Alternative methods for securing a travel cover

[Kampereen]

For my tent camper's first prototype, I covered it with marine vinyl and used regular snaps to attach it. It's secure and doesn't flap in the wind and I probably should be happy with that. BUT, it takes longer to remove the cover than it does to set up the tent. So I was wondering if anyone had experience with different methods of attaching a travel cover. I've been looking at things like bungee tie downs, keder awning rope, zippers, etc. I could probably reduce the number of snaps I'm using, I think there are about 40 total around the perimeter of the 6.5 x 4 box. Any thoughts, experiences, suggestions appreciated.

[tony.latham]

How about these marine twist locks?

https://www.sailrite.com/common-sense-fastener-2-screw-stud?gclid=CjwKCAiA8ov_BRAoEiwAOZogwZEB3HLjZXuj1fWMczvpPNRInRazlCSynJANc3gprGtBflUFz8dEaRoCtWkQAvD_BwE



Tony

[saltydawg]

The twist locks would probably take longer than snaps, but they would work very well.

How about grommets and hooks with a rope going zig zag like a shoe lace. Just hook it on the hooks and pull from the end. Still not the fastest, but might be faster. Its also adjustable, unlike snaps.

[twisted lines]

I waited all day for the UPS man ; Here is 1000 ft of para cord and all the clamps / clips I could find came too, had a pair of shoes and thought these would work like the dawg was explaining for my boat cover, but these slide way to easy to hold that load, but the two piece snap clips should hold.
Pic of my top with a long term temporary tarp clamp its grabing where I will run a line around, then pull another line down and snap the two pieces pre adjusted tight.
I really like the tarp clamp's a lot they tear stuff up before they let go.

[Kampereen]

The twist locks would probably take longer than snaps, but they would work very well.

How about grommets and hooks with a rope going zig zag like a shoe lace. Just hook it on the hooks and pull from the end. Still not the fastest, but might be faster. Its also adjustable, unlike snaps.

I'm glad you suggested that. This was a line I was considering pursuing but I needed someone else to validate it. I have pretty much everything I need including the hooks and grommets, but would need to get cord. Would you see using paracord or something stretchier like shock cord? I was thinking the latter as it might hold the cover closer to the body.

[Kampereen]

I really like the tarp clamp's a lot they tear stuff up before they let go.

I will take a look at those, I appreciate the suggestion!

[saltydawg]

The twist locks would probably take longer than snaps, but they would work very well.

How about grommets and hooks with a rope going zig zag like a shoe lace. Just hook it on the hooks and pull from the end. Still not the fastest, but might be faster. Its also adjustable, unlike snaps.

I'm glad you suggested that. This was a line I was considering pursuing but I needed someone else to validate it. I have pretty much everything I need including the hooks and grommets, but would need to get cord. Would you see using paracord or something stretchier like shock cord? I was thinking the latter as it might hold the cover closer to the body.

Para cord is nice for a lot of things, but as twisted found out its slippery. Slippery is a good thing for it sliding as you pull, but hard to secure. If you used something like a small boat cleat to tie it off that would work, but securing it would be the tricky part.

I can see bungy cord look good while parked but it could stretch from the wind while driving then flap.

[twisted lines]

Flat webbing and the snap two piece clips Is first and fastest that comes to mind when it's finished. Fix and adjust both ends. My temp clamps not for this App they will tear it up!
Never used any of this cord before but at 530 lbs over my permanent weight limit of 20 Lb's knew I needed it
Now I need to learn to tie it.