The Camping Thread

[BENT_8]

What about one of those fold up mattresses, only about $100.

[Trevor 57]

Tri-fold mattress from Clark Rubber, they are quite good

[Trevor 57]

So, what Victorians is going away for the Melbourne Cup weekend? My boss has given the entire workforce (about 400 people) Monday off as a 'health and well being day' because this year has been so ****

We are heading away on the Thursday night (have taken Friday off too) to one of our favourite spots with our kids and some of their mates

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by Jack91

.


So ive accepted the swag is the only way for me. I dont want a stretcher because they look cheap, crappy and hard to store. Also uneven ground will make it rock.

We've got a few of the Kings Foldup Stretchers, & they're Great things.

A Metre Wide so a swag Fits on them properly.
Nice & high so you can get on & Off them easy.
Quick & easy to fold up & very compact once Folded.
Uneven ground Doesn't seem to affect them Too much. As they have a bit of "flex" in the Frame.

If you're going to Put them inside a Tent We Put a Bit of Rubber (Old Mudflap) under the Legs so they don't punch a Hole in the Tent Floor!

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by hayseed

We've got a few of the Kings Foldup Stretchers, & they're Great things.

A Metre Wide so a swag Fits on them properly.
Nice & high so you can get on & Off them easy.
Quick & easy to fold up & very compact once Folded.
Uneven ground Doesn't seem to affect them Too much. As they have a bit of "flex" in the Frame.

I agree 100%. I use one with my swag all the time

[.:4:.]

This makes my teenage days of camping with mates make me look like a bum. I had a small sedan so space was tight. My mates would sleep on the floor of the tent, and i would pull the backseat base from my car and sleep on that. It wasnt great, but beat sleeping on the ground. So i was semi resourceful.

[raised by monkeys]

Saw this video of a PVC solar heated shower. Thought id make one too. Simple idea for washing the kids before getting into the tent or waking up feeling fly blown after a hot day and a night of beers smelling like camp fire smoke. Grabbed some 100mm PVC, slip on and threaded caps, tap and fittings last night from Bunnings. Cost about $40. Haven't bought the valve, filler piece, hose/trigger hand piece ($15) or a compressor yet. I do have a bike pump but may as well by a compressor for sake of having one anyway. Essentially might be just as cost effective to buy one of the kits available. But at least ill have fun making it.

H2OT roof top pressurized solar shower

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

Tri-fold mattress from Clark Rubber, they are quite good

I bought one of these for the back of my car and also got some high density foam made up for the creases the back seats create when folded down. Works quite well. Only thing I need is a blow up box to put in the foot well so I can rest my head comfortably.

[BENT_8]

Another glorious weekend at West Beach, its a tough life but someone's got to live it.

[Tonz]

fewer aircraft would help too.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Tonz

fewer aircraft would help too.

Yep, its actually cool to see one leaving as opposed to annoying having one go every 10 minutes.

[Tonz]

mt daughter lives in east of Woodcroft shopping centre, I was there couple of weeks ago and was asked why I had slept in, 'no 6AM air traffic" was my reply, she then said "I have been trying to work out whats different in the mornings," (5 kids under 11 at home thats a big statement

[raised by monkeys]

Camped overnight at Coles Point, part of Greenley Beach stretch. Approx 40km west of Coffin Bay. Good camping, swimming and fishing.

[raised by monkeys]

[Tonz]

God's own country lower Eyre Peninsula

[BENT_8]

That looks awesome.

[raised by monkeys]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

That looks awesome.

Surf, fishing and camping on this coast would be hard to beat

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Surf, fishing and camping on this coast would be hard to beat

Its just such a hike to get there, you pretty much lose 2 days travelling to and from plus setting up from Adelaide.
You'd need a full week minimum to make it worthwhile.

[Tonz]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Its just such a hike to get there, you pretty much lose 2 days travelling to and from plus setting up from Adelaide.
You'd need a full week minimum to make it worthwhile.

so whats your problem? seriously, Grampians would be close to same, Mt Gambier ? The Alice pffft, Broken Hill,

Not making excuses, just (many) people dont realise just how good we have it over this part of world.
I am involved with a large private school from Adel, they do outdoor education and usually hit Grampians, well COVID stuffed that so they started looking and they are close to Pt Lincoln as I write, How many times in the past 10 days have I heard the comments, this is fantastic, how beautiful is this etc etc, mind you they are also talking about the camp I manage

[raised by monkeys]

It is a trek from Adelaide. But so is anything that’s usually worth travelling for. When (big when) the ferry is up and running you won’t have an excuse ha. South of Adelaide is quite good too though like rapid bay coast and around port Elliott

[Tonz]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

It is a trek from Adelaide. But so is anything that’s usually worth travelling for. When (big when) the ferry is up and running you won’t have an excuse ha. South of Adelaide is quite good too though like rapid bay coast and around port Elliott

of f**k sorry sorry mate,
musical...

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unpredictable seas
To bear with unbearable sorrow
the laughing stock the owners have become
To run where idiots have gone before etc etc
I hope your not offended, and yes you came from Whyalla but surely your've heard all their crap before....

[raised by monkeys]

From Whyalla. That towns has been living on hopes and dreams well before Gupta.
Yes, sea SA or whatever they’re called, talk about a political **** storm on the website but have secured funding for another 10yrs from 2019. I’d like to think when the construction work at lucky bay is complete they would at least reconsider operating again.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Tonz

so whats your problem? seriously, Grampians would be close to same, Mt Gambier ? The Alice pffft, Broken Hill,

Not making excuses, just (many) people dont realise just how good we have it over this part of world.
I am involved with a large private school from Adel, they do outdoor education and usually hit Grampians, well COVID stuffed that so they started looking and they are close to Pt Lincoln as I write, How many times in the past 10 days have I heard the comments, this is fantastic, how beautiful is this etc etc, mind you they are also talking about the camp I manage

Im sorry, i dont 'have a problem' i was just pointing out that whilst it is a fantastic part of the world, its somewhere you need plenty of time to be worthwhile.
Ive driven Adelaide to Lincoln in one go, i was spent when i got there from boredom, for the record ive done Adelaide/Gold Coast/ Adelaide in 3 days so long distance driving isnt a problem either.
I went to Robe just prior to last Christmas 4.5hrs, and came back in 50* heat, no probs.

I guess if youre doing an 8 hour drive and you have home or ready made accommodation to fall into its not so bad.

Oh, Adelaide to mt gambier is 5hrs, the grampians 5.5hrs, broken hill is 5.5hrs and coffin bay is 8.

[Tonz]

previous job me and the Ute did it every 2weeks, I hear what your saying the drive over is as boring as watching birds poo

[prydey]

I'd like to visit the peninsular's but not while i have a wind up van with canvas sides. The elements can get pretty wild.

I'm also in the camp of people who think its just a bit far for a weekend away. 4-5hours travel is about the limit for me for a weekend, otherwise it just feels like you spent most of the weekend travelling, setting up and packing up.

Also, I must travel a bit slower than Bent, as Grampians for us is easy 7hours. Not driving time, but generally it includes a lunch stop and at least a couple more 'comfort' stops for the womenfolk. The same would apply for any destination of that distance. Easy to travel right through when solo but when with a family, it takes a lot longer.

[blueoval]

Couple of shots of our camping trip from last weekend. Only went for the night to take advantage of the last night to have an open fire prior to fire ban. First time the mrs came camping with me and she said it wont be the last. Thats a good sign.

Deep Creek was the location. Trig Campground. Has long drop toilets. Access to great hiking trails. Fire Pits. 10 min drive to BlowHole Beach (last photo). That is a 4wd only track. We made it to the first carpark but the mrs was uneasy about the track and the little XV's capability to go further so we had a quick look and turned around.

Currently looking at caravan/camper options now to make sleeping a little easier. I have access to a roof top tent which I may consider using next time. I didnt mind sleeping in the back of the car though with a memory foam mattress and sleeping bag. Was comfortable enough. But the RTT isnt a light unit so may need to look at the maximum weight my roof racks can hold. I think its 75kg. The RTT is that alone so with 2ppl, would I be exceeding that limit legally before they give way? I dont know.

EDIT: Just looked up the Dynamic vs Static load limits for the roof racks for the RTT. Looks like I might be ok. https://www.yakima.eu/wp/wp-content/...-v1-yakima.pdf

Anyway, enjoy the cheap photos

PXL_20201101_002412018 by S B, on Flickr

PXL_20201031_230236877 by S B, on Flickr

PXL_20201031_230042790 by S B, on Flickr

PXL_20201031_211813255 by S B, on Flickr

PXL_20201031_095726904.NIGHT by S B, on Flickr

PXL_20201031_042209112 by S B, on Flickr

PXL_20201031_040258811 by S B, on Flickr

PXL_20201031_023639234 by S B, on Flickr

november 2020-3 by S B, on Flickr

[raised by monkeys]

Couldn’t find many good photos sorry to see it fully set up. We bought a frame fabbed to suit the hilux. The rooftop tent is good, works for 2 adults and a toddler but as little fella gets older and hopefully another we’re aiming for a caravan. Not sure of the load limit of our roof racks so went the frame for security and warranty reasons. Roof top tent is a 5min set up. Downside is once set up you’re cars stuck there until you pack up. We stayed at a camp ground south of Adelaide for New Years for a few nights and packed up in the day to go exploring. Was a pain in the ***.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by prydey

I'd like to visit the peninsular's but not while i have a wind up van with canvas sides. The elements can get pretty wild.

I'm also in the camp of people who think its just a bit far for a weekend away. 4-5hours travel is about the limit for me for a weekend, otherwise it just feels like you spent most of the weekend travelling, setting up and packing up.

Also, I must travel a bit slower than Bent, as Grampians for us is easy 7hours. Not driving time, but generally it includes a lunch stop and at least a couple more 'comfort' stops for the womenfolk. The same would apply for any destination of that distance. Easy to travel right through when solo but when with a family, it takes a lot longer.

No youre quite right Rob, my times were ball park driving straight through towing the camper but never happens which pushes out the times again including Coffin Bay which would get closer to 9+ hours, too far unless youve got atleast a week.
I drive heavy vehicles around metro Adelaide for a crust so any opportunity to hit the open road is welcomed, however, it can become a chore and an extension of an already mentally exhausting week if too far.

Ive got to be honest, im really enjoying staying in the local van park, yes it has its weekend bogans but come lunchtime Sunday theyve all gone home and its peaceful again, then i can enjoy the casual nature of it whilst still travelling to work.
I dont really mind the bogans as you can have a quick chat and they move on.
One downside though is the comfort when relying on the camper to house you for more than a few days so weve decided something a bit bigger is the answer and are on the hunt for either a camper like yours or a pop top van of up to 18ft.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

One downside though is the comfort when relying on the camper to house you for more than a few days so weve decided something a bit bigger is the answer and are on the hunt for either a camper like yours or a pop top van of up to 18ft.

Not a great time to be buying. Everything seems high at the moment. I guess if you're selling as well then it kind of evens out though.

Unless you really need the sleeping capacity, I wouldn't get one like mine. Great for young families etc but I'll be going for a solid sided van as soon as it's viable. Even though it doesn't take much to set up and pack up, you just can't beat the convenience of pulling up somewhere and opening the door and going in for a cuppa.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by prydey

Not a great time to be buying. Everything seems high at the moment. I guess if you're selling as well then it kind of evens out though.

Unless you really need the sleeping capacity, I wouldn't get one like mine. Great for young families etc but I'll be going for a solid sided van as soon as it's viable. Even though it doesn't take much to set up and pack up, you just can't beat the convenience of pulling up somewhere and opening the door and going in for a cuppa.

Agreed, were leaning towards a pop top for that very reason.
We only really need sleeping space for 3, so if we bought a Jayco camper the Penguin would be the preferred choice but even they have their downside with having the east/west bed meaning climbing over one another to get out.
Pop tops offer up their own hurdles, yes you can have an island bed to overcome climbing over eachbother buy then you need the right arrangement to cater for the extra bed.
When you start looking for all that the vans are 18ft plus which then brings towing weights into consideration.
Theres a very nice Roma Elegance on the market at the moment, 18ft, correct arrangement, a/c, ticks every box and in the budget but tips the scales at around 2000kg empty.
The Paj maxes oit ar 2500kg so loaded up its getting up there.