OzTent USA Vermont Overland Rally Experience

Up to this point taking the back roads had made a wonderful difference in our travels to the Vermont Overland Rally, but on Day #5 we had some added adventure. While traveling through New York to Rockingham Vermont about dusk, I pulled up campgrounds on our GPS, this would leave us about 3 1/2 hours to drive in the morning. First I called to confirm they were open and the guy on the phone seemed nice enough so we set our course and headed for the campground. As we got off the Hwy all seemed well, but the GPS started leading us really deep into the forest. Then my first red flag, a dirt road leading even deeper. After a little more than 3 miles on this road and several turns a 2nd red flag, we approached a gate and the GPS was telling us the campground address was inside. The entrance didn't reflect a campground, with "No Hunting", and "No Trespassing" signs. There were NO campground signs anywhere, and with no turn around areas visible from the gate we felt very uncomfortable so we backed up our trailer and got out of there! (The place looked like a scene from a bad movie LOL). After that our adrenaline was in high gear so we filled up the gas tank, grabbed a cup of coffee and set out for Rockingham, Vermont which was only 3 1/2 hrs away. We pressed on only to find out that the small town of Rockingham rolls up their sidewalks and everyone goes to bed around 9 p.m., and we drove in closer to 11 p.m which lead to another adventure. We could not find a place to sleep for the night! Northern Vermont is known for their snow skiing, so all of the places around were Motels, Chalet's and Ski Resorts which were not in season and closed. We searched the GPS for any recognizable Hotel and by now it was after midnight. There was only "1" hotel within 70 miles of us, a (Holiday Inn Express) which was 25 miles away. We finally pulled in close to 1:00 A.M. and since they were the only hotel around, they took full advantage of the situation $$$! Then the desk clerk gave us a key to the wrong room by accident and we walked in on a man sleeping in his underwear with the t.v. on. WHAT A NIGHT! I am sure some of you have similar stories that you could share..... After a few hours of sleep we woke up to a good Holiday Inn Express breakfast and we were finally off to Lillie Farms for the Rally! This was Day #6 of our trip and we were very excited to be arriving at Rally. When we arrived there were only a hand full of people set up in a huge cow pasture. They were quick to welcome us and give us the run down on what to expect for the weekend. By that evening the field was filled with Overlanders from all over the East coast, Canada & even New Zealand. Kim and I really got to enjoy this event thanks to Tim Bleau from "Iron Pig" who saved his front seat for us to go on the trails with him. Kim got to go on Friday while I manned the OzTent post and I went out on Saturday. During the Vermont Rally, people were able to check out the quality of the OzTent products,and accessories including the OzTent chairs and cots in person. We also raffled off an OzTent RV-3 Tent and a portion of the proceeds went to "Stella's Voice" which is an Anti-Sex trafficking organization. The winner of the OzTent RV-3 Tent was Bob F., a local Vermont resident. The whole weekend was a huge success and we really enjoyed the East coast hospitality. Enjoy these few pictures of the event and join us in a few days for an update on our travels to the Murphy, North Carolina Rally.

Tips for Keeping Cool in your Tent

Keeping cool on those hot summer nights is important when it comes to providing you with the needed rest for your next day activities, here are a few tips you can do to keep cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.
•Location is everything when it comes to picking your spot, most campsites have adequate tree placement for shade coverage. Consider setting up your tent under shade, also keep in mind as the sun rises and sets to position yourself for as much coverage as possible.
•If for some reason you are camping on a campsite with limited shade you may consider putting up a shelter over the sleeping area to reduce the direct sun from beating directly on the roof of your tent. By simply using a tarp with telescopic poles, guy ropes and stakes will provide you the needed equipment to provide protection needed. If you currently own an OzTent, it's as simple as attaching the OzTent rainfly
•Keeping tent well ventilated by opening all windows and doors and having only the screen mesh exposed will help to transfer heat outside and allow fresh air to reduce heat build up. If your tent is equipped with window awnings, this is a good feature to maintain ventilation even during rain.

Camping "A Blast from the Past"

Has camping changed or have we changed the way we camp? There was a time when all you needed was a station wagon to transport your tent for shelter, an ice chest to keep your food cold, sleeping bags, and a lantern to shed light while enjoying your campfire dessert and game with family and friends. There are a few changes that have improved the way we camp, first of all, technology has taken camping to a whole new generation of campers. They are educated in what they are looking for and have the resources to purchase what will fit their camping needs. Many Overland type campers, travel "self contained" with all terrain trailers that are custom built for transporting water, a generator, storage compartments and last but not least, a fully functional kitchen area for cooking and clean up. When it comes to tent shelters,there are a couple set ups to consider. Roof Top Tents which mount on the roof of a vehicle or an all terrain trailer,the tent is accessed with a ladder that can be stowed away easily for safety and convenience. The other option is a ground tent such as an OzTent "The 30 Second Tent" which is great for traveling "on the go". It features a revolutionary designed internal frame for quick set up and easy pack away and is 100% waterproof. The entire tent stores in a 6'6" storage bag which is made of heavy duty canvas with a PVC inside lining for waterproof protection. These Tents can be fastened securely on a roof rack with tie downs or the back end of your truck, SUV, or van.

Tips on Storing your Camping Tent

Now that the camping season is done for some of you, it's time to store your Tent. Here are a couple tips to save you some time, effort and $$$$

Before storing your tent, ensure that it is completely clean and dry. Moisture wrapped up in your tent for extended periods will promote mildew growth.

Your clean and dry tent can be stored in its stuffsack or loosely in a box or oversized cotton storage bag. Avoid sealing your tent in a plastic bag or any other airtight, confined space. Find a cool, dry spot to store your tent such as a closet inside your house where it won't be exposed to humidity.

It's always a good idea to set up your tent and check it over thoroughly and identify any areas by using a simple paperclip with a note showing location of damage or repair, if repairs needed it might be a good idea to have done before storing, or make a note to unpack in the early spring to have taken care of, there's nothing worst than finding out when your setting up camp....

Visit our Online Stores www.FamilyTentCamping.com www.OzTent.us for our niche selection of Camping Tents & Gear for families and the avid outdoorsman

OzTent Customer Experience

I bought the 3 man OZtent
I went on a 4x4 trip and it spent the week camping. My self and 2 other enjoyed my tent the first night. Second night was to cold for the second tent that was brought. So those that were using the second tent did not sleep it in but rather join in with my tent for a total of 5 people in my tent. We were all pretty well comfortable with 5 in there. This product exceeded its so called person limit. This was a great tent went up in less then the advertised 30 seconds.

Thank you Family Tent Camping this was a great buy and your the only place I could buy this tent from.

I would greatly recommend Family Tent Camping to anyone one looking for a good tent because Family Tent Camping actually carries products you can not get elsewhere and these products are worth purchasing.

Erik

Happy OzTent Camper

Hi Randy and Kim

I am absolutely thrilled with my new Oztent. The quality and workmanship are excellent and the ease of putting it up is almost unbelievable. It has provided me with all that I had hoped for in my camping trips which are numerous. I have my van and my tent and that gives me all the comforts to really enjoy my trips. I use my oztent as a living and changing room as I sleep on a cot in my van. All the comforts of home. I don't have the hassle of putting up and taking down the traditional tent and have the height needed to comfortably change clothes. I have a padded recliner and little table and when an afternoon rain comes I grab a good book and enjoy the "in" time. I might add that I bought the little pad that WalMart sells to put under your sleeping bag and place it under my chair to protect the floor. Works great.

I would highly recommend your company, your products and the support you have provided is great. Looking forward to doing more business with you in the future.

Thanks so much, Louanne

Visit us at OzTent USA for all your Hassle Free Camping needs. Sign up for a DVD packet packed with features and options available with the OzTent.

Camping in my OzTent is so Easy & Fun!

Hi Randy

Just got back from my first camping trip with my new OzTent. I am a 68 year widow so I wanted something easy to handle and easy to put up. We picked our spots and my friend went back to the office to let them know which spots we had chosen. He wasn't gone more than 6 or 7 minutes. So, I pulled that tent out and had it up by myself by the time he got back. I was leisurely sitting at the picnic table by the time he returned. Just had to show off! It was great, just as easy as it looks in your clips. When it was time to leave I told everyone I didn't need any help and I didn't. It was as easy to take down as it was to put up and it's so well made. We camp a lot and having this tent makes it so much better. I love it! Too much fun!

Have a great camping season and thanks so much.

Louanne Henson

For more information on our 30 Second OzTents & accessories visit www.OzTent.us

Maintaining Your OzTent

With the camping season upon us it is time to take advantage of the great weather, "your equipment is only as good as it has been maintained" is a wise saying when it comes to camping with your OzTent, or any other gear you are relying on for maximum performance and comfort. The OzTent frame is the heartbeat of the quick set up design. Follow these steps for continued performance all season long.

Maintaining & Proper use of Guy Ropes:

* Once your OzTent RV has been erected, it is recommended to stabilize your OzTent to reduce unecessary seam and frame damage during stormy or windy conditions. With the convenient storage pockets located at each corner provides quick and easy access.
* After long periods of continued use the nylon rope fibers will begin to "stretch" resulting in loose frays to surface causing the guy rope to weaken, to maintain proper performance it is a good idea to clip off the "frayed" areas and keeping the ropes & storage pockets free of dirt & debris particles that work there way into the rope fibers resulting in premature wear.
* For best results when staking out guy ropes, the recommended distance away from the corner base of the tent is 3' - 4' for best results, if space is limited go out as far as surroundings will allow.
* Another key factor when using guy ropes is the "stakes" which the ropes anchor to, for best results drive the stakes in at a 45 degree angle away from tent to keep the stakes from pulling out when guy ropes are stressed.

For available options Visit www.OzTent.us

Customer Testimonial : OzTent RV Purchase

Hi Randy and Kim,

I’ve meant to send this sooner actually. The whole process of purchasing The Oztent IV really was a great experience. I have been in customer service for 30 years. Your customer support was top notch. All questions were answered honestly and quickly based on Kim’s personal experience. Everything Kim promised was delivered on and the tent arrived within a couple of days. I immediately unpacked the tent which was in perfect condition. Set up on my first time was a little less than 2 minutes as I was being careful and looking at the internal framework. I loved the details such as pockets with the peg ropes attached so I can’t lose them. After hauling in my cots and checking out the best layout I took the tent down and repacked it in its bag. All went smoothly and easily. Honestly, I’d forgotten the feeling of laying in a tent and just looking around and thinking, watching late afternoon turn into evening …My wife came out to make sure I was all right! Ventilation was excellent, good visibility to all areas around the tent. It was like being a kid again!

That weekend we strapped the tent to the roof rack on my Honda Element for a 3 day stay in western Massachusetts to attend a Wilco concert with friends who used a borrowed pop up trailer camper. We all stayed in a state owned campground a mile from the concert site. This time my setup was 45 seconds, bringing chuckles from my friends as the tent was erected immediately. We pegged it out and moved in…nightly stays were comfortable and I was happy that the rain held off until the last day of the concert. It rained heavily that afternoon and into the early morning. I mean heavy rain. We were cozy and dry, no water issues whatsoever. We packed that morning, the tent was wet when I put it away, but when I got home I set up in the sun and it dried quickly. Now it’s bagged and stored, ready for my next trip.

Thanks again to Kim for her professional assistance in this purchase. She made a considerable purchase a little less intimidating. This is not an inexpensive tent, but I consider it worth every cent, the craftsmanship is excellent, the design is well thought out and the details are surprisingly thorough. I will certainly recommend you and your products when out there in the world!

Best regards,
Gary Young
Chelmsford, MA

For more product details visit our website: www.OzTent.us

OzTent Customer Testimonial

Hi we recently purchased an oztent rv5 and it is absolutely amazing. We love it! and along with it also purchased the deluxe side panels, rain fly, and the front panel. In addition we want to buy another rv5, set of deluxe side panels, rain fly, two ground tarps, an awning connector and the extra large screen room. Thanks for selling such an awesome product my wife and I were able to fit a queen size bed a baby crib and our bags in the tent. It was so cozy and spacious. Simply said it is a great product we look forward to use a lifetime. The quality is beyond any tent we have seen and is well worth the money. Thank you!!!!!!

Joe Mirabal

Chicago RV & Camping Show

As we approach closer to Spring, we are excited to demonstrate our new line of 30 Second OzTents. These tents are loaded with available features and many options to expand your camping experience. We will have the model RV-4 set up at the show with side panels, front panel and additional accessories attached to see first hand what this amazing tent has to offer. Visit us at the Chicago RV & Camping show at the Rosemont Convention Center Feb 10 - 14th. There will be tons of camping products, campground listings and RV's to check out. Check out our booth #T-8 for live demonstrations, valuable discounts and Free Stuff. FREE OzTent Multi Tool ($60.00 Value) with any RV Tent purchase. See you at the show!