SAFARI CENTRE POLE TENT

william ive got both types of tent and the differance is simply time and space . centre pole takes about 4minutes to erect and a easy tent in all conditions to erect .my roof top is mounted on a rack on my trailer and is used for 2+ nights takes 10 minutes to set up but gives a lot more room but if i was on the move it would drive me mad ,also depends on how many your trying to accomidate .johnsy

Thanks for the reply johnsy! I am trying to accomodate 2 adults in the outback for 6-months. I am thinking I will need at least the size of a 4-person tent for the added space we will need. Any recommendations on the best type/quality of centre pole tent. Are there any decent links I can check out regarding tents etc.

I have a Freedom centre pole tent, I recommend them or Sothern Cross Tents.
Both solid construction, and heavy weight materials.
They have web sites, try using names in search engine.

Hi,

I've thought about this for some time as well, for both long term trips (over 1 month) and semi-permanent traveling. We use a swag now and it's easier than a tent but after a month of setting up I'm pretty sick of it. I like the roof top camper as you don't have to set up the bedding each night, that is if you intend to move around most days. The bonus is also the extra room in the event of a dust storm or rain etc.
Regards
Ray

William...I have a center pole built in SA - about 2.5 X 2.5M I think. Great tent for short stops...same as used by the bus companies.
Quick up..quick down..1 pole...4 pegs (8 pegs for wind). We have a good campertrailer, but use the center pole for short stops in great weather.
You can stand up straight in there too. If you order, get a large zip window with fly mesh in the rear, plus a full size fly mesh flap in the door area.
As others have said, it makes it much more practical for the hot areas. Definitely an assett.....dp.

G'Day William, I use a Freedom centre pole tent (2 people Heavy duty 2.7m x 2.7m base) It is quick and easy to erect,2mins. but has limited ventilation. Newer models might be different. The disadvantage is the time to set up and repack the bedding etc. Friends that we regularly travel with have a shippshape which they can erect in the same time as we erect the tent but the bed is already made. Packing up is also very quick. Disadvantage is if you need to drive away from the camp site you need to pack it up. Takes 3 minutes. For what it's worth, I'm looking into purchasing a roof top tent at the moment. (Getting older and the ground is getting harder) Hope the comments are helpful

William, I use a Southern Cross centre pole - strong 10oz canvas roomy and very easy to put up. Have compared it to the brand you mention. It cost about twice the price and was worth every cent of the extra cost. Just feel the material of the Safari and an Australian made canvas tent and you'll see what I mean. Mine and Freedom are both good. Cheers

I want to thank everyone for all the great responses posted. This will help me to make a better decision.

I have a centre pole 13' x 10' Freedom tent - very roomy & lotsa ventilation. Well made. Takes a coupla minutes more to erect with the rear frame/support, but is really worth it. For two people you could eat/cook/ store heaps in ther for extended stays, if you need. I got mine 2nd hand from a mate - perhaps you could try a local ad?? I later bought an awning that hitches to the centre pole & has a range of positions to offer protevtion form winf/rain/sun. But I would seriously look at the 30 second tents also. They are what they say...30 second. Very convenient for those regularly on the move. Rick
P.S. I still use a swag for most trips, and only use the tent when the kids are with us, or the forecast is for inclement weather.

Hey William, I asked this question a couple of months ago, but didn't get this many responses! I had another look at it on the weekend. It looks good, the local camping shop has one set up. The only thing that worries me is the packed up dimensions are 900mm square, but you would get that with any tent this style. At $400, I am at the top end of my budget, so although I have no doubt the Southern Cross Tent would be better I can't justify spending that much on a tent. Get one, test it out and let me know if it's any good! They are as rare as hens teeth 2nd hand. Cheers.

we brought one of these tents second hand some 5 years ago and it has stood up to the strongest winds and rain
however the centre pole drives my husband and I nuts
we find if we have our sleeping bags joined together we are touching the sides of the tent, not good in the rain

there are a couple of good tents that lift externally with two poles
which is what we are currently investigating

After recomendations not to buy one, I bought one. The local camping store had them for $320, so couldn'y help myself. Put it up this arvo, very quick. Quicker than my KMart 4 man dome. Also bought a Wild Country shower tent and nearly did myself an injury getting it out of the bag. It just sprung out! Anways I'll let you know how I go. Cheers.

So what did you go with in the end???

Single pole tent??