Any DIY Bridge Spreader Bar Bumper ideas?

**Eidson** · 10-03-2016, 16:43

Has anyone come up with any elegant solutions for diy spreader bar bumpers that will work with Dutch's titanium bridge ends?

I'm aware of AHE's spreader bar bumpers and have a set, but I'm looking for something that will prevent any possible bar tip rub on the tarp, yet not cover up the UQ antennae on Dutch's bridge suspension ends.

My tarp has a lot of space with an exterior pole mod, but I like to error on the side of caution.

Just thought I'd see what was out there before trying to modify the AHE bumpers to my specific needs.

**JmBoh** · 10-03-2016, 16:51

pieces of bicycle inner tubes. oh.... you said elegant. nope. I got nothin'.

**ironfish77** · 10-03-2016, 17:32

A few years ago, lots of discussion about how to protect the tarp from the ends of the RR, try doing a search on yahoo. I am using my Smart Phone, research drives me crazy on this finger tap device.
A friend made covers for my ends they are functional and look nice. I think they are a bit more reliable than the storebought pprotectors. However that is just my personal experience.

**Eidson** · 10-03-2016, 17:57

I'm almost thinking that in order to keep the usable antennae on the Dutch ends that you'd almost need something that covers only the spreader tip and not the entire piece of hardware. I'd like to keep this usable as I'm getting ready to start a diy uq for my diy bridge that will make use of it.

Originally Posted by JmBoh

pieces of bicycle inner tubes. oh.... you said elegant. nope. I got nothin'.

I had still considered doing this. Might not be elegant, but at the end of the day it might be the best solution.

Originally Posted by ironfish77

A few years ago, lots of discussion about how to protect the tarp from the ends of the RR, try doing a search on yahoo. I am using my Smart Phone, research drives me crazy on this finger tap device.
A friend made covers for my ends they are functional and look nice. I think they are a bit more reliable than the storebought pprotectors. However that is just my personal experience.

I did some searching and couldn't find too much that could be used specifically for Dutch's bridge ends. The ridgerunner ends don't have the antennae for quilt attachment, so they're a little easier to add protection to. I remember reading threads in the past that did deal with tarp protection and bridge hammocks, but I didn't follow them too closely at the time since I didn't have a bridge. I can't recall if any of the mention protection for Dutch's ends or not.

Having a hard time finding a lot of them, but that might be due to terminology. Bridge ends, spreader bar protectors, tarp protectors...not sure what else I might get a strike on.

**ironfish77** · 10-03-2016, 18:17

Try Dog Pile's search engine, I sometimes find the help I need there.

**Zilla** · 10-03-2016, 20:52

You can make a pocket that slides over the tips with a slot for the antenna using a piece of strap material, fold it back and sew the sides up .

**Otter1** · 10-03-2016, 21:05

In case it fosters some ideas....

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...r-modification

**Eidson** · 10-03-2016, 22:19

Originally Posted by Zilla

You can make a pocket that slides over the tips with a slot for the antenna using a piece of strap material, fold it back and sew the sides up .

A good idea. A simple approach with something I already have around. Appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Otter1

In case it fosters some ideas....

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...r-modification

This was the exact thread I had remembered glancing over in the past. The knob idea was sticking out in my mind. I appreciate you linking it. Bicycle tubes, furniture knobs, tennis balls, strap material...all good ideas. Might have to tear through the garage just keeping an eye out for random odds and ends that could be adapted.

**Kevinslotten** · 10-04-2016, 04:47

shrink tubes for cables

**Bic** · 10-04-2016, 18:00

been using the same tarp and spreader bars for several years now without any wear or tear on my tarp.... and they most definitely rub at times. I simply would not worry about it with silnylon. I would worry about it with cuben, but it's just been my experience that silnylon is unaffected by the spreader bars. That's my two cents....