Tents

After seeing Luke put up his Southen Cross, he was sitting down having coffee, and a piece of wife, while we was still putting the tent part up, hadnt got to the fly, or the chairs, or the food, or... He was finished.

When I get $1400, Im gettin a southern cross too :(

Truckster, Southern Cross have a bus tent - 270X270 centre pole tent same canvas as the rest of their range and it's about $600. Has a full length rear window too. Good value I think and maybe you could afford that. Sounds like you have a dome. You'll find that very few 4wders use dome tents as they're just not up to the performance levels required when you are doing off road work. Most go for some sort of strong canvas tent which is quick to put up and will withstand the elements. Also when you're doing serious off road touring day after day you really don't need to be fiddling around with flimsy little poles and flapping flies. The tent I've described is an "entry level" tent so it's probably a good point for you to start. Good luck and if you get one you won't be disappointed.

Fred.

Seeing how Luke and his missus were setup in their Ultimate Trekker, thats what I want.

Ultimate Trekker

Ultimate Trekker
Size: 13' x10' (4m x 3m)
Bag Size: 900mm x 900mm x 0.15m
Weight: 28kg
Frame Height: 7'6" (2.26m)
Sleeps 4-6 people

[ View Image]

and we have been campin for 8yrs, it aint a 'newby' tent, its been all over NSW, and Lots o Vic, just had better days..

Sorry Truckster I just assumed that you were a "newby" as you sounded like a real beginner not being able to find the fly, the food or the chairs. I guess 8 years isn't all that long but most people are pretty organised after a couple of camping trips. There are lots of tips on this site which you should check out - it's not much fun camping if you spend most of the time muddling around trying to find things.
Some useful tips that work for me:
I always put the tent in last and I carry the pegs and hammer under my seat - by doing that I have the tent up within 2 minutes of stopping. I always put things in exactly the same place each time and have specific containers for food, utensils etc. A drawer system makes access to frequently used items very convenient. I also always make sure that recovery gear is easily accessed. Good luck with your camping Truckster and I hope I've been able to help you a bit - I've been camping now for over 30 years by the way so I guess I've had time to get organised.

You missed the point...

I'll say it slowly.

His was quick, (southern cross)
mine is slow (Dome)

No Truckster I do understand that you couldn't manage all the bits and fiddle of a dome - you couldn't find the fly, the food, the chairs while your organised mate was all set up. Just by the way, domes aren't that bad - some of my best friends use them and they seem quite quick. Stick with it Truckster, you'll get the hang of it eventually!

Welcome back ozi...

TROLL and I got caught.

Thanks Lis. I saw the Southern Cross tents today and agree. Checked out Freedom too and they look good too but that sprung pole might drive me mad in strong winds!! Thanks again.

Sounds interesting Richard and Leonie. Just wondering if they are the same construction as other centre pole tents because the size at head height determines the packed size. Most seem to have a 1 metre square frame built in and the tent therefore folds to just over a metre square. larger frame would mean a larger packed size I think.
Thanks for your help and I'll check them out too.

Just checked the web site and I don't think it's a single pole tent - they mention poles and it looks like it would have other frame work inside. Just check it in the flesh if you can and see what it involves because a centre pole tent literally uses just one pole and pegs around the base.

Hard isn't it. So many decisions to make.
The Tanami tent is a single pole tent sam as the others. After the pole has been pushed up and the main body of the tent lifted there are four arms that open out to support the larger roof section. The Oz made version weighs in at 20 kg. (same as Southern cross). It packs up to a 35cm x 35cm x 80 cm bag plus 10 x 10 x 150 for the pole and pegs. It has a larger awning than the Freedom and COI. The Southern Cross does not have an awning fixed to it however has a hugh awning available for it that I like if you were staying in one place for a few days. It zips onto the front of the tent as an extra. The Southern cross also has an optional extra of two poles that lie against the side and free up the middle of the tent. This need two people to erect on the inside.
I have seen the Southern Cross a number of times and like it but also like the Tanami head room better. I have not seen a Tanami or spoken to anyone who has one. If I had I am sure I would have made my mind up by now.Richard and Leonie, The grey nomads.

That packed size sounds good. Checked out the side pole kit for the Southern cross - easy for one to do - put centre pole in, assemble side poles and top inside tent and beside the centre pole replace centre pole with side poles. Think I'd probably just use the centre pole. Only thing about the Tanami is I've never seen one in all my 4wding! lots of Southern Cross and Freedom - maybe that says something as word soon gets around about good and bad products. Very rarely see the Oz Tent also - in fact the only one I have seen had a huge tarp right over it - always a sign of a tent that's not "up to it" by itself! Good luck in your decisions!!