What is a bivouac tent?

Tent for the liftgate of my minivan

• I want to make a tent that goes over the opened lift gate (hatchback?) of my minivan. The ones I've seen are expensive, and I have an old tent, plus a couple of old tent flies and some mesh screen. The tent acts as an extension of the van and allows in air. Could also be used as privacy space for the camping potty. So, ideas and suggestions for making it as good as possible? Have you ever made your own tent? Doesn't need a rain fly, the tailgate acts as a roof. I have extra bungi-type elastic, so thinking of putting in a hem and using elastic and bungie hooks to attach to the van roof rack and wheel wells. I also have magnets. The old tent I'll use has a floor that I can use as a base. Probably use an old tent fly as the top that goes over the tailgate, then use mesh to make the old tent taller and make it fit. If you want to get a tent, Goodwill has them at bargain prices. The ones I'm recycling were from yard sales. The tent I actually use is from GW. http://minivancamper.tumblr.com/post/23951753838/the-tail-veil-www-tailveil-com-if-you-want-to - probably the best shape/size http://www.backcountry.com/kelty-tailgater-ipa http://www.rei.com/product/851617/sportz-suv-6-tent-with-screen-room too big http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=23017916 needs to be enclosed to keep skeeters out http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001WTY0E/metafilter-20/ref=nosim/ a http://www.tentsontrucks.com/SUV-Minivan.htm of SUV tents http://www.mechanics-warehouse.com/1922/With%20FL/HTML/napier/80000.jpg http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Sportz_tent/dome_tent_to_go_by_sportz_tents.htm http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00CP0R6Y6/metafilter-20/ref=nosim/

• Answer:

  I've thought about this before, too. My only suggestion is that if you have a sunroof/moonroof, I would make it where the netting extends over the top, so you can open it at night if it's not raining and still keep out the bugs. Maybe even hang down the sides over the windows and open them, too, to help a nice cross breeze going. I think that would keep it MUCH cooler inside the van.