Hanging a tarp between two tall vehicles?

[sparr]

I've found a number of discussions and illustrations about putting a tarp over one truck and anchoring it to the ground on both sides, creating shade space under the tarp. I have not, however, seen anyone talking about hanging one or more tarps over/between two trucks, without support structure in between. Do people do this? Are there any pictures or illustrations available of this idea in use?

[gateway]

Should be pretty easy to do, we rigged one up early this year during a desert trip with buddies, here is an aerial view of what it looks like, we just used a few strong zip ties to connect them to our trucks and jeeps.

tarps.jpg

[mudpuppy000]

It might sag some in the center unless you can get the tarp super tight. You can also get "telescoping tent poles" to make an awning with one vehicle, or peak the roof if you attach it to two of them.

[MikeGyver]

In any strong wind its going to flap so much you'd rather not have it. Even if you make it tight Id add some tent poles or something to make it more rigid and flap less. Or use a breathable shade cloth that the wind can pass through.

[Token]

No, people don't do this very much without additional structure or they use a different material.

Tarp = sail.

Add wind, lots of, from all directions.

Result: Crazy noisy, shakes all the vehicles involved, no amount of ingenuity will prevent the tarp from ripping and whipping itself and everything around it to shreds.

In other words, bad idea theater. Entertaining but not a Playa-worthy design.

Now replace the tarp with a more durable material that is not a sail, like real military camo-netting (there is a reason they invented that stuff) or a knit HDPE type shade cloth in the less than 80% sun blocking range and you might be able to wing it with a lot of good rigging.

Tearing of the fabric/tarp is the killer here and it WILL happen. Maybe on day 1, maybe on day 6, but 100% guaranteed.

But please, don't let this discourage you. The entertainment value of shelter failure on-playa is treasured and priceless

[GreyCoyote]

Do people do this?

Yes.

Are there any pictures or illustrations available of this idea in use?

Yes.

Were you going somewhere with these questions or were you just curious?

[FlyingMonkey]

No, people don't do this very much without additional structure or they use a different material.

Tarp = sail.

Add wind, lots of, from all directions.

Result: Crazy noisy, shakes all the vehicles involved, no amount of ingenuity will prevent the tarp from ripping and whipping itself and everything around it to shreds.

In other words, bad idea theater. Entertaining but not a Playa-worthy design.

Now replace the tarp with a more durable material that is not a sail, like real military camo-netting (there is a reason they invented that stuff) or a knit HDPE type shade cloth in the less than 80% sun blocking range and you might be able to wing it with a lot of good rigging.

Tearing of the fabric/tarp is the killer here and it WILL happen. Maybe on day 1, maybe on day 6, but 100% guaranteed.

But please, don't let this discourage you. The entertainment value of shelter failure on-playa is treasured and priceless

+++ on the camo netting. If I hadn't already spent so much preparing for this year already I would have bought some. You can anchor it & use supports to make a shade structure/tent.

I have never bought from this company but I was considering this & some netting.

http://www.camonettingstore.com/camonet ... glass-set/

I would of course consider painting the camo something more fun than olive drab & add lots of solar lights.

I was thinking something like this.

Cam02.jpg

Big freaking gun is optional but does wonders keeping the drones away.

[sparr]

Yes. Yes. Were you going somewhere with these questions or were you just curious?

Nope, just a literal poll. I definitely wasn't hoping for examples and illustrations like gateway put in their reply. </s>

[Simon of the Playa]

here.

https://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/bluetarp


now shut the fuck up.

[AntiM]

Doubled camo netting works best for a deep enough shade. Does zilch during rain though. We attach ours to the carports, put an EZ frame in the middle (no canopy), then use spreader poles on the ends. Varies as needed.

P1010374 - Copy.JPG

A variation at Seabase, during a regional

016 - Copy.JPG

[Zubeneschamali]

that's pretty cool stuff, ditto on the aluminet.

I've seen the blue tarps sail and split. Fucking hassle to try to pick up all the little blue strands after that.

I started reusing cotton painter tarps (not painted on). They have worked well the last 2 years, provide a fairly good shade, breath well and flow with the wind, don't make noise, and pack up tight. I park 2 + 2 vehicles parallel and use the tarps to create a breezeway. I have no idea how they perform in moderate to severe playa weather. Price wise they're cheaper than aluminet, more expensive than blue tarp.

no grommets or tie offs, so have to know your knots.