My friend in FNQ has just got the bug! She's done camping of all sorts before but the difference this time is that she's now seperated, and has no caravan.
She's just done a trip to Winton with her two grandsons, and a tent. It was successful enough to give her the confidence to do more road trips.
But...she doesn't want to change vehicles and doesn't want to tow anything. She has a Hyundai Tucson that's just a couple of years old, and she is very happy with it's comfort and performance. She wants to sleep in the back of the car and have some sort of easy to erect tent effect off it. My immediate thought was a SUV tent, because I remembered Duh and Sheba having them. I've done some googling, as she has too, but we don't know what else to call them. Also she wants to be able to close the tailgate at night.
So does anyone have any other suggestions for her?
-- Edited by Beth54 on Friday 12th of July 2013 10:40:49 PM
Duh said
09:15 PM Jul 12, 2013
They are called "Rear end truck tents" (for SUV's), both Sheba and I had to buy ours from the USA. Should be some pic's on show us your rig, but here are a couple again. Mine is on a Mitsubishi Outlander, please note that for these particular ones you need either a smooth back or tailgate (ie; no fixed raised edge on the back of your SUV).
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 12th of July 2013 09:20:14 PM
Yes, the back hatch needs to be open. This is the supplier that Sheba and I used Beth, they were easier to order online with than the supplier DAC, see;
Also, this is what a Qld lady did with her Hyundai Getz, she leant the front seat down and put a camp stretcher over the top for sleeping, she had velcro around the back edge with fly screen attached when she needed it, see pic's taken at Lake Leschenaultia with her permission;
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 12th of July 2013 09:37:39 PM
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 12th of July 2013 09:51:59 PM
I realise that Vic., but I thought she might want a shade area for when she has the doors open. If she's going to sleep with the doors shut, she doesn't really need anything for night-time, does she ?
"Also she wants to be able to close the tailgate at night."
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Friday 12th of July 2013 10:23:59 PM
Duh said
10:34 PM Jul 12, 2013
There are inside and outside zipper tabs for both the flywire and drop down flap that take padlocks so the rear end tent can be locked inside or out, but of course that does not prevent someone from just undoing the bungy cords holding the tent on (talking about the rear end tent not the other).
One thing she could use if only using the car if those slip over shade socks for the doors, I used mine with the windows partly down as they acted as insect screens as well as giving some privacy, don't think you could use them if it's raining though...
Have you sold yours yet Sheba? I'm in two minds whether to sell mine or not now I have the Transit, but then if I need a quick run somewhere it would come in handy. I still have the Outlander....
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 12th of July 2013 10:39:12 PM
baute said
12:33 AM Jul 13, 2013
Here you go Beth,
I just have this end tent from Rays Outdoors $50 on special. It is pretty versatile, I have it attached by tying it down to wheels and sometimes use poles and ropes and other times the poles that thread through. I adjust my living space to what is required. I dont think I have set it up the same way twice. I am able to cook, shower in it if required. If it is really windy is only problem, you need to make sure it is tied down well to vehicle. I sometimes just pull it up as a sleeve over windows to give more privacy in vehicle and then slide it back out to make an extended room. You can close up back of vehicle for security when sleeping. Really it is a tarp with zippers but light weight and easily set up.
-- Edited by baute on Saturday 13th of July 2013 12:38:42 AM
I haven't trialled my anaconda one yet, it is more expensive and better quality,it has the potential to make any side an awning. The pitstop awning from Rays only has a back awning.
-- Edited by baute on Saturday 13th of July 2013 12:56:34 AM
Duh said
01:09 AM Jul 13, 2013
Beth54 wrote:
....snip..Locks aren't much good with canvas/nylon walls, a bad person can easily slit it a knife. I was always conscious with the little camper trailer....snip
That's very true Beth with any type of tent or RV using canvas or vinyl etc. Thieves have even been know to get in through caravan pop top liners as well and those caravans with fold out canvas and vinyl ends. The locks just mean that if someone did try to open the zip while you were sleeping they wouldn't be able to do it quietly, and would still need to be carrying something (knife/screwdriver) if they were going to cut the fabric. They are not the best of security at the best of times.
Baute and Sheba's idea of something outside to use where you can still lock the vehicle would be best if you have the length inside and room to sleep.
Being over 6' my rear end tent suits me best for body length (takes a full size single foam matress) and as it does not touch the ground or need pegging down means the vehicle and rear end tent can be moved without dismantling anything except for unhooking two ocky straps, although because of the way I had mine set up I did not have to do that either. It was good if I decided to move to a better location nearby.
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 13th of July 2013 01:16:31 AM
Mark said
04:14 AM Jul 13, 2013
I just Googled, SUV Tents and Awnings, a whole raft of interesting idea's appeared.
Thanks Vic, but that depends on the rear hatch being open doesn't it?
Thanks to you both for the ideas on what else I could google.
And Thanks for the pics Vic. I'll send her the link to this so she can see your pics. I didn't think of going into show me your rig.
Sheba said
04:53 AM Jul 13, 2013
Beth, something like this might suit her better. It attatches to the top of the vehicle with suction caps. Used to be under $90.00. but that was quite a while ago. Don't know what the price is now, but if she looks at the link, it won't take long to find out.
If she clicks on the Google IMAGES button, and types in RV Shades, she might find some others as well. That's where I got this Link.
I bought one of those too Sheba for the side of the vehicle (from BCF).
I think Beth mentioned she wants to sleep inside the vehicle ????
Beth54 said
05:27 AM Jul 13, 2013
Personally, I actually think the awning is the way to go.
She could still sleep in the car, and lock herself in at night. She's had a test run...folded down just one back seat, so that her air bed fits one side and her 'stuff' fits the other side.
That BCF RV shade deluxe would give her some shade, and if the weather turned bad, she could just zip down the walls to shelter without having to sit in the car. And it looks relatively easy to erect, and is cheapish. She could set up her little table, chair and stove under it and just zip it all up at night.
I don't know what she has planned for her toilet. So far she hasn't done any free camping, but she wants to, to save money.
Thanks Sheba and Duh.
Sheba said
05:34 AM Jul 13, 2013
I still think that one is best for the side of the Hi-ace Beth. Will probably get one of those. Have a buyer for the End-tent I got from the States, so that will cover the cost of the Shade.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Sheba said
05:38 AM Jul 13, 2013
Tess has a friend who says she'd like it Vic. I'm holding it for her.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Duh said
05:41 AM Jul 13, 2013
Hope it sells soon Sheba, I enjoyed using mine except for the large Wolf Spider that got in during the night and was just near my pillow the next morning, glad I didn't see it until then.....
Beth54 said
05:45 AM Jul 13, 2013
Locks aren't much good with canvas/nylon walls, a bad person can easily slit it a knife. I was always conscious with the little camper trailer.
She had her 13 & 10 year old grandsons on this trip, and they stayed in CP's, so even though they were tenting she felt they were relatively safe.
That's a great link, the one I have (DAC etc) is featured around the upper right, the one Sheba has (Full Size SUV Camper Top also by DAC) is featured further down on the lower left, both similar products but made for different sized vehicles.
I notice it is a US site, when I bought mine, even though it says free shipping, that was only for the US and Canada, I had to pay extra for shipping to Oz, delivered by air and courier to my front door. You are supplied with an online tracking link during delivery.
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 13th of July 2013 10:45:30 AM
check out the oz tent 30 second set up an the viehicle is free to be used
I was originally going to get an OZ Tent. Until I went to Campco and lifted one. For me, [72] with a breathing problem, it's just too heavy. Solo ladies especially, you have to take weight into account , [as well as ease of setting up], and the fact that each year you're that much older, and not up to quite as much as you were the year before.
We have to be realistic, don't we.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 13th of July 2013 07:31:44 PM
Beth54 said
08:33 PM Jul 13, 2013
As always, you're all been a fountain of knowledge and experience.
All this info should surely help her decide which best suits her, but personally, I'd go for the BCF RV shade deluxe. The Anaconda looks good too, but a bit exxy. Yes, I know, it'd be good quality.
I also found this one, but I don't know the dimensions of the Tucson.
Ah but I see in the small print that this doesn't include the awning, so that would make it exxy too.
Beth54 said
10:52 PM Jul 13, 2013
Cruising Granny wrote:
Beth54 wrote:
Locks aren't much good with canvas/nylon walls, a bad person can easily slit it a knife. I was always conscious with the little camper trailer.
She had her 13 & 10 year old grandsons on this trip, and they stayed in CP's, so even though they were tenting she felt they were relatively safe.
Bad person? What bad person? Who knows who's sleeping in the vehicle?
I've been sleeping outside my car for 3 years, sometimes next to the truck, but other times, on the way home, just sleeping behind the Cruiser, in the dark.
You'd have to be very unlucky to come across a bad person. If we approach life feeling like a "bad person
target" we'd never get out of bed in the morning,
let alone take to the highway. It's best to teach rather than to scare.
If a "bad person" really wants to get ya, they'll find a way, within or without a tent.
You travel alone. How many "bad persons" have you come across in your travels?
Of course it's wise to be cautious. Watch who may be watching, but most of the time you're among friends or on your own in a parking bay.
Park among the trucks. You'll be as safe as houses if you make the coffee or have a chat. More good than bad out there.
Safe and happy travels.
Well I was married to a bad person, a Psycopath in fact, and I don't say that in jest. So I know that you can't always tell who the bad people are. They don't get around with a sign on their head.
I agree that truck stops are a good place, discounting cattle trucks, nevertheless it's wise for a solo woman to be wary. I don't WORRY, but I'm watchful. One of the rare times I disagree with you CG.
Dogbox, what Sheba said, plus they're too exxy.
Thanks Mary and baute too. Duly noted.
-- Edited by Beth54 on Sunday 14th of July 2013 12:48:29 AM
baute said
11:53 PM Jul 13, 2013
Now you have me looking again too. I just found a company in South Australia called Napier Suv tents on the go see Australia
website. Looking at BCF the best one is Wanderer Instant touring rv shade. It has an instant frame which would be easier than shock poles but I guess the frame would require more storage than shock poles.
dogbox said
12:35 AM Jul 14, 2013
check out the oz tent 30 second set up an the viehicle is free to be used
Cruising Granny said
12:50 AM Jul 14, 2013
Beth54 wrote:
Locks aren't much good with canvas/nylon walls, a bad person can easily slit it a knife. I was always conscious with the little camper trailer.
She had her 13 & 10 year old grandsons on this trip, and they stayed in CP's, so even though they were tenting she felt they were relatively safe.
Bad person? What bad person? Who knows who's sleeping in the vehicle?
I've been sleeping outside my car for 3 years, sometimes next to the truck, but other times, on the way home, just sleeping behind the Cruiser, in the dark.
You'd have to be very unlucky to come across a bad person. If we approach life feeling like a "bad person target" we'd never get out of bed in the morning,
let alone take to the highway. It's best to teach rather than to scare.
If a "bad person" really wants to get ya, they'll find a way, within or without a tent.
You travel alone. How many "bad persons" have you come across in your travels?
Of course it's wise to be cautious. Watch who may be watching, but most of the time you're among friends or on your own in a parking bay.
Park among the trucks. You'll be as safe as houses if you make the coffee or have a chat. More good than bad out there.
Safe and happy travels.
Mary said
03:01 AM Jul 14, 2013
I have A Rays $50 one and its great to give some extra privacy/shade /shelter from the rain if stopped in the one place.Easy to erect ,light and doesn't take up much space..
Cheers,
Mary
the rocket said
04:33 PM Jul 14, 2013
fibreglass roof top tent
pulau61 said
09:41 PM Sep 10, 2016
Dear Duh, hello there. I realise it's been 3 years since you posted about your DAC Explorer 2 tailgate tent (SUV) but I'm hoping you can help with my decision making. Is it any good, do you like it and would you recommend it? Cheers
-- Edited by pulau61 on Saturday 10th of September 2016 09:43:07 PM
-- Edited by pulau61 on Saturday 10th of September 2016 09:44:04 PM
My friend in FNQ has just got the bug! She's done camping of all sorts before but the difference this time is that she's now seperated, and has no caravan.
She's just done a trip to Winton with her two grandsons, and a tent. It was successful enough to give her the confidence to do more road trips.
But...she doesn't want to change vehicles and doesn't want to tow anything. She has a Hyundai Tucson that's just a couple of years old, and she is very happy with it's comfort and performance. She wants to sleep in the back of the car and have some sort of easy to erect tent effect off it. My immediate thought was a SUV tent, because I remembered Duh and Sheba having them. I've done some googling, as she has too, but we don't know what else to call them. Also she wants to be able to close the tailgate at night.
So does anyone have any other suggestions for her?
-- Edited by Beth54 on Friday 12th of July 2013 10:40:49 PM
They are called "Rear end truck tents" (for SUV's), both Sheba and I had to buy ours from the USA. Should be some pic's on show us your rig, but here are a couple again. Mine is on a Mitsubishi Outlander, please note that for these particular ones you need either a smooth back or tailgate (ie; no fixed raised edge on the back of your SUV).
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 12th of July 2013 09:20:14 PM
Yes, the back hatch needs to be open. This is the supplier that Sheba and I used Beth, they were easier to order online with than the supplier DAC, see;
http://lakelandgear.com/truck-tent-guides/dac-truck-cap-tent-sizing-guide.html
Also, this is what a Qld lady did with her Hyundai Getz, she leant the front seat down and put a camp stretcher over the top for sleeping, she had velcro around the back edge with fly screen attached when she needed it, see pic's taken at Lake Leschenaultia with her permission;
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 12th of July 2013 09:37:39 PM
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 12th of July 2013 09:51:59 PM
I realise that Vic., but I thought she might want a shade area for when she has the doors open. If she's going to sleep with the doors shut, she doesn't really need anything for night-time, does she ?
"Also she wants to be able to close the tailgate at night."
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Friday 12th of July 2013 10:23:59 PM
There are inside and outside zipper tabs for both the flywire and drop down flap that take padlocks so the rear end tent can be locked inside or out, but of course that does not prevent someone from just undoing the bungy cords holding the tent on (talking about the rear end tent not the other).
One thing she could use if only using the car if those slip over shade socks for the doors, I used mine with the windows partly down as they acted as insect screens as well as giving some privacy, don't think you could use them if it's raining though...
Have you sold yours yet Sheba? I'm in two minds whether to sell mine or not now I have the Transit, but then if I need a quick run somewhere it would come in handy. I still have the Outlander....
-- Edited by Duh on Friday 12th of July 2013 10:39:12 PM
Here you go Beth,
I just have this end tent from Rays Outdoors $50 on special. It is pretty versatile, I have it attached by tying it down to wheels and sometimes use poles and ropes and other times the poles that thread through. I adjust my living space to what is required. I dont think I have set it up the same way twice. I am able to cook, shower in it if required. If it is really windy is only problem, you need to make sure it is tied down well to vehicle. I sometimes just pull it up as a sleeve over windows to give more privacy in vehicle and then slide it back out to make an extended room. You can close up back of vehicle for security when sleeping. Really it is a tarp with zippers but light weight and easily set up.
-- Edited by baute on Saturday 13th of July 2013 12:38:42 AM
Here is how you are suppose to set it up :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alpm8DwIYJ8
sorry if it's not a clickable link
I also have this one from Anaconda
http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Camp-and-Hike/Shelter/Deluxe-RV-Shade#90028813
I haven't trialled my anaconda one yet, it is more expensive and better quality,it has the potential to make any side an awning. The pitstop awning from Rays only has a back awning.
BCF have an even better awning.
http://www.bcf.com.au/Products/TentGuide/GazebosScreenhousesBeachDomes/BCF_RV_Shade_Deluxe.aspx#.UeAY6qzDB50
-- Edited by baute on Saturday 13th of July 2013 12:56:34 AM
That's very true Beth with any type of tent or RV using canvas or vinyl etc. Thieves have even been know to get in through caravan pop top liners as well and those caravans with fold out canvas and vinyl ends. The locks just mean that if someone did try to open the zip while you were sleeping they wouldn't be able to do it quietly, and would still need to be carrying something (knife/screwdriver) if they were going to cut the fabric. They are not the best of security at the best of times.
Baute and Sheba's idea of something outside to use where you can still lock the vehicle would be best if you have the length inside and room to sleep.
Being over 6' my rear end tent suits me best for body length (takes a full size single foam matress) and as it does not touch the ground or need pegging down means the vehicle and rear end tent can be moved without dismantling anything except for unhooking two ocky straps, although because of the way I had mine set up I did not have to do that either. It was good if I decided to move to a better location nearby.
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 13th of July 2013 01:16:31 AM
I just Googled, SUV Tents and Awnings, a whole raft of interesting idea's appeared.
Mark
Here's a couple of pic's of mine on a trip;
Thanks Vic, but that depends on the rear hatch being open doesn't it?
Thanks to you both for the ideas on what else I could google.
And Thanks for the pics Vic. I'll send her the link to this so she can see your pics. I didn't think of going into show me your rig.
Beth, something like this might suit her better. It attatches to the top of the vehicle with suction caps. Used to be under $90.00. but that was quite a while ago. Don't know what the price is now, but if she looks at the link, it won't take long to find out.
If she clicks on the Google IMAGES button, and types in RV Shades, she might find some others as well. That's where I got this Link.
Cheers,
Sheba.
http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=RV+Shades.&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=576&tbm=isch&tbnid=RrLn2JmxE3wqpM:&imgrefurl=http://www.bcf.com.au/Products/TentGuide/GazebosScreenhousesBeachDomes/BCF_RV_Shade_Deluxe.aspx&docid=QCdjgNIOBM_0ZM&imgurl/content/tentguide/GazebosScreenhousesBeachDomes/rv_shade_deluxe.jpg&w=600&h=388&ei=wOvfUdLMJaXziAeYnIGoAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=2&vpy=137&dur=11453&hovh=180&hovw=279&tx=142&ty=115&page=1&tbnh=150&tbnw=233&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:79
I bought one of those too Sheba for the side of the vehicle (from BCF).
I think Beth mentioned she wants to sleep inside the vehicle ????
Personally, I actually think the awning is the way to go.
She could still sleep in the car, and lock herself in at night. She's had a test run...folded down just one back seat, so that her air bed fits one side and her 'stuff' fits the other side.
That BCF RV shade deluxe would give her some shade, and if the weather turned bad, she could just zip down the walls to shelter without having to sit in the car. And it looks relatively easy to erect, and is cheapish. She could set up her little table, chair and stove under it and just zip it all up at night.
I don't know what she has planned for her toilet. So far she hasn't done any free camping, but she wants to, to save money.
Thanks Sheba and Duh.
I still think that one is best for the side of the Hi-ace Beth. Will probably get one of those. Have a buyer for the End-tent I got from the States, so that will cover the cost of the Shade.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Tess has a friend who says she'd like it Vic. I'm holding it for her.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Hope it sells soon Sheba, I enjoyed using mine except for the large Wolf Spider that got in during the night and was just near my pillow the next morning, glad I didn't see it until then.....
Locks aren't much good with canvas/nylon walls, a bad person can easily slit it a knife. I was always conscious with the little camper trailer.
She had her 13 & 10 year old grandsons on this trip, and they stayed in CP's, so even though they were tenting she felt they were relatively safe.
(Now clickable...)
That's a great link, the one I have (DAC etc) is featured around the upper right, the one Sheba has (Full Size SUV Camper Top also by DAC) is featured further down on the lower left, both similar products but made for different sized vehicles.
I notice it is a US site, when I bought mine, even though it says free shipping, that was only for the US and Canada, I had to pay extra for shipping to Oz, delivered by air and courier to my front door. You are supplied with an online tracking link during delivery.
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 13th of July 2013 10:45:30 AM
http://www.shopping.com/suv-tent-australia/products.............
found this it may be of some help
I was originally going to get an OZ Tent. Until I went to Campco and lifted one. For me, [72] with a breathing problem, it's just too heavy. Solo ladies especially, you have to take weight into account , [as well as ease of setting up], and the fact that each year you're that much older, and not up to quite as much as you were the year before.
We have to be realistic, don't we.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 13th of July 2013 07:31:44 PM
As always, you're all been a fountain of knowledge and experience.
All this info should surely help her decide which best suits her, but personally, I'd go for the BCF RV shade deluxe. The Anaconda looks good too, but a bit exxy. Yes, I know, it'd be good quality.
I also found this one, but I don't know the dimensions of the Tucson.
http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/products/Oztrail-RV-Shade-Tent.aspx?pid=341580&menuFrom=571579#Cross
Ah but I see in the small print that this doesn't include the awning, so that would make it exxy too.
Well I was married to a bad person, a Psycopath in fact, and I don't say that in jest. So I know that you can't always tell who the bad people are. They don't get around with a sign on their head.
I agree that truck stops are a good place, discounting cattle trucks,
nevertheless it's wise for a solo woman to be wary. I don't WORRY, but I'm watchful. One of the rare times I disagree with you CG.
Dogbox, what Sheba said,
plus they're too exxy.
Thanks Mary and baute too. Duly noted.
-- Edited by Beth54 on Sunday 14th of July 2013 12:48:29 AM
Bad person? What bad person? Who knows who's sleeping in the vehicle?
I've been sleeping outside my car for 3 years, sometimes next to the truck, but other times, on the way home, just sleeping behind the Cruiser, in the dark.
You'd have to be very unlucky to come across a bad person. If we approach life feeling like a "bad person target" we'd never get out of bed in the morning,
let alone take to the highway. It's best to teach rather than to scare.
If a "bad person" really wants to get ya, they'll find a way, within or without a tent.
You travel alone. How many "bad persons" have you come across in your travels?
Of course it's wise to be cautious. Watch who may be watching, but most of the time you're among friends or on your own in a parking bay.
Park among the trucks. You'll be as safe as houses if you make the coffee or have a chat. More good than bad out there.
Safe and happy travels.
Cheers,
Mary
fibreglass roof top tent
Dear Duh, hello there. I realise it's been 3 years since you posted about your DAC Explorer 2 tailgate tent (SUV) but I'm hoping you can help with my decision making. Is it any good, do you like it and would you recommend it? Cheers
-- Edited by pulau61 on Saturday 10th of September 2016 09:43:07 PM
-- Edited by pulau61 on Saturday 10th of September 2016 09:44:04 PM