Rethinking my camping set up.

**p38arover** · 21st July 2015, 06:00 PM

As some will know, my P38A is usually set up for camping with an awning, drawers, and a fridge.

One problem is that the car is useless for carrying anything when the drawers are in situ. Also, I hate setting up a tent for a one night stop.

Today, I was looking at the stripped out interior and wondered if I could sleep lengthways in the back. I could, there is just over 1800mm of length.

I could make a floor that sits into the rear wheel well and shaped to fit around the seat base. A water tank or a drawer could fit under it.

A bed on a false floor could be arranged lengthwise on one side, with the other side having storage. The space under the floor could have two slide out
sections, one being a drawer and the other the camp kitchen as used on camper trailers. The fridge would be on a slide coming out the side door.

When not travelling, the mattress could be removed to leave a 1.8m long place to carry stuff.

The problem is: am I flexible and spry enough to get in and out at night?

**rangieman** · 21st July 2015, 06:18 PM

One word ,
SOFT

Get a swag on a stretcher under your awning , Now that should harden you up a tad

**p38arover** · 21st July 2015, 06:31 PM

That would be OK in summer.

I've got a swag and a stretcher.

**incisor** · 21st July 2015, 06:37 PM

you go camping?

wow.....

**p38arover** · 21st July 2015, 06:54 PM

Are you making fun of me, Inc?

**incisor** · 21st July 2015, 06:56 PM

not really

you keep saying you never use the thing....

make sure you look after my new rr will you, if you are going to use it ....

**bee utey** · 21st July 2015, 06:58 PM

Rocking gently to sleep in the back of a wagon during a windy night is quite pleasant, from my experience.

Tents are noisy.

Getting up requires caterpillaring out over the tailgate which you need to be able to open from the inside.

Don't try to twist your way out of the side door.

**Keithy P38** · 21st July 2015, 07:06 PM

I agree Ron, with the rear seats removed there is enough length to sleep in there (I've done it at 1.8m tall). It's pleasant enough with a rubber yoga mat below and a sleeping bag in winter. I wouldn't do it in summer!

It's better with the lower tailgate open and the upper tailgate closed, use shade cloth or insect mesh to prevent mozzies - works the charm.

I prefer the tent though!

Cheers
Keithy

**p38arover** · 21st July 2015, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by bee utey

Rocking gently to sleep in the back of a wagon during a windy night is quite pleasant, from my experience.

Tents are noisy.

I wear earplugs. I learned that from going on LROC trips. There are some noisy campers after a few drinks around the fire!

Originally Posted by bee utey

Getting up requires caterpillaring out over the tailgate which you need to be able to open from the inside.

And there lies an issue with the P38A! No internal access. I suppose one could add an internal release switch.

Originally Posted by Keithy P38

It's better with the lower tailgate open and the upper tailgate closed, use shade cloth or insect mesh to prevent mozzies - works the charm.

One needs one of the tailgate tents like this: SafariSoftshell.com tailgate tent car truck & SUV camping

Originally Posted by Keithy P38

II prefer the tent though!

I'd keep the tent for longer stops but for overnight....

**mtb_gary** · 21st July 2015, 10:50 PM

With the back seat removed from behind the drivers seat and the drivers seat moved forward I put a box on the floor of the back footwell to extend the length of the area. It works well for 1 or 2 nights by myself but not for an extended trip or if SWMBO comes along

. I usually sleep with my feet up against the tailgate and get in and out through the rear door. The fridge fits on the passenger side in the rear cargo area. On a stormy night a very comfortable nights sleep can be had secure from the elements. Self inflating mattress also helps...I think I must be getting old lol

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