Mucker, what thickness cord did you use for your tarp set up. As I understand it if using a Prusik knot one rope should be twice the thickness of the other.
------------- Pitdiver
Welsue's other half and also a ,Camper, Sailor and a nearly Outdoor Person.
Pitdiver,
For both the ridgeline and the prusik's, I used the lines that came with the tarp. I don't actually know, but would guess 3mm at most.
However, since then, I have been advised about the prusik needing (ideally) to be thinner than the main line, so I fully intend to swap the main ridge line to the same as the pole guys.
That is a nice chunky 4mm diameter. Can't do any harm to try it!
In case you have not seen my pics from Fforest Fields, here is one of my latest tent palace set up.
The tarp was big enough for me and the dog to sit under it and still had room for a BBQ.
This will be my better/warmer weather set up, with a minor adjustment to bring the tarp forward a bit more.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Thanks for the welcome back, folks...... unfortunately, I'm in the habit of clicking on "All post since last vist"..... so I've got 49 pages to trawl through!!
Loving that tarp set up, DK.
Hope the dog realises he only has another 5 minutes of shade, before he has to get off his ar5e and move!!
Been reading your post regarding tarps and your chosen one, Tatonka 4. Last Sept I purchased an Outwell Yellowstone Falls and have myself been looking for a tarp. The Tatonka 4 is one I've been looking at. After spending time with yours would you recommend these tarps?
It hasn't let rain through. It's a perfect size for our particular kitchen set up... or was, at least, until I went and changed the tent to one with various awning options!!... but that doesn't concern this conversation!
I seem to remember witnessing a little condensation on the underside, on the odd morning (From weather, not cooking!) but it's been a very rare occurrence, and certainly compared to the polyester tarp, there's a lot less dripping (nigh on non-existent, drip-wise, more just wet to the touch), and it soaks in/dries a lot quicker too.
It oozes quality, both in the material itself, and of course, the craftsmanship involved in putting it all together. Super-solid stitching, quality attachments/tabs etc. No signs of wear, tears, or fraying... and I guy mine super-tight, if truth be told!
Some would say it's expensive, particularly as it doesn't come supplied with any poles. Me? I'd say I don't regret it one bit.
Well done me, for making such a great investment!
I'm often loathe to directly recommend specific items, for fear of folk ending up disappointed, but I'll make an exception for this, as I am that certain you would end up being delighted with it!
Whether there are tarps out there of equal quality, for less dosh, or with poles, making them more economical, I'm not sure.
Whether this sort of purchase is seen by some as being extravagant, as "all we need is a bit of shelter over the cooker", I wouldn't like to comment! But like I said... I've no regrets!
... Actually I do, now...
Hand on heart, without a shadow of a doubt, my biggest regret in buying a Karsten is the simple fact that, due to the combinations and components now at my disposal, I will have less need to erect my beloved tarp. Whatever happens though, it will be going up for 12 of my 14 nights in France, in September... even if I don't "need" it!!
Thank you so much for your reply, really helpful and great to know your thoughts on the Tarp. To be honest, if the product is quality I don't mind paying the money! Would much rather have something that's well made and hopefully going to last!
What poles do you use with yours? I see Tatonka make some but they are VERY expensive!! It seems hard to find quality extendable poles?! I will purchase the Tatonka guy lines though.
They're black, not the silver in the pic.
Telescopic from 1.14m to 2.13m.
I've no idea how they compare to others, as I've only used my new Karsten poles twice, and never used any others. The Karsten ones look nicer, but that means zilch!
I've used them often and regularly, and have no complaints. They do the job perfectly adequately, and come at a decent price, from what I can see.
What I would say though, is that if they have been out in the rain, when you get home, take the top section out of the bottom section, turn the bottom upside down, and allow to drain/dry, as I have witnessed surface rust (between the two), when left with one wet half inside the other wet half. Don't think they'd rot, but I wouldn't fancy said rust marks coming off onto the tarp!
Oh... and the thumbscrew comes in handy as a waist height hanging point.
Top...
Hang a lantern (on the left) or even a mesh bag of washed pots (on the right!)...
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: non-poly tarp recommendations, please
