Chapter 2 (cont.) Alternative Versions of the Canvas Cave Two other options that should be counted in the canvas cave collection should be the roof-top tent and the “let’s sleep in the back of the wagon, ute, truck” options. Roof-top tents require a substantial roof rack and will likely exceed the weight rating for the roof of a vehicle. However, fear not; this rating is based on a mass limit on the roof when driving on the road. What is required is a substantial frame for the rack, including substantial fixtures for mounting on the roof of the vehicle. It will usually be restricted to a 4WD wagon or a one-ton utility vehicle, though they can be fitted to older style car-based station wagons so long as the loaded mass of the roof rack and the roof-top tent does not exceed the total legal mass allowed on the roof of the vehicle whilst it is travelling down the state’s highways and byways. Roof-top tents can start with only the tent on the roof but can also include an extension area down to the ground which will give some privacy and comfort whilst changing clothes and even provide a place to eat out of the rain, dust or wind. Another advantage is that they provide a place to sleep that is out of the way of roaming snakes and crocodiles. They are even quite safe from the apocryphal hoop snakes, but not really safe from the apocryphal drop bears. Backpackers be warned. The other alternative is that of sleeping in the back of the vehicle. This involves having a mattress to roll out in the back of the station wagon or in the back of the ute, particularly if it has a cab over the top. Dear reluctant camper, the only thing you can say about sleeping in the back of the family station wagon is that it is a cheap alternative. In order to make it at all acceptable you will need some way to curtain the windows, and also have a way to have the windows partly wound down without letting the mosquitoes in. You will also need to load your clothing, food supplies, cooking gear, etc., onto the front seats – every night. I think this solution to camping is best left to backpackers.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:27:33 +0000
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