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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Build Diaries, How-To, DIY => Topic started by: schaney on May 11, 2011, 09:30:56 AM

Title: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on May 11, 2011, 09:30:56 AM
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: Jluck on May 11, 2011, 01:02:53 PM
sweet set up. I am going to set mine up for camping,wheeling and back country too. what kind of roof-tent do you have and do you like it?
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: gearjam on May 11, 2011, 06:01:33 PM
I am interested in that roof tent also?????
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: KcZuks on May 11, 2011, 06:30:13 PM
x3.  really great idea.   8)
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on May 12, 2011, 02:46:54 PM
Glad to hear folks like my setup.

Ah yes, Tent Topped Camping is the way to go, but I am a little bias, I own Compact Camping Concepts.  Visit Top-Tent.com for rooftop tent details.  If you are close to Salem, OR I stock them and have demo tent availablle to see in person.

My favorite for the Sidekick is an Oasis II model, although these are on longer available.
(http://s3i.dotphoto.com/iDFA42F58-05F1-4D72-A8A6-C83F440B0C3D.jpg)

Now the FrontRunner Featherlite is the one I use on my Sidekick because of it lighter weight and ventilation panels in the roof like a backpacking tent.  
(http://s3i.dotphoto.com/iD2BE4B51-D170-4A5F-9FDE-89C6FF618D7B.jpg)

The Safari style model pictured above is also a nice rooftop tent, although it does make my Sidekick fell a bit top heavy.
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: Jluck on May 12, 2011, 04:37:51 PM
I am, I am! OOOOOO,sweet! I am in salem a couple time a month! plan on a visit. :)
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on May 12, 2011, 05:29:55 PM

Just let me know next time you'll be in Salem, be happy to help you take your camping up a notch and get out of the dirt ;D
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: bentparts on May 13, 2011, 03:40:02 AM
Very nice set up. The only thing that would worry me about that roof top tent is when I have to get up in the middle of the night to take a leak. I could just see myself tumbling outa that thing! :laugh:
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: Capt on May 13, 2011, 06:29:00 AM
X2,
      After a beer or too many around the campfire, following a day of "Out Wheel'n";
         That first step out of the Swiss Family Robinson Penthouse could be tricky!!

CAPT
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on May 13, 2011, 07:08:13 AM
There are a few possible solutions for that dilemma, first build a nice little camping trailer and mount your tent on that instead of your roof, that way you won't have as far to fall  ;D

(http://s3i.dotphoto.com/i9ABBA2D8-02F3-4629-8BD7-6999B3CF7075.jpg)

How about a remote chamber pot, just run a hose up to the door or side window that goes to a jug down below  :-\  

Maybe a bungee around the waist to help break the fall  :)
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: Capt on May 13, 2011, 01:26:59 PM
Now That's what I'm talking about!!
Nothing Higher than a Bar Stool for Me!!
Just high enough to keep them unwanted kritters from getting in at night!

Now I need to upgrade my 1.3L to pull something like that!!

CAPT
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on May 13, 2011, 06:07:34 PM

Yes being out of the critter zone is very nice, a pissed off skunk has a way of screwing up your night.

It does slow my SideKick down a bit, especially in the mountains, I just take my time and enjoy the journey. 
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: bentparts on May 14, 2011, 05:53:44 AM

Yes being out of the critter zone is very nice, a pissed off skunk has a way of screwing up your night.

It does slow my SideKick down a bit, especially in the mountains, I just take my time and enjoy the journey. 

I've got the solution for that:  Turbo!
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on May 14, 2011, 11:57:07 AM

For now I don't mind taking my time, a rear locker and t-case gears are first on the list before Mo Power, oh ya and new seats.
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: Thirty-Nine on May 16, 2011, 08:18:26 AM
Cool stuff! I did a blog posting on Compact Camping Concepts in October:

http://www.subcompactculture.com/2010/10/compact-camping-concepts-offers-compact.html (http://www.subcompactculture.com/2010/10/compact-camping-concepts-offers-compact.html)

Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on May 17, 2011, 08:00:48 AM
Thirty-Nine, been watching the Teal Terror slowly get made reliable and taken out.  It would sure look go Tent Topped  :)
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: airmanwilliams on May 17, 2011, 11:14:01 AM
that tent you have schaney would look sweet on my sami. now I just need to build an exo cage or something and start saving a ton and get one someday.
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on May 17, 2011, 01:19:49 PM

It is really nice not sleeping in the dirt any more  :)  Building something like a Calmini rack for your Sami would work nicely for a rooftop tent.

(http://www.puresuzuki.com/SS3800fs.jpg)
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: Jluck on May 30, 2011, 10:10:40 PM
schaney how do you attach the roof rails to the pinch weld? or is it attached to the roof in a different manner?
thanks
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on May 31, 2011, 07:00:20 AM

Jluck, I installed a set of PerryCraft aftermarket roof racks.  The style I used require you to remove the head liner and drill hole through the roof.  Been using them for around a year now, working out nice.

(http://s3i.dotphoto.com/iA664646D-F9BD-4AFA-A414-619A35E92C6E.jpg)

(http://s3i.dotphoto.com/i7687524F-CA55-403A-9A98-3F74AD0FAAD7.jpg)
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: Jluck on May 31, 2011, 07:37:42 AM
thank ya' sir.
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: talonxracer on June 09, 2011, 11:47:14 AM
That raised floor is really nice! The idea of having those footwell areas for quick access storage is sweet!

I like the idea of the trailer mounted tent alot better than the extra weight on top of the Sidekick, also it would be nice/easy to leave the tent and trailer at your camp/base of operations and go wheeling around. Memory foam sleeping pad,,,,trail/camp kitchen, comfy lawn chairs, large cooler with beer.....

There are a few guys that come up here from NYC with the small little bubble campers and set them up down in the lower field. They get a nice large party going at night! generators, A/C, Direct TV with internet access, truely roughing it!


stop by walmart and snag a couple of those cheap ground accent lighting posts that are solar powered. They cost about 4$ a piece, use them to show the way to "THE TREE" or whatever facilities you have, place them around the camp area near those toe snagging roots and rocks, or even as a last choice emergency light for those unexpected repairs.
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on June 09, 2011, 03:52:16 PM
Yes the raised floor has worked out to be a great update.

For gravel roads and mild stuff, Tent Topping the Sidekick is fine, although you know the extra weight is there. I prefer a Tent Topped Trailer, everything packed up waiting, just pack your cooler, hook up and go.  I normally leave the "electronics" at home when I go off in the wood.  I found some nice LED glow sticks for marking important locations hard to find in the dark.

Here is the compact camping trailer I was working on today.

(http://s3i.dotphoto.com/iB95734A1-C146-4F69-BE3E-DFA2BCF7405D.jpg)

Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: Drew 4.0 on June 11, 2011, 11:34:43 AM
do you have a web site or an online catalog with some pricing?  I really like the tent/trailer idea!
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on June 11, 2011, 12:15:15 PM
Drew, Yes, I operate under the name Compact Compact Concepts (http://compactcampingconcepts.com/).  Don't hesitate to contact me directly if you want to discuss your specific needs. 
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: Jluck on June 11, 2011, 12:57:18 PM
Schaney is very local to you also drew.
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on June 11, 2011, 06:36:44 PM

Drew sounds like you're in or close to Salem, you're welcome to stop by the shop and check out my demo trailers.
Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: talonxracer on June 23, 2011, 05:40:24 PM
I really like that compact camping trailer, far better than the larger tents for my needs.

Title: Re: Camping Outfitting my Sidekick
Post by: schaney on June 23, 2011, 06:26:03 PM
Thanks, yes a compact 400 lb trailer is the prefect size for a Zuk and a big improvement from dealing with a ground tent.

Here is a pic from "backyard" camping at a big family gathering at my folks place over in Bend last week.

(http://s3i.dotphoto.com/i8DA84C59-2486-4E47-9FB6-A7194AB08AF0.jpg)