Any tips for hanging a tarp?

[Cosmic]

We're going to be tent camping from our car, so space is going to be at a premium. I want some kind of protection from the elements other than the tents, so I think hanging a tarp over the picnic table is probably the best way to go. I just don't think there's room for a big screen house or other shelter. I'm even planning on buying the tarp at Wal-Mart in Clermont, although there's the danger they might not have what I want.

The plan right now is to buy two adjustable poles like these, with two guy lines on each of them. For the other corners, I'm hoping to find some cooperative trees. Does that sound like enough? Too optimistic? Any size recommendations? Is it worth it to track down a white tarp? About the only thing I know for sure is I have to hang it at an angle so it doesn't turn into a bird bath.

 

[mtnminnie]

we do tarps often. I have a huge one that goes over our tent and will cover the picnic table. It is a production. I have never used the poles you mentioned...we just cut down some little trees, shaved the bark and tie them down on top of the truck....but....how we do it....we attach one pole on the right corner using a bungy that is round with a black bulb at the end...we put one on the left corner too. Then one person grabs each pole and carefully walks it over the tent and over the table. We secure it up with three more long tight bungies on a metal stake. The we do the back two corners with a pole, round bungy and the secure with three bungies on each pole. (clear as mud?). Then we usually either secure to trees with a few more cords or add a couple of extra poles. If it is really windy you want it lower and tight. My best advice...practice it at home..because the first couple of times took some arguing and a bit to figure it out. Once you do it two or three times it will be easy peasy though.

 

[Cosmic]

My best advice...practice it at home..because the first couple of times took some arguing and a bit to figure it out. Once you do it two or three times it will be easy peasy though.

Thanks. I think I need a refresher course on some good knots.

 

[PaHunter]

Thanks. I think I need a refresher course on some good knots.

Well thankfully you only need the knot work. Not the how to hack down little trees part, cuz that is when accidents happen.

 

[tripleb]

For the price of 2 of those telescoping poles and the tarp, you could get one of these and place it anywhere on your campsite. I have used one similar to this for many years.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-12-x-12-Group-Activity-Canopy-White/22402172

 

[Cosmic]

For the price of 2 of those telescoping poles and the tarp, you could get one of these and place it anywhere on your campsite. I have used one similar to this for many years.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-12-x-12-Group-Activity-Canopy-White/22402172

It's worth a look. I think it would be slightly more expensive than two poles + tarp, but honestly worth it... if it will fit. My concern is I think those things normally pack up sort of large. I'll swing by Wal-Mart some time soon to check it out.

 

[dalir]

Thanks. I think I need a refresher course on some good knots.

My motto: If you can't tie good knots, tie a lot of them!

 

[tripleb]

It's worth a look. I think it would be slightly more expensive than two poles + tarp, but honestly worth it... if it will fit. My concern is I think those things normally pack up sort of large. I'll swing by Wal-Mart some time soon to check it out.

Mine packs up, with the tarp at about 10"x10"x4.5' ... Mine is a 10'x10'.

 

[CrankyDad]

We camp a bunch (not tent, sorry not that adventurous) We use a 10x10 pop up from coleman. Takes up little storage space, has a case with wheels and sets up in under 5 mins. Like the one

 

[Cosmic]

Mine packs up, with the tarp at about 10"x10"x4.5' ... Mine is a 10'x10'.

Might be a tough fit. My trunk is just a little over 4' wide, and the roof bag is either 40" or 48" long. My big tent packs up to 4' long, and it fits like a glove in the trunk. Thanks for the measurements.

 

[tripleb]

Might be a tough fit. My trunk is just a little over 4' wide, and the roof bag is either 40" or 48" long. My big tent packs up to 4' long, and it fits like a glove in the trunk. Thanks for the measurements.

I gotcha ... missed the part about limited space in your vehicle. Just wondering if you have the ability to add a hitch mount cargo platform. That could give you some added storage space.