Chose an Oztent
Submitted: Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 15:10
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Member - bushfix
G'day all,
the Oztrail (tourer 10 Plus) lasted for a few years but as Members such as Ivan (ACT) would be aware, they won't go the distance if you are frequently asking them to deliver. I would say however, that they are very good value for those that don't go bush much, maybe use the tent a few times a year.
Mine has stretched a fair bit at the vertical seams it appears and the front mesh zip has busted numerous times, in addition to teeth going awol. I have always been disappointed in the small awning you get standard with the centre pole tent but of course you can buy the add ons, or take extra time and set up a tarp, several of which I pack. The canvas is good however, ventilation and room - no probs there.
Anyway, after a lot of research and future planning, I have upgraded to an Oztent, RV5. Have also gone with the peak side panels and front panel. Should work very
well for us and I don't expect to be buying another tent, at least for a very long time.
Have to say, it was great to be able to sit down with the son of the inventor and chinwag about it all.
Delivery in a month and straight into use but it'll get the serious workout this Sept/Oct on a Syd-
Perth return via dirt.
Reply By: Member - Ivan (ACT) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 15:43
Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 15:43
Good on you mate ;-)
My Tourer 9 Plus has lasted 3 years - but there have been a double Simpson crossing, Cape trip and many many smaller trips in between - reckon we've probably got 150 nights out of it.
Stretching has been the biggest problem, which then causes stress on the zips - especially for middle of the night wee stops for our three
young blokes - one especially leaves it until he's absolutely busting, and it's a race to get out of the door in the dark..
When it gets real wet, we get a small amount through the floor (even with the shadecloth down) - looking for PVC floor next time.
We'll go a Freedom or
Southern Cross next - this one was a
test to see whether the style of tent was what we were looking for or not - this one had the extension frame out the back - next one will be center pole only..
AnswerID:
235120
Follow Up By: Member - bushfix - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 06:59
Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 06:59
G'day Ivan,
yeah I almost contacted you to see how you were going with your decision.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:41
Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:41
Ivan, you can get OZtrail tourers with PVC floor and have beeen able to since at least 18 months ago but are obviously more expensive.. Michael
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Reply By: Member - Jack - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 21:16
Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 21:16
You won't be disappointed. I am on my second Oztent (new model with peaked roof and panels) which has just done a 6 month 37,500 trip around Oz. One small hole at the back whcih I suspect was caused by a tent peg in the bag, but no other dramas. It was used every day/night bar 5 days where we got a cabin in
Karratha due to a minor injury sustained on the trip.
They handle strong winds exceptionally
well, we found.
I did get the Ozpod and found it very good, mainly due to a "dicky" back that gets out of sync without warning. Being able to slide it into the pod as opposed to lifting it onto the roof rack was a bonus for me.
The folks at Oztent are the best. On a previous trip, a mate of
mine manage to bust one of the joins in the frame (being stupid) and they moved
heaven and earth to get us a replacement in very short time.
As a
point of interest, the inventor, Joe Viglione, used to own a restaurant just near my place, and after sufferering a very bad injury (I think life threatening) he came up with the design while in Hospital. One of those good stories.
Enjoy your Oztent.
Jack
AnswerID:
235190
Follow Up By: Member - bushfix - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 06:57
Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 06:57
G'day Jack,
yeah comments such as yours I found in the archives helped for sure. Re the trigger, I heard he was getting really annoyed with a mate's dome tent that had a pole missing, and he thought 'there must be a better design for a tent.' though this could have resulted in the hospital visit :) anyway, the story will be posted on their website soon. a good job they have done on the site too. you never know, maybe an ozpod will come up on ebay for a song, but I am sure I can rig something else up in the meantime if I am not taking the trailer, otherwise it fits perfectly in that and is loaded at a comfortable level.
cheers,
Jeremy.
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Follow Up By: Dingo77 - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 09:36
Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 09:36
Hi Guys,
(sorry to cut in) but I'm planning on getting one myself and am a little undecided as to what size to get + which choice of side panels (peaked or straight) to select.
I prefer the RV5 due to it's size but am the type of person that wants to setup and go quickly, does anyone have any issues with the extra bit (at the rear) for setup and packing (i.e does it get in the way when folding up...?), I think the largest one without the extra tail bit is the RV3, any comments on this one?
Also, is it an issue to zip up those peak side panels (at the top) they look pretty high?
By the way I've seen a demo and can say that they look really
well made.
Cheers
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