Grand Trunk UL Reliability

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03-07-2013, 00:45
laziboie

Grand Trunk UL Reliability
Hey all, I'm new to hammocks and wanted a low-cost option to enter the arena. It sounds like the GTUL is a great option, but I have one main hesitation:
- How reliable is it?
I have read several comments about folks having it rip right down the middle after a few uses, with them in it, stranding them in the field with no sleep system. A couple of these reviews are coming from Amazon.com. What are yall's thoughts on this?

If this is not the best place to ask about this then I apologize...please direct me to the proper section.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Matt
03-07-2013, 07:07
Jrprince

I have two, one I bought lst year for my wife, and one that I have had for years. Neither has ever given me any trouble. It is a great hammock for the price, and a great way to try out hammocking. Replace the stock suspension with something a little lighter and get some tree straps and you're good to go.

Also, it is a smaller hammock, so if you're a big person it might not be the most comfortable hammock.
03-07-2013, 07:10
fallkniven

I've had my one GTUL for maybe 4 years now. It spent 2 straight years, strung up outside, in all the weather and sun. The fabric never shown signs of failure or deterioration. In fact, I still use it most days for lunch at work.
Although a bit narrow for overnight sleeping, it's a great hammock. Can't go wrong with it. Actually my avatar picture, is of me in it, strung up at my primitive camp I lived in for 2 years.
03-07-2013, 08:09
bear bag hanger

Never had a problem with mine, but to be honest, never used it much. Took a few naps with it and used it overnight once. It just seemed so thin and light, I feared it wouldn't hold up, plus it seemed too small for me (I'm 5' 6" tall and pretty close to 200 lbs). I keep it in case I ever have to hike with children who want to try a hammock. Having read the Amazon reviews, not sure I'd want to risk a child's safety with it.
03-07-2013, 08:17
laziboie

I'm 5'10, 175 lbs. I hope it works out for overnighters, what is an ideal length?

Also, I have been looking at suspension systems and it seems like the 7/64 Amsteel lines are what people like to use, especially with the whoopie sling. I was planning on that, a ridgeline of some sort and straps with the toggles. Seems really easy to put together.

My next question, what should I use for the ridgeline? A 10' whoopie from whoopieslings.com (or anywhere selling them) or something else? Just trying to feel out what will work best.

Thanks again!
03-07-2013, 08:20
OldRagFreeze

Never had an issue with durability with mine... But it is not comfortable for me at all. I'm 6'.
03-07-2013, 08:21
laziboie

Oh, and I went ahead and got one off campmor.com...it was their daily deal for $13.96 and I need a few other things so I was able to get free shipping (on orders over $49). I'm excited...ready to try it out.

EDIT: I do want to note that I bought it at 1AM last night thinking that since it was a daily deal, that it would go away soon...I started browsing before midnight. However, it is still on their website at $13.96.

What would you all recommend "Budget-Friendly" please for someone that is 5'10?
03-07-2013, 08:38
Brute1100

Re: Grand Trunk UL Reliability

The ridgeline doesn't need to be amsteel... That's WAY overkill... Most of mine are dynaglide or ZingIt... And they hold me up fine... I ordered some of mine from arrow head equipment... They are great people with good prices...

I enjoyed my grand trunk and I bought mine for the same reason your buying yours, as my gate way hammock... After the GTUL I suggest buying a tablecloth from tableclothfactory.com and whipping you up a big one... Those things are way more comfy than the UL but significantly heavier... A trade off that's sometimes worth it in the pack...
03-07-2013, 09:15
BillyBob58

Quote:

Originally Posted by fallkniven

I've had my one GTUL for maybe 4 years now. It spent 2 straight years, strung up outside, in all the weather and sun. The fabric never shown signs of failure or deterioration. In fact, I still use it most days for lunch at work.
Although a bit narrow for overnight sleeping, it's a great hammock. Can't go wrong with it. Actually my avatar picture, is of me in it, strung up at my primitive camp I lived in for 2 years.

Wow, what a testimony! I can't believe any hammock would live through that, at least if it was not shaded from the sun. Either way, I doubt it gets any better than that.
03-07-2013, 09:19
DerNageler
Quote:
Originally Posted by laziboie

Hey all, I'm new to hammocks and wanted a low-cost option to enter the arena. It sounds like the GTUL is a great option, but I have one main hesitation:

How reliable is it?

I have read several comments about folks having it rip right down the middle after a few uses, with them in it, stranding them in the field with no sleep system. A couple of these reviews are coming from Amazon.com. What are yall's thoughts on this?

If this is not the best place to ask about this then I apologize...please direct me to the proper section.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Matt
I had one and after putting whoopie slings on it and making tree straps, it tore in half. I called GT and they gave me a much nicer one to replace it. My two older son's use there's all the time. They did not have the problem that I had. I have read others who had the same issue I did. The problem I think is that the UL is not rip stop fabric and a small nick and rip...so you need to take good care. It is great for the $13 we paid for them on Amazon.

I am 6'4" as well and the GT Single Parachute hammock I got as a replacement fits me much better.
03-07-2013, 09:44
OldRagFreeze

I tore a small hole in my GT parachute double (totally my fault) sent them an email and they gave me a free parachute single... Great company.
03-07-2013, 09:57
laziboie

Quote:

Originally Posted by DerNageler

I had one and after putting whoopie slings on it and making tree straps, it tore in half. I called GT and they gave me a much nicer one to replace it. My two older son's use there's all the time. They did not have the problem that I had. I have read others who had the same issue I did. The problem I think is that the UL is not rip stop fabric and a small nick and rip...so you need to take good care. It is great for the $13 we paid for them on Amazon.

I am 6'4" as well and the GT Single Parachute hammock I got as a replacement fits me much better.

The Single Parachute is the one that I was considering, but I value engineered my mind around it. I may end up going that route. I'm just worried that I will be stuck on the ground if this one rips. Know what I mean?

Now I just need to get a tarp...Any suggestions?
03-07-2013, 10:28
DerNageler

Quote:

Originally Posted by laziboie

The Single Parachute is the one that I was considering, but I value engineered my mind around it. I may end up going that route. I'm just worried that I will be stuck on the ground if this one rips. Know what I mean?

Now I just need to get a tarp...Any suggestions?

The Single Parachute is just fine no problems with that one. Plus it is rip stop. It is just the UL that I had a problem with. The UL is not ripstop. It is the one that is usually on sale for 10-20.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c...aspx?a=1145824

Is the tarp that I started with. I got mine when they were on sale a few weeks ago but still not a bad price. I made sure that I seam seal all my tarps. This year's batch seem to be made better than last years.
03-07-2013, 12:57
laziboie

Quote:

Originally Posted by DerNageler

The Single Parachute is just fine no problems with that one. Plus it is rip stop. It is just the UL that I had a problem with. The UL is not ripstop. It is the one that is usually on sale for 10-20.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c...aspx?a=1145824

Is the tarp that I started with. I got mine when they were on sale a few weeks ago but still not a bad price. I made sure that I seam seal all my tarps. This year's batch seem to be made better than last years.

Great, thanks. I've got a little time before my first trip with the hammock (end of April) so I've got some research to do. One member suggested using a standard poly tarp from harbor freight, but I'm concerned about the weight.
03-07-2013, 22:58
fallkniven

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

I can't believe any hammock would live through that, at least if it was not shaded from the sun.

Me either, that's why I bought a second, but haven't had to take it out. There was a bit of tree coverage, but the sun was on it most of the day. I though it would start to dry rot, but I'm still swinging in it regularly. Actually, my avatar picture is of my camp I lived in for a couple years, in which you can see me laying in it. That's where it spent 2 years strung up, layed in daily.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ictureid=15723
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ictureid=15722
03-08-2013, 12:55
DerNageler

https://www.hammockforums.net/galler...earchid=183433

HH under a GG tarp. Several of these shots in the gallery.
03-08-2013, 13:54
fishbait

I have two, used both of them on hikes. I've never had a problem. As others have said swap out the stock suspension and you are good to go.
03-14-2013, 21:10
KYJim

Haven't had any issues with mine
03-15-2013, 07:24
bryce1201

I'm on my second year with the GTUL, can't beat it for less than $20. I have no complaints and have had no issues (I'm 5'11'' 160lbs). Great introductory hammock and when I look to upgrade this year, I wont feel obligated to sell it. Always nice to have a spare incase someone wants to join you're trip!
03-17-2013, 21:28
Caveman

I've had (and still have) several. My oldest one is about 5 years old now. It's been passed on to my oldest son at college. That one has seen lots of nights on the trail and lounging. They are great for what they are and what they cost.
03-17-2013, 22:57
desmobob

My girlfriend bought one last spring and we did a good amount of hammocking (all four seasons) with no troubles or worries. I bought one to put up in the yard this summer.

Take it easy,
desmobob
03-20-2013, 10:30
lazyboy
Quote:
Originally Posted by laziboie

Hey all, I'm new to hammocks and wanted a low-cost option to enter the arena. It sounds like the GTUL is a great option, but I have one main hesitation:

How reliable is it?

I have read several comments about folks having it rip right down the middle after a few uses, with them in it, stranding them in the field with no sleep system. A couple of these reviews are coming from Amazon.com. What are yall's thoughts on this?

If this is not the best place to ask about this then I apologize...please direct me to the proper section.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Matt
Happened to me but I do weight 220# which is close to the rated 250 limit
03-25-2013, 13:06
BackPackHiker

Why not go for the Hammock Bliss single hammock? It is the same price and it comes with suspension. OR your could get the Ticket To The Moon Single hammock for just 35$ great company great customer service great products. You can check out reviews from all three companies on my website campinghammockreviews.com the link is below. Good luck deciding I know how hard it can be.

Also the Byer of Maine Lite hammock, only $22. Grand Trunk is good but I find when you are getting basic gathered end single hammocks they are all very similar in comfort that the only thing separating them is price.
06-04-2013, 10:06
CrankyOldGuy

I was helping a friend set one up last and I thought to myself, "Self, these suspension lines look mighty thin..." but I replied, "C'mon, man, they wouldn't sell anything that wasn't rated to hold an average sized body, would they?" Well, this could have gone on for sometime, but my friend sat on the hammock, gingerly, and POP! The line failed before he had his full weight on it. He ordered whoopies and longer straps from Enlightened Equipment last night.
06-04-2013, 19:28
fallkniven

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrankyOldGuy

I was helping a friend set one up last and I thought to myself, "Self, these suspension lines look mighty thin..." but I replied, "C'mon, man, they wouldn't sell anything that wasn't rated to hold an average sized body, would they?" Well, this could have gone on for sometime, but my friend sat on the hammock, gingerly, and POP! The line failed before he had his full weight on it. He ordered whoopies and longer straps from Enlightened Equipment last night.

The line that came with the grand trunk hammock? The stuff that came with mine has been wrapped around the same tree for maybe 5 years now, still holds me up. They must of switched their line. Crazy though....
06-05-2013, 05:37
PDA

I suspect most of the "problem" tears arise from exposed metal on the hammocker. e.g. rivets on jeans, clipped on key rings, phones etc. the sharp metal nicks the cloth and the tear races across the width/length. Get into your hammock naked and the problem will not arise (make sure that your finger and toe nails are clipped short).
06-05-2013, 06:32
CrankyOldGuy

There enough "mature" hangers that naked hanging could be a problem. Ewww! Something's you can't unsee. :D

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