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Offline Brucer

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Impressions of CT after first use
« on: October 05, 2012, 12:29:05 PM »
Hello,
As a first time CT user I thought I'd share my impressions on how it went. We've been enjoying tent camping for a few years but always hated the extended setup and take down times with the (ever increasing) amount of gear, every bit of it requiting its own setup and repack process. 2 tents (sometimes 3), bedding, kitchen gear, cooker, esky/ice, tables, chairs, etc, etc as I'm sure everyone is too familiar. we started out simple with gear to take 2 adults and 3 kids all in one 4WD wagon and roof rack. Tight but doable. More recently we've hadf to use an enclosed box trailer for our gear. This worked pretty well but wasn't offroad capable, so limited our destinations.
A CT would solve all that! With ready to use kitchen, fast erect tent, and ample storage we'd be setup in no time, and able to pack up in 1 or 2 hours, not 4 or 5! Well it turns out a little different than we'd imagined.
Firstly the CT is more limited in where you can put it. You need level ground and space for the tow vehicle to manouvre, since a fully loaded CT on soft or uneven ground is very hard to push by hand. Then it gets better. CT tent goes up and kitchen opens..all good. The annex however is quite fiddly compared to our old gazebo solution.
I had some trouble with the water tank. Apparently I'd trapped some air in there and it took nothing like a full take so after only one day the water runs out.. oops. On the plus side the 12V system I'd hurriedly installed for lighting and fridge power worked an absolute treat, so no more messing around with gas lanterns, and the esky/ice now only used for drinks and non perishables.
And if that was all then we'd be in front.. way on front but then comes the kids tent (plus airbeds, sleeping bags, etc), portable cot (nightmare of a thing), and setting up of various games and toys. You don't notice this much when setting up because they don't all come out at once, and you can put some good fire/bourbon time between them. But when it comes to pack up time, well it was no fun at all. With a tightly packed CT and vehicle, things have to go in exactly right or else they don't fit, so the help from well meaning wife, teenage son, etc is not all that useful. I point them at jobs only to then find myself taking over so it's done the way I want it done. I don't believe in packing up in a way that means I have to get everything out again and repack it properly to be ready for the next trip. Some call it anal.. a label I hate but probably deserve.
Finally all packed up and uh oh, where are the car keys. A sinking feeling sets in as I know where they are... in a side pocket near the bed in the fully packed away tent. Nothing to do but open it all up again and find the keys. yes that's where they were.
Clearly we need to refine things quite a bit. Our camping experience improved for certain, and I should mention that we have a newborn (10 weeks old) baby on her first camp which adds quite a bit to the effort and pretty much takes Mum out of helping with other camp duties. So it's hard to measure the success of the CT vs doing the same thing the old way. At any rate, we're not going back.
I'll get some picture up of my setup when I can find somewhere to put them. Cheers!
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Offline Campa

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2012, 12:33:33 PM »
If it helps Brucer, Our fisrt trip was exactly the same, and I doubt we are alone with our 1st camper trailer experience. It does get easier and more enjoyable.   Trust me :cheers:



« Last Edit: October 05, 2012, 12:35:37 PM by Campa »
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Offline MarkVS

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2012, 12:39:07 PM »
Brucer,
it gets better....we found it got better rather quickly...if you take it out a few times in close succession, you start to get into a habit. I also have the family helping...it may be hard at first, but over the long term, the more of you that know what to do, the faster it will get.
You will also get better at what you do/don't really need to take..

As for the car keys............ ;D ;D


MarkVS

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Offline Brucer

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2012, 01:15:17 PM »
I should add that the bed was a BIG improvement!
btw we camped at Wee Jasper, Micalong Ck. Very nice if a little more civilised than we usually prefer (due to the baby).
I'd go again and recommend.
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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2012, 01:41:09 PM »
I can sympathise with you.  Just back from 10 nights away.  Up and down twice.  Compared to previous tent holidays, I was most impressed with weather proofing of CT compared to tent and tarps etc.  Two short storms.  Inner spring mattress was a real treat.  Like you, we took forever to pack up although the second time seemed a bit quicker.  We too are limited for space so everything has to be packed up just right or it don't fit.  Figured we probably could take a few less things and maybe that will help next time.  I am sure pack up time will improve with use.
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Offline Kit_e_kat9

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2012, 02:05:53 PM »


Good first effort though.  Family returned intact, all had a good time ... that's what it's all about.  I think you are concentrating on the "work" side of it too much!   ;D  It will get better, so don't worry or stress too much.  There will be things you can fine tune ... leave behind ... teach the kids ... so it all works out much better in the future.

As for the keys ...  ;D  ;D

Kit_e
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Offline baz1

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2012, 02:41:47 PM »
Interesting what you say about the amount if time setting up all the peripherals, like kids tent etc. We have just ordered our CT, and the wife and I were talking about how we should set it up, we agree on having a tarp on the ground to protect the bottom of the tent and keep the dew off, but she wants to put a tarp over the top of the tent, put up a shade tent that we still have from our camping days and so on.

 My view is that if you keep doubling up with all the peripheral gear like tarps and so on, by the time you have set it all up you might as well just have used all your old camping gear, and it ends up defeating the object of having a CT in the first place!
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Offline ozbogwam

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Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2012, 03:14:45 PM »
Just got back from a camping trip with my two sons, nearly 6 and 2, while my wife was at work.

Took our usual setup, a 9 plus tourer tent and our 5x4 tradie trailer. Took me about 5 minutes to put the tent up, another ten to get the sleeping arrangements down and table and chairs out. We also usually put a gazebo up but bit hard to do by myself.

Meanwhile near us a family put their CT up. An hour later they were done. Pack up was the same deal.

We keep talking about getting a CT but other than a decent bed, which when do a three week camp at Xmas we use stretchers which are fine, there doesn't seem to be any point over what we have.

Hope you get it sorted out to suit you and it gets lots of use
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Offline Brucer

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2012, 03:41:04 PM »
Quote from: ozbogwam on October 05, 2012, 03:14:45 PM
Took our usual setup, a 9 plus tourer tent and our 5x4 tradie trailer. Took me about 5 minutes to put the tent up, another ten to get the sleeping arrangements down and table and chairs out. We also usually put a gazebo up but bit hard to do by myself.

What did you cook with?

Our pre-CT setup was 6 man dome tent plus kids tent, freestanding gas cooker, wash stand, gazebo, folding utility table plus 4 seater picnic table for eating, chairs, gas plus kero lights and a few torches, airbeds plus sleeping bags, pillows and extra blankets as needed. Add to that the food, esky/ice, chainsaw and all the camp odds and ends and you can see why the CT attracted us.
If I was just taking the older kids and me, which I've done in the past then we were down to one tent, chairs, food and cooking setup plus camp basics.
My SWMBO is pretty practical but still, taking her along with the younger kiddies adds a whole other dimension to the setup.

We have two extra kids age 13 and 16 from my previous marriage, so when we all go (as we have just done) there's 6 of us to house and feed. Our CT setup is really aimed at longer term camping with the younger pair aged 0 and 7, which we think will be quite manageable.
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Offline ozbogwam

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Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #9 on: October 05, 2012, 04:14:26 PM »
Either one of the butane stoves or the Aldi BBQ. There is a battery in the trailer hooked up to some LEDs over the kitchen area plus a couple of extra ones which have magnetic backs so I can attach them where they need to go. Water comes from a jerry can a hose and a hand pump attached via a quickfists on the trailer
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Offline LB

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #10 on: October 05, 2012, 05:14:53 PM »
Our first CT arrives in about 6 weeks you have now got me scared.

LB
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Offline dazzler

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #11 on: October 05, 2012, 06:23:36 PM »
Hi Brucer

I know exactly where you are coming from and is one of the reasons I sold my soft floor and have gone to this style http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=16966.0 using a foxing and oztent.

We have a family of six including a toddler so understand how much gear there is.  Recently my wife came up with a new rule that each person gets a travel bag (bit bigger than the carry on for the plane) and everything they want/need goes in there (other than bedding of course).

So take whatever you want but its gotta fit in that bag.  This makes packing up easier as the night before these bags are packed and ready to go. 
The other thing we found was to use boxes with lids to store stuff.  These seem to make it easier.  Again, if it wont fit in a box then it stays home.

Our new camper gets its maiden run in three weeks.  Hope I dont have to eat me hat!

The other thing I never tried was leaving the annexe walls on when I pack up.  May be worth a try?

Have fun.



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Offline Fun Police

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Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #12 on: October 05, 2012, 06:57:47 PM »
We bought our CT to escape the "cabin trap" that was costing us $1600+ per week on holidays plus the ability to go wherever.

My wife and I already had all the camping gear and a double dome tent.

Packing up was a constant nightmare.

The lure of the CT was that everything stays in it except clothes and food.

Throw them in and drive away.

Plus more friendly for wife and kids.
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Offline McGirr

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #13 on: October 05, 2012, 07:16:41 PM »
Firstly well done getting the family out camping.

As mentioned it takes time to adjust to changes, what to take, what to cook on, how to pack, etc

If you are staying at places for a length of time it is easy doing a complete set up with awning etc but if it's overnight keep it simple, flip the camper over, get the beds ready. Plan easy and quick meals for these quick stops.

As they say practice makes perfect and yes sometimes it's easier to pack up yourself and keep the family happy without any disagreements.

Remember you are on holidays and relaxing.

Mark
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Offline Bec M

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Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #14 on: October 05, 2012, 09:16:30 PM »
We couldn't even remember how to flip ours open the first time we went away. Now only my husband and son do it and my daughter and I stay out of the way. Our rule is if you use it you put it back to save on pack up time, everything has a place. The best bit of having a camper is reversing it into the garage getting out your cloths and food and that's it, it's siting there waiting for next time.

We were at Wee Jasper 2 weekends ago too. Beautiful spot!!!  Bloody freezing!!!!

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« Last Edit: October 05, 2012, 09:19:44 PM by Bec M »
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Offline brickiematt

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #15 on: October 05, 2012, 10:24:25 PM »
G'day Brucer

You'll find that the more you do it, the quicker your set up/pack up times become. You just get into a bit of a routine, try and involve the kids (except maybe the 10 week old!) so they've all got a job to do and before you know it you're an expert! Also, with time, you'll soon work out what you really need to take, and what's just taking up space.

One big factor for us going from a tent to a CT was the fact that everything is left in the trailer when you get home. Just take your bags out of the car and that's it.......no more tetris!

We were exactly the same as you on our first trip, but you soon figure it all out. We've just returned from 2 1/2 weeks in Tassie, 3 set up's and pack up's in that time. Got it down pat now ;D

Keep at it mate, and you'll soon wonder why you didn't go the CT years ago!

Enjoy your camping.

Cheers
Matt
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Offline Brucer

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #16 on: October 05, 2012, 11:28:54 PM »
Quote from: Bec M on October 05, 2012, 09:16:30 PM
We were at Wee Jasper 2 weekends ago too. Beautiful spot!!!  Bloody freezing!!!!
You're not wrong there. We only spent two nights (we thought any longer would be too ambitious first time out with new baby). The moment the sun went down the temperature plummeted. Even though bub was wrapped snug and warm and sleeping soundly in her portacot, we found it so cold my wife insisted on moving her into our bed, which worked out alright and much less stress for Mum. We arrived on the afternoon of the holiday Monday, thinking there would be some rotation and we'd jag a decent spot, which we did pretty well but the funny thing is by the same time the next day, the place was near deserted. Couldn't figure out why being only half way through school hols and weather improving by the day.

In the days leading up to camp, I resorted all our gear taking out what was no longer needed and moving items to live permanently in the CT as many here have suggested. It was despite having done all this and STILL spending so many hours in setup/pack-up that is the frustrating part, but I put it down to some mitigating factors; a) first time using CT, b) 10 week old baby to look after and pack for, and c) extra kids and tent and associated gear/supplies.

Hopefully we can soon get to that blissful state we imagined, of having a CT 90% ready to go at short notice, reduced setup/packup times and most important of all; more time to enjoy the places we go.

BR.
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Offline BigJules

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Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #17 on: October 06, 2012, 06:46:41 AM »
Pack up always takes longer than setup, and usually it doesn't matter what camper you have because you've got bags to pack, stow the fridge, remove the bedding etc. it's a crap job too because often it means you're going home.

For setup, redefine what that means for you. I found it helps to have easy access to things like pegs, ropes, a hammer and the winder for the stabilizer legs.

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Offline Jenko67

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #18 on: October 06, 2012, 07:11:51 AM »
We have it down to a fine art now....we (i mean I) have learnt not to rush (except when a HUGE storm was coming a few years ago) setting up takes about 1 1/2 hours with our swan including the annex... packing up we start slowy packing up early morning and with not rushing we could take 3 hours in between having breakfast and showers etc...if the annex is wet we allow it to dry and we wipe it down.

All good fun, but we have thought about getting a poptop caravan after our trip last month...
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Offline speewa158

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Re: Impressions of CT after first use
« Reply #19 on: October 06, 2012, 07:35:05 AM »
The 1st trip  or 1st few trips as with anything are almost hard work . Like driving it becomes easier as you go along .
When you start packing get a pad & list everything  you take , after 3or 4 trips cull the stuff that hasnt been touched . There will be stuff that you will transport just for the sake of it  Cull Cull & Cull . The sitting back gethered around a crackeling fire with a camp oven full of Lamb & Veg filling the air with the smell of dinner has got to be worthit all . Dont Panic it will all happen , your supposed to be enjoying yourself remember  :cheers:
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