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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: Jeffy on September 24, 2013, 11:52:37 PM
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Ok, what do you have and what do you recommend? Tents, stoves, sleeping bags, etc... Also tell us where you camp, the season and temps since that's important. I've been out of the look for a long time and need new gear.
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Two dome tents (one for the wife since I snore), two air mattresses, two cheapo sleeping bags, Coleman propane stove, folding table, canopy for over the table, two canvas folding chairs, Coleman propane lantern, Weber Smokey Joe grill, 5 gal collapsable water carrier, two coolers, and most importantly a French press to make coffee. Very energy efficient way to make coffee. Mostly we just camp at the NASCAR and NHRA races at Bristol in a campground.
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I have 3 dome tents;
One is a HUGE one (it's supposed to sleep something like 8 or 10, but it's the perfect size for 4 full inflatable mattresses with enough room in the middle for the gear and walking). That one I bought at Walmart a while back. It works great for hot weather, but I used it once in cold valley in Costa Rica, and we were FREEZING inside, as the cold air filtered in from the net on top (it got under the rain cover). I use this one when I go camping with the kids and wife.
The second one is a normal dome tent; this one is a Coleman, and it's for warm weather as well (although it is a bit more sheltered from the cold than the other one). This one I take in the Jeep when we are going on a more than one day trip. You can fit to full size mattresses, but it is cramped if you do so (I don't mind cramped when wheeling, as you don't spend much time in the tent anyway). I THINK it's this one (http://www.coleman.com/product/3-person-instant-dome-tent/2000012456?contextCategory=DomeTents#.UkMGboY3tBk), but not 100% sure on that one (color look about the same, though).
The third one is kind of my emergency tent, which I take on wheeling trips that are not supposed to last more than one day. This one I bought at Wally World for about $8, and I don't really fit stretched out, and a full size mattress will not fit in it either, but, as I said, this is just to get me off the jeep's seat in case of emergency, and it takes VERY little space.
I also have a camping stove (gas), which works pretty well (bought it in Miami; it is a OEM type, and uses one of those gas cans that look kind of like spray paint cans), and a Coleman Cooking kit (one pan, two plates, two coffee mugs, and one pot). They are stainless steel, IIRC, and all fit one inside the other, so they take up very little space, so I highly recommend this kit (I looked online, but it seems they don't sell them anymore).
I usually hang a Trasharoo on the back of the Jeep for the trash; this product I am very happy with, as it takes all the nasty stuff and keeps it securely but outside of the Jeep. I also recommend this one (although a friend made one using mine as a guide and saved about $30; so if you sew, you can make your own).
If the trip is light, and we have the room, a friend of mine gave me a picnic kit, which is a box with plates, glasses and silverware, and enough room for all the food you rather not eat crushed (bread and such), but, to be honest, I have yet to use it (and I would not take it wheeling, as I would probably end up ruining it!).
Of course, the mandatory 4 inflatable air mattresses, two coolers (and Igloo one, and a fabric one I bought in a Miami Boat Show which is PERFECT for the Jeep!), two canvas folding chairs, 2 collapsible water carriers, 4 Wally World sleeping bags (one is a lightning McQueen one, one is a Cinderella one, and two are plain green), and a couple of tarps and some ropes which we typically use to make shelters by hanging them from trees (ropes are also used as clothes hangers to dry wet clothing; simply twist two strands together as tightly as possible, and stick the clothes between, and you don't need any clothes pins!).
As for where I have camped, it has always been in the hills around Panama and Costa Rica, with the exception of a couple of beaches thrown in for good measure (but ussually, I try to avoid beaches, as the sand is a real PITA, and, unless you have fresh water around - like a river or such - you end up all sticky from the salt).
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Coleman 4 person tent. (Walmart)
I bought some nice sleeping bags. One is a 15* backbacking so it packs up small. The other is a -20 bag for my daughter. It's also pretty small for it's size. I wanted some real cold rated bags since we mostly camp in the high Sierra's in the summer. It gets dang cold at 9000+ feet. It's better to have a bag that is to warm then one that is not warm enough! Spend the money on nice bags! The ones that are back pack friendly are also Jeep friendly.
Stove I use a single burner Coleman. The kind you screw on the propane bottle for it's base. It puts out a ton of heat and it's real small! I use it for boiling water mostly it puts out to much heat for simmering things IMO. Most of the meat cooking is done on the fire. IF I can't do that I bring a very small propane BBQ.
We use air mat's I don't like to sleep on the ground or those self inflating mat's.
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X2 on getting good sleeping bags (down to between 5 and 15 at least). Single burner Coleman stove works well. Cheap tents seem to work plenty well. Have had a few and you only might need to seal some seams a bit. It's good to have big 5 gallon water containers for dry camps.
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I am a Scout leader and have done a lot of car camping, backpacking, canoe camping, etc. I have tons of gear. The best gear really depends on the type of camping and the climates that you'll be camping in. It also depends on how much you want to spend - Atlas II or Terralow vs. camping gear???? Can you provide a little detail on what your plans are? That would help with recommendations.
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I think I'll probably only need 3-season gear. I don't think we'll be camping in the snow. I have an old synthetic mummy bag from my scouting days but I'm sure there are better now. I forget what it is actually.
I'd also like to get a stove. When I was at Yosemite, they didn't allow camp fires because of the extreme fire level. So you're stuck with propane or gas. I know the old multi-fuel Colmans were popular and still are but are there better?
Tent. There's two of us. I hate small tents though. I think a 3-4 man tent is a lot better. Means you can store your gear inside. Though I will have a vehicle near by. I've actually looked into roof top tents. I'd like to eventually get an ARB tent though. A good 4-person tent isn't that much less. Although there are some tents that are inexpensive yet still pretty good, too. Might be a stopgap.
I don't mind spending more if it's good gear.
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I think I'll probably only need 3-season gear. I don't think we'll be camping in the snow. I have an old synthetic mummy bag from my scouting days but I'm sure there are better now. I forget what it is actually.
I'd also like to get a stove. When I was at Yosemite, they didn't allow camp fires because of the extreme fire level. So you're stuck with propane or gas. I know the old multi-fuel Colmans were popular and still are but are there better?
Tent. There's two of us. I hate small tents though. I think a 3-4 man tent is a lot better. Means you can store your gear inside. Though I will have a vehicle near by. I've actually looked into roof top tents. I'd like to eventually get an ARB tent though. A good 4-person tent isn't that much less. Although there are some tents that are inexpensive yet still pretty good, too. Might be a stopgap.
I don't mind spending more if it's good gear.
If you don't mind spending the dough, go for the ARB tent. I have seen them on other rigs in the trail, and they are just wicked, and you can set them and close them really fast. not to mention there is much less chance of getting leaks from the bottom of the tent, and that you will be in dry ground regardless where you camp!
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If you don't mind spending the dough, go for the ARB tent. I have seen them on other rigs in the trail, and they are just wicked, and you can set them and close them really fast. not to mention there is much less chance of getting leaks from the bottom of the tent, and that you will be in dry ground regardless where you camp!
I'll still probably get a regular 4-person tent though. The ARB would require some savings. Strange thing is that there are more expensive roof top tents. I was shocked to see a $3k tent.
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I think I'll probably only need 3-season gear. I don't think we'll be camping in the snow. I have an old synthetic mummy bag from my scouting days but I'm sure there are better now. I forget what it is actually.
I'd also like to get a stove. When I was at Yosemite, they didn't allow camp fires because of the extreme fire level. So you're stuck with propane or gas. I know the old multi-fuel Colmans were popular and still are but are there better?
Tent. There's two of us. I hate small tents though. I think a 3-4 man tent is a lot better. Means you can store your gear inside. Though I will have a vehicle near by. I've actually looked into roof top tents. I'd like to eventually get an ARB tent though. A good 4-person tent isn't that much less. Although there are some tents that are inexpensive yet still pretty good, too. Might be a stopgap.
I don't mind spending more if it's good gear.
I have a Coleman dual fuel 2 burner. Burns the Coleman fuel or unleaded. I have not used it in many years. It's kind of bulky and it does not put out near as much heat as the propane single burner I use. Plus the single takes up way less room and is a snap to put up and take down. Plus a bottle of propane lasts a real long time.
I like my 4 man tent. Plenty of room for air mats, plus room for some gear. Not quite tall enough to stand up in, but it's not like we are dancing in there. Plus it has the right size to find a good level site.
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I have a Coleman dual fuel 2 burner. Burns the Coleman fuel or unleaded. I have not used it in many years. It's kind of bulky and it does not put out near as much heat as the propane single burner I use. Plus the single takes up way less room and is a snap to put up and take down. Plus a bottle of propane lasts a real long time.
I like my 4 man tent. Plenty of room for air mats, plus room for some gear. Not quite tall enough to stand up in, but it's not like we are dancing in there. Plus it has the right size to find a good level site.
Yeah, those colman 2 burners don't make that much heat. Two 7000 btu burners. The PerfectFlow makes 2x 10,000 btu's. Not sure what other companies are out there. I don't really want to carry a huge propane tank though. They also have a dual-fuel single burner that's 10,000 btu. As muck as I'd like a Jetboil, I think they're too small.
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While I hate shopping there, I have bought all my camping gear at Walmart. My tent is a "cabin" that sleeps 6-8? I love having a swinging door and the ability to stand up and change.
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Yeah, those colman 2 burners don't make that much heat. Two 7000 btu burners. The PerfectFlow makes 2x 10,000 btu's. Not sure what other companies are out there. I don't really want to carry a huge propane tank though. They also have a dual-fuel single burner that's 10,000 btu. As muck as I'd like a Jetboil, I think they're too small.
I use the 1 pound bottles. That's what makes the base for my stove. Lasts a long time. Nothing to prime or worry about fuel left over in the tank when your trip is done.
http://www.coleman.com/product/perfectflow-1-burner-propane-stove/2000010642?contextCategory=2010#.UkWWsNK08zI
Looks like the price has gone way up. I got mine at Walmart for $20.00
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I use the 1 pound bottles. That's what makes the base for my stove. Lasts a long time. Nothing to prime or worry about fuel left over in the tank when your trip is done.
http://www.coleman.com/product/perfectflow-1-burner-propane-stove/2000010642?contextCategory=2010#.UkWWsNK08zI
Looks like the price has gone way up. I got mine at Walmart for $20.00
Also have one of those, works very well.
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The one I use is one of these (http://www.webstaurantstore.com/portable-gas-stove-butane-burner-with-1-range/472E10SL.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=CJ2kwun667kCFUVk7Aod_FkA_g)(not the same brand or color,, but you get the idea):
(http://www.webstaurantstore.com/portable-gas-stove-butane-burner-with-1-range/portable-gas-stove-butane-burner-with-1-range.jpg?32380)
As I mentioned, gas bottles are about the size of a spray paint can, so they are easy to carry, and last at least a couple of days camping.
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How about using a Camp Chef low pressure single burner? My only concern is that the 16.2oz propane tanks last 1.4hours or something like that. You can also attach a refillable tank to it. A little overkill?
(I'd like something that's stable, that I can cook on and not just boil water with.)
(http://simage1.sportsmansguide.com/adimgs/l/1/156007_ts.jpg)
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I'd say that is way overkill!
I have not had a problem with stability. The 16oz bottles last a long time up to 4 hours if your not cooking on high. I don't think you want to cook at near 10K BTU's anyway. For cooking you would have it much lower. I have used the same bottle the last 2 Dusy trips. But then again it's mainly for boiling water.
I have cooked on it, even on the lower settings it's pretty hot.
I have friends that have the same stove as jfrabat uses. They have no problems with that stove either. I would say it's a bit more stable since it has a larger base. You would be surprised how long the fuel lasts. Plus having a extra bottle does not take up that much space, and they can be purchased just about anywhere.
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We call those boilers,, great for crab or clams,, but they will eat a 5gal refillable propane cylinder in < 3 hours.
I use my Propane Webber style mini, you just throw a pan on it and cook.. dual purpose.. I carry a 12" cast iron skillet
for doing breakfast stuff on it.. I also have a 24x12 ish cast iron griddle to lay on it, you can also fit the griddle and
skillet inside it when its closed up for transport.
Cheers
Dave
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I'd say that is way overkill!
I have not had a problem with stability. The 16oz bottles last a long time up to 4 hours if your not cooking on high. I don't think you want to cook at near 10K BTU's anyway. For cooking you would have it much lower. I have used the same bottle the last 2 Dusy trips. But then again it's mainly for boiling water.
I have cooked on it, even on the lower settings it's pretty hot.
I have friends that have the same stove as jfrabat uses. They have no problems with that stove either. I would say it's a bit more stable since it has a larger base. You would be surprised how long the fuel lasts. Plus having a extra bottle does not take up that much space, and they can be purchased just about anywhere.
We call those boilers,, great for crab or clams,, but they will eat a 5gal refillable propane cylinder in < 3 hours.
I use my Propane Webber style mini, you just throw a pan on it and cook.. dual purpose.. I carry a 12" cast iron skillet
for doing breakfast stuff on it.. I also have a 24x12 ish cast iron griddle to lay on it, you can also fit the griddle and
skillet inside it when its closed up for transport.
Cheers
Dave
It's actually a low-pressure unit so it's not the same as the ones used for boilers. Still probably overkill. Looks big and bulky. They say you can run them at 5000 btu and it will run for 4.4 hrs on a 16.4oz bottle.
What about grills? Weber Mini Q looks very popular. http://www.weber.com/grills/series/weber-q-series A lot more popular and looks better built then any camp stove. It's sold as more of a tailgater/patio grill but since it's portable, it looks like it could be used as a camp stove too.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41jAhxgqGGL.jpg)
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Ok, I found one problem with the Weber idea. You can't really use pots and pans on it. I guess you could but it wouldn't be very efficient. This wouldn't be necessary if I could make a camp fire though. For those who don't live in CA, during the summer many places have extreme fire warnings and don't allow camp fires. (The California Rim-Fire was started by an illegal camp fire. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/28/yosemite-rim-fire-regeneration_n_4007885.html)) So, it looks like I'll still need a stove. I think my Dad has an old Coleman (the green one) which is just like the new Coleman.
I've been looking at a few camping web sites and they seem to really like the Stansport Outfitter Series. It's not too expensive at $60. Has two 25,000 Btu burners and more importantly nice controls so you can fine tune the flame. I know many are either on or off. I also like the piezo twist knob better then the push button. Most push buttons will require you to hold the stove in place with the other hand.
Might get the Weber to supplement the stove though. (I wouldn't use it at home much since I prefer charcoal grills.)
Still looking at tents, sleeping bags and other stuff like water containers (trying to decide if I want 2x 5.5 Gal or a single 7 gal), water filters, etc...
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the cheapest camping bbq works best, i found that after buying a stainless one that takes more space for not being square on the sides and top - it make a whole lot of difference with space at a premium. the stainless one also uses more gas (like twice as much). the cheapo won't last as long but at a difference in price of 6 to 1 (or more if you find a good sale) i can have enough spares.
i carry a cheapo bbq and a coleman camping stove with 2 burners which is very thin and fits where ever i have space left. there is also a stove with a grill and a burner, not sure how the grill works, i almost bought that one at the time.
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Have you thought about one of those X grill BBQ sets? They don't take much space at all...
(http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/bizchair1_2271_1607793104)
(http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/bizchair1_2271_1607877368)
(http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/bizchair1_2271_1607896032)
Way back in the day, we used to have a metal folding BBQ that we took in our boat (not the type above). I think it was stainless steel (not sure), but I do remember it would cool down quickly once you put the fire out. unfortunately, it fell of the boat on a fishing trip some 25~30 years ago!
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When the parks are at "Extreme Fire warning", they do not allow campfires or charcoal. So if you want to cook, it's propane or white gas.
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When the parks are at "Extreme Fire warning", they do not allow campfires or charcoal. So if you want to cook, it's propane or white gas.
Stick with propane, much simpler to handle.
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Stick with propane, much simpler to handle.
I'm used to the day when you had to pump up your stoves and lanterns. 99...100! :lol:
I've never used propane myself, do they have a schrader valve so you can disconnect them from the adapter tube thing when you're done?
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Not sure what kind of valve it is but it closes automatically when you disconnect so it is hassle free. I used to have a white gas backpacking stove and don't miss it!
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I'm used to the day when you had to pump up your stoves and lanterns. 99...100! :lol:
I've never used propane myself, do they have a schrader valve so you can disconnect them from the adapter tube thing when you're done?
they have a ball valve, just unscrew the bottle (tank) and you're done.
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just dont invest in to many off brand bottles until you test them out. had a case of a off brand tank a few years ago and the valves liked to stick when you disconnected the regulator from the tank. :yikes:
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This is the one I'll probably get.
http://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Outfitter-Series-Output-Propane/dp/B001ABK3IC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=25IAB8BTICLKA&coliid=I3BBJ04CCZOEND&psc=1
https://www.youtube.com/v/rFw6QpYX4uI
https://www.youtube.com/v/W4Greg87Gz4
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I'm in the market for a tent as well. Looking for a 3-season tent at least 4-person as the two of us like the extra room. Walmart tents won't cut it as we often camp at high altitudes in CO and the cheap tents don't handle the wind very well.
As for sleeping bags, just picked up a Kelty 20* with down insulation from REI. Has worked well so far, but it's only trip to date was in the recent CO flooding :'(
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A few thoughts:
White Gas vs. Propane
Propane is easier to light, initial cost is usually lower. Disadvatages include higher fuel costs, empty canisters, poor performance in cooler weather (refrigeration effect from expanding gas). You can not top off half used canisters (unless you have a way to fill the small canisters from a large propane bottle).
White gas works in all conditions and Coleman fuel (burns clean) is less costly than propane. If you know the correct procedure, white gas stoves are still easy to light. Stoves typically cost more. I am a white gas fan - makes sense if you camp a lot and in all kinds of weather. I use an Optimus Nova (multifuel) and a have an old Coleman two burner. It is easy to top off partially filled fuel bottles. You can also use white gas to start a fire in an emergency (we call it Girl Scout fluid).
Tents - as Bounty pointed out, the real issue is wind - cheap walmart tents with fiberglass poles will fold up like a cheap suit if the wind kicks up in the mountains. Look for metal poles. I like Eureka (used by the military) and Sierra Designs tents.
Sleeping bags - synthetic fill is better for wet climates, down works great for cold, dry conditions. I like North Face and Marmot bags, but they're a bit pricey. The Kelty bags are a good bargain. With the high end bags, you're paying for lightweight, not so much of an issue when car camping. I have purchased a few high end bags at great prices off of e-bay. I have North Face down bag that I purchased in 1975 and I still use it for Winter camping. Don't store in a compressed bag and they'll last a long time.
FYI - A good source for Camping gear is campmor.com
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Argh! now I'm looking back at the Coleman 2-burner dual-fuel's... Although I don't plan on camping near to or below 0. Probably 4-6000 ft. I think propane edges out white fuel for what I need though.
In any case, they have the DUAL FUEL™ 2-BURNER STOVE and the DUAL FUEL™ POWERHOUSE 2-BURNER STOVE. The difference is size and BTU. Interestingly enough there doesn't really seem to be much choice 2-burner multi-fuel stoves. All of the other companies seem to focus on backpacking stoves or single-burners.
DUAL FUEL™ 2-BURNER STOVE
Stove burns Coleman® liquid fuel or unleaded gasoline (Fuel sold separately)
14,000 BTU in two powerful, high performance Band-a-Blu™ burners
Primary burner is 7,500 BTU, auxiliary burner is 6,500 BTU
Tank capacity is 2.5 pints
Runtime is about two hours with both burners on high
Heavy duty nickel chrome grate is removable for easy cleaning
Limited 5 Year warranty
Dimensions: 20.13 in. x 12.88 in. x 6.63 in. (51.13 cm x 32.72 cm 16.84 cm)
Made in the USA of US and foreign components
DUAL FUEL™ POWERHOUSE 2-BURNER STOVE
Stove burns Coleman® liquid fuel or unleaded gasoline (Fuel sold separately)
17,000 BTU in two powerful, high performance Band-a-Blu™ burners
Primary burner is 9,000 BTU, auxiliary burner is 8,000 BTU
Tank capacity is 3.5 pints
Runtime: Up to 2.3 hours on high
Heavy duty nickel chrome grate is removable for easy cleaning
Limited 5 Year warranty
Dimensions: 21.75 in. x 13.5 in. X 6 in. (55.25 cm x 34.29 cm x 15.24 cm)
Made in the USA of US and foreign components
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Here's what this guy says about Propane vs. White Gas.
Question Propane vs White Gas
Howdy Campateers,
Here's another subject to toss around and compare notes. It's a forum, so everyone's $0.02 is worth a lot more these days. So allow me to get the ball rolling....
Propane is one the easiest fuel source to use. All you do is screw it on and light the gas. Because propane is already under pressure you do not have to pump it or do anything special. Propane has to be under pressure because its boiling point (point when it turns from a liquid to a gas) is negative 44 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that it is normally a gas. In order to turn it into a liquid you need to pressurize it, which is why it is stored in strong metal containers.
All you do with propane is screw on the container, turn on the valve, and light the gas that is exiting out of the burners. Very simple when compared to other white gas.
With white gas (Coleman fuel) you have to pump the container up, heat up a bit of the fuel, and then ignite it. So it obviously takes more time to set up and start a white gas stove then it does for a propane stove.
Another benefit to propane gas is it is easy to handle the transport. You do not have to worry about filling it up, spilling fuel, or priming it. This makes it the idea fuel source for individuals new to the outdoor/camping experience.
One of the problems is you cannot use propane in very low temperatures. If it is just 40 degrees then you should have much of a problem. But if you plan on camping in the snow or where it is 0 degrees then you need another fuel source like white gas. White gas does not have this issue.
White gas is commonly thought of as a hotter fuel source. While I have not tested this I believe it to be true. So you will use less fuel to heat up the same amount of water. An advantage of white gas vs. propane.
There is another issue with propane if you go backpacking. The containers are heavy and are not disposable. You usually do not have a trash can on the top of the mountain so you will be forced to pack it down with you. I know you have to do that with your white gas container but they are lighter and smaller. And for backpackers every ounce counts.
More important than extra weight (in my opinion) is that you cannot refill the small propane canisters. Instead you are forced to trash them into a landfill. With white gas stoves you just refill the container.
Propane has another issue when it comes to cooking. When propane burns it produces heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water. So the water vapor will come in contact with your food and does effect how it is cooked ever so slightly. This is why some snobbish chef’s (like on Iron Chef) refuse to cook with the gas in the stadium and instead us charcoal or another dry fuel source. This is also one of the reasons why I like to use charcoal to cook instead of propane, the other is briquettes also impart a nice flavor.
One of the nice features about some white gas stoves is many of them can use alternative fuel sources. This is nice if you are in a country that doesn’t sell propane then you can easily use their fuel sources. But keep in mind that not all stoves have this as an option and many other forms of fuel do not burn as cleanly as propane. Every propane stove I know of only burns propane.
How do you know how much propane is left?
There are two ways of figuring out how much propane you have left. One way is to see how heavy it is. Now this requires you to know exactly how much an empty container weights but it is one option and you have to have good measuring skills. The other option is to use hot water. Just pour hot water along the side of the container. Then wait a few seconds. Then touch the side. The propane container will have a hot spot and a cooler spot. Right at the point where there is a temperature difference then that is where the liquid propane level is.
Another method is to purchase the new fiberglass propane refillable canisters 3 1/2 gallon to 20 gallon tanks. One can see the level because they are see through canisters. However, they cost three times as much as the steel canisters. I have two fiberglass models and two steel models but rarely take all four camping unless it's camping for ten - fifteen days.
Advantages of propane when compared to white gas.
-Easier to start a stove or lantern.
-Easier to replace, just disconnect and reconnect a new container.
-If spilled or compromised, it will just be released into the air and not contaminate the ground.
-It is less likely to leak.
Disadvantages of propane when compared to white gas.
-Won’t work in very cold weather (around 0 degrees.)
-Most small propane canisters are not refillable.
-Not as hot as white gas.
-Heavier than white gas.
-More expensive per pound
-Harder to find in some areas of the country and/or world.
Ok, what fuel should I use?
Propane is easier and less of a hassle. Coleman makes some of the best stoves and lanterns so that is a brand I would start with. If you are going backpacking then I recommend getting a white gas single burner stove. If you are caught in a cold environment then at least you won’t have to worry about getting your stove lit. Thanks for lookin'!
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Well, I went to REI and checked out what they have. The Primus looks almost exactly like the StanSport and the Camp Chef. I would guess they are made at the same factory with minor differences. They had one lone Coleman dual-fuel but it looks like they sell propane stoves 10:1 if not more. Check out some water carriers and it looks like all of Reliance cans are BPH free which is nice. The 7 Gallon can is a little big but cheap. The 5.5Gal/20L cans are a few bucks more and will fit in a NATO can carrier it looks like. Haven't decided how to go about it. Also check out some Rubbermade Action Packers. I'm not sure if I'll go with drawers or just stack action packers or a combination of both. I think it really depends on how much room I'll have with the fridge in the back.
Speaking of, had anyone added footman loops to their floor? I've been thinking of adding some to the wheel well so I can strap my toolbox down or any other gear for that matter.
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I've scrapped a few Ford Explorers (to extract 8.8 axles and other Jeep parts). The 1996-1999 models that I usually look for have folding tie-down hooks that bolt to the floor. You could pick up some of these and mount to your floor (using washers or plates for reinforcement). I will look and see if I have any lying around if you are interested.
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I'm more looking at the smaller footman loops for a 1" strap. Kinda like the ones on the floor next to the door openings. For the back, I'm not sure what I'll use just yet.
Anyone else got anything on tents? I'm hearing metal poles over fiberglass and clips over sleeves. I hate sleeves.
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Okay here's a bump.
I'm now thinking about getting an Oztent RV-2. One of the problems I've come across with a rooftop tent is that camp sites are usually marked by your tent. If it's on the Jeep and I need to drive somewhere, the tent goes with it. The OZTent seems to get good reviews. Setup is supposed to be 30 seconds. I also like how I can park the Jeep in the opening or even attach the awning to the roof rack. There are sides you can attach to the opening to give you a changing room or give you a lounge that's protected.
I was also looking at the ARB Skydome Swag tent but they're awfully small. I like having room to throw my clothes and other gear so it's not in the weather. The awning is nice when you've got muddy/dusty/etc... boots
Anyone have an OzTent? Thoughts?
(http://www.exploroz.com/Utilities/showImage.aspx?i=%2FUploads%2FMembers%2F28125.25%2FForum%2FPic_68__TN800.jpg&w=500)
(http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/TangoBlue/CIMG1098.jpg)
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How about a Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 4-Person Canvas Tent? ANyone have one of those?