construction guru's critique

[britsl12]

Dear Burners young and old,

First of all thanks for taking any time and feedback you can give. Only 6 weeks away redicoulously excited and conversly completely under prepared....

First trip to the playa and was wondering if any of the construction guru’s could lend there thoughts and judgement to the below potential shade area (diagram attached). I’ve had a good look through the forum and seen variations on what we’re thinking but little concerned that this might particular setup be completely wrong.

Disclaimer: If I was resident firstly somewhere I could get access to DIY (work offshore) and secondly was in the USA. Then would have no problems constructing something like the many great monkey huts displayed here. However as it is we land into USA 2 days before the burn and need something quick, relatively easy, effective and minimal tools req. I’m pretty much the only hands on member of the team (16 in total), hence me posting whilst the rest hopefully focus on more exciting things like costumes etc.

Not sure on the parking deal with RV’s, we have 3 and they form the basis of the design. Potentially someone who knows someone etc are also coming so maybe another rv. I did read that its good samaritan to position them as wind breakers for the non RV member amongst us. Which unforunately this design does not really accommodate too well and I'd like to make good use of them for all.

Is it possible to use the vehicle drive shaft as anchorage for the ropes (in yellow) ?Looping rope around both wheel bases and over the roof. Then attaching seperate ropes (in green), that the shade cloth can tie onto.

From what I’ve read here 70% Aluminet is the be all and end all (does one get it with stitched edges or unfinished and DIY the crommets) ? Is it better to rap the sides of the RV in shade cloth as well rather than just the top? I'm also thinking of using the ropes (green) to suspend groovy LED mesh lights for night time illumination, placing the solar chargers on the roof of the RV ?

Lastly not entirely sure (not really sure on any of this yet to be honest) on how to do the central mast ? Would it be feasible ? how does one anchor something like that, especially with the amount on tension potentially placed on it ?

Once again thank's to all those who've read so far and can give help ,

Jh

[some seeing eye]

Where the ropes cross over the corners of the RV roof you will need some padding because the ropes will move in the wind and scrape the finish.

I strongly suggest getting the Aluminet edged with webbing and grommeted. You need to get that ordered ASAP, it is the busy time of the year and they get backed up.

The central post should be firmly anchored with 5/8 minimum rebar. I could be 1-2 2x4 lumber.

Your red dots could be 8' 2x4 lumber. It needs to be anchored with rebar and guy lines. I would move the center RV to make a corner and eliminate one of the red dots. You could get Aluminet to make a curtain - closed sides for your shade.

Cover the RV windows completely with mylar "space blankets" or aluminum foil using 2 inch wide blue painter tape around every edge.

The Aluminet will not be as effective over the RV roof without an air space.

And good for getting organized and prepared!

[skippy3k]

Aluminet will also scratch paint, so you may not want to let it rub up against anything.

[Meat Hunter]

Time wise, you are cutting it real close for Aluminet. They may still have stock sizes on hand, but custom cuts take 4-5+ weeks + shipping time. Contact them ....NOW..... !

Below is their contact link:
shadeclothstore.com

Good luck with your project.

[britsl12]

Speedy replies, awesome !

Got me thinking now.....Run the ropes through those foam tube things old ladies uses for their aquatic exercise classes around the edges. Using a cabe tie between the rope braid and through the foam to keep in place. Extra precautions use a good few rolls of tape onto the affected RV areas or some old card board boxes and tape over the edges.

With the Aluminet trying to find UK vendor so I can pick up when I get back to UK from work, day before we head state side. Also if I can figure out something we again tie into the ropes on the roof of the RV that would provide spacing for cooling and reduce risk of paint scratching, perhaps something inflatable. This would save on Mylar/ space blanket option.

With the central post I’m guessing you mean something like this at the top: http://www.jonstarbuck.co.uk/wordpress/ ... G_7434.jpg

I read here we shouldn't dig holes in playa. So, how you would ensure the base of the central post stays put… The law of sod dictates if it can it will go wrong......this case one of us in the early hours,( in a less than normal state) will attempt to lean or walk into the post by accident.

Great appreciate your pointers so far !!

Jh

[dragonpilot]

I read here we shouldn't dig holes in playa. So, how you would ensure the base of the central post stays put… The law of sod dictates if it can it will go wrong......this case one of us in the early hours,( in a less than normal state) will attempt to lean or walk into the post by accident.

Usually the weight of the netting and proper guying eliminates the need for post holes. Guy lines should be clearly marked with light sticks and exposed rebar covered with caps or plastic bottles secured with tape.

[jneilvindy]

Way way way to complicated. Especially with 3 campers as bases.

firstly, I'd order say 2 40x40 shade tarps at a good 70% or more protection. Be sure and get woven tarp, not cloth. There is a big difference in coverage though they will be rated the same %. Shade cloth is easily 1/2 the density and UV/light blockage as tarp I've found.

next, during setup zip tie the 2 pieces together for your 80x40 coverage.

Next I'd put up a steel cable in a T shape across the middle between the 2 campers and the base of the T from the center of the camp to the top camper.

get the tarp up on top and a foot or 2 above each camper. I'd build a base out of a sheet of plywood, say 2x2 foot with a center post 2 foot tall with a padded top. put a couple of 40 pound sandbags/rock salt on the base and drape the shade over that then use ropes to pull it tight down over the backside of your camper and secure it to the base frame of the camper. Pad edges with pool float noodles as needed threaded over the ropes.

Run a couple of ropes across the space as needed for support. zip tie through the weave as needed to prevent billowing. The 2 corners at the top you are putting supports down for? Screw it, fold that stuff over and zip tie it! Or cut it at an angle / \ to the top camper ect. and call it good enough.

Between being attached by rope to 3 campers, and a steel wire center support line...any wind that affects that lashup is gonna be tossing your campers along with it.

Unless you're going for laser straight lines and neatness think fast, easy, temporary yet secure!

[gaminwench]

Foam pool toys will disintegrate (MOOP) under friction.

[some seeing eye]

You might consider having the shade cloth delivered from a USA supplier and delivered to your hotel or general delivery counter pick up at the carrier. In Reno, there is the Barbie Death Village hotel deal. I have had excellent service and price from gothic arch greenhouse. Aluminet compresses well, and is ridiculously light weight, so you can purchase duffel bags to ship it home or store it in the USA for future years.

[FossaFerox]

You need something to keep the southern edge anchored. If that long, unsupported lip is allowed to form a sail you'll be in trouble.

[Token]

If you park your big-ass RVs in the configuration you have drawn, face the opening North, there will be a minimum of 8 feet of shade down the length of one RV in the enclosed area at any given point in time during the day even if you don't build anything.

Some google-fu and remedial geometry is maybe all you need.

[britsl12]

Dear All,

Apologies for late response especially in comparison to your replies !! I don't have a readily available internet. The feedback is most appreciated, from what you've said definitely need to re-look for something allot simpler, not exactly sure how its gonna turn out. One way or another shall persevere, depending on the success of whatever happens will post a pic, otherwise cheers to you all and have an exceptional time this august.

jh

[Jovankat]

You should post a pic even if it doesn't work out because in that case you'll probably have a lot of valuable insight to share

Good luck though!