Shelter advice

[Nobody]

Guess I should let Glenn (CaseyDog) answer this one but I had a little (very ) to do with putting up the Kelty. It took considerable muscle to get the poles arched properly to fit the pins in each end. Glenn, Jim & I had quite a tussle with it but that may well be part of the problem (three of us ). I'm quite sure there's a 'technique' to it that'll make it easier & one person can probably do it after some practice. I'm an old phardt & I feel sure I could manage it after such practice but I'd want some young, strong help the first few times . It is a really nice, lightweight, versatile shelter that's kinda pricey if you're on a budget.

Oh BTW, one person can erect & take down one of the E-Z Up type shelters. I've done it several times with both my 8X8 (canopy size) Kwik Shade slant leg & the 10X10 First-Up straight leg. You can't get too enthusiastic with the pulling & moving, just move each leg a few inches at a time in sequence with the others. Takes longer than with help but I didn't find it too difficult

[EZ]

I would still like to make an awning that was connected to the tear and didn't require stakes. I don't want to cover it. Something to get a couple of chairs under to get out of the sun or rain. Below is a somewhat crazy drawing done of one idea. Aluminum poles on the ends (red) and support (green). The others PVC in pockets. I am trying to come up with a version of this that is simpler. Maybe it just can't be done due to the shape of the sides.

Ed

[steve wolverton]

My awning was made using 1/2 EMT. It connects to the camper by slipping into some clothes line bolts and tensioned off with the stakes. I know some of you don't like the use of stakes, and I was going to also come up with a system that doesn't require them, but didn't like the idea of a lot of poles. I use really long guy ropes to tie off, and I set it up without any help as I usually camp alone. You could make the support poles (emt) taller than the camper to get some extra headroom. Less than $50 for all the EMT, grommet kit, ropes, and cotton canvas. I also used the leftover EMT for the stakes.

[EZ]

You know Steve, that is just so simple that it may not be worth some mad scientist kind of setup. I think I would still attach removeable poles to the ends of the camper to get a full 8 feet width and make room for the door to open all the way. I am a little concernend that the middle will droop and collect rain but that can be delt with by a pole sticking up in the middle or maybe from the camper to the front. I guess I really never camp (or want to) where I can't put a stake in the ground. Just trying to come up with something unique.

Ed

[harldydodge1]

Hey Reggie whats up. When are we getting together again for a camp out. Let me know. Here's my setup looks hard to put up but I can do it by myself pretty quick. I would also like to not to have to use poles but what you going to do.
See Ya: Keith
I still owe ya haven't forgot

[rmcelroy]

OK. I went to Lowes yesterday and picked up a 12x16 canvas drop cloth. Then on to Wally world and got gromments. I'm gonna sit down tonight and draw some different approaches. I don't think I need 12x16 so I'm going to see where the best spots will be to alow overhang-that could be rolled up and down-if there is enough to do any good.

Tent poles from Campmor
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 0000000226

Eye bolts, stays, and pegs and I think I'm good to go.

Oh, what would be the best way to waterproof such a large piece of canvas

Keep you posted-pics soon Jack

An idea about hard surfaces-expanding water containers, just a thought.

Good to hear from you Harley!

[sid]

I have somewhat the same problem. If I connect the canvas to the trailer, how do I support the oter end if I'm on a hard surface? I would like to use a EZ up but they need 2 people to put them up. I did buy a shelter that needs to be staked with rope guys which would work on dirt. Iv'e never put it up, it's still stored a tthefoot of my bed in its bag. The last event I went to, we were on asphalt. It would be great if there was a self supporting shelter that one person could put up because the best shelter would cover the triler and the galley area together.
Mary
Mom's nest

I've set up many an EZ-Up by myself. Yes it takes a bit longer, but I just start pulling and working my way around until it's expanded.

If you secure one corner of the EZ up, it makes expanding the rest easy. Just tie it off to a tree or something that would hold it while you expand it.

Hey Reggie and Keith, we need another Alabama get together!!!

Still haven't heard anything from Campfiremaster.....

[Laredo]

You wanna waterproof canvas?
Look here:
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/22.htm