Camp Beds for use in a Oztent RV5

Submitted: Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 18:08

ThreadID: 100757 Views:6598 Replies:6 FollowUps:6

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Member - Mudda

Hi folks,
Does anyone have any suggestions for camp beds to use in a tent. We have used the big bulky fold out beds with the wire mesh base. While they were comfortable they took up a bit much room and were awkward to get up to the roof rack. We are using Oztent stretchers at the moment which are also comfortable but heavy to lug around. Also the strainer piece at the end causes me to using "blessing words" as it is very hard to get into place. I think old age is setting in and I am over this struggling with gear. Any ideas, any thoughts on this subject are most welcome.

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Reply By: Member - Grundle (WA) - Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 18:17

Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 18:17

Hi Mudda,we have a RV4 and use 2 50mm foam mattress.They fit and still give ample room on each side.Roll up to store on back seat.

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Follow Up By: Member - Mudda - Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 17:09

Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 17:09

Thank you, we had thought of using inflatable mattresses or foam but are short on room in the truck and felt they would be to bulky.

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Reply By: rocco2010 - Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 20:19

Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 20:19

Gidday

I have a Roman rapid stretcher which is one of those concertina designs that doesn't require that bit across the end. They come in two sizes and I have found mine pretty good, certainly much better than sleeping on the ground at my age. Black wolf also make one in a similar design. And i did see onein a BCF store but cant remember the brand. They don't fold up all that small and weigh around 8kg but I had a good hunt around before I bought mine and small pack size and light weight means small stretcher I'm afraid.
Cheers

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Follow Up By: Member - Mudda - Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 17:07

Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 17:07

Many thanks for the info. Are these stretchers hard to pack away. I have observed that many camping items claim to be easy to set up but when it comes to the actual putting back in the bag it can be a real struggle.

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Follow Up By: rocco2010 - Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 18:28

Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 18:28

Gidday Mudda

I know what you mean, I have a Black Wolf turbo tent and it took me a few goes to get the hang of that!

the roman stretchers are no problem, not an especially tight fit in the bag

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Follow Up By: Member - Mudda - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 17:14

Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 17:14

Hi,
Had a look at these on the weekend. Definitely an option.
Thanks again.
Georgie

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Reply By: Member - nick b - Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 21:38

Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 21:38

Mudda : stick to oztent stretcher it will out last most others IMO ,I know what you mean re hard to get strainer in , do u use the long end for leverage ? ..... or just use swag with lamb wool liner & egg shell mattress top #1

Cheers Nick b

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Follow Up By: Member - Mudda - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 17:18

Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 17:18

Hi, Yes I have come to that conclusion that they are well made after hunting around on the weekend. I had been using the weight of the stretcher to try and get the strainer over the end, bit of a struggle after a long day. The only other one that may be worth the while is the good quality quick fold stretchers. I don't think we would be gaining any space or that they would be any lighter though.
Thanks
Georgie

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Reply By: phasar - Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 21:40

Monday, Feb 25, 2013 at 21:40

G'day Mudda
I have recently equipped myself to go camping and was also wondering what to do about sleeping gear.I settled on self inflating foam mattress.
A bit expensive and have not slept on yet, but seem very comfortable.
The one I have is 100mm thick inflated.

Regards
Peter.

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Follow Up By: Member - Mudda - Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 17:12

Thursday, Feb 28, 2013 at 17:12

Thanks for the reply, we had considered these but thought them a bit bulky. I have been told they are very comfortable. I would have personally preferred these on the stretchers but the Minister for travel and confined space management said no.

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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 26, 2013 at 06:53

Tuesday, Feb 26, 2013 at 06:53

Have never contemplated stretchers as our comfort is provided by the built-in hi density foam mattress in our swags.

Inside the tent, we us our swags flat (no dome required) and they been our single most satisfying pieces of camping equipment we own.

We even use them at home as extra bedding on occasions.

When you sleep on the floor, you can't fall very far!

Bill

I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!

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Reply By: Wilko (Parkes NSW) - Tuesday, Feb 26, 2013 at 19:48

Tuesday, Feb 26, 2013 at 19:48

Hi Mudda,

I fit 2 x Colemans 150kg rated stretchers in my RV5 and still have a metre in between them.

IMHO you need at least 150kg rating as any lower and they would be up to the job once you add shock loading if you slump down on them and it allows you to "grow" into it ;)

Cheers Wilko

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