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Hi all

I have just bought some B+Q tarp for £7.98 to use as a footprint groundsheet. Having read through the existing threads there are many opinions in how to use the sheet if it is to big:--cut it to size or tuck it to size.

If  cut it obviously has to be smaller than your existing tent footprint, question is how much smaller, any recommendations ?

Is there a disadvantage of tucking it in besides being a pain in the butt in the laying the thing out, then folding to the correct size?

Just for info the tarp i bought is 1 meter in length and and width bigger than my tents base size

Whats easier and the best method?

Thanks folks

S

It doesnt need to be smaller than the footprint ,just smaller than the flysheet 

You will find the flysheet + storm flaps comes out a fai bit further tha the footprint of the tent .

If you cut it to the size of the footprint of your tent then edge with duct tape it should be fine once the tent is fully erected

In complete agreement with Skatty on this one - just to add if you have access to a sewing machine - sew the edges down instead of duct tape and if need be use an Eyelet kit to put a couple of eyelets in each corner

You can get these from DIY stores

Kitten x

Hello and goodevening, while the tea is getting just right in the pot.

1 question blowing to my mind - if pitching in windy weather - I can see a groundshet with no support for pegging, just begging to make trouble, fly away before I get the flysheet over it and pegged.

What are your experiences?

On the other hand - I would want pegs below the groundsheet of my tent.

Hmmmmmmm - plese help get wiser, friendly fellow campers.

Most sincere

Jens Jakob

Quote: Originally posted by Velvet Kitten on 25/8/2007

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In complete agreement with Skatty on this one - just to add if you have access to a sewing machine - sew the edges down instead of duct tape and if need be use an Eyelet kit to put a couple of eyelets in each corner

You can get these from DIY stores

Kitten x

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The b & q tarp has eylets fitted already.its a bargain at 7.98...and is exactly the samesize as our tent.

jans

The most vital thing is to make sure that the GS does not stick out from under the tent, as this is a very efficient way to collect rain and guide it under your tent!

I have made a GS to size by laying it out and putting the tent on it, then going round with a thick marker pen to mark it about 3" in from the edge of the tent flysheet. I edged it with duct tape, put plastic eyelets in the points that needed holding down ( corners and around the door to prevent tripping hazard) and used the pegs described above which are like big plastic drawing pins.

I preferred this on-off job to the regular faff of having a too-big GS that you have to fold and tuck every time you use it.