T4 rear hatch tent

[vannin]

Not sure if this is the right section to post??
Im wanting a rear hatch tent after seeing one on a T5 at xmas. I contacted trakka but they stopped doing stuff for T4s "years and years ago".
So talking to Steve from kombi rescue and he has one for a T4 that hes using for a template to get more made.
Theres no idea on costing yet but Im sure with more orders the price will be reduced so anyone interested please contact him about ordering one.
Nik
I tried to upload a pic but its not working right now I,ll try again later.

[jets]

Trakka used to charge around $950.

[4wheels]

Hi Nik,

I have the Trakka rear hatch tent for my T5, but I find I don't use it much. It is quick and easy to erect, but,
1. It's not self supporting, so you have to pack it up to drive away.
2. You can't even close the back door (for security) if you leave, or for overnight, without again collapsing it.
3. If you use it for the shower, you have to wait for it to dry before doing any of the above.
4. Mine is a really tight fit in it's bag, so a pain to pack up.

I've just bought one of those little shower shelters (for about $50), which I hope will be easier to use. If I wanted more space to accomodate a family, I think I'd try to find a regular tent, that could be left in place, and where the rear door could be opened under the fly/awning to make it 'connected' to the van. That would also likely only cost a couple of hundred dollars, rather than nearly a thousand.

Your needs may be different of course.

Brian

[vannin]

Yes it all depends on cost.
I have a canvas awning on the side so I cant drive away anyway
When camping at xmas in the constant rain a hatch tent wouldve been useful as on arrival it was very hard to set up the van without putting anything out in the rain, plus the ventilation would be very welcome as I only have one sliding window.
I have been thinking about somthing like you described tho, I already have a brand new 2 bedroom plus awning dome tent which would be good, atleast to mark your spot so its still there when you get back. But again theres not much security in a tent?
Lots to think about.
Nik

[rob64981]

How about something like this...





This was my idea on this principle.

It took a little work to get it to fit.

The shelter is a Kyhan quick erect awning it takes one person 5 mins to put up.

The only problem with it at the moment its somewhere in a container with other items between the UK and Adelaide.

Rob

[vannin]

That the go very nice, lots of room and you can still drive away!
Im thinking now how I could make up somthing similar.
Nik

[MultiplexMan]

Hi Nik,

... I've just bought one of those little shower shelters (for about $50), which I hope will be easier to use. ...

Brian

Thanks for the review Brian. I initially was considering the Trakka tail gate tent just for a shower shelter when parked up on site. I was concerned about how much effort it was to set up but more importantly how secure or insecure it left the van.

I tend to stay at one place for anywhere from 1-3 days. I usually deploy my awning and shelter - it's a Howling Moon affair. I cannot drive away but that's Ok as my van is secure whilst I'm out in field (on foot). I can leave the van all locked up.

I've gone with a cheap shower tent too.

Cheers, MM

[tapsy]

We got one of these tents the Fjord III from Germany it cost us about $700 inc postage which was $200 (through the dealer tent and post would have cost $800)
It is a bit pricey but for the same money you can get a Black Wolf tent that pops up pretty easy but comes in a bag 4 times the size, this comes in quite a surprisingly small bag. It is made to suit VW transporters or vitos (the Fjord III) we got an optional magnetic strip to connect to the rain gutter (4 options to connect) and the tent zips up so you can drive away, has an optional floor that zips in and wind break under the sliding door. We havn't used it yet, but have put it up, takes a little time and patience though but practice makes perfect. It is a good size, you can stand up in it, it also has an optional room that zips in but we didn't need that.

we just did the great Ocean Road but did not use it as we only stayed one night at each rest stop, but our next adventure we will.. check it out here...........

http://www.dwt-zelte.com/php/set_con...ukat=3&uukat=1

[Tombi]

Oz tent works well with a whole range of hatch back vehicles inc' T4 and T5.

I bought an oz tent - RV 5 for a big trip a little while back to suit my T4 and have since traded upto a T5 and although I have not used the oz tent with the T5, I know it will be just as good as it was with the old bus. Free standing too.