Camping tables

We've used card tables for years, mainly because they were cheap and light weight. However, we found that it doesn't take long for them to start sagging in the middle and not very sturdy so the slightest bump would cause drinks spillage etc.

Finally bought a more solid table with folding aluminium legs and laminated top. It's rectangular shape has a bit less room than the square card tables but is sturdier and no sagging. Cost about $80 at a 4WD show.

Big tables are a pain to carry, and we found 2 small tables more versatile anyway. Did a recent trip with the young fellow and will cut down our old card table to made a kiddy size table for him before we go away next time ($45 for a factory bought one! Can't see the value). We'll make it to fit inside our table when folded up so no extra room req'd to carry it.

Popular idea is to fit a fold down bench to the inside rear door panel of your wagon. We did this on our old BJ40 and it was a handy workspace when stopping to make lunch with the fridge right there etc, but could be a pain at times trying to squeeze past to get something out of the back of the car. Six of one, half a dozen of the other kind of thing.

Another good thing we had was a folding bench that hooks on the side of our campertrailer. 2 hooks at one end, fold down legs at the other. Have used this for several years and only recently ditched it due to fitting a slide out kitchen instead. Still carried the table for eating at, cards etc but kept the stove and other bits'n pieces off the table.

:o) Melissa

Gee Rick you must be tall!

I'm 6ft2 and fat, and I have no problems with the fold up table!

But As I said before, I would like more than one table, infact I think more than 1 table is a must.

As for tables on rear doors, some people get carried away with how much they put on the tables etc, puts mroe strain on hinges, as most have gone for heavier tires as it is.

http://www.geocities.com/hay_dj/Patrol/RearDoorTable/PatrolRearDoorTable.html

I made one out of ply, but yet to fit it.

YMMV

Me again Rick,

Just thought of something that might be of interest. I built a "camp kit" out of ply many years ago (been woodworking since a child). Basically a big box about 600 wide x 400 high x 400 deep. Made purpose built shelves to take cutlery, tray, crokery, billy, pots 'n pans, mozzie coils etc. Also had one section for things like tomato sauce, s & p, aeroguard, toilet paper and so on. Basically, it held everything that we regularly used around camp.

The top and front were hinged and folded back or down accordingly making flat work surfaces. Initially it sat in the back of our wagon at all times but later we made a stand for it so we could lift it out for longer stop overs.

This was a great system because it kept everything we used regularly together in one easily accessable place. The fold-down front was large enough for us to prepare meals on and eat at so on quick stopovers we didn't even need to get the table out.

Melissa

Hi Rick,

I'll have to go thru some old photo's to see what I can find. No longer have the unit as it fell apart on the last legs of our Pilbara trip last year (that's what prompted the installation of the camp kitchen in the trailer). In it's defense, we'd been using it for 7 yrs under some pretty rough conditions. It was OK in the 4WD's because I had attached handles to the sides so we could tie it down. Last few years it just sat at the very back of the trailer where it copped a hammering getting bounced around etc.

Trestle table idea sounds viable for a big, sturdy table. Bunnings is selling the legs so if you were so inclined you could attach your own top. Might save a bit of money too. We're thinking of doing this for extra table space when the family are staying for Xmas.

:o) Melissa