Securing poles/spreaders...

RedRaeven · Post by **RedRaeven** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:55 pm

Right, I just got a camo netting support system. I first saw this kind of setup in 98 and it made a great shade area. Check here http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/ite ... &item=1147 to see what I'm talking about (BTW I got my set for less than half the price posted on that page). I'm delighted with it and am practicing setting up in my back yard, and have run into the issue of securing the poles. They're too wide in diameter for rebar. Other than guying them out I can't think of a way to keep 'em up in case of strong wind. I wouldn't mind guying them but then you have to keep stepping over or between rope/cable. The kit comes with stakes but they're clearly for securing the netting, or in my case, parachute. I could drive a couple of stakes to brace the bottoms but it wouldn't be enough. So, I'd be grateful for any suggestions. Thanks!

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 1:18 am

I think that system is designed more for camo netting than a parachute, but it might work. You wouldn't hold the poles vertical with bar stakes, just more or less pin them in place and lace cord from stakes on one side, to the pole tops, and over to stakes on the other side, then toss the cover on top, lash it to the pole tops, and tie off around the perimeter. The poles would tend to lean outward, but you'd still have an arch.

RedRaeven · Post by **RedRaeven** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:05 pm

Thanks for the reply, after I posted this I mulled it over some more and came to pretty much the same conclusion regarding the stakes and lashing. So, cool beans, minds thinking alike and all that. While I realize this setup is for camo netting, I just don't have the budget for the size I want, whereas I already have the parachute, and will figure out a way to keep it from billowing inwards. I do remember from the the rig I saw last time that the poles/spreaders leaned, but that actually will work best anyway as opposed to the supports being completely upright. OK, time to start practicing rigging up/breaking down. I'm so excited!

Bob wrote:I think that system is designed more for camo netting than a parachute, but it might work. You wouldn't hold the poles vertical with bar stakes, just more or less pin them in place and lace cord from stakes on one side, to the pole tops, and over to stakes on the other side, then toss the cover on top, lash it to the pole tops, and tie off around the perimeter. The poles would tend to lean outward, but you'd still have an arch.

burnerboy33 · Post by **burnerboy33** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:17 pm

is your chute a military chute?

I have two 65' cargo chutes and found out if you cut the 4" cords at the outer edges you get a flat round piece of nylon insted of a cone of nylon. No extra materal (sorry I cant spell) flaping around in the wind. Toy just need alot of rebar or stakes to pull it all tight. I am putting mine up as a teepee so the wind should move over it and not into it.

RedRaeven · Post by **RedRaeven** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:35 pm

Yep, it's an old military chute. I don't know the diameter, but I spread it out in my backyard and it's huge. Not as big as your cargo chute, but plenny big enough for my modest needs. I'll be with the Lamplighters mostly, but I'm also registered at Hushville where I'll basically have just my car, a tent, and a small kitchen setup. The car will form part of the support for the chute and I hope a windbreak and I have some old white curtains which will form part of the walls of the kitchen area. That's the working theory anyway, we'll see how it works out.