Top-end Hot Hot Hot night camping - any tips?

Very good mossie net!!!!!!!!!!

Brian

The dry is a wonderfull time in Darwin can not bet beat!!!!!!!!!
The twn comes alive then
Brian

G'Day Cocka,
I'm probably going to get an Oztent at the next melb 4x4 show, how did you find yours during your traveling, and do you have any of the attatchments that go with it, also do you carry yours on roof racks, and if so is that an issue lifting it on and off ?

Thanks.....Browny

I'm of the '39 vintage, 5'10 tall & reasonably fit for an old fella. I drive a GU Patrol with 2"lift and normally only use r/racks. Last trip I put a basket on top, that added 6" to lifting.
I put it on top by myself by just lifting it overhead & flicking it in the basket, to get it down I stand on the rear wheel, roll it half out, then grab it from the ground. When the baskets not there it's really easy. I secure it with webbing straps with metal claw catches & usually have to stand on the r/wheel and front door tread to do this, it's is not hard.
We bought was the fly which is great when it rains as it provides an additional outside shelter around the edges to store things under as well as keeping the tent body dry. We usually use this also in country where you get heavy dew as it is easy to shake the water off and you can pack up a dry tent if moving on early. Zip the fly on before you put the awning out or push the zip across with the end on a tent pole if you put the fly on after. You'll see what I mean. If you have the awning out and it starts to rain don't forget to lower the awning poles to allow runoff.
We always throw a big sheet of sarlon down to protect the bottom of the tent from sharps and it extends out at least as far as the awning poles, really helps to keep inside clean and feels good under bare feet (middle of the night jobs if you know what I mean).
We only use the pegs and tie downs as necessary, when windy etc & out in the dry warm nights usually don't use the awning unless staying for a few days.
We have a side curtain that we use when we need privacy or for from a cool breeze. We have only ever had 1 time in 5 years when flies drove us mad (in Vic) and we retreated inside to eat din so are still open about getting the fly screen.
At the moment we have a prob with the doorway insect screen & when I phoned them they were so responsive to fixing it I complimented them. Great after sales serv. after 5 years.
I should be on a commission for this mob.
Good luck.

Thanks Cocka,
A great summary........................Much appreciated.

Browny

Hey Beddo
We missed all the rain out there, just got a light shower along the Buchannan H'way at Top Springs. What a great drive that was through Victoria River Downs.
Can't quite agree with the overloading bit, sure a lot carried a lot of gear but I reacon tyre choice was one factor but the main one is tyre pressure. If you drop 10psi out all round after leaving the bitumen it makes a hell of a difference, softens the knocks on the suspension and gives safer handling on the dirt with a better footprint. Mind you, you have to try and miss the rocks also, I think some kamakazees aim at every rock on the road, also stay away from the track edges.
How's it going up on the mountain ?Carpe Diem