Tent Ends
The only feature that remains to be considered is the ends of the tent. These ends, illustrated in the upper part of Figure 12, are thirty-six inches wide at the base, fifty inches high at the inner edge, twenty inches high at the outer edge, and forty-five inches along the shoulder. These dimensions permit an outside overhang of four inches at the bottom. [[44]]An eight-inch inside flap is sewed on four inches from the bottom, and is turned under the mattress, or sleeping bag, when the tent is closed.
It is advisable to make a waterproof bag in which to carry the tent. This done, the equipment consists of the following main items:
| 2 | army cots. |
| 2 | brass connecting rods with nuts. |
| 1 | trough. |
| 1 | tent. |
| 1 | bag. |
| 2 | rigging devices with ropes. |
| 6 | stakes. |
The total outfit weighs under sixty pounds.
The Huntingtons carried this equipment in a two-compartment box on the rear of a Ford roadster. The size of this box was 42¾ by 37⅛ by 20½ inches. One compartment was devoted to this equipment and the other carried two suit cases, blocks and tackle, and water bottles. They also carried a running board cupboard, the dimensions of which were 45 by 28 by 8¾ inches.
This outfit, with ponchos, blankets, and extra clothing, constituted the entire equipment.
Cooking utensils were not a serious factor in this trip, as the desire to cover a long distance in a limited amount of time caused the travelers to purchase most of their meals en route rather than take the time required for cooking.
Tent pattern of home-made camping outfit. Note in the upper part of Fig. 10 the little tab sewed on at the tent corner, holding the ring to which the side guy ropes are secured. Another feature is the mosquito netting inside flaps which permit free circulation of air. Fig. 11 is a strip of canvas along the ridge which, with pins or clips, serves as a hanger for clothes.
[[45]]
The feature of the compartment described above is that the two compartments are horizontal, the lower being covered by the false bottom of the upper. Equipment not needed at every stop is kept in the lower compartment and hence is not in the way when the campers are packing or unpacking.
The Huntington compartment is covered with waterproof canvas affixed with curtain cleats.
End pieces of tent of home-made camping outfit, and the way the design appears when closed. Note the various cross cords and tapes which permit of close tying in case of storms. Normally the side flap is tied back, with the inner mosquito netting flap acting as side wall, since the latter permits of better ventilation.
[[46]]
CHAPTER VI
EQUIPMENT FOR THE JOURNEY
(See Chapter [V] on a Home-made Camping Outfit)
Motor Bungalows—Trailers—Tents: Those Extending from the Car; Those Resting upon the Ground, but Attached to the Car, and Tents Separate from the Car—How to Estimate Canvas Duck—More Elaborate Tents—Combination Tent-beds—Car Beds—Cooking Equipment—Wood, Oil, Gasoline and Alcohol Stoves—Campfires and How to Manage Them—Broilers and Grids—Cooking Utensils—Tools, Lights, etc.—Water Bags and Filters—Canvas Bungalows—Refrigeration.
Before going into details concerning the various articles in the way of equipment, such as tents, bedding, cooking utensils, stoves and the like that contribute to the comfort of the auto camper, it will be well to consider somewhat the methods by which the car itself can be best adapted to the purpose of motor touring. Prices referred to in this chapter, though based on catalogues, can only be approximate, since the market, as in other products, is variable. It has not been possible to include here all of the desirable equipment on the market. Typical examples of the more popular kinds of products are given, so that the reader may have an idea of the range of the field. [[47]]