The TurtleDog stand

**hppyfngy** · 10-04-2012, 20:40

Originally Posted by olddog

Isn't wealth suppose to be overrated? Think of all those happy people!

Oh I don't measure wealth in dollars. My accountant does though...

**Porkroll** · 10-04-2012, 20:42

Originally Posted by olddog

Bundy71 is that your second? Or maybe third? I believe this is the first metal tripod TurtleDog!

Hpyfngy is the TurtleDog Master!

Yes, they are my 2nd, and 3rd. The aluminum turtledog is the bomb! I'll have to weigh it, it is very light.

**olddog** · 10-04-2012, 20:50

The question was posed by old4hats about the number of turtledog stands that had been built. Went back and reviewed a few threads, the Turtlelady stand, the TurtleDog stand and a thread by domromer. Here is what I was able to find and assume that there may be others.

#1- Olddog
#2- flashbang009
#3- hppyfngy, with first angled ends
#4- linuxhack
#5- mys4sllc
#6- samsara
#7- letstieoneon
#8- Cole
#9- Fontana Horseman
#10 & #11- olzeke and wife
#12 & #13- CamRuns and brother
#14- carmen2kayak
#15- Troy64
#16- Throkda
#17- OldMart
#18- Spiffguy
#19- Aven
#20- hppyfngy for nephew
#21- Mundele
#22- meanmoe
#23- Chuck Gravy
#24- spinkid
#25- samsara's daughter, version 2.0
#26- old4hats
#27- CptAhmadKnackwurst
#28- Fish<><
#29- Shortbus
#30- Clarinath
#31- Silvertitan
#32- NoahWhey
#33- trhang
#34- TheKid
#35- Suburban
#36- gp_griz
#37- Sidewinder
#38- wattson
#39- thehappymailman
#40- Datahiker
#41-#43- seadad9903
#44- samsara (another TD 2.0)
#45- Roadrunnr72
#46- RePete (sort of )
#47- Rampant
#48- duallain
#49- Jiffiboy
#50- ohiohiker
#51- Kyle6357
#52- sandpiper
#53- gmcpcs
#54- Sweeper
#55- Shotgunred
#56- TZBrown
#57- Jrprince
#58- Rodewin
#59- AT4ever
#60 & 61- ironfish77
#63, 64, 65 hppyfngy - one for yard and two more nephews.
#66- NikkiC!!
#67-huauqui
#68-ThreeD
#69- Co-Forever
#70- njredneck
#71-bdaabat
#72- mjkjr
#73- Wolle
#74- timabababaluka for daughter
#75- clemsonstew
#76- dink712
#77- jpmason
#78- Alan Burd
#79- harleynemo
#80- JaxHiker
#81- bundy71
#82 & 83 Chigger
#84 Shulzi
#85 gee_something
#86 Deacon
#87 & #88- bundy71, the first aluminum tripod TurtleDog

**thekid** · 10-04-2012, 21:20

Originally Posted by bundy71

Yes, they are my 2nd, and 3rd. The aluminum turtledog is the bomb! I'll have to weigh it, it is very light.

Thats has to be pricey. what kind of cost are you looking at?

**Shulzi** · 10-04-2012, 21:22

Pics, as asked

**old4hats** · 10-04-2012, 22:18

Originally Posted by bundy71

Okay, I had to try the 2x2 stand, and it just keeps falling over on me. Well I tried at least.
Attachment 40433 Attachment 40434
It held my daughter, and then me! I am checking in at 319#. But it just wasn't stable enough.
So I managed to acquire some 1x1 16 gauge aluminum tubes. And I made another one. Man is it light, and strong.
Attachment 40436
Attachment 40437
Attachment 40438
Yep, it even held my big but, and it feels pretty sturdy. I think some camping is in order for this setup!

This thing looks fantastic! Could you share the source of the aluminum square tubing? Something tells me that one of these needs to live at my house.

**olddog** · 10-04-2012, 22:38

Thanks for the pics Shulzi. Might try moving the toprail suspension outboard as close to the end caps as it will go. That should ease some of the upward flex of the toprail. Happy hanging.

**gee something** · 10-04-2012, 22:52

I know I was added to the list already, but I wanted to post up a couple pics.

Since I'm not that handy, after I made the first tripod, I did a test hang (just in case!):

This was with the 1" galvanized pipe:

Here is the finished product with the DIY DL that I just made:

My brother-in-law (who weighs a lot less than I do) tested it out first and everything looked good, so I gave it a shot and it worked fine (I'm 300#), though I only stayed in it a minute or two. Next test is to see if my wife will let me sleep in it over the weekend.

For the benefit of others I ended up using 2x4s (78" for dual-legs, 75" for back support -- this may be a little short for my use), the 1-3/8" x 10-1/2' chain-link fence top rail (still once piece), 8" heavy-duty gate hinges (which don't appear that heavy-duty...we'll see how they hold up), 5/16" bolts, and 1/4" quick links (2 each end).

I already want to make some changes. First, I need to get the hammock up a little higher and replace the home depot fat rope that I used. I may try to use a fixed Amsteel loop like I saw someone else use. Or I also have a spare Grand Trunk suspension (since I just made new tree straps and whoopies!) so I may use that instead. The other option is the eye-bolts that a few people have suggested. That might help get it a lot higher. And I want to cut the top rail (right now it's still one piece) so it's a little more portable. I also want to get another chain-link fence top rail so I can make it a little longer for tarp use.

I also wanted to say thanks again to everyone who provided feedback. After bundy71's feedback, I may still try out the galvanized pipe for a (slightly less) portable stand mostly for home use.

Sorry this is a bit long...I'm excited about this. Thanks again!!!

**olddog** · 10-04-2012, 23:16

gee-something, just shortening the toprail to hinge suspension and the hammock suspension should gain quite a bit of height in the hammock. Looks like you used samsara's method for the toprail, a couple more wraps will raise the toprail. Then a shorter loop between the biner and hammock and you should be good. Thanks for the pics.

**Porkroll** · 10-05-2012, 12:08

Originally Posted by thekid

Thats has to be pricey. what kind of cost are you looking at?

You're looking at $40 and change in those 6 aluminum tubes. The hinges were another 16, the ridge pole, and bolts I had. But I'd say that total would be around $75.