tarp for shade attached to travel trailer?

[RemingtonRand]

I'm trying to keep this simple, but practical. What if I had a 10x20 tarp that runs next to my 19 foot trailer. One 20 foot side is on about 1.5 feet of the roof, with ropes going across the roof to the other side where they are staked down. The side that is away from the trailer goes to three tarp poles (the sort they sell at REI or Big Five Sporting Goods for not too much). One pole on each corner, and one in the middle. Those poles are held down by rope and stakes as well. Is it reasonable to hope (hope against hope) that it would survive the wind? I've read discussion about how difficult it is to disassemble PVC pipe, so that's why I'm looking at tarp poles.

I can try this out at home, but won't know how it holds up until it's on the playa. The trailer does have an awning attached, but I've read over and over again not to trust an awning. Not even if the wind seems to be dead, since it can pop up very suddenly.

http://www.rei.com/product/845322/rei-a ... ole-single

[FossaFerox]

Three of those poles could not survive holding a tarp like that and the wind would rub parts of your vehicle raw with the tarp and ropes. It's a workable solution if you use shadecloth. Alternatively, pad the shit out of everything that touches the vehicle, get a bigger tarp (20xlong enough to make a lean to) and stake one side right into the playa with rebar or lag bolts at every grommet (just be sure to either use bungees or a laced rope system to distribute gust stress).

[RemingtonRand]

You suggestion sounds very intriguing. Sounds like take the tarp all the way from the roof of the trailer, down to the ground at an angle? I think I've seen some like that before.

In my camp last year, two people with RVs had created structures using very large pvc pipe. The tarp was somehow attached to their trailer (I didn't get a close look) then straight out to the pipe support, and then ropes going out to stakes. It was impressive. I don't think I can bring long pipes, and I agree that the poles might not be able to support the weight of the wind on the tarp. Not a good idea.

[FossaFerox]

You suggestion sounds very intriguing. Sounds like take the tarp all the way from the roof of the trailer, down to the ground at an angle? I think I've seen some like that before.

In my camp last year, two people with RVs had created structures using very large pvc pipe. The tarp was somehow attached to their trailer (I didn't get a close look) then straight out to the pipe support, and then ropes going out to stakes. It was impressive. I don't think I can bring long pipes, and I agree that the poles might not be able to support the weight of the wind on the tarp. Not a good idea.

You have a 19' trailer but can't bring long pipes? I... what?

Anyway, something like Figjam's setup (but longer) is probably your best bet.

[LowePro]

"In my camp last year...."

Last year was pretty mild in terms of weather and wind. What worked then might not hold up if this year has more windy conditions. Good luck.

[geospyder]

Be careful about hooking it to an RV. A few years ago the camp I was in had a shade cover attached to the railings on top of an RV. Big winds almost took off the railing. Not quite, but sure bent the hell out of them.

[Fan C]

Your intial idea could work if you used something like camo net. It's on'y 45% shade but the won't become a sail.

[RemingtonRand]

Thanks for your thoughts. I've decided to use two EZup tarps and secure the heck out of it. Will be much easier than trying to secure a very large tarp.

[playastewart]

I'm planning on doing something similar this year. I bought some 70% aluminet shade cloth and some d-rings to drill into my trailers roof/into the wood framing (don't just drill into sheet metal, it'll rip right out in the wind) anyhoo, then a leanto design down from there. I have an ez-up to drape the shade cloth over, as well as shade structure from black rock hardware, but don't think I'm gonna go that big. It's just me this year - so I think I'll try the leanto idea.
I got my aluminet from greenhousemegastore.com, good stuff, already has grommets.