Camping equipment at KOSH with Caravan arrivals

[Bob_Belville]

Last year at AirVenture Nancy and I had a room in a private home while the plane was parked among all the Caravan arrivals paying $27 per night to camp. (Nancy declared that raising our 2 daughters she had been married to me for over 50 years our vows did not mention sleeping in a tent. She had slept in a bed 19,000+ nights and camped exactly zero nights. She was not interested in breaking her perfect record.)

But... she admits that we missed out on a lot by being away from the field over night and she's weakening her resolve.

So, with sleeping comfort a high priority I need advice on size and type tent, cots, and sleeping bags. (I had assumed a 4 "man" tent would be big enough but "Sox" advises a 8!) I can imagine that 2 doors is good and ventilation is important. We're both much more bothered by heat than cold.

There is zero possibility that this is going to become a  life style so I don't need equipment that would hold up for years of regular use but if she survives, future SunNFuns, KOSHs, who knows?

I already invented enough wheels in my life and I'm open to recommendations.

 

[gsengle]

Oh this could be fun. At least six person tent for sure. And I've seen camp cots for two with inflatable mattress tops, that would make things civilized. Here is a little inspiration...




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[201er]

I have two suggestions

1. Go to sleep late if you don't like the heat. Bring lots of blankets cause it can get really cold at night. One year, my brother didn't bring a blanket so I had to give him the emergency space blanket from the plane and had to endure endless rustling of tin foil all night.

2. Forget the sleeping bags. That's too "camping." You can easily make an arrangement with sheets, blankets, and pillows.

Edited June 1, 2017 by 201er

[gsengle]

Coleman Airbed Cot - Queen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AU6AVLW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WGamzb8GE5538


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[Bob_Belville]

9 minutes ago, gsengle said:

Coleman Airbed Cot - Queen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AU6AVLW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WGamzb8GE5538


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Like the looks and the price. Have you used this? Do you know the dim. of the pack to fit the plane?

[kpaul]

Just now, Bob_Belville said:

Like the looks and the price. Have you used this? Do you know the dim. of the pack to fit the plane?

78x22x59inches but weights either 43 or 93lbs, the website is confusing.

[Bob_Belville]

Just now, kpaul said:

78x22x59inches but weights either 43 or 93lbs, the website is confusing.

Yeah, that won't fit my short body Mooney.  I meant what is the size when it's broken down in the carrying sack.

[gsengle]

I don't particularly recommend that one, but shop around knowing that such things exist.


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[kpaul]

6 minutes ago, Bob_Belville said:

Yeah, that won't fit my short body Mooney.  I meant what is the size when it's broken down in the carrying sack.

I knew that's what you wanted,  but my brain was disconnected.  Sorry.  The Coleman site does not have the packaged measurements or true weight either.

 

Found this "Packed in the case dimensions are approximately 40x14x11 inches."  with the weight being the lower 40ish lbs.     

[Bob_Belville]

Yeah, the Amazon site has missing and conflicting data. I might find more at the Coleman site where I've already spent quite a bit of time. The price is a little too good to be true. I suspect that particular item is pretty heavy for use with a plane. Might work great when camping with a pickup truck.

[201er]

Couldn't find dimensions but saw that they carry it at Walmart. I think you'll find it educational because you can see the packed size and feel the weight for yourself. It's one thing to read 60lbs. It's another thing to wrestle it out the baggage door!

[kpaul]

I own a older version of this tent http://www.coleman.com/conventional-tents/montana-6-person-tent/2000028055.html#q=montana&lang=default&start=1

Thing to remember about tents is they actually sleep about half of their advertised number if you plan on using air mattresses or bringing anything in the tent with you.  When my family did more tent camping we used the 6 person for 2 adults, 1 kid and a dog. It was plenty full.

[peevee]

43 minutes ago, kpaul said:

I own a older version of this tent http://www.coleman.com/conventional-tents/montana-6-person-tent/2000028055.html#q=montana&lang=default&start=1

Thing to remember about tents is they actually sleep about half of their advertised number if you plan on using air mattresses or bringing anything in the tent with you.  When my family did more tent camping we used the 6 person for 2 adults, 1 kid and a dog. It was plenty full.

I have something similar, it works well for a queen air mattress.

I was at costco yesterday and they have all their camping gear out, including a tent similar to that one.

[Bob_Belville]

35 minutes ago, kpaul said:

I own a older version of this tent http://www.coleman.com/conventional-tents/montana-6-person-tent/2000028055.html#q=montana&lang=default&start=1

Thing to remember about tents is they actually sleep about half of their advertised number if you plan on using air mattresses or bringing anything in the tent with you.  When my family did more tent camping we used the 6 person for 2 adults, 1 kid and a dog. It was plenty full.

The 8 person version of the Montana is on sale at Amazon in Green for $121. (Blue and Black are higher.) 16' x 7' -Too big for Caravan space? Packaged size is only 27"x8x8. It is stand up height in the center. Fiberglass pole - I gather aluminum is preferred... 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TSCF96/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_x_2_w?th=1

[Bob_Belville]

Further input: Nancy has a high tech (replacement) knee and needs to have a cot that's off the ground as much as possible. This one is heavy (21#) but otherwise looks good to me...   https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63572?feat=3891-plalander

 

[peevee]

As much stuff as hinting at taking, you're going to be carrying a lot of weight. Tent and air mattress alone are going to be 50lbs, I'm assuming you'll want a stove, a cooler with at least a few small items and some ice, clothes for the two of you, dishes, soap, all adds up. Does anyone have a lightweight fly in camping kit they use? That might be useful info.

[peevee]

Just now, Bob_Belville said:

Further input: Nancy has a high tech (replacement) knee and needs to have a cot that's off the ground as much as possible. This one is heavy (21#) but otherwise looks good to me...   https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63572?feat=3891-plalander

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HN8Y37I/ref=twister_dp_update?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1.

weighs less than 2 cots

[orionflt]

Bob,

if you are only planning on sleeping and storing clothing in the tent I recommend the Coleman 4 man tent, we bought one in an emergency several years ago and have been very happy with it. the tent and an air mattress easily fit into the short body Mooney's. we also take a 10x10 canopy that breaks down (big lots $15). you will be surprised at what you can fit into the back of the Mooney and still have room. over the years we have refined our technique and try to send most of what we want at out site ahead with some one who is driving, but what I listed is the essentials I carry if we are just taking the plane. BTW, I also managed to get a Coleman road trip grill in the plane.

Brian 

[Bob_Belville]

Just now, peevee said:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HN8Y37I/ref=twister_dp_update?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1.

weighs less than 2 cots

I'd still have to put a cot under it. Her knee doesn't do getting off and on a mattress on the floor.

[peevee]

Just now, Bob_Belville said:

I'd still have to put a cot under it. Her knee doesn't do getting off and on a mattress on the floor.

it's 1" higher than the cot you posted (18" vs 17" if I read it right)

[peevee]

3 minutes ago, orionflt said:

Bob,

if you are only planning on sleeping and storing clothing in the tent I recommend the Coleman 4 man tent, we bought one in an emergency several years ago and have been very happy with it. the tent and an air mattress easily fit into the short body Mooney's. we also take a 10x10 canopy that breaks down (big lots $15). you will be surprised at what you can fit into the back of the Mooney and still have room. over the years we have refined our technique and try to send most of what we want at out site ahead with some one who is driving, but what I listed is the essentials I carry if we are just taking the plane. BTW, I also managed to get a Coleman road trip grill in the plane.

Brian 

can't you ship things to yourself ahead of time to like one of those UPS stores? Might be worth considering sending the bulky/heavy stuff ahead UPS ground.

[Bob_Belville]

Just now, orionflt said:

Bob,

if you are only planning on sleeping and storing clothing in the tent I recommend the Coleman 4 man tent, we bought one in an emergency several years ago and have been very happy with it. the tent and an air mattress easily fit into the short body Mooney's. we also take a 10x10 canopy that breaks down (big lots $15). you will be surprised at what you can fit into the back of the Mooney and still have room. over the years we have refined our technique and try to send most of what we want at out site ahead with some one who is driving, but what I listed is the essentials I carry if we are just taking the plane. BTW, I also managed to get a Coleman road trip grill in the plane.

Brian 

Thanks! I'm really not too concerned about what I can get in the Mooney. It's just the two of us so weight and space should be fine. I find that tents pack small and light. Sleeping comfort is top priority.

 

Just now, peevee said:

it's 1" higher than the cot you posted (18" vs 17" if I read it right)

My bad, I did not note the height.

[madjano]

Bob - 

This is what i do - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Intex-Queen-Dura-Beam-Airbed-with-Pump/33563031?action=product_interest&action_type=title&beacon_version=1.0.2&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&client_guid=0f48e989-ddf3-4496-8cd4-82e4549a9d05&config_id=106&customer_id_enc&findingMethod=p13n&guid=0f48e989-ddf3-4496-8cd4-82e4549a9d05&item_id=33563031&parent_anchor_item_id=20927127&parent_item_id=20927127&placement_id=irs-106-m2&reporter=recommendations&source=new_site&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=Z7StLkN8_dn55w5SjUsRDA

Just put fitted sheets and comforter like a normal bed.  Just had it out last weekend with the boys and it wasn't as bad as I remembered. If you don't have AC power, you can get a little DC pump to plug in ship's power to inflate.

[peevee]

Just now, madjano said:

Bob - 

This is what i do - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Intex-Queen-Dura-Beam-Airbed-with-Pump/33563031?action=product_interest&action_type=title&beacon_version=1.0.2&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&client_guid=0f48e989-ddf3-4496-8cd4-82e4549a9d05&config_id=106&customer_id_enc&findingMethod=p13n&guid=0f48e989-ddf3-4496-8cd4-82e4549a9d05&item_id=33563031&parent_anchor_item_id=20927127&parent_item_id=20927127&placement_id=irs-106-m2&reporter=recommendations&source=new_site&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=Z7StLkN8_dn55w5SjUsRDA

Just put fitted sheets and comforter like a normal bed.  Just had it out last weekend with the boys and it wasn't as bad as I remembered. If you don't have AC power, you can get a little DC pump to plug in ship's power to inflate.

that looks like a winner.

I worry about an air mattress being comfortable for you guys, they are not comfortable for me and I'm under 40. (barely )

[Bob_Belville]

6 minutes ago, peevee said:

that looks like a winner.

I worry about an air mattress being comfortable for you guys, they are not comfortable for me and I'm under 40. (barely )

I agree about air mattresses being uncomfortable is general. And I wonder that these extra high=thick models might be more prone to sag. @madjano ?