The 2012/13 model of the BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent has some new features, the main one being the larger front awning, as well as the curved rear pole and gusseted windows of last year’s model. Following are some of the first photos on the internet of the new tent.
Update: I have now been camping in the new BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent and have posted additional comments here.
I am a big fan of BlackWolf tents. Our main family camping tent is a Turbo Plus 300 purchased in October 2010. When I was given the opportunity to test a 2012/13 model BlackWolf tent, I jumped at the opportunity. I was torn between testing the canvas BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent or the larger, but lighter Turbo Lite Plus 300. In the end, I received the BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent. Bigger is not always best when camping, so I thought the combination of the heavier canvas tent in a smaller size would be perfect for my family of two adults and two primary school aged children.
Any experienced camper knows that when you get new gear, the first thing you do is test it at home. My tiny back yard has been taken over by chickens, dogs and a trampoline, while my front lawn is on a slope. I therefore set up the 2012/13 BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent on our very wide, but relatively flat, council footpath. There was plenty of neighbour and passer-by interest in the new tent!
BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 kit
As with all BlackWolf Turbo tents, this tent was super easy to set up. The three-pole front awning and optional side panels added a couple of extra items in the bag. The BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent is canvas, so think carefully whether you can lift the weight of the tent, which I weighed at around 31 kg (including the optional extra side panels). The polyester Turbo Lite tents provide a lighter alternative, or you can always split the awning and tent body into separate bags, which is what I do with my own Turbo Plus 300 to make it easier to lift above my head to put on my Toyota Prado’s roof rack.
What’s in the BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent bag (the awning side panels are optional extras)
BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 features
The main difference with the 2012/13 model BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent and last year’s model is the larger, three-pole awning. The awning is 180 cm x 220 cm wide giving a very usable shady area. The three-pole model tents supersede all the two-pole Turbo (both standard and Plus) tents in the BlackWolf range. (The Turbo FS, Basecamp and Super Fly models remain unchanged.)
The three-pole awning is an evolution aimed at making the BlackWolf tents even more rugged than they already were. The front awning of the older Turbo tents and rear section of the Turbo Plus tents were prone to rain water pooling. The curved rear pole introduced in the 2011/12 Turbo Plus tents combined with the three-pole awning of the 2012/13 model Turbo should fix this problem.
BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent 2012/13 model
Awning ridge pole supports the larger awning of the new BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent
Curved rear of the BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent helps prevent water pooling
While BlackWolf Turbo tents have a rugged reputation, awnings on all tents are susceptible to becoming kites in strong winds, as I experienced with my own 2010/11 model Turbo Plus 300 tent recently on a trip to Stradbroke Island (read story here).
The side and front panels for the awning are an optional extra. The test BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent was supplied with two pre-production side panels, but the front panel was not yet available. Nine times out of ten, I would not bother putting the side and front panels on — but that one time when it rained, I would be very thankful for having the panels in my camping kit and the extra protected area that they provide. Putting the panels on also provides an extra gear storage area away from prying eyes.
Front awning with side panels fitted
The new BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 tent comes with push button knuckles on the tent legs, rather than the pull-pin knuckles on my own 2010/11 tent. The 2012/13 model tent also includes the gusseted windows of recent models.
Still the leader
Several manufacturers have copied the BlackWolf concept in recent years. I suspect that these copies have spurred the further development of the BlackWolf Turbo tents. BlackWolf has been making this style of tent since 2003. They stand by their product and have had 10 years of product development to refine their tents. I think that they are still the leader in this style of tent.
We are going camping again soon, so watch this space for a more detailed review of the 2012/13 model BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240.
Hi Rex,
I’ve been reading your posts with great interest over the last few days especially as there is very little information about the new 2013 turbo models online. You raised an interesting point that I hadn’t considered when your Turbo plus 300 was too big for the camp site at Cylinder. I’m new to camping (single mum of two kids aged 13 & 10) and not feeling confident to stray far from the pack so now think I should start thinking about what places I intend to go camping at and find out what the average size their camp sites are – no point turning up with a tent that is too big. I took my kids to a camp shop today and the Turbo lite 300 plus was on display and my kids loved the size – though I’m just now wondering if it might be too big for your average holiday park site. ??? Maybe we should consider the 240 plus instead. Either way it’d have to be a plus. I have to say i didn’t think much of the flooring in the lite – it didn’t look very durable to me. Then the salesperson said he thought that the canvas was too hot for the queensland climate – so I’m torn.
Originally I had my heart set on a Jet Tent F30X but have since been swayed by the Blackwolf lifetime warranty as well as the much easier repaired individual joint knuckles compared to the single mechanism in the jet tent. Also i figure that Black Wolf would’ve ironed out most problems by now and the Jet Tent is still relatively new on the market (they really should offer a lifetime warranty to show consumers they have confidence in the durability of their product).
At present I’m torn between the ease of the turbo lite or the longevity of canvas. I especially prefer the the tough floor of the canvas models. The lite ones look like they’d tear easily and if I’m paying a premium price i want buy it once and i want it to last. My daughter and I were able to easily pick up the 24kg Turbo lite 300 plus pack and stow it in my car with the split back seat folded down, so for 6 kg more i think we could handle the canvas -packing it back in the bag (esp if wet) will be another matter.
There are a lot of good specials on at the moment as the 2012 stocks are being cleared to make way for the 2013 model with the 3 pole awning. I’m tossing up whether to get a 2012 model with the 2 pole awning at a good price and buy a base camp plus fly or to pay full price for the 2013 because of the 3 pole awning and get the 2 side panels and front panel.
I was happy with the idea of the 2 pole awning up until I read your straddie story and having to tie the awning down in fierce weather. Do you think the 3 pole awning would’ve stood up to such extreme conditions or would it need to be tied down also if you didn’t have the side and front panels attached?
I really prefer the practicality of the base camp fly as when you zip all the panels down you can still acess the tent easily from the side door leaving more of your floor space front and centre for storage of cooking gear, tables and chairs etc without needing to leave an access clearway through the middle. The only problem is I can’t seem to find any feedback about the base camp fly whatsoever on the net and I haven’t seen it on display in the camping stores.
It’s so hard to make a decision when you can’t check things out in person so I rely heavily on reviews like yours and scrolling through feedback in camping/4WD forums. I hope you can help me decide one way or another as you’ve already got the turbo 300 plus and are trialling the 2013 model so will have more of an idea than most. (I wish BlackWolf would lend me one or two to trial and compare).
Thanks in advance,
Terri
Hi Terri
Thanks for your comment.
Don’t worry too much about small camp sites. In my experience they are the exception, not the norm. Just be aware to ask the site size when you book.
Some people who were camping next to us at Adder Rock Holiday Park had travelled Australia in a canvas camper trailer. When they returned, they sold the trailer and purchased a BlackWolf Turbo Lite Plus 240. It was the square back model, so must have been at least a few years old. They said that it had been through some bad weather and the tent had held up well.
Whichever floor you get, you should always clear the tent site of anything sharp, and preferably place a sheet of shade cloth under the tent too. I have had both PVC and polyester floors and never had a tent floor punctured.
Bigger is not always best when camping. My advice would be to buy the best quality, smallest tent that you can comfortably sleep in. My family of four will fit in the Turbo Plus 240 with some spare room to store some bags — we are a snug fit though. My own Turbo Plus 300 gives us some extra room, but I am not sure that it is actually necessary.
I have found that packing my Turbo Plus 300 back in the bag is a challenge. I found the Turbo Plus 240 easy to get back in the bag though. The Turbo Plus 240 is also a more car-boot-friendly length. I split my Turbo Plus 300 into two bags to make moving it around easier.
Both the two-pole model and three-pole model are great tents. If you are happy to use the shade of a tree or a tarp and can save some money, I would not hesitate to get last year’s model tent. The current model will be better in rain or for shade with its larger awning; but will no doubt also need its awning tied back in very strong wind. I can not comment on the base camp fly.
Good luck making your decision. Let us know what you decide!
Rex.
Thanks so much for your considered reply Rex. I was getting very overwhelmed with all the pros and cons but you have really helped to clarify things. Actually I had just started thinking that it might be best to go to the 240 plus size because before I know it the kids will be at that stage where they’ll want to either camp in their own tent or not hang with their mum anyway and then I’ll be stuck with this massive tent for just one person – even for two it’s excessive. Wish we could downsize as far as the 300 but it’s just too small to comfortably hold us plus bags and maybe a tag-along school friend, so the 240 plus is a nice compromise. The lite would be easier to fit into my mazda 3 boot too.
Thanks heaps for the advice and for all your posts, particularly the one about how to put up a tarp for newbies – it looks daunting but I’m relieved to read it’s not nearly as hard as it looks!
Terri.
Hi again Rex
I shall try to not rave on this time! I just wanted to follow-up by letting you know that after much indecision I ended up purchasing the BlackWolf 240 plus lite. We trialled it recently at the Borumba Deer Park in a great spot down by the creek. The tent performed beautifully. Our only regret is not buying the bigger size. To be fair, maybe we noticed the cramped conditions more because we had all of our gear stored in the tent with us. When we get the front and side panels and can store our eskys etc outside it should make a big difference – even so i think i would still prefer the 300 plus lite. It’s amazing the difference 60cm makes. (Maybe it’s a girl thing to always want a Taj Mahal!)
*P.S I’m now looking at getting a small box trailer to solve the problem of limited luggage capacity in the Mazda 3 as we really struggled to get even the basics in.
Many thanks,
Terri
Hi Terri
Thanks for letting me know how you went with the tent. Borumba Deer Park is a good spot. We usually put our kitchen gear under our table and throw a cheap blue tarp over it when we leave the campsite. That way we do not have to store it in the tent.
Enjoy!
Rex.
Pingback: BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 — 2012/13 model | Rant, Rex
I have been experiencing similar issues, size and weight
being the problem. I just wanted to let you know that I
found a good compromise between the 240 and 300 models.
BCF has 270 model blackwolf tents, a little bit lighter and a
little bit smaller bag I think. Might be worth looking into.
Apparently the have an exclusive deal with blackwolf for that
size.
They also sell the jet tent which I was originally there to look at.
The salesman explained that due to the locking mechanism on
blackwolf tents they would stay up by themselves on the showroom
floor, the Jet tent would not (with out anchor points).
Shane
Good suggestion. I have a mate who has the BlackWolf Turbo 270 from BCF and he is very happy with it.
Rex.
thanks greatly for the series of posts. been looking for some real life comments on using the blackwolf turbo range
considering buying the 240 Plus Lite. you article mentioned the need for a groundsheet. can you recommend any that are not too expensive or bulky
with thanks
Paul
I use shade mesh ground sheets. You can buy shade mesh tarps ready made from OZtrail and Outdoor Connections, or just go to your local hardware store and get a length of shade mesh and cut to the right size.
Thanks another query. you may have already responded to this somewhere, but becoming bamboozled on which websites i have read.
have you tested any of the turbo lite range and any comments re use. We (2 Adults and one child) intend to use it 2-3 times a year and at the most for a week at a time.
Is the 2013 range significantly better than 2011 range. noticed the 2011 are cheaper on many sites
with thanks
Paul
Hi Paul
I have not yet been able to test a Turbo Lite. From the statistics, the Lite tents are smaller and lighter and therefore easier to manage. I have a personal preference for canvas though. If camping in cold conditions, the Lite tents will be better because apparently the PVC floors of the canvas tents can be difficult to roll up and get back into the bag.
This post http://www.blokespost.com/?p=3095 describes a wild and windy night in my tent. Some people camped along the way from us were in a BlackWolf Turbo Lite Plus 240 and survived the night as well. They raved about their tent and the foul weather that they had camped in.
In my view, the main differences between the models are: 2011 square back; 2012 rounded back for better water shedding; 2013 extended awning for more shade and better water shedding. There are numerous smaller differences between the models too.
Rex.
I am keen on buying a 240 turbo plus my question is as I sometimes camp on my own I wouldn’t need all the space so I thought I could use the tent with the plus section left clipped to the tent even if I can’t put the fly up without it being open I presume the canvas would be plenty waterproof on its own do you foresee any problems if I did this thanks Garry
Gary
I have heard of some people doing this. I have not tried it though.
Rex.
Does the basecamp fly fit on the turbo 240 plus thanks Debbie
Debbie
You are best to check with BlackWolf for your particular tent.
The latest basecamp flys only fit the Turbo Plus tents with the curved rear pole and two-pole front awning.
The new 2013 model tents (with three-pole front awning) do not have a basecamp fly available because they have a larger front awning.
Rex.
Hi, think I’m settled on the blackwolf turbo twin, just have to pin down the 240 v 300. We’re a family of 4 and a dog, and mainly aim for easy camping. Has anyone used the 2013 twin models.? I think I’m sold on the 2013 as the awning problem seems have been sorted, particularly as its raining outside as I’m writing this!
Hi.
I have an earlier model 240 plus lite which I have had for a couple of years.
Last year I purchased a base camp fly but found on my first camp that it did not fit – apparently they only fit the later model.
The dealer had no idea that this was the case and refunded my money but he was having trouble getting a credit from Blackwolf even though none of their advertising material stated that it would only fit currebt model.
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Thanks for actually showing the rear sleeping area of the tent from the outside. I have tried to see if the sleeping extension was covered by the included Fly and this is the only picture that shows it.
Just wanted to say thank you for your post. I have a family of 4, 2 kids 5y.o and 3y.o and we went car camping at Jervis Bay on the weekend. We researched in buying a Black Wolf tent because of their reputation and ease of set up. We got an offer to trial a Turbo Lite 300 Twin from some friends.
Wow, what a great tent, it was awesome. So much room and I was able to set up some furniture in it which made it super comfy. It really puts a smile on my face to not be so cramp and yet had some space to move about.
The set up was pretty easy and quick (watched the You Tube video on how to). First two days we had lovely weather, the last day it stormed overnight and rained in the morning. We had the two pole awning (2012 model?) and there was a pool of water in the middle and we had to push it up to get rid of it.
Packing up was not as fun as the tent got a little dirty from the rain. Was still easy to disassemble and pack (helps when you have friends). No problems putting it in the bag. It was a heavy though, had to lift the bag onto the car pod.
The experience was so positive we decided to buy a TT300 Plus canvas. The twin was a little too big for us but the Plus should meet our needs. It would still be similar weight etc but at least we know we are going to have it for a long time.
Wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone for the detailed comments, questions and answers. Has taken me 3 weeks of solid research to find out some of this info. I was firstly looking at the Oztent because of its design and reputation (RV-5) http://www.oztent.com/oztentrange/oztent-rv-5#.U2YU8BY-J5g Comparing it to the Turbo 300 Plus. I had considered the Turbo 300 Lite Twin however I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to stick to the canvas for durability.
So I have been racking my brain trying to decide between the 2 brands.
Firstly money isn’t an issue so I was thinking of purchasing 2x RV-5’s for the extra room and joining them, And if i went with the Turbo 300 Plus I could get a basecamp fly to make a total of 8.8m (with the awning open). The Oztent packs up to a bag that is 2m in length so roof racks is the only way to go.
This is why I have chosen to stick with Black wolf being that i may fit the bag inside my Pajero (depending on the model I choose) across the back i have a max length of 135cm so if I go with the Turbo 240 Plus I will fit it, if I go with the Turbo 300 Plus its 145cm and I will have to fit it some other way (on an angle).
Since reading some comments on this page I’ve noticed people mentioning if you dont need the space don’t get it. Another person mentioned they got the 240 but wish they had of got the 300.
Im in exactly the same scenario. I love the 300 Plus but should i get the 240 Plus to make sizes smaller and to ensure that it will fit across my car.
Someone mentioned about BCF supplying a 270. Does anyone know if you can get a 270 plus (not Lite version)? and if you can get a basecamp fly to fit the 270?
Thanks for your time and again Thanks for all the info so far.
Keep in touch.
Mike R.
I bought a 300 plus lite and have used it twice so far. I can say for sure that you will get wet if you touch the sides due to condensation. Everytime i put the tent on top of prickles they come through the floor as it is very thin i can even see light through it this happens even if i use shade cloth under. I also mention to the selling guy the tent at tentworld world that i wanted a tent that would be best for minus 3 degrees temperatures for when i go to the desert in winter. He recommended this one but i have heard since that i was ill advised and should have gone to canvas. What are your thoughts on all this? I went and saw them today and they said there isnt much i can do about any of it.
The carry bag that the turbo tent comes in …. when you carry it on your roof rack, how water proof is the bag if it rains? – Jeff
Hi guys,
Very cool thread, many thanks for all the info!
I bought a black wolf turbo 300.
I need to buy some tarp for a ground sheet.
How long do you think it should be? Until the end of the awning, or just the 3×3 metres of the tent?
Many thanks,
Rob
Hi Rob. I usually use a ground sheet for under the tent, and a couple of EVA foam mats that click together for just outside the door under the awning. If you get the foam mats with the holes in them, then any debris will drop through the mat before you walk it into your tent.
I have just bought a black wolf turbo 240. It came out of the box with a broken plastic light hanger, a whole in the tarp and the ridge pole doesn’t have a whole to be connected to and then just to top it off the poles won’t unscrew and are too long to go back into the bag for me to return it to Snowy’s Camping . They are not even offering a replacement tent ( despite it being brand new) and as saying they will ” check with what the rep says” , perhaps they need to first check consumer law! Then offer me anew tent!
As I searched for 12 months before buying this tent size and brand I’m am devastated at its condition.
I suggest that you contact Blackwolf directly via their web site. I have always found their customer service to be great. Rex.