Tarp over C/T (pics)

[knoath]

I would like to get a tarp big enough to completely cover the tent on our C/T while we're set up.
This means I'll need a 6x5m tarp, I'm wondering how I'll go propping up something so big!

Also, can anyone recommend a pole supplier? I have seen bundles on E-bay, but if you've got a set of good poles it could be worth mentioning...

Can we get some pics of your set ups using a tarp to keep your tent bird poo proof and nice and dry?

Cheers,
Dick

[KingBilly]

I got one of these kits when we were tenting http://www.supapeg.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=48&products_id=144. Excellent quality but not cheap.  Should be available through your local camping store.

Also had one of this mob's tarps.  Again great quality and they will ship anywhere http://www.setarps.com.au

KB

[D4D]

Supapeg as KB has suggested or these guys are local to you http://www.polesapart.com.au/

[knoath]

Thanks KB and D4D... good suggestions there.
I spotted these on Ebay...
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261443326448?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

[DropBearRacing]

we have the Polesapart Poles and the oztrail ultrarig tarp, not that we would be using it over the camper.

[Kangaron]

Hey Knoath, I have such a tarp, an oztrail ultrarig tarp, used once, that I no longer need.

Not sure of the exact dimensions, will have to measure if you are interested.

[knoath]

PM sent Kangaron.

[chisel]

Tarps come in all sizes up to absolutely huge. Here's the ultrarig range http://www.tentworld.com.au/products/tarp/silver-tarps.aspx

I use a 20x24' (roughly 6x7.5m) for bigger group trips.  A good ridge pole really helps. http://www.tentworld.com.au/products/tarp/item/supa-peg-18ft-ridge-rail.aspx

Obviously if you're draping it over a camper the ridge pole isn't necessary unless you want to keep the whole tarp off the roof of the camper ... in which case I'd be a bit worried about having such a long single-span on the ridge pole - usually you'd have a support pole in the middle of a long span.

Steve

[Alan Loy]

I have the polesapart ridge poles.  The square ones come in 4.8 to 9 metres.  You can get them here http://www.tentpolestore.com/products/adjustable-square-steel-ridge-pole-488cm or at a BCF store.

They need some support in the middle, my brother borrowed mine and it now is a perfect curve 

[knoath]

Thanks fellas. I might be able to run a ridge pole supported by a pole at the highest point on the camper roof...

[knoath]

Big thanks to Ron (Kangaron) for the yoog tarp!
Cheers Ron!

[Mallory Black]

our setup
using poles with the tarp means we have the option of creating an air gap on the hot days which drops the temp inside considerably or cinch the tarp down for wind and rain.
We also have been able to extend the shade area beyond the end of the annexe

The tarp itself is a 6.1 x 5.9, about 12 years old, very solid with heavily reinforced eyelets.
In mild weather we would use the minimum amount of poles and ropes but if it gets blowy we add more poles and ropes to take the strain. Has stood up to plenty of southeasterly busters on both Straddie and Fraser.

I'd recommend a solid tarp with eyelets not D rings, they're hard to find these days, but worth it even if you get one made.
For anything more than an overnight we now always go for the tarp, it's worth the effort.

We found the best thing To stop poles supporting the CT canvas from gouging at the tarp is a Yo Yo cut in half with a hole in the inside part to sit on the tip (of the poles underneath) It's a very neat solution and better than those yellow things the camping shops sell

[Kangaron]

Big thanks to Ron (Kangaron) for the yoog tarp!
Cheers Ron!

Sweet, glad it will get used.
as discussed here was my improvisation on the spigots.

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

Hi,

Does the Boss know she's famous yet?
Have you told her about the photo's existence yet?
That's what a Tent fly is all about.
It helps with both the Heat and Cold.
As well as the more objectionable stuff getting on the tent.

Good on you, for sharing.

[Barry G]

Lots of great I fo in this thread.   

[griz066]

We use a dura rig tarp with the D rings instead of eylets and a spreader bar under the ridge. put a pole in every D and you will be ok in the wind. We used the same tarp over our CT and then the Pop Top it is 24x20

[itchvet]

I've found in very strong winds the rope damages the tarp, or even the eyelets get pulled out tearing free off the tarp.
To prevent this, I cut small discs about the size of a tennis ball, drilled a hole thru the center, slide these over the pole bolt thru the tarp eyelet and do up the wing nut on top.
This spreads the load over a larger area thus relieving the strain on the eyelet. Bonus we found too, prevents rain from running down the bolt attached to the top of the pole.

[Footy Shorts Shane]

Yesterday the camper was set up in the front yard for a good clean. We ALWAYS tarp our camper when set up, so I was pretty amazed at how hot it was inside by midday. My multi meter has a temp setting, so grabbed that for curiosities sake.

Outside temp, 19 deg
Bed temp, 26 deg
Underside of canvass roof temp, 46 deg.

Would hate to see it in summer. 

[Alan Loy]

I've found in very strong winds the rope damages the tarp, or even the eyelets get pulled out tearing free off the tarp.
To prevent this, I cut small discs about the size of a tennis ball, drilled a hole thru the center, slide these over the pole bolt thru the tarp eyelet and do up the wing nut on top.
This spreads the load over a larger area thus relieving the strain on the eyelet. Bonus we found too, prevents rain from running down the bolt attached to the top of the pole.

Great idea

My solution is to put a couple of ropes over the tarp to hold it down.  I found that most of the damage was done when the wind got under the tarp and blew it up ripping out eyelets in the process.  The ropes stop this

[Nay-DMAX]

Yesterday the camper was set up in the front yard for a good clean. We ALWAYS tarp our camper when set up, so I was pretty amazed at how hot it was inside by midday. My multi meter has a temp setting, so grabbed that for curiosities sake.

Outside temp, 19 deg
Bed temp, 26 deg
Underside of canvass roof temp, 46 deg.

Would hate to see it in summer. 

Curious was this without the tarp?

[Footy Shorts Shane]

Curious was this without the tarp?

It was. Just set up in front yard to mop it out and remove 3 1/2 buckets of sand from last weekend. Previous post should have read, 'always tarped when camping'

[Nay-DMAX]

It was. Just set up in front yard to mop it out and remove 3 1/2 buckets of sand from last weekend. Previous post should have read, 'always tarped when camping'

Thanks Shane I did think you meant this was with no tarp was just checking    have you done temps with the tarp on? We have a tent fly type material storm cover that came with our tent which we always have on but often think a tarp would be better.  3 1/2 buckets always fun when you bring sand home lol.

[Bird]

I really CBF with that many more ropes, and poles and hassle.. Suppose Im lucky, my tent is canvas as is the awning, so that keeps me dry

[Nay-DMAX]

I really CBF with that many more ropes, and poles and hassle.. Suppose Im lucky, my tent is canvas as is the awning, so that keeps me dry

Ours I canvas also the storm cover is no extra poles but we tie it down and it does help to keep canvas dry which is good if we get rain before pack up.  I see the point of the tarp if you are camped for more than a few nights and it is really hot as ours gets hot inside and makes it harder to sleep.

[666Glenn]

Attached picture of mates tarp we set up whilst water skiing tarp size is 6 X 9 metre