Gazebo Hack - Drill additional holes in the legs so it can be adjusted lower. Improves shade angle in low sun and structural survivability in high winds
Gazebo CON: the complex frames can bend in the wind which can prevent it being packed away. You often see the gazebo frame discarded at camp site because the camper could not pack it up due to the bent & twisted frame. Consider a large tarp, such as a Drifta Hexatarp, just be prepared to carry a variety of pegs.
Great to see you back Alex. I’ve got a 5 y.o. Ezi-Awn 270 that I think is great for my type of camping, but I fitted 30 Second awning brackets so I can take it off the roof rack and store it out of the weather when I’m not camping. It’s a 5 minute fit/de-fit. Same with my shower tent fitted on the other side of the roof rack. It comes off when I’m not planning a trip over the next month or so. I’ve got a gazebo for about 6 or 7 years that I’ve only taken out once, back when I had a Ute.
Great to see you again, l have gone for an awning off the side of my Prado , but have installed ARB quick release mounts on my roof rack. On my teardrop camper l have installed an awning with walls. That is permanently mounted .
Even if they don't last, they're cheaper than most alternatives, it's cheaper to get a Kings and a replacement down the line than it is for an ARB one or some
We had a $$$ 270 free-standing awning on our prado, it was useful but we ended up not using it as much as we thought we would due to concerns over wind and damaging the $$$ awning and $$$ roof rack. We've since moved to a big hiace, and the passenger side 270 awning doesn't make sense with the huge rear hatch and I'm not sure I want all the additional wind noise and reduced fuel economy of the rack and awning... So we're looking at alternatives for shade on the side of the vehicle, gazebo/ez-up being one of them. This was a good comparison, thanks for pointing out the pros/cons that you see with either option. My only experience with the gazebos was the low-end ones from 10+ years ago, and the flimsy frames didn't last too long, even with being guyed out and dropped to the low height.
I use a 2.4 metre gazebo with an old Bushman's rear folding soft floor camper. It works well. Putting up the annex is a nightmare. The gazebo is great as you can move it around to gain shade or ra8n protection. Good video
We love a basic awning with an annex. Very few people seem to go with that combo. As a base camp we have a tall trailer with two awnings which works really well. Hmmm, actually three awnings as it has a small one on the back.
Honestly you can never really have too much shelter....I'd love to figure out an awning/annexe solution for our pop top camper but the way the roof arms are attached make it difficult.
I've always rocked with the gazebo but had an awning on my old ute, so mixed and matched. Last trip I used the awning tent and set the kitchen up under the gazebo
Thanks Alex, very informative. When we lived in Darwin, yonks ago, Gazebos with mozzie mesh walls were very popular for Winter camping (because it doesn't rain in the Dry!). We used it extensively during 1991 from when when our daughter was six months old and our four year old son. I live and work on the road now with an off-road van (made in Oz) and also utilise a Bush Company 270 Max.
Got rid of my 270 deg. awning a while back as I never used it and it was just a lot of weight sitting on top of the vehicle. We've used Gazebos on a few trips and I love them. Set up the kitchen underneath and can take cover if it rains. I'm not set up to do overnight trips so if I go somewhere it will be for a week or so.
I own 2X Wander 3mX3m gazebo's, just their cheap ones but buying parts and replacing them has been pretty easy. I have found using the walls on it however raises the risk of damage due to them being like a parachute when the wind hits them. I've broken a number of bars & poles because of the walls or rain pooling. I have honestly used my gazebo once in about 4 years for camping and that was recently with my new camper trailer. The awning on my Pajero has done me wonders, it is quick & easy to pack up if I want to take the vehicle, has held up well against rain & windy, I have an old Awning top that I use as a wall and a Kings wall. Personally I will go the awning over a gazebo because of its simplicity, even for long trips.
I've had a basic awning on my car for the last 10 years and I've used it exactly 4 times. What's worse is the full mesh tent is still in it's box.... but now that I'm on the road full time, it might be time to consider a gazebo (we only move every few weeks) cheers for the vid mate
I've had simple awnings for years and find them excellent for when you're not base camping. I've just gotten a gazebo with a tent that fits under it for base camping / locations where you're away from the vehicle. That was really good but I got caught out trying to pack it down in wind and one of the legs bent at the top of the frame. That sucked but I could pack it down still.
I bought a few 3x3 gazebos and a 6x3 from Kings to use as a semi permanent outdoor workshop area. I found that after six months, they were still looking really solid. That is, until I wanted to pack them up because I was moving. I found that the gazebos exposed to full sun had become 'brittle' and ripped as I was removing them. As for pooling or other problems, I had zero issues. The frames were really solid, and I had no issues in gale force winds (they were well anchored). In summary, from my experience a gazebo from Kings would be fine for the occasional daytripper or weekend camper, but I wouldn't recommend them for extended one place camping or permanent backyard shade.
Cool to see these kinda setups. OZtrailDeluxe 4.2 Shade Dome is cool gazebo if you need something to with stand the wind. They're cost alot more but don't budge
Only downside I had with the gazebo was condensation dripping in the morning as we used them in winter with frosts. Sucked to cook breakfast off a morning. Use annexe of tent now and don’t have that problem.
I havent watched this yet, but im a noob at camping and just come back from my 3rd solo camping trip. While away I made a 3 minute video for my husband, showing exactly why i need a 270° awning and NOT these tarps and tent poles. Lets hope i made the right request!
I prefer the awning, I have a 270 on the passenger side and a 2.5x2.5 on the drivers side, I have walls that connect with velcro and I've put eyelets down the sides to cable tie to the poles, works well for me with a taller vehicle a lifted old patrol with a roof rack which I also need to carry my OZtent RV4
XTM 270 every day of the week, I take 4 empty Woolies green shopping bags to the beach which I fill up with sand in windy conditions, fold up small and easy for storage if pegs don’t cut the mustard ⛺️
Consider making up a few bits of plywood with guy rope loops in the middle and bury them in the sand. Usually 20cm x 20cm, hole in middle to insert a 30cm loop rope to attached your guy rope, then a small cord in the corner so you can pull it out sideways when packing up.
Not my desired content but I have subscribed & liked anyway, as I really appreciate the concept of honest unsponsored review's. 😃😃😃 Unlike most BS feed to us UA-cams, by those who provide the content I do prefer 😥😥😥
awesome vid and advice. Had a roof top tent and it sucked. Sucked fuel being on the roof for the handful of times I used it a year. Sucked to pack up. Sucked to not be able to get into an underground carpark. Bought a gazebo - quick pitch style - might be a coleman or similar. 2 of the 4 walls are screened. I can live with that - just as long is its not pissing down rain and blowing wind in all 4 directions. Plenty of room inside even if you want to put your double swag inside to confirm the missus to thinking - hey if I'm going to get robbed by a dingo, they need to get into an extra bit to get to us. Guessing it weighs about 20 kilos or so. If I've lifted a few cans of beer beforehand it surpringly feels lighter. Can also put up by myself as long as there is zero wind. Haven't timed how long to setup or take down but considering we almost wanted to get married just so we could get divorced over trying to setup a bendy pole tent for 4 hours - I reckon 15 minutes and 2 cans is fine. Awnings on the car I've never used. Wanted one just so I can use the awning bag to store my jousting sticks that I bought from some bloke from the Trading Post who bought them and then decided - "what do I want with jousing sticks"?. Cheers Campers
😆 this comment wins all comments. Jousting sticks. I guess if you bought a replacement awning bag from one of the reputable brands, you could forgo the expense of the full awning. And look like a brand name high roller at the same time.
We had a 4.5x3m Oztrail gazebo (brand new) set up whilst we camped at shark bay in the national park and had to do a lap with a screwdriver every day to stop it unscrewing itself as it moved in the wind. Any tips to stop this happening?
The wind up there is insane hey! I would get myself a small bottle of low strength thread locker from an auto parts store, remove each screw, put one or two drops on each and I don't reckon you'll have that problem again.
@@Camping_reviews yeah it wasn't as bad as it usually is but still enough to keep the gazebo moving. I thought about Lock tite but have read that it can make some plastics brittle. Might try it on a couple of the main offenders and see how it goes. 👍
Nice review mate 👍
Great vid - its nice to see some unsponsored, real advice. So much to sift through these days!
Thank you 🙂 glad you like it!
Gazebo Hack - Drill additional holes in the legs so it can be adjusted lower. Improves shade angle in low sun and structural survivability in high winds
Oh my GOD this is good! Thanks for the hack!
I like this
Genius!
@Camping_reviews you should pin this comment 📌
Very clever idea.
Gazebo CON: the complex frames can bend in the wind which can prevent it being packed away. You often see the gazebo frame discarded at camp site because the camper could not pack it up due to the bent & twisted frame.
Consider a large tarp, such as a Drifta Hexatarp, just be prepared to carry a variety of pegs.
Great to see you back Alex. I’ve got a 5 y.o. Ezi-Awn 270 that I think is great for my type of camping, but I fitted 30 Second awning brackets so I can take it off the roof rack and store it out of the weather when I’m not camping. It’s a 5 minute fit/de-fit. Same with my shower tent fitted on the other side of the roof rack. It comes off when I’m not planning a trip over the next month or so. I’ve got a gazebo for about 6 or 7 years that I’ve only taken out once, back when I had a Ute.
Welcome back brother, missed ya, very informative ❤
Subscribed! Love your channel!
Great to see you again, Bring it!
Great to see you again, l have gone for an awning off the side of my Prado , but have installed ARB quick release mounts on my roof rack. On my teardrop camper l have installed an awning with walls. That is permanently mounted .
I had my kings awning for years, never had an issue with them. Only got a new one due to a larger size from Drifta
Yeah you really can't go wrong with a kings awning they're great!
Even if they don't last, they're cheaper than most alternatives, it's cheaper to get a Kings and a replacement down the line than it is for an ARB one or some
Love your work Alex and your passion for the pros & cons! Handy tips from a lotta real life experience! Keen to see more…👍
So good to have you back on here.
Fantastic advice mate
We had a $$$ 270 free-standing awning on our prado, it was useful but we ended up not using it as much as we thought we would due to concerns over wind and damaging the $$$ awning and $$$ roof rack. We've since moved to a big hiace, and the passenger side 270 awning doesn't make sense with the huge rear hatch and I'm not sure I want all the additional wind noise and reduced fuel economy of the rack and awning... So we're looking at alternatives for shade on the side of the vehicle, gazebo/ez-up being one of them. This was a good comparison, thanks for pointing out the pros/cons that you see with either option. My only experience with the gazebos was the low-end ones from 10+ years ago, and the flimsy frames didn't last too long, even with being guyed out and dropped to the low height.
Glad to see you back
I use a 2.4 metre gazebo with an old Bushman's rear folding soft floor camper. It works well. Putting up the annex is a nightmare. The gazebo is great as you can move it around to gain shade or ra8n protection. Good video
So true! Annexe's can be truly awful.
Happy to see you again😊🎉🎉
We love a basic awning with an annex. Very few people seem to go with that combo. As a base camp we have a tall trailer with two awnings which works really well. Hmmm, actually three awnings as it has a small one on the back.
Honestly you can never really have too much shelter....I'd love to figure out an awning/annexe solution for our pop top camper but the way the roof arms are attached make it difficult.
I've always rocked with the gazebo but had an awning on my old ute, so mixed and matched. Last trip I used the awning tent and set the kitchen up under the gazebo
We used one of those awning tents on a Steep Point trip once, pretty good!
@@Camping_reviews good to see you back alex
Thanks Alex, very informative. When we lived in Darwin, yonks ago, Gazebos with mozzie mesh walls were very popular for Winter camping (because it doesn't rain in the Dry!). We used it extensively during 1991 from when when our daughter was six months old and our four year old son.
I live and work on the road now with an off-road van (made in Oz) and also utilise a Bush Company 270 Max.
Yeah I can only imagine, kids are mozzie magnets too!
Hell yeah, back on the wagon Alex!
❤❤❤🤣🤣🤣 So Happy YOU ARE BACK
Thank you! Glad to have you along for the ride 🙂
Perks of a gazebo are a wide range of accessories too! We love our hub that we can add to the side, it's like having another room.
The screw in pegs from aldi are great size to go through the base of the gazebo
Excellent tip! Thanks for that, the wind won't stand a chance 😁
Got rid of my 270 deg. awning a while back as I never used it and it was just a lot of weight sitting on top of the vehicle.
We've used Gazebos on a few trips and I love them. Set up the kitchen underneath and can take cover if it rains.
I'm not set up to do overnight trips so if I go somewhere it will be for a week or so.
Went and bought the STS awning attachments so I could take the awning on/off easier. Works a charm.
I had a rollout awning on the teardrop trailer. It was a nuisance and no good in wind. I don't have one right now.
That was great information mate
600mm x 16mm scrap rebar make excellent sand pegs for a gazebo
I own 2X Wander 3mX3m gazebo's, just their cheap ones but buying parts and replacing them has been pretty easy. I have found using the walls on it however raises the risk of damage due to them being like a parachute when the wind hits them. I've broken a number of bars & poles because of the walls or rain pooling. I have honestly used my gazebo once in about 4 years for camping and that was recently with my new camper trailer. The awning on my Pajero has done me wonders, it is quick & easy to pack up if I want to take the vehicle, has held up well against rain & windy, I have an old Awning top that I use as a wall and a Kings wall. Personally I will go the awning over a gazebo because of its simplicity, even for long trips.
I've had a basic awning on my car for the last 10 years and I've used it exactly 4 times. What's worse is the full mesh tent is still in it's box.... but now that I'm on the road full time, it might be time to consider a gazebo (we only move every few weeks)
cheers for the vid mate
I've had simple awnings for years and find them excellent for when you're not base camping.
I've just gotten a gazebo with a tent that fits under it for base camping / locations where you're away from the vehicle. That was really good but I got caught out trying to pack it down in wind and one of the legs bent at the top of the frame. That sucked but I could pack it down still.
Loving the channel!
❤ aaahhhh my day has been made. A place to watch AG content. Best wishes sir.
good review mate.
The algo is out of control, i was just thinking about this question and this video appeared in my feed WTF?
also subbed.
Great videos, thanks.
I bought a few 3x3 gazebos and a 6x3 from Kings to use as a semi permanent outdoor workshop area. I found that after six months, they were still looking really solid. That is, until I wanted to pack them up because I was moving. I found that the gazebos exposed to full sun had become 'brittle' and ripped as I was removing them.
As for pooling or other problems, I had zero issues. The frames were really solid, and I had no issues in gale force winds (they were well anchored).
In summary, from my experience a gazebo from Kings would be fine for the occasional daytripper or weekend camper, but I wouldn't recommend them for extended one place camping or permanent backyard shade.
Cool to see these kinda setups.
OZtrailDeluxe 4.2 Shade Dome is cool gazebo if you need something to with stand the wind. They're cost alot more but don't budge
It's one of those things that's absolutely worth the spend, nobody's having a good time if the primary shelter doesn't do its job
EY the big triton!
Only downside I had with the gazebo was condensation dripping in the morning as we used them in winter with frosts. Sucked to cook breakfast off a morning. Use annexe of tent now and don’t have that problem.
Welcome back.
cheers!
Gazebo all the way. I went top shelf and bought one from Altera, with screen sides, worth the extra for me.
Yes! I've looked at them, they look amazing
I havent watched this yet, but im a noob at camping and just come back from my 3rd solo camping trip. While away I made a 3 minute video for my husband, showing exactly why i need a 270° awning and NOT these tarps and tent poles.
Lets hope i made the right request!
As you're a solo camper, I'd say you made the right request 😁
Hack - use quality guy ropes with springs, the ones that come with cheaper awnings and gazebos can fail in a strong gust of wind.
You mention the rooftop tent, would you consider a rooftop tent over sat the gasebo hub/tent? or swag etc
I prefer the awning, I have a 270 on the passenger side and a 2.5x2.5 on the drivers side, I have walls that connect with velcro and I've put eyelets down the sides to cable tie to the poles, works well for me with a taller vehicle a lifted old patrol with a roof rack which I also need to carry my OZtent RV4
Use this exact same set up except I have a Howling moon Wizz rather than an Aus, it’s the best combo we’ve found.
Undekover Australia make a canvas gazebo bag. It's aussie made
XTM 270 every day of the week, I take 4 empty Woolies green shopping bags to the beach which I fill up with sand in windy conditions, fold up small and easy for storage if pegs don’t cut the mustard ⛺️
Consider making up a few bits of plywood with guy rope loops in the middle and bury them in the sand. Usually 20cm x 20cm, hole in middle to insert a 30cm loop rope to attached your guy rope, then a small cord in the corner so you can pull it out sideways when packing up.
Not my desired content but I have subscribed & liked anyway, as I really appreciate the concept of honest unsponsored review's. 😃😃😃
Unlike most BS feed to us UA-cams, by those who provide the content I do prefer 😥😥😥
Thanks for the sub! Yeah it's so murky trying to know who's sponsored by what sometimes. Of course often it's just blatant in your face too 😆
awesome vid and advice. Had a roof top tent and it sucked. Sucked fuel being on the roof for the handful of times I used it a year. Sucked to pack up. Sucked to not be able to get into an underground carpark. Bought a gazebo - quick pitch style - might be a coleman or similar. 2 of the 4 walls are screened. I can live with that - just as long is its not pissing down rain and blowing wind in all 4 directions. Plenty of room inside even if you want to put your double swag inside to confirm the missus to thinking - hey if I'm going to get robbed by a dingo, they need to get into an extra bit to get to us. Guessing it weighs about 20 kilos or so. If I've lifted a few cans of beer beforehand it surpringly feels lighter. Can also put up by myself as long as there is zero wind. Haven't timed how long to setup or take down but considering we almost wanted to get married just so we could get divorced over trying to setup a bendy pole tent for 4 hours - I reckon 15 minutes and 2 cans is fine. Awnings on the car I've never used. Wanted one just so I can use the awning bag to store my jousting sticks that I bought from some bloke from the Trading Post who bought them and then decided - "what do I want with jousing sticks"?. Cheers Campers
😆 this comment wins all comments. Jousting sticks. I guess if you bought a replacement awning bag from one of the reputable brands, you could forgo the expense of the full awning. And look like a brand name high roller at the same time.
@@Camping_reviews yeah but I'd probably need to wear boots when I'm cooking on the campfire instead ; - just to be different
Channel blowing up babe ❤
Which one is best for cooking pad tai under? 😉
The Prado's.
It’s not all 270 sexy but the humble EZ Up has done loads of work over the years.
Very informative overview on pegging
thank you :)
Park near tree have shade.
I put my awning on & off as required, 2 minute job.
We had a 4.5x3m Oztrail gazebo (brand new) set up whilst we camped at shark bay in the national park and had to do a lap with a screwdriver every day to stop it unscrewing itself as it moved in the wind.
Any tips to stop this happening?
The wind up there is insane hey! I would get myself a small bottle of low strength thread locker from an auto parts store, remove each screw, put one or two drops on each and I don't reckon you'll have that problem again.
@@Camping_reviews yeah it wasn't as bad as it usually is but still enough to keep the gazebo moving.
I thought about Lock tite but have read that it can make some plastics brittle.
Might try it on a couple of the main offenders and see how it goes.
👍
I skipped the gazebo as your camp looks like everyone else's, and went the Hexatrap and you really don't need side walls as much as you think you do.
Glad u have got back on the relative creative horse……
That is one good looking rooster 🥵😉
wanna meet? 😘
First time i set up my Kings awning, a gust of wind folded the whole thing over the car
...
Yep, this was me with my first ever awning, an ARB one I paid a good $300 bucks for. I was LIVID! Then I was stoked to find a new pole was $10
After stuffing about with tarps the last trip, gazebo every time.
Every pro has its con = left right good night
The new Australian dream the gayzebo .. this is a message from the australian government
Cheap awnings are good!? Really!?
They're up there with cheap gazebos?
Bit of water and wind, they're cactus?