Guidelines to orient my camp?

[claybcook]

Setting up a Monkey Hut with tent inside and parking a car with trailer. My initial thought was to orient the MH generally East-West with the tent backed up to the eastern end with the car and trailer parked behind the tent to the east of the whole set-up. Car/trailer would shield the tent from early sun and the western opening of the MH would give me a view of the sunset. Seems reasonable, except when I try to consider wind protection. Can the winds be predicted? Can I plan for generally western winds when they build? Using vehicles for a wind break makes sense, but only works if I can anticipate the winds, and park based on that.

[some seeing eye]

viewtopic.php?t=40474.

The city breaks up the winds at monkey hut heights. Less so on the far outer ring facing the prevailing wind, or on clock roads that the prevailing wind aligns with. But if that wind is not blowing over vehicle broken up playa, you will likely have less dust. The entry road is a major source of dust.

Monkey huts are one of our toughest structures. You could seal both ends if you are extra cautious when you are going to be away from camp to prevent the wind from getting under them.

[gaminwench]

I miss the couch.

[EGAZ]

I'll throw this up here for a visual and some shade info. Not mine. Posted for my question(s) last year.

SunWind2.png

[DoctorIknow]

Using vehicles for a wind break makes sense, but only works if I can anticipate the winds, and park based on that.

For sure having a wind break from a vehicle to mitigate being battered with less than full frontal is where I start my structure placement idea.

To have a wind break AND to orient yourself so that morning sun doesn't blast you.....a holy grail.

BUT, is it even possible in "your allotted space" to orient in ANY direction?

AND, what if it is really important to you to have your entrance or voyeur chair facing the street or if in a large camp, facing a central feature?

I try each year to block the wind, but decided long ago to just make sure no matter the wind or sun, to make the structure strong and early morning sun proof. Many times I've wished there was a van parked right in front of me, but if the structure endures, these windstorms don't last forever, and when its over, I'm glad there is no van blocking my view.

Concentrate on making your tent 99% dust proof and shade structure strong. Don't count on being able to choose how you orient your ideal footprint,,,,you may have no choice.

[some seeing eye]

I miss the couch.

Likewise! He made real structure contributions, great info on his PotatoTrap website, he was helpful on ePlaya when people had done their homework.

On the original topic it is important to understand magnetic declination - BRC is about 13.5 degrees off true North.

[Chowski]

My second burn, I camped alone. I had my Honda fit, an ezup with some curtains, a tent and a rug. While I laid out several ideas in my mind about camp placement, it wasn't until I arrived that my final decision was made. I found my spot, then talked up some neighbors - I found someone wearing work clothes who appeared to have been there a few days, asked him the prevailing wind directions and sunrise, and set up accordingly - car as windblock, tent tight against it, carport half over the tent in the direction of the sunrise, with curtains on the sunrise wall.

My advice is: plan out your ideal set-up in your mind, then adjust it depending on where you end up. As you can see from the map, sunrise and wind direction are predictable, but your address in the city significantly changes your relation to them if you want to face the man, or face the street, or the sunset.

[claybcook]

Wow! That sun and wind map is perfect! I wouldn't have thought the prevailing wind would have been from the WSW which is what I think I'm seeing there. Going to print this out and yes, upon arrival, check in with the neighborhood to see what they've found out. Thanks!

[EGAZ]

Chowski's post is the way to do it to. Its basically what I did once I got there.

[666isMONEY]

I orient my minivan facing east so that I get early morning sun and then after 10am or so, the north side of the minivan doesn't get any sunshine in.

[silverfish]

When I layout the camp plan each year I try to imagine it in a few different orientations. We have a target area to camp in, but we might end up on the inside or the outside of a given block - or end up changing from say 6:30 to 4:30 because we found a better spot. So flexibility is key. I mainly focus on using the vehicles to create a windblock for the communal shade structure, maintaining access to the nearest road including bike access, and making sure were aren't too closed off to people coming by. If you are camping with other people it's nice to pool resources. We usually end up having some random people join our camp which is usually a lot of fun for everyone.

[viajera80]

During most years the wind will pick up from the WSW, but there have been some years when a freak storm comes in during the afternoon or evening and strong winds can hit from the NE. Be prepared for those as well.

[mamaliga]

Virgin burner also seeking help on this. (Do I create a new post or add to this thread? Will try this first) . . .

I think setting up a structure will be the most challenging aspect for me (both technically and physically) . I find this challenging even in simple camping environments!

CAMP ELEMENTS
My friend and I will be renting a campervan with kitchen at rear of van. I'm bringing along my shade structure from Australia (they are really sturdy and hold up to winds when other frames and structures don't). I've read about the monkey hut, but building one of these is beyond my capabilities (and won't have time to put one together on arriving in the US anyway). Our friends will have an RV so I'm hoping we will also be able to use their vehicle as protection from the wind/shade.

SHADE STRUCTURE
The shade structure is made from pieces of aluminum pole, joined together with PVC joins and covered with a fabric cover that doesn't pick up the winds. I plan to secure with rebar and attach additional aluminet for extra shade to the top and sides once I've worked out the arrangement. Here's a link to the shade structure. (Looks small but we fit ten people and a small table in it comfortably at a recent gathering).

http://www.coolaroo.com/product/cabana- ... 35m-gazebo

SET UP
I would like to set up the shade structure alongside either:
1. The entrance to the van (to try and protect the entrance a bit from the dust/wind, and to protect the shade structure using the vehicle. (Will also look to hang up sheets to protect from the dust a little); or
2. At the rear of the van, to shield the vehicle (and food prep) a little when using the kitchen. (The shade structure is 2.06m high and the vehicle is 2.05m high; not sure if the car's rear door opens sideways or upwards, so don't know if this will work or not).

I think the first option is probably the most practical?

I then plan to run some shade cloth/aluminet over the car and the shade structure (but will get to this later once I've worked out the configuration).

ORIENTATION
If going for option 1, I was thinking having the van face North or NNE, and having the shade structure set up alongside the van entrance to the east of the vehicle.

I have drawn up a 'plan' (please don't laugh - okay go on laugh . . . )

How will this fare in terms of wind and shade? Please let me know any suggested modifications, and how the RV should be set up in relation to this?

Thank you!

[Popeye]

Good luck and welcome to Eplaya

You aren't overthinking this but you are over planning it. As someone has said on here "A plan is what you vary from." Whatever position you plan for now will change once you get on the playa. You don't know where you will be camping, so set up so you are in shade during that time of day you will be in camp. I try to shade my tent to keep the morning sun off and get an extra hours sleep. Remember that the streets in BRC go in a circle.

I would be very leary of PVC joins in the shelter. I think they will either blow apart or break but you say it works down under so.... Bring spares, duct tamp and bungy cords. You might think about fabricating some metal sleeves to go over the joints, tap and drill them or weld nuts so they can be secured to the cross pieces. You need to strap from the top of the shade to playa or the wind will pick up the shade shelter and blow it into your neighbor which might piss them off. A lot of people use ratchet straps for this but if your joints break the straps won't do much good.

You need an air space between the camper and the tarp/aluminet etc. or heat will conduct into the camper. I'd suggest 6-8 inches. Sorry, don't speak metric Let air travel freely between the tarp and the camper. Tarps put directly on a camper will move with the wind and scratch the camper.

[mamaliga]

Thanks Popeye - and thanks for the luck. Am certainly going to need it.

Yes totally understand that my plan might go out the window, but am keen to know what I should be aiming for in terms of understanding the sun and the wind and their movements, and how we can play nicely together! So big thanks for your tips here.

From my diagram I am planning to have the shade structure in the direction of the rising sun in front of the van, which will hopefully keep the morning sun off. Is that what my 'plan' does?

Yes I can't be sure that this structure will work on the Playa, but it's one of the most reliable I've experienced in our conditions here (which can get pretty windy - one of the gatherings I go to every year overlooks a wind farm, and it hasn't failed us yet. I showed it to a burner friend who seems to think it'll do the trick. I guess we will see!!).

Yes will bring tape and bungee cords for sure. When you say spares, you mean spare poles and joins? And when you say "fabricating some metal sleeves to go over the joints, tap and drill them or weld nuts so they can be secured to the cross pieces", well, this is just way beyond my understanding and surely my capabilities. This is why I told my friend I don't know if I'm meant to burn! But I'm going to give it a red hot go . . . am I screwed if I don't do this technical task you speak of?

Now this I might be able to deal with: "You need to strap from the top of the shade to playa or the wind will pick up the shade shelter and blow it into your neighbor which might piss them off." So we usually have extra shade on top of the fabric that the structure comes with. The fabric goes over the structure and the ends drape over the legs and get belted into the ground with some pegs (i.e. rebar). Is this what you mean?

For the extra shade (not part of the structure), we usually secure this using octopus straps - the extra shade goes over the structure and we loop the octopus straps through the grommets on the tarp/shade and then the other end of the octopus strap goes into the ground secured with a peg. Works a treat. Will of course use rebar instead of a peg. Do you think the octopus straps will work? Otherwise another option is to tie a spring-loaded rope to the tarp: I tie the rope end through the grommet, and secure the spring-loaded end to the ground (with rebar of course!). Is this okay?

I've never used ratchet straps but don't think this would work as well because they wouldn't provide any slack, which could lead to breakages, which is why the octopus straps/spring loaded guy ropes work well. What do you reckon?

Thanks for the tip on the tarp between the camper and the structure. This is great. Question: If I use aluminet rather than tarp, will this make a difference with heat conducting into the camper? The camper will have a roof rack so I was hoping I could use these to secure some points of the aluminet. Have also been thinking I'll get smaller pieces of shade so I can piece together as needed, rather than having one big piece. I thought smaller pieces would be: more manageable, more flexible in terms of arrangement, and able to be secured more easily/readily. And will also allow for the air space that's needed as you've suggested.

Big thanks!

Did you have any thoughts about the position of the structure: i.e. out the side vs off the back of the van? Orientation of the van? I read somewhere to face the van north and if I have the shade structure off the side of the van, then this will protect the van from the morning sun, yes? What about orientation of the RV with respect to the van? I get how the sun works on the most part*, but not so much the wind. Even if I know that the winds come from the SW, I don't know what that means in terms of positioning my structure?!

*The wonderful picture posted by Egaz on the wind and sun directions confused me a bit. The sun seems to be rising in the east (yes, fine) and setting in the west (yes, also fine) but it's path seems to head south. I thought the north gets most of the sun, and that's where we usually direct a lot of our shade, so as it travels during the heat of the day, we're covered. In the diagram above (which I am planning to study further and consult with my more gifted friends), it seems the sun is travelling through the south. Is this a Northern/Southern hemisphere thing or am I misunderstanding the picture or I'm just totally daft? (Last two are almost certain!).

[FIGJAM]

Where you are the sun tracks more north.

On the Playa it tracks slightly south, so there is a sliver of shade on the north side of the vehicle all day.

The front of my truck is pointed directly at the sunrise so the sun tracks over the length of my shade, but a little south.

Notice the shadow? This pic was taken at about noon.

411644355.jpg

[EGAZ]

I thought the north gets most of the sun, and that's where we usually direct a lot of our shade,

As FJ stated. It does down under, but we are, and you will be, in the northern hemisphere so it flips.....

I'm guessing the PVC fittings have a spring clip of some sort to hold the poles in place. This is what will break. And given the funky angles will be tough to fabricate spares.

I've never used ratchet straps but don't think this work as well because they wouldn't provide any slack, which could lead to breakage

You don't want any slack on your shade structure. You want it firmly planted to the ground. I use these cheapy 400lb Ratchet Straps. I'm guessing you have something similar in town. The aluminet can have some slack, but not the 'Cabana'. Monkey Huts need some flex as that's how they work, but not your structure.

Some do get away with these types of structures or EZ UPs. But many are destroyed by the end of the week. I advise leaving it home but its your choice in the end.

Here is how I orientated the RMC. It was parallel to the 5:30 radial pointing towards center camp. (I'm standing in the street taking this pic) Basically 90' to FigJam's layout. I wanted the RMC to block the wind, which it did. Your Option 'A' is what I would strive for, maybe even slide your campervan left so your right front is diagonal to their left front.

[FIGJAM]

Pay no attention to EGAZ as he is STILL lost and doesn't know WHERE he camped last year!!!

If he had turn just a little to the right when he took that picture, you would have seen the edge of my camp.

ON THE 5 O'CLOCK SPOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Popeye]

From my diagram I am planning to have the shade structure in the direction of the rising sun in front of the van, which will hopefully keep the morning sun off. Is that what my 'plan' does?
It sounded like you where assuming a N-S, E-W road layout. That doesn't happen in BRC. This might make it a little clearer. http://suncalc.net/#/40.7886,-119.203,1 ... 9.22/07:38

Yes will bring tape and bungee cords for sure. When you say spares, you mean spare poles and joins? And when you say "fabricating some metal sleeves to go over the joints, tap and drill them or weld nuts so they can be secured to the cross pieces", well, this is just way beyond my understanding and surely my capabilities. This is why I told my friend I don't know if I'm meant to burn! But I'm going to give it a red hot go . . . am I screwed if I don't do this technical task you speak of?
I haven't seen your structure and the diagram is lousy but it looks like the cross pieces are joined with PVC plugs and the end pieces are connected by short PVC 90's etc. The shelters I have seen with this type of connector fail easily. The connections are soft, and are ok at first but eventually bend, twist and break. These are not the right size for your shade but will give you an idea of what I use. http://www.shadeking.com/ Without some way to secure the joints they will come apart thus my suggestion of dirll and tap or weld a nut. It might help to stretch a bungy all across the length of the cross piece. Not ideal but...

Now this I might be able to deal with: "You need to strap from the top of the shade to playa or the wind will pick up the shade shelter and blow it into your neighbor which might piss them off." So we usually have extra shade on top of the fabric that the structure comes with. The fabric goes over the structure and the ends drape over the legs and get belted into the ground with some pegs (i.e. rebar). Is this what you mean?
Not really. google Eplaya ratchet strap, Bob Stahl's site https://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/ has taught me a lot, over on Redditt
I think you need to do a little more reading, googling Eplaya "any question" might help you find answers

For the extra shade (not part of the structure), we usually secure this using octopus straps - the extra shade goes over the structure and we loop the octopus straps through the grommets on the tarp/shade and then the other end of the octopus strap goes into the ground secured with a peg. Works a treat. Will of course use rebar instead of a peg. Do you think the octopus straps will work? Otherwise another option is to tie a spring-loaded rope to the tarp: I tie the rope end through the grommet, and secure the spring-loaded end to the ground (with rebar of course!). Is this okay?
I've never used ratchet straps but don't think this would work as well because they wouldn't provide any slack, which could lead to breakages, which is why the octopus straps/spring loaded guy ropes work well. What do you reckon?
As others have said you do not want a lot of movement in this type of shade. aluminum/steel is rigid, letting it move with spring loaded rope or stretchy connections lets it stress and bend then break.

Thanks for the tip on the tarp between the camper and the structure. This is great. Question: If I use aluminet rather than tarp, will this make a difference with heat conducting into the camper? Aluminet is reflective so less heat will be absorbed and conducted into the camper The camper will have a roof rack so I was hoping I could use these to secure some points of the aluminet. sureHave also been thinking I'll get smaller pieces of shade so I can piece together as needed, rather than having one big piece. I thought smaller pieces would be: more manageable, more flexible in terms of arrangement, and able to be secured more easily/readily. And will also allow for the air space that's needed as you've suggested.
smaller pieces would be more manageable and allow more air movement. You do need air space between the camper and the tarp/aluminet
Big thanks!

Did you have any thoughts about the position of the structure: i.e. out the side vs off the back of the van? Orientation of the van? I read somewhere to face the van north and if I have the shade structure off the side of the van, then this will protect the van from the morning sun, yes? What about orientation of the RV with respect to the van? I get how the sun works on the most part*, but not so much the wind. Even if I know that the winds come from the SW, I don't know what that means in terms of positioning my structure?!
Where you locate your shade will depend on WHEN you want to be shaded., or you can have a hellabig shade structure. Don't over plan, it won't do you any good and with the size camp you wil have it won't take much to reorient you shade.

[EGAZ]

Yea, my brain thinks one thing, fingers type another. You are correct, it was the 5:00 spoke, at the 'I' radial.

But I did get a shot of your scooter charging......

[FIGJAM]

It wasn't charging, it was on life support!!!

It didn't make it.

Thanks for towing me in.

[mamaliga]

Wow - learning lots here. Thanks everyone!

That picture is very helpful FIGJAM. Going to rewire my brain so I get it thinking in the northern hemisphere way of things. Popeye - that SunCalc is super cool. Yep - definitely helping me to get my bearings. Thank you.

Egaz - the poles don't have any metal clippy things, and the PVC joins are hollow with no fancy mechanisms on them. The pieces just slide into each other with no clip. Does this make it any more likely to survive?

Seems to be a consensus on not wanting any slack/springy bits, so will look into the ratchet straps. However! I plan (was planning? . . . ) to secure the 'cabana' just with rebar at four points - the cabanas cloth material goes over the top and hangs down the four legs, and at the bottom of the cloth there are loops which is where the rebar will go. It doesn't tend to move around too much in the wind because the cloth breathes (but yes/no, I haven't experienced 70mph winds). And then the aluminet over the top of it, but I don't intend to tie the aluminet to the cabana, but to either the roof racks/car tyre and/or directly into the ground with rebar or octopussy straps. Taking this into account, are ratchet straps still the go for the aluminet or would spring loaded rope/octopussy straps be better here?

I'm pretty sure, actually I KNOW this structure is more secure than these EZ UPS you speak of - the EZ UPS are very similar to what we call marquees here, and they're crap and break really easily (and are really expensive too). Whenever a bit of good wind comes along, anyone with these things has to pull them down. But my cabana stays up! AND it only cost me AU$70 (about US$50). So if it fails I'm not too fussed. But I don't want to MOOP or kill someone with it. I could also recycle the aluminium in the recycle camp! My hope is that it provides me with reliable shelter over the course of the burn. But I'm not sure it will . . .

Popeye - you seem to understand the structure and what is needed to make it secure. Just to clarify - the pipes/tubes/poles are 'durable' aluminium (not steel unfortunately! but they are definitely way sturdier than the aluminium in the EZ UPS) and the joins are 'plastic moulded', not PVC (sorry, my mistake. I'm not sure what the difference is but one feels like strong plastic and the other feels like PVC piping - go figure!). I'm going to chat with my friend who also uses the garden shade (i.e. 'cabana') at weathery gatherings - he's pretty handy and will probably understand what it is you're suggesting to do.

Popeye - I like the ShadeKing structures! The lean to ones are nice Have seen a few pictures of these bearing the weather on the Playa. So looks like they're steel and the wingnuts help to keep the poles from jiggling around. Can understand why you wouldn't want these to be shaking around in the wind and would be secured with ratchet straps. Prices look pretty reasonable too! Do you reckon this would do what I'm trying to do but with a more stable structure? 10X15 CCLT LEAN-TO canopy kit SILVER $112.50

I might stop asking questions now as I think I'm pushing the friendship here - you have all been very kind and generous and helpful. I will go and have a closer look at Bob Stahl's potato trap and will report back! And will look more closely into the Eplaya flavoured ratchet strap on the Google machine.

And yes - trying to keep it small and simple Popeye - like me! Will try not to overplan (hard for me) but will try to be informed

P.S. What is at the back of your ute FIGJAM? Looks like a coolroom?!

[FIGJAM]

The Playapod?

409069200.jpg

409069199.jpg

411644356.jpg

[EGAZ]

Does this make it any more likely to survive? Unfortunately, no. Any plastic/PVC is susceptible to fatigue and breaking. In the heat they stretch, in the cold the get brittle.

Don't know if HarborFreight is in the land down under but they have these ratchet straps. The go on sale form time to time for $4.99US for a pack of four. I would guess other cheap tool stores carry them too. I have a number of these I use on my EMT structure. Two on each corner, one on mid poles. Pro Tip: Give them a twist or two before hooking up. Keeps them from 'singing' in the wind.

....don't want to MOOP or kill someone with it.

When myself and others make suggestions about these types of cabanas, EZ-Ups, etc. This is what we are getting at. If it 'only' folds up on you and damages your car or buddy's RV it's your loss of investment and cost of damage repair. That's your loss. If it flies &/or rolls across camp, over cars, into other camps, other tents, (maybe with occupants). Then its a problem for others. And even more troubles for you possibly.

I watched a poorly secured, 3/4" EMT structure, (should have been 1" and more ratchet straps) basically explode when a dust devil rolled through. I seen it coming, said to myself, "there is going to be some damage with this one." But was completely surprised on how quickly it dismantled that structure. I expected some sections to fail, but not 2/3 of it.

And don't worry about asking questions. I bugged everyone here last year, endlessly......

So don't take it personally that your Cabana is questionable. But do let me know where you are camping so I can stay up wind.

[Popeye]

Wow - learning lots here. Thanks everyone!

Seems to be a consensus on not wanting any slack/springy bits, so will look into the ratchet straps. However! I plan (was planning? . . . ) to secure the 'cabana' just with rebar at four points - the cabanas cloth material goes over the top and hangs down the four legs, and at the bottom of the cloth there are loops which is where the rebar will go. It doesn't tend to move around too much in the wind because the cloth breathes (but yes/no, I haven't experienced 70mph winds). And then the aluminet over the top of it, but I don't intend to tie the aluminet to the cabana, but to either the roof racks/car tyre and/or directly into the ground with rebar or octopussy straps. Taking this into account, are ratchet straps still the go for the aluminet or would spring loaded rope/octopussy straps be better here?
I don't like the idea of spring loaded/ stretchy fastenings. Four points is not enough. For comparison, google expedition tent and find one that does NOT have a lot of mesh, something like this http://www.mountainhardwear.com/trango- ... nColor=842 Look at how many tiedowns they have AND they are rounded to shed wind. You are not building for average conditions but for worse case. If you are using rebar follow Bob Stahls suggestion, he is the acknowledged master.

I'm pretty sure, actually I KNOW this structure is more secure than these EZ UPS you speak of - the EZ UPS are very similar to what we call marquees here, and they're crap and break really easily (and are really expensive too). Whenever a bit of good wind comes along, anyone with these things has to pull them down. But my cabana stays up! AND it only cost me AU$70 (about US$50). So if it fails I'm not too fussed. But I don't want to MOOP or kill someone with it. I could also recycle the aluminium in the recycle camp! My hope is that it provides me with reliable shelter over the course of the burn. But I'm not sure it will . . .

Popeye - you seem to understand the structure and what is needed to make it secure. Just to clarify - the pipes/tubes/poles are 'durable' aluminium (not steel unfortunately! but they are definitely way sturdier than the aluminium in the EZ UPS) and the joins are 'plastic moulded', not PVC (sorry, my mistake. I'm not sure what the difference is but one feels like strong plastic and the other feels like PVC piping - go figure!). I'm going to chat with my friend who also uses the garden shade (i.e. 'cabana') at weathery gatherings - he's pretty handy and will probably understand what it is you're suggesting to do.
You don't see a lot of aluminum out there. Burners use fence rail, pipe and EMT. EMT is zinc coated steel contrary to some opinions and it is designed to bend. A lot of aluminum is more brittle than EMT and will break with only a small bend.

Popeye - I like the ShadeKing structures! The lean to ones are nice Have seen a few pictures of these bearing the weather on the Playa. So looks like they're steel and the wingnuts help to keep the poles from jiggling around. Can understand why you wouldn't want these to be shaking around in the wind and would be secured with ratchet straps. Prices look pretty reasonable too! Do you reckon this would do what I'm trying to do but with a more stable structure? 10X15 CCLT LEAN-TO canopy kit SILVER $112.50
Probably, depends how you attach it to the playa. Your problem, as I see it, will not be buying this but picking it up. If you get this, you might think about buying the fittings and have them delivered to your buddy. Then buy whatever supports you need at Lowes or Home Depot on the way in.You will need to stop for propane, batterys, whatever anyway.

I might stop asking questions now as I think I'm pushing the friendship here - you have all been very kind and generous and helpful. I will go and have a closer look at Bob Stahl's potato trap and will report back! And will look more closely into the Eplaya flavoured ratchet strap on the Google machine.
You are to be commended on reading, trying hard to undestand and not asking stupid questions. Define and articulate what you are aiming at then go for that goal. Get ideas from others but don't copy them. You'll fuck up this year and that's ok, it'll be better next year.
BTW cover the ends of your rebar!!!

And yes - trying to keep it small and simple Popeye - like me! Will try not to overplan (hard for me) but will try to be informed

P.S. What is at the back of your ute FIGJAM? Looks like a coolroom?!

[mamaliga]

Hehe - thanks Egaz. Very kind - I'll try to return the favour by having a secure structure . . .

FIGJAM - that is a nice set-up. Nice views too! Do you tend to camp on the outer rings for some space and perspective? And is that an air-conditioner in the pod? My friend built an evaporative solar powered air conditioner for his canvas A-frame tent (similar to your Kodiaks I think). Works great, but takes a bit of water, not heaps though! I've read a little bit about the swamp coolers which sound great, but I think that's beyond me, and I don't think I'd have enough power to run the fan. Anyway, I digress . . .

POPEYE!!! I've done some more reading and have some more thoughts I'd like to share with you. You say four points is not enough for the cabana. But I worry if I ratchet strap the frame from a number of points, this will stress the frame. Will double pegging each of the points help (I think not). Looking like I might have to ditch the cabana . . . keeping in mind the aluminium for the cabana is stronger than most of the aluminium you get for the EZ ups and other structures I've seen and experienced. It's designed for the beach, which gets pretty windy. And the plastic doesn't soften because it gets damn hot down here too. And 40 degrees F isn't that cold - I was camping the other week and it was 24F! Literally freezing. As you can see I really want the cabana to work! But I will abandon the idea if it just won't.

I like the EMT structures (I do like steel!) - they look reasonable to set up, but I have a few concerns. You asked how I would attach it to the Playa. I'm guessing with rebar through the holes in the foundations/foot pads? And ratchet straps looped through the frame with the ends beaten into the Playa with rebar. Problem is it will get pricey, especially if I want to add aluminet (that stuff looks amazing!). Other problem is if I order one, I'll need to have it delivered. The kind lady I'm staying with in Portland was happy for me to have a few pieces of shade cloth sent to her place, but I might be pushing it if I get a whole set up sent. I had a quick look and it seems there are a few of these canopy places around, so I guess I could pre-order one and pick it up on our travels . . .

Question: a lot of the canopy kits say they don't come with tubing. Are they referring to the metal poles or 'conduit'? So what you're actually getting is the footpads, and the connectors/joins + the tarp, but not the poles, is that right? And Popeye, when you say 'buy supports you need' are you talking about the 'tubes' that aren't included, along with things like rebar, ratchet straps, bungee cords as well as tools like a mini sledgehammer, vice to get the rebar out, gloves, stuff to cover the rebar. Is that what you mean by 'supports'?

it'll be better next year

This might be a once in a lifetime adventure; I'm going to be pretty broke when I get back home! But hopefully I'll be better at life.

[LowePro]

I think your canopy might be fine if you fasten it right. I'm going to say an unpopular opinion but my camp has anchored some pretty janky structures and survived high winds, by anchoring them well. (Not for climbing or anything but just for shade FYI)
At each corner, use a a straight rebar post and a candy-cane rebar stake. For the straight rebar (about 3ft long), pound in halfway, and use duct tape to wrap liberally around the leg and rebar. Then use a candy cane rebar at each corner ALSO and use it for your fabric loop and a ratchet strap running to the upper corner. Adjust and tighten daily. You may want to wrap the joint-pieces of your structure liberally with duct tape too. It sounds janky but it works. Esp if you frame your camp with vans and vehicles to break the wind. You'll be fine.

[LeonardPotato]

Wow - learning lots here. Thanks everyone!



Popeye - I like the ShadeKing structures! The lean to ones are nice Have seen a few pictures of these bearing the weather on the Playa. So looks like they're steel and the wingnuts help to keep the poles from jiggling around. Can understand why you wouldn't want these to be shaking around in the wind and would be secured with ratchet straps. Prices look pretty reasonable too! Do you reckon this would do what I'm trying to do but with a more stable structure? 10X15 CCLT LEAN-TO canopy kit SILVER $112.50

!

I bought a shade king 12x20 Valanced small peak shelter that I am brining.
I have set it up a few times and is is really easy.
I bought the tarp and the fittings from them and then cut my own 1" EMT.

I bought some 750 pound paracord, guyline adjusters and lag bolts to secure it to the ground. I need to learn some new knots, but I am working on that.
It will be secured by 2 points at 6 positions, so 12 lags in the ground.

Feels really solid when it is all setup.

[Popeye]

"Buy the supports you need" means the tubing. For a square structure I wouldn't go for anything smaller than 1"EMT. Others will tell you to go with bigger/stronger. The connectors can be delivered to your friend for you to pick up. Buy straps, EMT/pipe and rebar on your way.
My objection to your canopy is all in the pastic connectors. I haven't seen them but I think they will bend or break or probably pull apart. There is nothing holding them except friction between plastic and aluminum. I could be wrong. To me it's like building a house without nailing your bottom plate. This is designed for the beach where you will be near it all the time and If a connection pops out you are right there to fix it. If you are in camp and not eating/sleeping you are doing it wrong.
Good luck. Stop by Census (across from Info near Center Camp) and say hello.

[mamaliga]

Thanks everyone. Will digest and consider. Feeling a lot more informed. Still not sure what I'll do but will let you know. Thanks so much for all your considered advice and help.