Shade Pole Question

WHO · Post by **WHO** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:29 pm

Hi all.
I am trying to design a shade structure for over our tents, and also a sitting/eating/hang out space. Total area 20x20 or so.
All the monkey huts, costcoports and such use lengths of pvc or conduit at least 8 feet long.

I don't think we will be able to bring poles that are longer than 5 or 6 ft in our vehicle. What material can I bring that can be screwed together or nested to create a pole say 8-10 feet long that will be strong enough to withstand the elements?

Thanks in advance!

BitterDan · Post by **BitterDan** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:37 pm

20' wide and 20' high? You need a dome for that. Otherwise look for that shelter that someone posted a couple weeks ago that was only like $150 for a 25hx25wx10tall.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:02 pm

Buy a roof rack or, if you don't mind a few scratches, figure out how to securely tie poles onto the top of the roof or sticking out the passenger window (if you don't mind the passenger side door not being openable). Being able to bring appropriately sized poles will make things much easier.

WHO · Post by **WHO** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:07 pm

Dan,
Yikes-I meant it needs to be at least 7 -8 ft high to accomodate a tent that is 6 ft tall, if what I read about airflow between the tent and shade is right.
Or am I doing all my math wrong?

I don't have a vehicle that can carry that length of pipe.
I think the shade structure that you reference has 10 ft tall walls/poles for the walls.

I haven't decided how pitched I want the roof, I need to get past the pole length issue first.

BitterDan · Post by **BitterDan** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:11 pm

Check out this topic:

http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=23569

WHO · Post by **WHO** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:23 pm

Dork,
I was trying to avoid the roof rack route, since we are driving over 2000 miles. It is possible we may be able to use an SUV for the trip, but I was hoping to keep everything inside. I'm sure that 7-8 ft poles on top of the vehicle will take away from the gas efficiency too.

(I was really hoping that screwing 2 four foot lengths of conduit together would be "no big deal" strength wise!)

Thanks

BitterDan · Post by **BitterDan** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:42 pm

If you are going to join two poles then I wouldn't just screw them together. I bet you can find a coupler for the pipes and then put screws through that. I would be constantly worried about the integrity of it in 60 mph winds though. Better to go with something tried and true IMO but ingenuity is always welcomed. Who knows, maybe you'll teach us something?

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:53 pm

A roof rack will reduce fuel efficiency a little.

You can try using a splicer like this:
http://www.tarps.com/chrome2.htm
It will reduce strength so you'll need to go up a size or so versus just using one piece. The splicer won't be an exact fit, so it will wobble a bit.

Can you describe your shade a little further? It will help to know what sort of forces will be exerted on the pole.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:50 pm

Military surplus outlets should have fiberglass & aluminum sectional poles four feet long.

eg http://www.twincitysurplus.com/

Post by **mdmf007** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:02 pm

You can get over sized pieces of conduit that fit over a smaller size, cut them to the 6 foot length you can handle, and you will have 10' poles with 2 feet of an internal overlap. Shoot a screw through the joint and it will stay put.

just another idea