Tents for overlanding

[Chasesdragons]

Hi all,
Just wondering about tents etc.

Why do Land Rover overlanders choose Rooftop tents instead of ground tents? I hear that the British Army already uses a Land Rover attachment tent called a Command Tent?

Anyone tried those? I am not keen on roofracks etc. I am also aware that a hasty retreat could be beaten into the vehicle should one be attacked by a psychopathic African squirrel or similar, from the Command Tent, rather than a roof tent or a standard tent.

Regards
Udhi

[Swingletree]

Apparently, "lions and tigers and bears" find it more difficult to climb into a roof tent and eat you. Or was that snakes and spiders?

The command tents (or 9 x 9 tent) are ok but they do take up a lot of space, are very heavy when wet and they have no groundsheet!

[Chasesdragons]

Hmm...still do not see any contingency plan should the enterprising critter manage to scale up....:rolleyes:

To add to the misery, my rooftop is going to be about the size of a Defender 90.

ANYONE:
Does anyone know if there is a tougher, more modern version of the British Army Command Tent for sale anywhere?

There MUST be a more secure, vehicle attached ground tent somewhere out there....

[mmgemini]

Why must the tent be vehicle attatched ???

There's plenty good ground tents from Southern Africa. That an awning and a gazebo did the job for us for six months.

[Chasesdragons]

Because I have a heightened sense of self preservation. :D

I do not want to carry anything on the roof.

I do not want to have a tent as a discrete unit from the vehicle.

A command tent style is probably the next best choice to sleeping within the vehicle (a kind of bunk running from the rear of the vehicle, forwards between the front seats).

I understand this will force a premium £, but....

[dreaming]

i would venture to guess you have never camped in a unprotected campsite in a game park. i could name so many in africa where every concievable animal may walk within 1mm of your tent at night AND day.
my wife and i set a Oz tent up on the floor in Mana Pools in Zim. at lunch time an elephant so HUGE walked within a meter of us in the tent. hyena.... now that is another story. we stacked our amo boxes at the head of the tent (Hyena have been known to bite faces or feet through the tent at night) well one took our fully loaded box and ran off in the night. i wont tell you how i ran after the dog screaming at it. i will just say i got it back. the box.
after all that your choice

[Marc Lurie]

Elephant 1m away from our ground tent in Vic Falls. Leopard tracks past our tent in the morning in Botswana. Crocodile walking past our ground tent in Mozambique (OK, that WAS scary), Hyaenas stalking us in Botswana as we sat around the camp...

The only big animal that I'm really worried about is the hyaena. The others would rather not bother you. To most animals tourists tend to smell funny (soap, deodorants etc.), they do erratic things, make strange noises etc. so they're best left alone. Sure, an old or injured cat might be forced to attack a human, but that's very rare.

The biggest REAL threat is from small animals. The most dangerous being the mosquito. It's foolish (and potentially lethal) to worry more about lions and elephants than mosquitoes.

The other small animals you have to worry about are ticks, scorpions, snakes, jiggers, sand fleas etc.

There is a dedicated Roof Top Tent vs Ground Tent thread in this section of the forum BTW. Have a look through for some info.

[mmgemini]

i would venture to guess you have never camped in a unprotected campsite in a game park. i could name so many in africa where every concievable animal may walk within 1mm of your tent at night AND day.
my wife and i set a Oz tent up on the floor in Mana Pools in Zim. at lunch time an elephant so HUGE walked within a meter of us in the tent. hyena.... now that is another story. we stacked our amo boxes at the head of the tent (Hyena have been known to bite faces or feet through the tent at night) well one took our fully loaded box and ran off in the night. i wont tell you how i ran after the dog screaming at it. i will just say i got it back. the box.
after all that your choice

Really???? I see said the blind man.

http://www.landroveraddict.com/smf/index.php?topic=364099.0

Perhaps you'l take your time and read that.

[Chasesdragons]

Thanks guys - THAT is what I was trying to say without sounding like a COMPLETE woos! <ok, I'm out of the closet now>

I grew up in Sri Lanka - most of my childhood and early teens were spent in "the woods", fishing and shooting poor little animals.

Predation is an issue that I am concerned with, I have had crocs sneaking up on me, I have also had a narrow escape with a Leopard who was after my little pooch, a healthy respect for all things poisonous also exists (been bitten on the tummy by a centipede, strong Bee sting, no more). I am also aware of insect borne diseases - all of these are secondhand knowledge, thankfully.

Maybe this is an overeaction, but this is what scares me. In my mind, I can cope with morons carrying guns.

This is why I am asking about a tent with easy/instant access into the steel vehicle, should someone hungry come-a-knockin' - all under the premise that I would have the presence of mind on waking up to such an inquiry, to get out of the bag,get in, and shut the door behind me, without losing bowel control or crying for mommy. I cannot see a remote chance with a rooftop unit. FIREARMS do not have a look in, due to obvious reasons.

Am I to understand that overland and command tents have a reasonable protection against creepy crawlies like snakes, scorpions and centipedes?

[mmgemini]

We use a ground tent because Margaret can't get into a RTT. As I've said earlier a Greensport Caprivi. Available in the UK at a slightly less price than a RTT.

It is single skin heavy, what the Africans call a rip stop canvas.
The windows are ripstop opening with shade netting and then a light canvas zipped in "curtain. The groundsheet is sewn in.
The only downfall is the door opening. No cover over it.Not that thats a problem to us. We just move the gazebo closer :D

Wev'e used it for three trips to ZA, Botswana and Namibia. A total time of 12 months for all the trips.
In that time onlky on the last trip did we manage to entertain any livestock inside the tent. Two frogs and one large beetle. The frogs we caught and ejected. The beetle we Doomed. We've had leopards walk right uo and round it. Then peeing on it to mark their spot.

Would we buy another Greensport Caprivi.
Maybe no.
Why
Because the later models can be bought with a lighter canvas and a cover/porch over the door.

I've yet to see a scorpian. Missed one in the CKGR when another ground tent was dropped. Spiders, which I hate are few and far between. I'm gradually learning to walk away from them

AFAIK command tents are single skin and have no sewn in groundsheet.

[jkelly]

Aside from physical reasons (cant get up the ladder), I really can not see why people have aversions to roof tents.

I have on several occasions had to clench my cheeks as ive been packing up my ground tents and things have scurried away from under it. Im also not keen on things strolling over to have a sniff and a pee round the tent whilst im laid (awake) inside it. Much rather be up on top.

Sure, I know one big issue for some is that you cant drive the vehicle away whilst its errected, but in the middle of nowhere, where you gonna go once youve stopped to camp?!? I often finalise the position of the landy when the RTT is up.

Some say about weight up top being an issue... Perhaps it is to some, not me though...


I think the thing to note is whichever tent / roof rack (or indeed any overlanding kit) you buy, make sure you can get the best you can.

[Chasesdragons]

What do you guys think of the CARANEX range = perhaps the 3 or 4 model? Or is it a bit too civilised for RTW or similar activities?

A RTT will be a last resort for me, after trying to sleep in the motor amongst all the diesel, water and God knows what else I got to lug around.

[JayHoe]

Psst, http://www.ventureoverland.com/ your tag line has a misspelling!

"not just the destinTation"

Whoops! ;)

[Chasesdragons]

I have on several occasions had to clench my cheeks as ive been packing up my ground tents and things have scurried away from under it. Im also not keen on things strolling over to have a sniff and a pee round the tent whilst im laid (awake) inside it. Much rather be up on top.


PMSL! Spoken like a true bushwarrior :D

[jkelly]

Psst, http://www.ventureoverland.com/ your tag line has a misspelling!

"not just the destinTation"

Whoops! ;)

Whoops indeed. On with fixing that now...

Many thanks & feel free to proof read everything else!!!!


Cheers

[kevinrbeech]

No one has yet mentioned the benefit of the 75mm matress as installed in my RTT, another obvoius gain is that you are not on the cold ground while asleep. Further, I can get mine up in 5 minutes (the RTT), complete with sleeping bags and pillows, in the dark.
I've driven over some pretty nasty dunes in the Sahara with the RTT, the first was about 50kg, I now have a light-weight (35kg). In hot climates it is good to be up in the air, there is more breeze at times.
Caranex, I had one, I hated it. The big issue was the spare wheel, with the back door open it tried to push the tent over, also, although you can "drive away" from the Caranex, it looks rubbish. Very fiddly to put up, and if you start the engine to move away from the tent think where all the fumes go.

[dreaming]

Hi Marc

Mana Pools

[JayHoe]

LOL!

Sorry mate, it just jumped out at me. Happy to proof-read for ya. Now suggest a nice hourly rate... :D

Cheers

John

[Marc Lurie]

Mike, I was nailed by a scorpion on the hand in 1987 in northern Zululand, and I don't recommend it to anyone. :eek: We thought it was just an isolated scorpion, but the next night there was another scorpion under my pillow :eek: That's when I learned the benefit of an integral groundsheet, and to KEEP THE FRIKKIN' TENT SHUT. :)

Here's a pic of a centipede that we saw on the beach in Mozambique last month.

dreaming, when we had our "incident" with the elephant we still had SLR cameras, and were very worried about the shutter noise spooking him.

[mmgemini]

Mark
Yes I wouldn't use or recomend a tent without a sewn in groundsheet.

We try to be careful when going in/out of the tent to try to avoud any unwanted visitors. So far apart from the three I've mentioned we've managed.

One thing we do when droping the tent.
We pull it along the ground more then the space that it rests on. Hopefully nothing will hold onto the groungsheet.

Yes that's the reason I didn't get a pic of the elli at Suvuti. Shutter noise.

[toppa]

Here's a pic of a centipede that we saw on the beach in Mozambique last month.

.


picture?


CHeers

[dreaming]

Hi Marc

this pic was with a SLR cannon 350D. just couldnt resist. how often you get to count elephant nose hairs

[Marc Lurie]

picture?


CHeers

Ooops. :o Doing too many things at the same time...

[toppa]

Ooops. :o Doing too many things at the same time...

Oh very nice, we get big ones like that in nz too, got a dried on on the shelf, scare the crap outta me when i see them wiggling away :eek:

Not poisonus in nz though....


Cheers

[dreaming]

Marc

you need to cut your toenails

[spandit]

I suppose an advantage of a rooftent is that you don't need smooth ground - as long as the vehicle is fairly level, you can pitch camp. I'd love one but have just spent all my money on something else...

[Snagger]

I suppose an advantage of a rooftent is that you don't need smooth ground - as long as the vehicle is fairly level, you can pitch camp. I'd love one but have just spent all my money on something else...
You can pitch tent in a concrete car park, rock strewn, rutted flat or in a muddy puddle with no worries about a comfortable and dry sleep - I suspect the ground tent owners envied the RTT owners at last year's Billing...

Once funds permit, I'll definitely be going down the RTT route, despite the very valid points regarding having to pack up to drive for the day and the possibility of you pitch being nicked while out.

[bvudzichena]

I suppose it's time I posted some pictures of the type of bracket one would use to try and stabilise the vehicle so that it doesn't feel like the whole thing's going to fall over each time you turn around in your sleep.

[alex]

Does that keep the Landrover in the Missionary Position:D

[jkelly]

I suppose it's time I posted some pictures of the type of bracket one would use to try and stabilise the vehicle so that it doesn't feel like the whole thing's going to fall over each time you turn around in your sleep.

LOL!

What do you do in your tent to make you need stabilizers on the car!?!?!? Must be MUCH more energetic than I am!

[bvudzichena]

What do you do in your tent to make you need stabilizers on the car!?!?!? Must be MUCH more energetic than I am!

I'm also 6'6" and used to play top level rugby...

Maybe it's the OME springs and dampers :D

[dreaming]

I'm also 6'6" and used to play top level rugby...

Maybe it's the OME springs and dampers :D


who did you play for and give us your initials. more important i would beef up your suspension. those gadgets to attach while sleeping wont help while driving over rugged terrain.

besides just think you are on a waterbed

[andyb43]

LOL.

When the trucks a rockung dont come a knocking LOL.

Fit some HD springs like the King springs as the OME are too soft for a loaded vehicle especialy when it carries a rugby player with odd shaped balls LOL

[toppa]

LOL.

When the trucks a rockung dont come a knocking LOL.

Fit some HD springs like the King springs as the OME are too soft for a loaded vehicle especialy when it carries a rugby player with odd shaped balls LOL

that is an interesting looking fuel tank you got on there.... make it yourself or buy all ready made?

looks like as twin tank set up?


Cheers

[jepaton]

Nobody has yet mentioned a Hammock tent. Sleep 20 metres off the
ground if you can find two tall trees to tie it to. Never slept in one or
even seen one but I'd love to try one.

http://hennessyhammock.com/

Jonathan Paton

[andyb43]

Its a Long Ranger fuel tank 166 ltr in 2 tanks. Just had it fitted in Newcastle NSW at the Long Ranger factory Australia. costs a bit to fill $260 ASD but lasts about 1000 miles between fills. Heres a few more photos.

We have finally got to Oz after 9 months and having a great time.

[nobber]

whens south america andy , or have you already been?

[andyb43]

Hi Nobber,

Its not till Oct 09 we have been in Oz for about 7 weeks so far and are loving it but about to head towards Cape york.

How is your life going old chap long time no see.

[bvudzichena]

Andy,

What cleaning procedure did you follow to get the truck into Australia?

Where did you ship from and which harbour did you arrive at?

The Disco those braces were fitted to not only had heavy duty springs and dampers, but it also had air helper springs like you have.

Check out the Pedders products while you're out there :D

[andyb43]

We spent 6 days in Kochin cleaning the truck it was imaculate, then the AQUIS went through it like mad couldnt find anything so said that because of the nature it required further wash down!!! even the port wash down couldnt belive it.

We shipped in to Fremantle nice and relaxed got the container cleared within the week had a few problems as the container was held up in singapore but hey.

The agent was fantastic, Craig Rowan of IOSA.

We first had OME HD springs & Polly airs fitted but they wernt strong enough so they sourced some King springs that are. Especialy as the truck weigs in at 3.5 ton bit over the GVW.
:D we have only just replaced the L/H rear wheel bearing and only because it was leaking oil.

[nobber]

Hi Nobber,

Its not till Oct 09 we have been in Oz for about 7 weeks so far and are loving it but about to head towards Cape york.

How is your life going old chap long time no see.

its all good Andy , about to set off to corfu again but taking it a bit easier this time. tyring to set up a fly/drive adventure holiday thing over there but its looking like january before we can get things really moving forward.
im looking forward to seeing some pics of your south america adventure m8y , bet your glad you didnt go for the yacht in the med option now eh.

[jkelly]

...We first had OME HD springs & Polly airs fitted but they wernt strong enough so they sourced some King springs that are. Especialy as the truck weigs in at 3.5 ton bit over the GVW.
:D


Andy, do you happen to know which King Springs went on the back? What dampers are you using?

[andyb43]

Hi Jon,

Yes we have 2/99-04 LANDROVER DISCOVERY SER 11 EHD KRRR-04HD

They are the same length as OME but the coils are slightly thicker and the upper coils are closer together. The difference is amazing the rear now feels planted and it doesn't sag or wallow.

We are running OME Nitrocharger shocks, they have been going now for 2 years 6 months and are fine even through India and Pakistan.

We will see how they cope with the corrugations in Oz.

[jkelly]

Andy,
Thanks. Thought Id ask as we provide King Spring springs alongside Tough Dog dampers here in the UK.

The KLRRR-04HD are exactly right for the back end of your Disco.

[andyb43]

cheers Jon,

Wish we had know about you before we left.

Frogs Island fitted spacers to the rear air bags which caused then to selfdistruct. then agreed that they had no experiance of them on a discovery 2:eek: the topping on the cake came when Eddie replied that he had know idea that we would be traveling with a heavy load on extream roads, why did we spend 5 hours in his office discussing our trip and what we needed.

In my opinion the guys a clown only in it for the money not interested in the little guy.

[dreaming]

Nobody has yet mentioned a Hammock tent. Sleep 20 metres off the
ground if you can find two tall trees to tie it to. Never slept in one or
even seen one but I'd love to try one.

http://hennessyhammock.com/

Jonathan Paton


i saw one in Malawi at Kande Beach, in fact it was the same day the boks beat the english in the world cup, but anyway the chap that had this contraption was travelling around africa and this was his bed. he hund it from some poles supplied and was up in a jiffy. only wrong with the thing he said was when it rained the condensation inside was not pleasant. if you moved you got wet. other than that it looked cool and took no space and weight.
cheers

[Steve HNZ]

Talking roof tents & access for quick get aways etc. This couple
http://www.touchstream.co.uk/edventurous/africa/hujambo/index.htm
did a trip in a D1 around Africa some years ago & had their RTT on the front of their rack so it opened over the front. They had cut a hatch in the floor above their sunroof opening & could if need be, access the car interior direct from the tent. The support props were onto the bull bar rather then the ground & so they could drive away with it up if they needed to. I guess if you were surrounded by skollies or whatever you wouldn't worry too much about overhanging trees till you were down the road. Their trip featured in (I think) LRM soon after their return.
Steve