Yet another shade structure question

AfricanFire · Post by **AfricanFire** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 1:43 am

Last time we went we took a full sized tipi as well as a small tent which was under a shared shade structure. This year I'm going solo and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to manage the tipi alone (those wooden poles are HEAVY). The tipi was awesome, but I have to be realistic.

So right now it is looking like I'll be taking the tent. But since I'm going solo I won't have a shared shade structure to use. I've been looking at the popular carports and those are an option, but I'd love any other ideas for cheapish, simple shade for someone who is not engineering minded AT ALL!

And a question about the EZ-ups - I know they are considered a no-no, but is that because people don't stake them down properly? Would they be functional with proper rebar anchors, and a rope thrown over the roof (width and length) which is also properly staked?

Thanks!

Post by **Sham** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 3:00 am

I'm thinking, what the heck is a tipi? Oh, a teepee!

If you do an easy-up tent, consider storing your water inside the four corners of the tent. The heavy 10 inch spikes are great and the extra anchor of the water works great. Also, if you have a car there, try to park it in such a way as to block the wind and the early morning sun. All indications are that it may be a bit dustier than usual, so plan accordingly.

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 3:19 pm

Also...try to set up your camp near neighbors who look like they've got their shit together...shade structure. Become friends with them...share cookies and ice cold beer.

Look up Stag Camp (stagcamp.proboards.com). Wonderful group of vagabonds who have coalesced over the years, sharing shade, music, etc.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 3:29 pm

If by "properly" you mean "obsessively" the answer is maybe.

And you're going to get 100 Monkey Hut recommendations...

Papa Bear · Post by **Papa Bear** » Sat Jun 14, 2014 5:22 pm

As far as true easy-ups go, I think the big issue is that if the wind does get to it, the metal lattice will get bent and the whole thing will be more or less destroyed.

Another option could be a large tarp (or camp netting) anchored down at the ends, and supported in the middle with poles. Most tents aren't that tall, so 8' poles might well be enough. For staking things down, you might consider FIGJAM's lag screw approach. That's what I'm doing for the yurt, so we'll have the impact wrench in camp anyway.

Of course, the offer to help set up the tipi still stands if you decide to go that route after all.

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Sat Jun 14, 2014 8:20 pm

Seriously - don't try to reinvent the wheel - look at : http://www.chromatest.net/Lovemonkey/

It works, It's durable, it's easy to set up, and it is cheap.

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Sat Jun 14, 2014 8:21 pm

I used one of these, anchor well, tie out all the tie outs, and put a chair in the windward corner. 6 ft. high.

and finally the northpole shade

ACfromSAC · Post by **ACfromSAC** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:52 am

Drawingablank wrote:Seriously - don't try to reinvent the wheel - look at : http://www.chromatest.net/Lovemonkey/

It works, It's durable, it's easy to set up, and it is cheap.

+1

Jovankat · Post by **Jovankat** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 9:27 am

Yep monkeyhuts FTW! You'll probably need a second person to bend the poles onto the rebar but asking a neighbour nicely should take care of that. And bonus, you get to meet a neighbour!

socks2 · Post by **socks2** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 7:04 pm

Go with a monkey hut

Thank you love monkey

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 7:40 pm

Jovankat wrote:Yep monkeyhuts FTW! You'll probably need a second person to bend the poles onto the rebar but asking a neighbour nicely should take care of that. And bonus, you get to meet a neighbour!

Although a helper makes it slightly easier, I can assemble or disassemble mine in about 10 minutes alone. Unless there is strong wind, in which case either wait or recruit some help.

kowtow · Post by **kowtow** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 8:14 am

I also have to agree. Monkey huts or variations of them are the way to go. Cheap, scale-able in size, flexible in design, relatively easy to put and can offer a very large shade structure.

My first erection! It wasn't difficult to put up alone as the PVC slipped over the hex bolts on the trailer and the one's threaded into the ground.

Decided for the playa I would construct a board that has all the necessary accouterments, so that all I have to do is secure the board to the playa using 4-6 14" x 5/8" lag bolts.

This is the ledger that's attached to the trailer with the 4, 5/8" x 6" hex bolts affixed.

Drawingablank wrote:
Seriously - don't try to reinvent the wheel - look at : http://www.chromatest.net/Lovemonkey/

It works, It's durable, it's easy to set up, and it is cheap.

I have to second the link to the chromatest site, it provided me everything I needed to know in detail, so that I could design my own.

Yet another shade structure question

Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question

Re: Yet another shade structure question