Thoughts on my shelter

[yizzah]

This is my first year building my own shelter. I opted for 2x4's since I've seen some of the PVC structures whipping around pretty good. WHat do you think? I'll wrap the whole thing in silver tarp since camo mesh is so friggin' expensive here.

[img]http://www.derekcrimmel.com/photos/shade1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.derekcrimmel.com/photos/shade2.jpg[/img]

[mk-ultra]

Just eyeballing your pics, I think you may want to buttress the 90 degree corners a bit. It looks like all of your lateral stability comes from the ropes guyed to the top. If any of those stakes pull up or lines get slack, you're hosed.

Cheap plywood triangles with wood screws at the corners would make a big difference.

[Bob]

Looks fine, just bring plenty of extra rope, stakes, bandaids and Neosporin.

[EB]

I'd somehow make sure the tent was covered by the greater structure because when the sun comes up, the playa heats up pretty quickly.

Maybe make a lean-to attached to the pick-up.

As for the box, you might save yourself some effort and just get an EZ-UP and then stake the hammock to the playa. I bet you could find one for cheap during the winter, that way you don't have to re-invent the wheel and you can re-use it.

[yizzah]

I'm going to have the tarps cover everything framed by the 2x4's, so the tent will be shaded as much as the main area.

I guess I'll bring some extra 2x4's along to brace it up after I give it a good shove to see how sturdy it is. I can throw a buttress or two in there.

I thought about the EZ ups, but I've seen so many flimsy ones, I felt better about building my own. This will be much sturdier than an easy up, I think. And it really won't cost all that much money and I can reuse the 2x4 for other things.

[thirt33n]

yeah, use your truck. it's better than rebar stakes. i've always used my vehicle for the base of my shade structure.

[yizzah]

I thought about backing my truck partially into the unit with the tailgate down and just sleeping in the bed instead of a tent, it just starts to get a little tight with an 8x8 unit. I'm trying to keep it to 8' 2x4's.

As for rope coming loose on my tie downs, I was going to ratchet strap from a big eye hook in each upper corner, down to a sunken rebar spike. I don't think that's gonna come loose.

[Toolmaker]

Looks fine, just bring plenty of extra rope, stakes, bandaids and Neosporin.

Ever try new skin? The bottled version can be layered for a thicker coat.

[gyre]

New skin is an essential.
Doesn't work on skin cracked by dryness though.

[Harpman]

Ever try new skin? The bottled version can be layered for a thicker coat.

I prefer Super Glue (Bonds skin instantly) for major cuts. It was developed for field surgery in Vietnam.
Really.

[gyre]

Hysterical when exhausted folks glue themselves to their tent, their bike, the glue bottle and other body parts....and other people.

[Harpman]

Hysterical when exhausted folks glue themselves to their tent, their bike, the glue bottle and other body parts....and other people.

ROFL
You are my kind of people gyre. I'm sure that is exactly what will happen. LOL

[Intubater69]

Hysterical when exhausted folks glue themselves to their tent, their bike, the glue bottle and other body parts....and other people.

LMAO picturing the scene from american pie

[Ugly Dougly]

You mean:

[yizzah]

You mean:

Yeah, that's what I meant. I'm not sure why it doesn't work for me, I'm using what appears to be the proper code. Anyway.

I'm thinking about using Reed Fencing for the sides. Anyone had any luck with it?




WTF, why are my images not showing up? I've enabled BBC code and HTML.

[Harpman]

I'm thinking about using Reed Fencing for the sides. Anyone had any luck with it?

There's a stuff called "Shade Mesh" at home depot, in the garden section. It's only like $30.00 for a big roll. it lets air through and keeps heat out. I would be using it myself if I had discovered it sooner.
My original idea was to cover my shade structure with Camouflage net. Which has been proven out in BRC as immune to wind and excellent shade. However, one of these rolls will run you $200.00 in a surplus store. I've seen cheaper ones, but still over $100.00. I am using blue tarp instead.
So, maybe try the mesh. I would stay away from blue tarp for your structure. I'm afraid it looks a lot like a box style kite. I wouldn't want it to become one.