Tips for Fall Camping in your OzTent

Camping in the Fall is a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors without the crowds and pesky flying insects, especially the Mosquitoes! Although the OzTent is easy to set up and pack away, here are a few tips to consider after your OzTent is set up and "Ready" for camping, if you normally enjoy sleeping on the ground, here is a way to minimize the damp cool ground from radiating through the floor, you can use a sleeping pad, or a large matted moving blanket to create a barrier of protection between you and the ground. If your like me, sleeping on the ground days are over, or for the comfort you choose to sleep on a camp cot it really makes a difference! The moving blanket when spread out on the floor not only provides additional padding when used with the sleeping pad but also to provide floor protection from the cot feet when resting on the blanket. Utilizing the rain fly prevents condensation build up inside the walls of the tent when the outside temps drop lower than the temperature inside the sleeping area. Keeping all the windows and front door zipped closed will help to retain the warmth inside, with the exception of the upper windows above the door which should be rolled up for controlled ventilation. Most importantly when choosing a sleeping bag that is rated properly for the outside temperatures. If you have discovered additional ways to camp comfortably inside your OzTent make sure to drop us a line to share with other OzTent lovers!

JOIN OZ-CLUB "TRY IT, BEFORE YOU BUY IT"!

Membership has it's perks! Once you become a member, we will send you quarterly vouchers in the newsletter to try out new OzTent accessories and products (including furniture) at discounted prices and free shipping. These are the simple steps to become an OZ-Club member. If you have friends or family members that are not currently OzTent RV owners, see our valuable coupon below to for huge savings!
1. Contact us by email or call to let us know you would like to become an OZ-Club member. Include your name, address, and phone number. Also, if you haven't already you will need to "LIKE" our facebook page. Family Tent Camping/OzTent USA
2. In order to participate in the OZ-Club "TRY IT, BEFORE YOU BUY IT" program, you will need to provide a valid credit card for us to keep on file. (This will only be used if you choose to keep the item after the 30 day trial period)!
3. When you call to provide your credit card information, a OZ-Club ID member number will be given to you. Call Kim toll free at 866-917-4083.
4. TO GET A PRODUCT- Keep an eye on our monthly newsletter for featured OZ-Club products. If it is an item you would like to try, simply reply to the newsletter email requesting that item and provide your OZ-Club ID#. We will ship the item to you at no charge. Try the product and see how you like it.
5. A week before the 30 day trial is over and reminder email will be sent out. Simply respond to the email "I would like to keep the item" or " Please arrange a pick up". If you decide to keep the item, your credit card will be charged the discounted member price of the item only (no shipping charges) and a receipt will be emailed to you. If you decide to have the item picked up there will be no charges to you. **Please be sure to keep the original box that the item came in and make sure all original contents are put back in the box.
All featured items will be available on a first respond first serve basis, based upon product availability. We also, reserve the right to stop this promotion at any time. This promotion excludes, Hawaii, Alaska & Canada, (unless customer is willing to pay shipping fees) Family & Friends Offer! As an OZ Club member this coupon entitles your friends & family members to take $100 Off any size OzTent or Jet Tent, and also receive Free ground shipping! (or you may want to purchase another OzTent for yourself!). Just call with your OZ Club member # and Coupon Code FTC12 for this exclusive discount! Please note this offer is not part of the "Try it, before you Buy It" program. *Offer not to be combined with any other show or discount offers Visit our Store at www.OzTent.us or www.FamilyTentCamping.com

OzTent USA journey to NC Rally

With the Vermont Overland Rally behind us, it was off to South East Rally in Murphy, North Carolina for yet another Rally! The drive through the smokey mountains of NC was quite the treat, we traveled through areas of white water rafting outfitter locations then we arrived at the Nolichucky Gorge campgrounds and cabins, nestled by the river in the national forest. Arriving to our campsite near dusk we were in no rush to set up beings we were just looking for a one night stay to begin our travel the next morning, pulling out our campstove, coffee pot and the quick set up 30 Second OzTent we were set up in no time, as we prepared our meal and enjoyed the star filled night resting comfortably in our OzTent camp chairs with a cup of coffee freshly perked on the stove. We woke up to an awesome morning sunrise and a quick breakfast to get us on the road again. Before leaving we checked out the "wood turning" products displayed in a cabin, the pieces were turned on a lathe, bowls,plates, vases and lamp stands were turned on a wood turners lathe from trees & stumps that had growth developed irregular formations from disease. With 4 hours of travel remaining to the Rally, we ventured on taking in the beautiful scenery around us. As we tried to program Crawfords Campground in our Ford navigation it was apparent that we were in for an adventure, since it did not take the # 80 address we decided to enter 100 and wah laa we were synced for travel. The road lead us through ups and downhill roads with twists and turns that left us wondering if we were heading in the right direction, finally a sign pointing to the campground brought a sigh of relief. Entering the campground we were greeted by the event organizer, Michael Boehm which greeted us with a smile and his whitty humor brought a very welcome and relaxed presence! Since he was not notified of our arrival he made sure we were taken care of spite the miscommunication... After looking over the vendor site layout we were able to get our OzTent products displayed with all the comforts of home, the kitchen area was set up in the OzTent deluxe 3/4 screen room, the RV-4 housed 2 king goanna stretchers, the deluxe front and peaked side panels were attached to the 6'6" awning giving us an area for privacy and shelter during the rainy periods. The Foxwing awning worked out great as instant cover,providing 270 degree coverage that is attached to our vehicle with the rhino roof rack system, simply fan out, pitch the telescopic poles and guy ropes and your set! The Jet tent, 3 second Malamoo, and Jet Tent Bunker tent cot were also set up for viewing... There were classes set up for training from basic 4x4 operation to first aid skills that brought training and participation. We also conducted a drawing for the standard Goanna chair, the outcome was good and was able to present it to the winner along with other prizes donated from other Overland sponsors that were given out at the Bar B Q dinner,the meal and conversation was great! Shortly following the dinner, there was a short video journey of 4 guy's and a girl. A slide presentation by Al displaying the Camel Trophy event footage that he and his partner finished 4th of over 300 participants. It was time to breakdown on Sunday but there was one more activity to do, the 4x4 rodeo which tested the offroad skills and knowledge of the participants, from a barrel wrap to an obstacle course that took you from the mud hole to the rock garden. Overall the event was enjoyable and quite entertaining! After leaving the event we decided to continue traveling the back roads,setting our course we headed for "John Browns" Hwy which was very scenic through the mountain roads that consisted of climbs, twists & turns, the GPS showed rte 75 30 miles away, if we were traveling after dark could have been interesting beings we had never been on this road before. Finally we traveled through the Tennessee nat'l forest, coming out into a small town called Tellico Plains, not more than 20 miles we arrived at the "Lodge of Tellico" for the night. I would recommend this place to anyone that travels by motorcycle or travelers passing through, the place was amazing, it had the views,the food and rooms were exceptional including an underground motorcycle garage and a "Mans" cave! This concludes our travel beings we stayed 2 nights at the Tellico Lodge before heading home! Make sure to stay tuned for the next OzTent journey!

How to make Campfire Cupcakes

A GREAT CAMPFIRE DESSERT TO SHARE AROUND THE CAMPFIRE!

INGREDIENTS: * 6-10 large naval oranges. * 1 box of spice-cake mix. * Eggs and oil,(if required for cake mix recipe) UTENSILS TO PACK: Spoon,tongs,knife,container for mixing. NOTE:Eggs can be cracked into a wide mouth bottle for easy transporting. STEPS FOR MAKING CAMPFIRE CUPCAKES: 1) While the campfire is burning, cut off and set aside the naval end of each orange. Hollow out the oranges, as you would a carving pumpkin, reserving the juice and pulp. 2) In a seperate container, prepare the spice-cake batter per the box's instructions, substituting the oranges juice for any liquids, Stir in the chopped pulp. 3) Fill each orange 1/3 full with cake batter and replace the orange "lid." 4) Snuggle the oranges close to the hot coals but away from the open flame and rotate them every 3-5 minutes with the tongs. The rind will singe black. 5) The cupcakes are ready when the expanding cake lifts the oranges lids 9about 10 minutes). Not very often do you find a campfire dessert that taste's good and is good for you! Best enjoyed with family and friends.. For more great recipes,camping resources and gear for your next camping trip, visit us on Facebook or our website www.FamilyTentCamping.com Recipe shared from Dave Bybee of Sierra magazine

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.

OzTent Roadtrip to Vermont Overland Rally (wk 1)

On the road again! A familiar tune for OzTent USA. Planning our road trip was an adventure in itself, since we have never been to the east coast. We wanted to get the most out of the trip so we decided to take the back roads which is a more scenic route. Day #1 we traveled through Indiana which did not offer much to write about however, we did get to see some of the Amish community. We camped at Gordon's campground, and pulled in just before dark. Our overnight stay was as simple as setting up the OzTent, camping cots and sleeping bags. We made foiled dinners over hot coals and a pot of coffee on the camp stove. Day #2 we traveled on route 6 along the coast of Lake Erie to take in the awesome waterfront property views and a walk out on one of the piers. Extreme wind & rain were the elements that we faced, but that didn't stop us putting on our rain gear and setting out to enjoy the beautiful view. The rain did finally let up and we found a place to camp just outside of town. The rain held off just long enough for us to set up camp and we were able to make dinner under the awning of our OzTent and relax while it rained the rest of the night. Day #3 was an awesome day, traveling to Niagra Falls, NY. We arrived in the evening and checked into the Days Inn that overlooked the Canadian border. After checking into our room we decided to walk down to the falls, which was only 5 minutes away and see the night view. What a site to see! The falls were crashing and the rushing water was lit up in different colors to make the white water rapids look like the 4th of July with water! Day #4 before checking out of the hotel we walked down to the falls for an up close and personal view... We had limited time so the tour from the observation deck on top and elevator ride to the bottom for only $1 per person allowed us to enjoy the falls at the break and also feel the mist coming from the water which put a whole new perspective on one of the 7 wonders of the world! We were also able to take awesome pictures. See some of them below. Be sure to check back in a few days for an update on the Vermont Overland Rally and off road pictures! www.OzTent.us

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.