Camp set-ups

[batesy]

We were thinking about upgrading to a camp-trailer this year. The idea was to do a review on it for the magazine next year. We still might, if I can get motivated.

We used to just throw out a tarp and chuck down a double matress, then sling a mozzie net over the whole shebang. Now we have one of those mozzie tent things that you release from its cover - you know the ones where they fold into circles then jump out at you like Jack-in-the-boxes?!

My problem is this - I want a better set-up, some more comfort.

What do you mob take camping ... besides beer, that is?

[ant]

Batsey,
I love my swag!
I love my Scotch!

You said to mention everything else besides beer...........

[Nedly]

Quite a few years ago we bought a camper trailer, a black top version.
At the time we had a Commodore so an off road one was out of the question.
Thing sits in Sydney in moth balls at the moment.

We take 1 of 2 tents with us when camping, if the trip is an overnighter we have a small 2 man jobby that takes a couple of minutes to erect. For longer stays we have a 4 man tent for a bit of extra room.
I saw the price of the commercially available awnings and thought 'I can make one of those'. I have a roof mounted box (unkindly referred to as a snake coffin) which houses our 3m x 4m rolled up tarp. This is shelter for meals etc.
We sleep on good quality self inflating matresses.
A Waeco 110 litre fridge for the essentials (beer) and food if sufficient room.

When I figure out how to post a photo I will post a shot of our setup we used over the Easter break.

Nedly

[batesy]

Yeah, a photo would be good.

We really have to get the whole camp set-up sorted - it's kinda haphazard at the moment. Need a little more comfort.

[Nedly]

We really have to get the whole camp set-up sorted - it's kinda haphazard at the moment. Need a little more comfort.

SWMBO likes comfort when camping, a happy camper makes for a happy camp.
I'm not real sure what she thinks of my idea for a bush toilet though, but as I keep telling here, it is definately a place where you should not be sitting in comfort.

On that subject, what do you guys use for a bush toilet.
My design is basically a 1 metre piece of 100x75 on a couple of legs with a brace back to ground. It is hinged and folds up to about 100x200 x 1m long, well it will do when I make it.
Hhhhmmm, Bunnings tomorrow for the required material.
Hope it works.

Nedly

[batesy]

I used to have one of those camp toilet seat things. Just a plastic seat on a metal frame - bloody thing liked to sink in sand though - hard to relax while one side of your body is leaning like the tower of piza!

I also had a makeshift loo seat made out of an old fold-up camp chair - it was excellent for a while - eventually threw it out due to lack of camping.

We travel very light now, so we usually just dig a hole and squat - which I absolutely hate, reminders of backpacking in India with Dysentry!

Again, it comes down to comfort - everything comfortable seems to fill the back of the Cruiser pretty fast.

[ant]

Here are a few shots of the deluxe camping toilet. This is from a friends permanent camp site. one shot is of the loo and the other is the view from the loo. Ahhhhh takes me back........

[ant]

This is of my all-time favourite way to camp.

[ant]

Here are a few more general camping shots from a few trips.

Don't ask where these were taken as I will not answer.

[ant]

This would have to be one of the best set ups I have seen. Mozzie screened, comfortable beds, water side views........

Only problem is that the neighbours get a little rowdy at night and may invite themselves into bed for a light snack.

This shot was not staged. This is an actual camp from someone who obviously doesn't really know what the hell they are doing.

[Coza]

We just not long put a roof top tent on top of the GU. Slept in it few times now and are pretty happy with, and the wife will sleep alittle better knowing that the neighours can't climb the ladder and have a light snack when we head up to Cape york. Also looking at a awning with a zip on fly net.

Do you guys think a fly net is a compulsory bit of camping equipment if your heading up your way.

[Nedly]

Here are a few shots of the deluxe camping toilet. This is from a friends permanent camp site. one shot is of the loo and the other is the view from the loo. Ahhhhh takes me back........

It's an armchair with a waist high security mesh door !
Armchair is cool, especially with that view, the man has class.
Security mesh?

[Nedly]

Do you guys think a fly net is a compulsory bit of camping equipment if your heading up your way.

Definately take the Bushman, tropical strength.

[ant]

Another for repellant is to dilute equal parts of dettol and baby oil in a spray bottle. Much better for you than 'insecticide' and it does work.

[YOYO]

Another for repellant is to dilute equal parts of dettol and baby oil in a spray bottle. Much better for you than 'insecticide' and it does work.

I will try it. Thank you

[batesy]

Yep, definitely go the fly net... it's not so good on prehistoric reptiles though.

The missus and I spent a night camp above the Normandy River in Lakefield a year or so ago an I didn't get a wink of sleep due to the crocs chirping. I just keep picturing a rogue bugger nuzzling up to us on the matress!!

Probably a little paranoid... paranoid but alive!

[Coza]

Another for repellant is to dilute equal parts of dettol and baby oil in a spray bottle. Much better for you than 'insecticide' and it does work.

I did read a mix of 8 parts baby oil to 1 Dettol is alright. Do you reckon to up the ratio to 1/1 Ant ?

Also heard that you can add 1 part metho to the mix for that little extra.

[mattie182]

We are camper trailer sort of people.
We have a Johnnos and are in the stages of taking it to the tip at the moment

[xina]

Hi Guys,
We used to use a three to one mix of Baby oil and Dettol at Temple Bay years ago. Another good one for Mosquitos buzzing around your head at night, in a house, or other enclosed area, is a few drops of Eucalyptus oil down each side of the pillow. It really works.
xina.

[ant]

Baby oil and Dettol are a great mix. If you also like, you can add a little tea tree oil to the mix.
Just watch that you don't go out in the sun with this on as it will burn you (baby oil is not good for sun protection).

[campdog]

This would have to be one of the best set ups I have seen. Mozzie screened, comfortable beds, water side views........

Only problem is that the neighbours get a little rowdy at night and may invite themselves into bed for a light snack.

This shot was not staged. This is an actual camp from someone who obviously doesn't really know what the hell they are doing.
Man thats what I call an old fashioned " crocodiles meat safe".

[Teabag]

My basic set up with Swag and vehicle awning:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/PB110033.jpg

My next higher set up with Swag on a Camp stretcher for a little more comfort:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/Eucumbene%20Fishing%20Trip%20May%2008/P5030004.jpg

This is my set up for a little longer stays though still by myself:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/Son%20of%20Trials%202008/P2230008.jpg

And now for the full family set up, a 2005 Limited Edition Kimberley Kamper:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/Kauri%20Creek%2018%20Jul%202008/IMG_0005.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o145/Teabag_album/Kauri%20Creek%2018%20Jul%202008/IMG_0002.jpg

[geoffjy]

Nice set up there Teabag. I am afraid atm my set ups are a little more basic. One day maybe... :p

[Teabag]

Nice set up there Teabag. I am afraid atm my set ups are a little more basic. One day maybe... :p

It's taken a long time and heaps of negotiating with SWMBO to get to this point.......:)

[loxsmith]

Under that tarp is my swag, the tarp is insurance as I have never seen a swag that doesn't leak! Nice spot that on the Murumbidgee River bank at Gundagai NSW

That swag is gone now, it fell off the roof rack or the car after some drunkin bum didn't tie it on properly when returning from the Fraser Island Fishing Classic last year. Someone at Rainbow Beach got a free roll of dunny paper, a well worn stubby holder, and a swag full of sand.