a queen size air mattress in his. He and his wife have had no issues in 2 or 3 years with theirs.
I am 5‘10“. I have bought the T3 use it for one camping trip cannot really stand up in it. But we had a heavy rain that night and it did not leak one drop so I went ahead and got me the T4 overland edition, went camping in Highwinds. It held up pretty good. Wasn’t too thrilled about the bright orange in the sunlight in the morning so I bought me a green T4 and I absolutely love it. I will admit it will take to get used to going through the doors because of their shape but I really like to see him do a review on a T4 to see if it has the same quality issues he had with the T3.
I’d like to see the T4 review also. I steady myself at the curve of the D and go through with my foot closest to the bottom left of the D. Its a sturdy tent. I like Luke’s reviews.
Luke, I have the T4, next size bigger tent Mine is four years old. I watch most of your reviews. I have asked you to do a review on this brand before.
Yes the stakes are Badder than bad! And mine leeks at the door depending on where the zippers are closed. I always leave them near the top. but you can also get water dripping inside when you open the door climbing in and out. I just keep a towel on the floor. I just experienced those hi winds a few weeks ago here in Virginia, and you know what I mean!!
AS I said mine is four years old, and it FAILED ME in that event! There was nothing really wrong except the top hub plate had dropped 1/2 inch because two nuts, one to hold the hub together the other a lock nut had loosened up. As a mater of fact all the side hubs needed a half turn too. these hubs work like a ball joint. My celling came down and I couldn't push it back in place. It was at night with forty to fifty mph winds. The fly bungy hold-downs couldn't take it anymore and separated. The tent was mostly in the open. So it took some time for those nuts to work themselves loose. A few days later I removed the top hub assembly and discovered the problem and the solution. Just check those two nuts before opening up the sides maybe locktight one of those nuts. Check the single nuts periodically inside the side hubs too.
I still Love my T-4 PS it ain't no Ozark Trail!
I have T4, as a woman solo camper with Lab I love it!!! Made well, no issues! I did buy steel stakes and an 8x8 tarp for pad-2 very inexpensive items so not really a problem.
I'm 5'7 and can stand straight up in the middle of my T3X. Excellent tent. Try it for yourself. It is kind of long to fit in your car. You are being very negative lol. It's 299. Still pricey though. YKK zippers. That's not even the same tent you have under the rainy conditions.
I have had my T3 for 4 years now.
Use it year round.
It fits perfectly across in my Suzuki Samurai.
Used it in Scandinavian winter storms. Never had any leak issues.
I absolutely love this tent. For me its the ease of use and the versatility.
- regarding the doors, I see your point, but for me it was just a matter of getting used to..
Not a problem in the long run.
.. and how else would you design the doors?
Hey Guys
I'm 63 & 6ft 8 tall, with big feet and mobility issues. I have T4 in green which I absolutely love... Yes. I hate the door and with my mobility issues I do find the door a bit of a challenge. However the speed and ease of pitch is a direct trade off... I camp alone in my T4 but with friends and a group. I have a work around for access to and from the tent via the door. I have my cot across the wall directly opposite the door, a small bedside table to the right side of the tent and just inside the door I have a camp chair on the right side of the door within easy reach when entering or exciting. Immediately outside the door at the peak of the corner I position a tripod footed folding adjustable lantern stand. The three feet peg down and the vertical Lantern stand works very well as a hand hold while stepping through the door... Either in or out.... And it's a convenient location for an external lantern.
The final recommendation from the manufacturer was that when stepping through the door you keep your face towards the corner and your butt towards the angle of the triangle for. This improves head room and lowers the trip hazard. So obvious once you make the adjustment but surprisingly very counter intuitive.
I love this tent.
I call it the TARDIS as it seems to be bigger on the inside than it appears from the outside. Given unlimited transport options I would choose the T4Plus but only for the two rooms and standard door entrance. But the reality is that for a person of my age I think that the bigger heavier unit would be more of a challenge to manhandle and transport ... I have had the T4 for about 18 months and though I do hate the doors, the tradeoffs are worth it as I really love this tent... And recommend it very highly... 👍🏻
I have had the T4 for a little over a year. There are definitely some cons to the tent, mostly being the clunky door (I am 6'7" so that doesnt help) Its also huge and heavy, but i think the reason so many people love it is that they dont have to mess with tent poles. Something about being able to just pop it open and be done is so satisfying. The only problem I have encountered is that sometimes the eyelet on the hub of the wall gets popped in and you have to search for it. That is annoying!
I have the T3x and consider it one of my favorite tents and is now my families favorite. No quality problems.
I wish we had more solo Susie over nights. Luke was right, some women like to see how another woman's ability on setup. I've owned two dome tents that when they were new I was not strong enough to stretch it to get the pole in the loops to set up.
I’ll be interested in her review also. I have a T4. I love my tent. When in doubt about size, I like to go bigger. I think they should exchange the T3 to see if they got a defective tent.
I have a second t4 the first one developed holes where the hubs rubbed against it's self during the trip from Michigan to Colorado. It even wore a hole thru the cover. I had to patch the floor in a couple of spots. I contacted the company and they were very helpful. I sent them a couple of pictures and explained what happened and the sent out a new tent. Just did the same trip with no problems so far. But customer service was very good. One thing the doors are a pain, hard to get in and out of. Zippers are a little awkward to use but thats my only complaint
Did you notice in your video
, during the rainstorm, that there was no flapping? Ordinary tents blow down before gazelles even make noise. I agree with the door issues, and I struggle with the zipper covers sometimes, but love my T4. Maybe you got a Monday tent, or a new employee, because my tent is great quality, and the material is a lot thicker than the average tent. I haven’t seen much rain in it, but I did face some heavy wind at the beach, and it was literally the only tent left standing. It laughs at wind.
Take a hook with you to put under the lipp when you want to remove the stakes. Or use the first peg you get out to remove the other stakes.
After watching your review of the rain night I was surprised that there wasn't more water in it.
When it comes to tents, manufacturers always love to exaggerate sizes. In fact, whenever a tent says it fits a number of people, cut that number in half for reality. Because a tent that says 4 people, means 4 people who are cuddling and don’t have any gear in with them. If you want some elbow space and a backpack with you, it’s only two people.
That tent setup is identical to an ice fishing shelter. Ice tents are built better than the Gazelle. Ice shelters can also be insulated. For the price and build you are better off getting an ice fishing shelter. Without the insulation they can become a 4 season shelter.
Design and sell a rainfly also a velcro in floor for the ice shantys and you got a money maker. Setup a portable A/c unit, luxury camping haha
@@daves3016 Exactly! Weather uninsulated ice shanty you can run a portable AC unit and enjoy glamping. And of course you're camping spot must have electricity in order to run the AC. Or carry with you a small inverter generator.
I believe the company fixed many of the issues with the overland edition.
2 years with mine. Actually just got back a few hours ago from a 4 day trip with a few night of rain. Has always been my go to tent and worked flawlessly. I do agree with the doors. I have neuropathy and they can be a trip hazard. But so far the pros ha e far outweighed that con. Mine is the Alpine green t4
My wife and I car camp and tried the T4 for several camping trips. In the end the only thing we liked was the fairly rapid setup. We noticed several of the issues you mentioned....interior room was not completely usable due to the pop out walls, entry was a pain, and no vestibule for items we wanted to keep outside. Ultimately we went with the REI Basecamp 4 and haven't missed the T4 at all. Great reviews and channel!
I have a T4 and love it. Quality isn’t an issue in mine. Maybe they changed the manufacturer in the T3. Taking care when entering through the doors is important. Suggest you return this one and step up to the T4. I think you will enjoy it better.
Just purchased T4 overland May 03 23
On initial setup, I found tiny holes on all four sides with loose threads .
I had the orange T3 version and I actually loved it. The negative issue was its size or bulkiness. In a small Jeep SUV it took up quite a bit of space. As far as mine was quality control wise it was fine with no loose threads or fitment. My main goal for use was to be able to enjoy camping without having moskey and other insect issues. It never rained during my uses of the T3.
Luke, I love your reviews, as well as your outing videos in general. Your honesty and sense of humor make it fun to watch. Your humorous life events being shared make me feel like we're just sitting out by the fire, "chewing the fat". 🙂
After you mentioned the difference in size between the T3 and T4, I went out to Amazon and found that the T4 is actually selling for $347.99, and the T3 is $299.99 currently. So the T4 is less than the T3 was when you purchased it. I'd definitely pick the T4, after you mentioned the height difference.
Oh, and the tablespoon of water found in the T3 after a storm of that magnitude seems negligible. I get more water in my car, just climbing in when it's raining!
Keep 'em coming, friend!
I lived in Alaska where it rains a lot and I had no issue with water getting into my tent ever .
It's a great tent, except for the doors. Threads really Oh My God! You're nit picking. I have both the T3 and T4 never had leaking. But you're still The Man!
Agreed. I have the T4 and T4 Plus for probably close to 5 years and have used these several hundred times between the two in all of the worst conditions and haven’t had issues with either.
I'm 6' 4", I like this tent but it's too small. After reading the comments below about the T4, I may get one of those, I only do car camping these days as I'm 63 and my hiking days are behind me. I would love to see you do a test and review of the T4! Thanks for all you do Luke!
We have the t4 plus and I specifically got that over the t8 because I knew the D style door would be a trip hazard for my youngest. We haven't had any issues with leaking or condensation.
Hello I was wondering 💭 about the Gazelle tent also the Clam , Also the Eskimo shelter as a tent to waterproof it of course what you think 🤔 about those as well
I have used the T-4 for the last 5 years and have been completely satisfied with its performance. It has kept me dry in driving rains and withstood snow and ice. I have not experienced the quality issues that your T-3 has exhibited. The door shape is limited by the hub design of the tent. I have only had one bad experience with the door and alcohol may have been involved. I also use Gazelle’s G-5 gazebo when camping.
Have the T4 Overland Edition. Love it. Had it out last summer in high winds and when staked down at all points it withstood the wind. Has lots of room and I can fully stand up inside it. Granted there are problems with getting in and out the door, but due to the design of the tent with the HUBs not sure it can be fixed. I think if he had tested the T4 Overland Edition rather than the T3 he would have liked it more due to the increased height.
As someone who has had multiple ice fishing shelters upon which this tents design is based on, the actual big issue will be the poles and hub system. They break period, haven’t had one where they have not broke.
A little Para Cord loop attached to the Stakes would help dramatically in removing them from the ground. Just a Idea.
What do you get when you cross a deer blind, a tent, and a case of beer.....? Luke is answering this riddle right now😂
Love your channel, respect your opinion, but this tent is fantastic. A beast. Perfect for the overlander who does ground camping.
I was between the t4 and nemo wagontop 4 for a new car camping tent this year. I ended up going with the wagontop 4, because of the size/weight of the gazelle tent vs it. After hearing about the quality issues here, I'm even happier with my decision. It doesn't setup as easy as this but is super high quality and packs up to almost half the size.
When did you buy it? A got a t4 a couple years ago. And have had it setup on my property the whole time. Its still hilding together excepept for the fly and one door zipper.
I’m with Luke… this tent is just ok. I’ve had my T3 for a couple years now. The doors are terribly awkward, and there is virtually no vestibule. There are newer ice fishing hubs with much nicer door styles that are larger and easier to step into. Also, I wish gazelle would make a solid roof option. This thing lets out too much heat when camping in cooler weather.
If you want a tent with a vestibule area, then why not purchase one with a vestibule area? That's like by a 2 X truck and complaining because you got stuck.
I have the green t4 overland and have used it in rain and snow conditions. It's been phenomenal. The stakes and footprint that come with the overland edition are a must though. Thankfully I haven't experienced the same qc issues as the tent you purchased.
You may not see this, but I have the orange T4, and a couple things. I do like it, but some issues I wish I’d see yoh call out:
You have to stake the walls in any kind of wind beyond a light breeze or they will push in.
I’ve read it’s impossible to properly line up the floor to thr tent once you remove it, so I never have. This makes this feature unusable since I’m worried I won’t get it to properly square up.
There is a gap in the bottom floor right around where the tent material conforms around the internal pole skeleton. Right under the doors in the corner. My brother used it with his wife and a massive spider got in. I’ve thought about trying to sew this shut or something, but I’ve always wondered: how could they not engineer a solution to this problem?
I appreciate your candor, I am handicapped and would have a hard time getting in and out of those doors!
I will say the CON's of this tent are the weight, packed size, and the doors are akward, as i've almost tripped once or twice but I feel the Pro's outweigh the con's, IMO. the Use case for this tent is definitely Car Camping.
I have this exact tent, zero issues and I've been in some all-day down pours up on Lake Superior in Michigan, love the tent, its never leaked on me, not even a little
I have the T4 Overland, I absolutely love it. However the doors are awkward and some of my stitching is shoddy. However it holds up amazing during medium/heavy rain. Its a perfect size for me, the girlfriend and our dog.
T4 owner and no leaks. Happy with it for truck camping.
I have the T8 two years now and it has been fantastic. I did order the footprint and use proper tent spikes but the tent has held up in high winds and wind driven rain very well. Having had shoulder surgery I appreciate how easy it sets up but it is HEAVY. I haven't had any of the issues Luke saw in the T3X. Maybe they've moved production to a different facility or the giant T8 is made in a different facility? I replaced my REI Kingdom 8 with the T8 and never looked back.
How many First look videos on the same tent can one make?
I had and sold a T4 and had none of those quality issues. I recently purchased this T3x version since it's just me and the dog. I have yet to set it up so I'm curious that maybe the quality control has gone downhill. I bought the T4 about 3-4 years ago.
I hate to see the quality issues on this tent I have the T4 version of this tent and have none of these issues it's not the first time I've heard of these issues on the T3 makes me wonder if they don't have a contracted manufacturer make the T3 because again I have a T4 and know many people that do and none of us have these issues I've been through wind and rain storms and heavy snow no leaks or issues what so ever I'm willing to ship mine to u to try it out and as for the hubs leaking I spoke to someome i dont remeber who it's been a long while since that interaction but the representative did state they did have issues with the early models leaking at the hubs but did fix the issue by adding more and different materials at the hubs
Love and trust your reviews. I feel like you give some of the most honest and fair reviews out there.
Been comparing the T3X and the T4 for a bit and am leaning towards the T3X. Though you mention the headroom and suggest the T4 for that, I have one big reason I’m leaning towards the T3X… Packed length. The T4 is too long to fit in the bed of most short bed pickups without putting it in diagonally. That makes the T4 a fair bit more awkward to pack. The T3X can fit lengthwise and makes organizing my load out that much easier. That’s worth it to me since I only need to sleep 2 or two and a toddler in it.
S&H
Can the fly stay attached during storage?
You said for the money you expect better quality. I want a similar design as this Gazelle T3X. I need a 3 season tent that i can stand in Im 6ft tall and have no mobility issues. What do you recommend
Have the t3 but never used it in the rain your right about the tent stakes I have to use a rope around the end to pull them out also the door is a little tricky getting in and out other the that it works fine for me since I camp alone and I'm only 5-8 and 72 years old and don't stand up to straight anymore lol 😅 .keep doing what you do because you do it best.
This is just ice fishing tent but better for all seasons lots of guys use them as hot tents out on the frozen lakes
I have the overland edition, seems like the company fixed the issues.
Was trying not to be harsh on my last post on one of the last videos.I totally agree with your impression with the quality control of the product.Having 2t4’s a t 8 the t4plus witch has become my favorite takes care of the door issue.I seem sealed the leaking t4 haven’t had it in a long duration rain to see if that fixed it all. The material is strong so it takes repairs well if you happen to get a hole in the bathtub. Great tents just had a quality control issue for sure.stitching on the g6 deluxe tore on first time setting it up at on panel were the roof meets the side wall. Tenacious tape and good seem sealer and has held up well after a years use.But I do really enjoy these tents so easy to set up roomy and yes heavy but the material is solid and has a high denier so will be worth the weight.
I have this exact model. Something looks off about your setup; is it possible the rain fly is on sideways? One side is slightly longer and it isn’t always obvious. I wonder if it’s pulling the roof and sides askew. I do hate the doors though, so total agreement there. Otherwise I quite like the tent.
After seeing the poor quality of your tent I'm glad I decided to go with a canvas tent. I was very close to pulling the trigger on the T4, but just had a gut about the gazelle after a long time checking into it. That's a shame to see such poor quality at that price point.
While valid points. The doors are that way because of the poles. Do you prefer mesh on the outside or inside? If it gets cool in this tent you have to open the mesh from the inside then adjust the window covers letting all the insects in.
As an overland tent, I would like that you review the Oztent RV-3 Lite. Looks better quality, but higher price.
Wondering if you’ve checked out the Overland edition and if it’s any better in your experience. I’ve read mostly good reviews about the T3X. My only concern is if it gets a little colder than smaller, lower tents. The main negative reviews are from taller people who couldn’t stand and those who didn’t use the guy lines. I’m short and standing in a tent isn’t a huge deal breaker for me anyway. I do like your reviews more than any other gear channel so I do strongly respect your opinions.
Had my T4 for years, best car camping tent I’ve ever owned aside from being heavy and 6’ long in the bag. Plenty of standing room, large enough for my queen size Exped mattress…definitely worth the extra space.
I have two T4s the orange one has a few threads here and there, the green one is flawless. Planning a trip with friends they will get the pumpkin 😅. T4 is big on the inside. If you ever want to camp let me know and I'll bring both for you to check out. Really enjoy your vids.
Just received the replacement tent, and it is worse than the 1st one..
Holes and loose stitching hanging threads . Now the company is telling me thats normal .
I love my Gazelle T4 and think the T3 would be just as good. My next tent will be the T3 Tandem for more space.
I have a T4. I run it with cots and a Buddy Heater. Never in the rain but it stood up fine in some pretty stout winds. The doors are a bit of an issue for access but I do like this tent.
I love mine T4 plus
demier 2000, to 5000 is great but YOU STILL NEED TO SPRAY ON THE WATERPROOFING SPRAY FOR THE WATERPROOFING TO WORK IN THE RAIN ATSKO SPRAY IN 1 GAL CAN, SPRAY ON , WIPE IT ALL OVER WITH A WET SPONGE AND LET DRY, .APPLY IN SHADE , AND LET DRY IN SHADE, . TO SEAL MOUISTURE OR RAIN FROM COMING INTO TENT THRU THE DOORS AND WINDOWS COAT THE ZIPPERS OF THE DOORS AND WINDOWS WITH VASOLINE IN THE ZIPPER THREADS, OLD TRICK
At least I can stand up in my Springbar, but it cost over twice what this tent cost lol. Any big freestanding tent like this I highly recommend swapping out the stakes with some large lag bolts with washers. Makes it super easy to zip the bolts in and out of the ground with my impact wrench and they hold extremely well in a lot of ground types.
Another Truthful review…Thank you Sir. This is how I judge what product to purchase
Is there a tent you can recommend that has no exterior mesh, other than sealable from the inside. Every tent I see has a mesh roof now. Preferably not too expensive?
I have a question about the setup. If, for whatever reason, you didn't guy-out the sides could a strong wind cause them to collapse in?
A strong wind could push the sides in.
I got the clone of the T4 made by Qomotop for $159. It’s a smoking good value. The quality is very good and the amount of room is excellent. Heavy and big to transport, but great features.
Luke, the bag from the 4-person might fit you as a sleeping bag!
I have had the T4 for three years and have had no issues with the tent. No problem with quality or weather. It has been a great car camping tent. The only things I don’t like is the weight and the doors are awkward to enter and exit.
Mine is so good that I have been really surprised with all the issues with your T3.
A trick for the stakes.
Hook an ax, or another stake, under the lip and pull. You'll have a better grip to pull.