The Lair

@EatSleepTacos

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rigid-Radi...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

 

@BastekFX @Redmann
This Coleman looks like a great tent. It was set up at my local Costco, available online and and looks solid.

 

It is fun.

The key is to make setting up and taking down your camp site as easy, organized and painless as possible, so you can enjoy the campfire, the company, and the wilderness.

Camping gets easier/better with experience and with the accumulation of the right gear.

Unless you're @fatfurious2 ... then it takes about 8 months from zero to everything

 

I like camping! Learning now not everything needs to be the best.

Also, @EatSleepTacos what size extension cord did you get for your welder?

 

Buy it! Those look nice.

Bought this one

Conntek STW Super Heavy Duty Outdoor Jacket Lighted End Extension Cord, 25-Feet

$47 Conntek 14511: 15 Amp Extension Cord, 25 Feet, UL Listed

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVQL896/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eK80AbEK66TB0


Should have bought this one only because it’s longer

ALEKO WECHW8A50L Heavy Duty ETL Welder Extension Cord 8AWG Lighted Receptacles 50 Foot Cord

ALEKO 50 Amp 220 Volt Welder Extension Cord with Lighted End – 8 AWG Power Extension for Welding Machines – 50 ft, ETL

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LORZEQC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sS80Ab82EKKD8



I wouldn’t buy mine in a 50’ because it’s only 10 gauge wire.

 

I don't like the plug on the 8 gauge one. Why cant it be a normal plug like the 10 gauge? But 10 gauge is only rated for 15 amps?

@Redmann help!

 

Ignore that. I did research before buying it because different gauges of wire are rated for different currents, and length affects that. Basically the longer the cord, the thicker it needs to be to be able to safely carry the same amount of current. The 8 gauge 50’ one would be fine.

Edit: the male plug on the 50’ is better actually. My extension cord unplugs itself from the weight of itself, because it’s so thick.

 

They have it set up at my local Costco as well. Price seems right, just not sure I dig the Dark Room/ no windows thing. I'll look into that and a few different ideas as well

 

The coleman stuff has come along way since I used them back in the 90s. I have some scouts that use them these days and they are a great bang for the buck especially for someone who is just getting into it. I myself have a few Cabela's and Marmot tents that are really nice but a lot more $$$. I wouldn't shy away from a coleman.

 

The 50' one, i can weld in the street. I don't need that much. Plus the cord on the welder is 4'. Although i do agree that it's better to have more than less

 

Yeah, the 25’ one is shorter than you’d think. So far it’s worked for me though. Just need to be strategic to make sure it reaches what I’m welding. Which I guess you could do the same. Really it just matters if I pull in or back in my driveway, depending what I’m welding.

 

Although I did check the charts again and it looks like a 10 gauge would be fine. It’s not like you’ll be welding on max power for long periods of time anyways.

 

The max ill weld is 3/16" for 10m.

My water hose is 50' and i never take it out all the way. Even in the back yard. I just nees to measure myself

 

I guess you are telegraphing your Newb-ness.

There are two large windows, that you can zip open/close on the Coleman tent that I linked. The windows have nylon/polyester screening to keep out the pesky bugs. You want to try to keep the windows at least partially open to prevent condensation inside the tent while the occupants sleep. Sleeping peeps produce a lot of moisture inside a tent (sweat, breathing, farting, etc)

The rainfly covers these windows, to protect the occupants from, ummm... rain. As all rainfly's should.

On clear days, you can choose to pull the rain fly off completely or partially for better cross ventilation and a view of the stars.

 

I got a Eureka chic choc 5 last year on sale, and I am very happy with it! Could consider it a 3 seasons, with a"hall" on both sides so you can let your dirty shoes and other stuff outside of the tent, but under the rainfly. Seems solid too! Used it 3-4 nights last year, but no rain to really try it.

 

It totally must have been me being a newb.
The tent design, windows, rain fly etc.... I understand and all, it's the fabric and the idea to make it dark (pitch black) throughout the day is new to me. Could be great for privacy though... Hence I've mentioned I'll look into it (again) and other options pointed out to me.

 

@BastekFX
Where I go camping and when I go if you don't have a good waterproof tent you are screwed. One of my Cabela's tents is a 4 season tent which I would say is more of a colder weather tent and it is a world of difference in it's performance in the colder months vs a 3 season. We had the old school Eureka A-frame tents when I was in scouts and they were bomber! Eureka is another good option better than a Coleman a little more $ but still good and probably last a little longer. I am kind of a gear whore when it comes to camping and backpacking I have enough crap I've collected over the yrs. I probably camp around 100+ nights a yr. I have gear for every occasion but I am hardcore into it.

A lot of people like hammock camping I am not a tree dweller. That is another viable option. @Sandman614 is the resident hammock guy and knows more than I will even pretend to know.

 

@EatSleepTacos doesnt have a spigot in his house to put out any fires. He has to run back and forth from the kitchen sink with a bucket of water.

 

I was bored at work and watching fires on YouTube. One was a residential house, and it worried me enough that I’ll no longer be welding and grinding in my house. Which mayyyyybe I shouldn’t have been doing anyways.

 

Hahaha ya think?

Yeah stuff like that has always worried me just because most of my family work for the local volunteer FD and say it doesn’t take much for a house to go up and go up quick.