New Camper

Hi Tam,
Your a lost cause now. You've been bitten, It will start with out a tent, you'll do that once or twice. You'll look at what others have, talk to a few people add up the costs and next you'll be towing something behind you.
To be honest the journey never really ends. ;-) There is always something else you what or need.
But having said that, you've come to the right place.
How many of you is there to cater for?
Borrow equipment if you can from friends or relatives, Saves buying something if it doesn't work out.
If your buying a tent first up, invest in a good tarp to go over it and one that you can use down the track. We did some 6 years ago and we still have that tarp as a backup/spare.
I'm sure others will have more to offer.

Have fun :)

Ha, Thanks Jon.

I had figured I was a bit of a lost cause, I've been doing my partners head in talking camping day and night. It hit me a couple of weeks ago when the delicious spring weather teased. I flashed back to happy family days at green patch about 25 years ago. It's pretty much the same there now, just a few bridges, ramps and rules added.

It will just be the two of us, and I have had a few offers from friends in the know to borrow from their selection, I would like to get our own stuff though. I am definitely borrowing from their experience though. What food to take and not take, how to pack it etc. Every time I've been camping there has always been someone else to look after all the cooking and cleaning, I've only had to worry about the relaxing and well, the relaxing. Now I'll be the boss! Its a big job!

Thanks for the advice Jon, I had noticed a few people putting another tarp over their tent. Sounds like a lock in.
Cheers, Tam.

I hope you have already booked into the site - it is very popular and is normally booked well in advance.

Garry

Hi Tam,
Here are a few links that might help you.

Travel & Camping

australian camper trailer manufacturers

Or confuse you?

What sort of tent depends on your needs - # in family, cook inside or out, etc. We took a Taj Mahal of a tent to the Coorong once thinking that everything being inside was a good idea. Blew a gale down there and so the thing was an absolute B and took 2 hours to put up. And all those poles - what a PITA. I spat it several times. When we got home I gave it back to my mate I borrowed it off and told him to stick it up his quoit. LOL I would suggest that you go to a camping store to look at tents as they have a good range (generally) and the people know about what they are selling.

We bought a canvas centre pole tent (OzTrail Tourer 9 Plus) with extended back. Up in 5 minutes. All we do in the tent is sleep, everything else is outside. As Hairs said, you do get bitten by the camping bug. Next thing for us is some swags so we can rough it. We camp with very few luxuries. One bonus of the big tents is you can set up your camp shower inside the front and have a bit of privacy.

Tam1175,

My advice would be to buy the best quality tent you can afford. We did this about eight years ago and ended up buying a Freedom Tourer Tent. Bit expensive at the time, but when you are out camping and it pours with rain and you don't have to worry about a tarp over it to stay dry or if it blows a gale and you don't have to worry all night if the tent will be in one piece in the morning then this bit extra money is money well spent.

Tarps are a good thing, but they are just something else you have to carry, set up and pack up. During windy conditions they also can cause problems flapping themselves to bits.

At the end of the day it comes down to dollars, buy the best quality you can afford. Good luck with your decision.

Just having sold our camper trailer, we will have to foray into the world of tent camping. The off road camper was no longer suitable for our new car etc etc.

Anyway we're thinking probably going for two 3 man hiking tents (like DMH Derwent or similar) The two kids can sleep in one and we can sleep in the other. I know those sort of tents are pretty light to carry (compared to the center pole variety - it was something like 16kg, and if not for the huge bulk and weight probably would have got one of the Oztrail or Primus brands). The hiking tents also only have two poles so should be quick and easy to put up, plus the kids can carry them on school camps when they're old enough.

I agree that the best thing is to go to camping store (BCF has a lot set up). Have a look and consider the designs you like, price, and think about how easy it will be to put up, also the packaged size / weight if it matters to you.

Like some of you have said I'll be trying to convince Hubby to get a tarp to put up so we can cook under etc, but he seems to think that those gazebo things are a good idea? I don't like the gazebo idea but anyone tried it? Personally I figured putting up a tarp would be no harder than putting up the camper awning!

Thanks everyone for your replies, I'm so glad I found this site. I nearly bought the Jackeroo on sale this morning but figured I'd hold out until I've been to a camping store. I would definitely rather spend the money and not have to survive a night in the elements with a wet tent sagging down around me! My problem is I'm so excited I want it now! Ha, I'll wait and get something good. I'm sure once I have the tent sorted I'll be back here asking more questions, and I'll keep watching the forum for hints on things I'm sure I haven't even thought of yet.

Thanks again guys.
Tam.

Tam, we went to Greenpatch 2 yrs ago. Should be called 'Blackpatch'. Nice as it is, be aware the 'sand' is black and makes everything it touches filthy and, it seems, permanently stained. Our camper canvas annexe is still stained everywhere it touched the 'sand' when being put up and taken down; I'd suggest a large base tarp, always good anyway, anywhere for tent campers to minimise sand in the tent/bed.

Cheers, RayJen

Hi Tam Im a old codger,we bought a oztent rv4.30 seconds to put up,great tent in wet weather.well worth spending a bit more and get something that does the job. fitted inside the nisson with a rear seat down.

HI Tam,Sorry i should have put nisson patrol.grab a tape measure and see how much length room you have.the Oztent is 2 mtrs long.realy great tent if you have room.