Tent Camping Set-Up

[voyagerrider]

Well, we aren't really riding 2-up but 2 motorcycles. Does that count? This is our tent camping set-up, not using either the BunkHouse or the Cyclemate cargo trailer. We went to Mineral State Park this past w/e. It was CMA's Run For the Son W/E. Rode to Decatur for lunch at Sweetie Pie's then back down to Mineral Wells. Weather was wonderful there were 12 of us camping in various stuff. Some in a travel trailer they brought down the day before, some in tents like us, some in camping shelters, and some in back of their truck.
Here's a pic of my bike packed:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2538.jpg
I am carrying in the big blue bag: Two down sleeping bags, 2 Thremarest sleeping pads, and tent. Under the bag are our Kermit Touring Chairs and the pvc pipe holds the tent poles. I put that stuff on top coming home it worked better. The rack on the back is from Marvella's and the cooler is from WalMart. I also found the blue "water resistant" bag at WalMart. It came with another smaller one for $30. Just means you can't dunk it in water. It is some sort of vinyl stuff with velcro flaps covering the zipper. The company is Outdoor Products, called the "Storm Duffle". I also have our ditty bags, clothes for one night, & towels in one saddle bag.
Here is her bike:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2540.jpg
In the Harley roll bag she has the 1 burner propane stove, coffee pot, coffee & sweetener, a spoon, 2 of Coleman magnetic lights, 2 of the Coleman magnetic fans, a small propane one mantle lantern, a bottle of propane. In one saddle bag she has our flip-flops camp shoes & coffee cups. Coming home we put the cups in the cooler and the fip-flops in the blue bag.
Here is our home for the night:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2563.jpg
The tent is a older model Erueka Tetragon 9. Sleeps 3 is like a 8X9, and tall enough we can stand up in it. It roomy enough to bring our chairs in at at night. If you look on the left side facing the tent you see one of our "ceiling fans". They have a metal bar with a magnet and just clamp to tent. Use 1 D cell battery. The lights work the same way, they use 4 AA batteries. The nice thing about the lights is they are bright enough to see, but don't create shadows. Important to ladies when dressing & undressing in the tent in a crowded area. Our Kermit Touring chairs are the talls, don't know if they still offer them or not. They are the same heighth as the regular with the leg extensions. When bought them they were $85 which we thought was really high, but now they are $130.
Here is our bedroom:
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2564.jpg
Our sleeping bags are Northface down filled good to 20 degrees. The wife says that anything colder than 30 degrees and we will be in motel. The Thremarest pads are the lite 3/4 length. The pillows WalMart specials for $10 each they are not down but something similar. We tries various pillows and we really like these the best. We use these even in the BunkHouse. My wife made the pillow cases by cutting an old pillow case in half and resewing it.
Sorry I forgot to take pics of our camp stove & lamp setup. But we are looking for something smaller. It is pretty bulky for a one burner and uses the big propane bottles. But I would still like to use my one mantle lamp it is about 4" in diameter & 6" tall when not on the bottle. It really works well, and has a chain so it can be hung in tree it you want.
Hope this wan't too long or boring. BTW we used the Piggy Backer Straps to tie everything on the bikes.
Marty

[Trekker]

Awesome! I've used the Thermarest 3/4 pad before and need the longer version as I have aged. Great post!

[voyagerrider]

Awesome! I've used the Thermarest 3/4 pad before and need the longer version as I have aged. Great post!

We have a couple of the full sized pads, but they are just too bulky when coming only on the bike. We use them when we want to just pull the cargo trailer and sleep in a shelter or tent. We also have some spring cots, but they are pretty heavey. We were trying to go lite as possible this time.
The 3/4 length pads work well for us we are short. I am 5'2" & she is 5', you just have to make sure you clear the ground really good since they are not as thick. I usually blow a bit of air in them when we 1st put them out, and then a bit more when we go to bed.
Marty

[Ironheadziggy76]

Great post, the pics are great. I like seeing how everyone packs their bike so I can get ideas to try to downsize my gear.

[Mr. Guy]

Hi
I use the thermarest pro-lite 4 in full length size. Rolls up very small, and 1.5 in. thick to sleep on.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___47736

That's the one I have and I'm very happy with it.

Guy

[voyagerrider]

Some updates to our tent camping setup.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2657.jpg
The big blue bag

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2658.jpg
The contents are the green cinch-sack is the tent, the black cinch-sack is our sleeping bags rolled together, the 2 rust colored bags are the 3/4 length Thermarest lite pads, the green foam pads are some we have for a while by Z-rest. We hauled them to give them a try again. They work pretty good. The pvc tube holds the tent poles cost me less than $10 to make, cut it a couple of inches shorter so it would fit inside the bag. Our camp pillows are Wal-Mart specials for $10 each Kathy made the pillow cases. The small OD bag holds a hatchet that the handle screws together on. We didn't bring the Kermit touring chairs this time, just the little 3 legged stools, they fit in the bag also. And of course the tent stakes, I usually throw the ones that come with the tent away and use the heavey metal spikes.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2662.jpg
Here is the bike loaded with my cooler rack on the back. The right saddle bag holds both our clothes for 3 days, the left saddle bag holds my tools, bike cover, rain liners for my mesh gear, jumper cables and mini compressor. It also has our camp shoes in there. The trunk has our new Campingaz 270 Turbo stove and the 270 lamp, collaspable camp sink, and dish towel all packed in a plastic coffe can. The trunk also a bunch of other misc. stuff like extra gloves, maps, etc.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2661.jpg
Here's Kathy's bike with the roll bag on the back. She also has our micro-fiber camp towel, our ditty bags, her rain liners, wash clothes, and aqua shoes. In the left she has her tools and some other misc stuff like extra gloves, bike cover and such.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2659.jpg
Heres a shot the bag partially open.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2660.jpg
Here's all the stuff. The cook pans from REI, 2 Coleman magetic fans, a Coleman magetic light, the coffee pot, a couple of container of campingaz, batteries for the light and fans, and a couple of fire starters. Also a baggie with coffe bags & tea bags and sweetner. We have some of the collaspable folding coffee cups(not shown)

Marty

[BlaSTr]

Nice setup. It's always nice to see how others pack. I learn a great deal about what works and what camping farkles are displayed. The PVC tube for the tent poles is a great idea. Hope you don't mind if I make a copy. ;)

[voyagerrider]

I carry this in the trunk of the Voyager when we are camping with the tent. Thought you might like to see.

Not coffee???
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2741.jpg

All this in the coffee can
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2743.jpg

The sink 1st
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2745.jpg

Campingaz stove & lantern
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2747.jpg
I am very impressed with the stove and lantern so far. We have used them on 2 camping trips so far, and still using the same gas canister. The stove really heats stuff up fast, you just have to make sure you are level and centered on the burner. The lantern gives off quite a bit of light even turned down low.

Then dishtowel, trash bags, and hand cleaner
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2748.jpg

We found the Kitchen Sink & Dish Towel at Cabela's. The sink holds 20 liters great for camp clean up after cooking. The dish towel is a sort of material that dries really quick and goes into its own little ponch.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2744.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj314/martywj/camping/102_2746.jpg

Marty

[Mellow]

That's cool... yeah, I agree about the lantern and stove. Those have to be one of my favorite items and they have both performed quite well over the past couple years.

[STrep]

Great idea Marty, I should have read this thread first before responding to your camping pics.:o

[voyagerrider]

Great idea Marty, I should have read this thread first before responding to your camping pics.:o

I went over and read my other thread so NOW I understand.:):)
I actually got the idea about using the coffee can from this forum, I don't remember why I read it, but it might have been Mellow who said it. I actually got the idea for the PVC pipe for tent poles from this forum too. I am proof positive that you can teach an old dog new tricks.:):) Don't tell my wife I said that.;)
Marty

[heymoe]

does anyone have a bunkhouse camper that you will give me the measurements of the camper tent?

[quadancer]

The coffee can is great; could be used for other things in camp as well. We have basically the same cans, except the Maxwell house ones are sort of square - might pack better. I use them in my shop for nails and stuff - they're right tough.

[kitesurfer]

this is the tent i want for my 2up camping (still in a hammock by myself). the only problem with this tent is $450.00 it's designed to park your motorcycle inside the vestibule if you want. 6'2" standing room in the vestibule.

[quadancer]

Does the rear section have a floor? I would be concerned about water intrusions. What is the pack size and weight?

[Chopperguy]

Does the rear section have a floor? I would be concerned about water intrusions. What is the pack size and weight?

If the tent pictured is the Series II Expedition from Redverz, you can find the specs all here:

http://redverz.com/

I just got one in green. It's big, however it's really nice for all the room. I don't plan on putting the bike in the tent like shown on the site. I'm going to use it as a nice big dry & shady area for sitting and gear storage.

Mine with all the poles, pegs, and footpring goes about 14 pounds on the bathroom scale.

There is a floor in the sleeping area.

It fits nicely in my trailer and will go with me to any rally I attend and on trips where I'm going to be camping somewhere more than a day at a time. (Several of those trips planned for next summer:D) I have another smaller tent that's used for lighter and more mobile camping trips.

I won't get to use it for a few months yet :mad:, however I am looking forward to it in the spring. It did get set up in my living room last night. Easy to set up, take down and fold up for storage.

[kitesurfer]

chopperguy has it! the tenere expedition 2 is the latest and greatest. that's the one i want. i don't intend on putting the bike in either and when the wife is not with me, i'll be in my hammoock. chopperguy, can you fit a queen air mattress in the sleeper section? wae use a full mattress now but the fuls are getting hard to find.

[quadancer]

For $450, I want it to make the coffee too. :eek:

[Blues Traveler]

First of all, very nice setup. P^

But the chairs, I have to ask. I do see you've mentioned the Kermit chairs and they caught my eye right from the get go. They looked tall and without the leg extensions. Even the bags are a different color. Have never seen, only heard of them as they are not available anymore. How old/what year did you buy them? Have talked with folks who have had their Kermit for well over 11 years. nice to know that they last for many many years. Kermit also made a matching table also not available many years ago made from the same wood and folded down same as the chairs. Have only seem pictures.

[Whosoever]

How do you like the 1600 BMW? I looked at one of those when I was picking up my 800GS. I had just traded my FJR and the 1600 looked quite a bit bigger than the Yamaha. I am sure it is comfortable but it sure strikes me as big.

[Chopperguy]

chopperguy has it! the tenere expedition 2 is the latest and greatest. that's the one i want. i don't intend on putting the bike in either and when the wife is not with me, i'll be in my hammoock. chopperguy, can you fit a queen air mattress in the sleeper section? wae use a full mattress now but the fuls are getting hard to find.

I've read on ADVrider that a queen will fit in the sleeping area on these tents. I use a cot now to get off the ground and sleep more comfortably. I have several to chose from so I take the one that fits the mission best. It will be a bigger one when I use this tent.

With this tent, I don't have to worry about making coffee and can do it right outside the sleeping area, even when it rains!

And about the K1600GT, I was a hard core R1200GS rider and really loved my bike. I recently retired and was looking for a bike that was a bit more comfortable, offered more protection but was still great handling. Knowing I was going to do more traveling and road trips, I chose the K1600GT on the last day of the BMW pre-buy period.

I never even considered the GTL model as I didn't like the way the rider sits. The GT has you seated much like the GS did. Which I have found is a great riding position for my really bad lower back.

I picked up my K1600GT on July 31st, and it has 6700 miles on it when I put it up for the winter :( . Most of those miles were driven before October 15th. Guess I could set up the tent in the garage next to my bike. Then I could camp out in it and sit on the bike making varoom, varoom noises.

I gotta move south!:cold1: http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/images/smilies/cold.gif

I like this bike so well, I sold my GS and have never looked back. Not that some day I may pick up another bike to ride the Forest Service dirt roads around here. The GT is just such a great traveling bike I don't seem to have time to enjoy the gravel and back roads as much any more. Plus, my wife says I'm a lot cheaper to live with when I'm on the road, so I have plenty of cross country ventures planned for next riding season.

Don't know how I ever had time to work all these years!

[EricSuz]

Are you planning on going to the curve cowboy reunion in Duluth? No camping but a great time. I have attended 6 of them and will be in Duluth 2012.

[Chopperguy]

A bunch of my local riding friends abd I are all planning on attending the Curve Cowboy Reunion.

I've heard a lot of good things about it.

Duluth is a great city and there is plenty of good roads throughout the arrowhead part of the state.

Should be GREAT weather then.

[voyagerrider]

First of all, very nice setup. P^

But the chairs, I have to ask. I do see you've mentioned the Kermit chairs and they caught my eye right from the get go. They looked tall and without the leg extensions. Even the bags are a different color. Have never seen, only heard of them as they are not available anymore. How old/what year did you buy them? Have talked with folks who have had their Kermit for well over 11 years. nice to know that they last for many many years. Kermit also made a matching table also not available many years ago made from the same wood and folded down same as the chairs. Have only seem pictures.

You asked a question about the Kermit Touring Chairs, and I assume it was directed to me?
We have had those chairs since '93 or '94. They are the tall and I don't think are available anymore. I think that when you order the leg extension for the regular they are the same heighth. When we bought the chairs they only cost $90 each, now I think they are $125 each. We love ours, and only carry them when we take our tent camping setup. We are very protective of who sits in them also as we know they can't be replaced. Some people just come up and flop down in a chair without regard or care.

Marty

[G wizz]

Some people just come up and flop down in a chair without regard or care.

Marty

Yah ... Don't ya just hate that? ... :well ... Especally when it's a 3-XL size person ... :eek:

[quadancer]

Lacking room and preferring lightweight gear, I've found this Coleman chair to be really durable thus far and comfy enuff to get by:
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000003743&categoryid=10010&brand=
I see on their chair page more chairs like those Kermit things and such.

[Blues Traveler]

You asked a question about the Kermit Touring Chairs, and I assume it was directed to me?
We have had those chairs since '93 or '94. They are the tall and I don't think are available anymore. I think that when you order the leg extension for the regular they are the same heighth. When we bought the chairs they only cost $90 each, now I think they are $125 each. We love ours, and only carry them when we take our tent camping setup. We are very protective of who sits in them also as we know they can't be replaced. Some people just come up and flop down in a chair without regard or care.

Marty

Those early Kermit chairs you have there are very rare. I would love to see them made again. At this point in life I have never used my Kermit without the leg extensions. Would rather have them built in like the originals. Paying an extra $35-$40 for leg extensions makes no since ( they do to someone $$$:D$$$) when they could be made with the extra length to begin with. I now have one of the BIG guy Kermits and was hoping the extra length would be there already.

As for someone plopping down in your chair we have a few friends who never bring along their own chair. Seems to be too easy to plop down in someone else's and never move until asked to do so.

[lytle1gw]

Thats what ya use fake bird poop for, put it in the seat till ya get back.:D

[ImRubicon]

cannotg beat the kermit chair , many have tried but none have yet for price