Open V cleat tarp suspension.

**koaloha05** · 09-04-2008, 17:55

Re-rigging the OES Spinntex tarp with some AirCore lines I decided to use some spare micro-tensioners on the ridgeline. One loop around the tree, through the cleat, pull tight. Simple and quick. Easy to rapidly readjust the height, centering and ridgeline tension. Just a bit concerned about these small plastic tensioners that weigh close to nothing. Everything held up during the day, but minimal wind (5-10mph). It was a star filled clear night. So tarp was skinned. Everything was still nice and taut this AM. Just was on-line looking for some sturdier cleats. No luck in finding anything that will take lines less than 1/8" (3mm). Those cleats were resin/glass designed for marine use at ~$4/each.

Anyone here use V cleats for hanging your tarp. Figure for now I'll continue to use the micro-tensioner until they break.

**TiredFeet** · 09-04-2008, 18:50

Take a look at the small Figure 9s.

They work just as well, are half the price and about the same weight.

**slowhike** · 09-04-2008, 22:01

Are the "open V cleats" you're using like these?
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...ord_50_ft.html

**koaloha05** · 09-04-2008, 23:48

Originally Posted by slowhike

Are the "open V cleats" you're using like these?
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...ord_50_ft.html

Yes, one of the reasons why I'm a little worried about a windy night. Might be getting up tying the tarp ridgeline the old fashion way.

How hard are the figure9s on the rope? V Cleats are normally easy on the rope and the cleats if used properly last.

**TiredFeet** · 09-06-2008, 15:48

Originally Posted by koaloha05

Yes, one of the reasons why I'm a little worried about a windy night. Might be getting up tying the tarp ridgeline the old fashion way.

How hard are the figure9s on the rope? V Cleats are normally easy on the rope and the cleats if used properly last.

In my experience they are about the same in durability and wearing on the rope.

Anything, including knots, will wear the rope. All work by friction, which wears the rope.

Frictionless rope?? Sounds good until you realize that even knots couldn't be used and the rope would really be useless.

**BeansBaxter** · 09-06-2008, 18:00

Originally Posted by koaloha05

Re-rigging the OES Spinntex tarp with some AirCore lines I decided to use some spare micro-tensioners on the ridgeline. One loop around the tree, through the cleat, pull tight. Simple and quick. Easy to rapidly readjust the height, centering and ridgeline tension. Just a bit concerned about these small plastic tensioners that weigh close to nothing. Everything held up during the day, but minimal wind (5-10mph). It was a star filled clear night. So tarp was skinned. Everything was still nice and taut this AM. Just was on-line looking for some sturdier cleats. No luck in finding anything that will take lines less than 1/8" (3mm). Those cleats were resin/glass designed for marine use at ~$4/each.

Anyone here use V cleats for hanging your tarp. Figure for now I'll continue to use the micro-tensioner until they break.

The same company that makes those tensioners make a micro version for lines from 1mm to 3mm. See here: http://www.clamcleat.com/cleats/clea....asp?theid2=95

I just used them with Home Depot braided mason line for a weekend trip. The worked great!

I got them at this site: http://www.UltralightDesigns.com/pro.../microLoc.html

**Dutch** · 09-06-2008, 18:38

I have those tiny ones from BLP. I also have larger glow in the dark ones that I got from a group buy from someone from this site. I haven't used either yet. They looke like they would work well though.

**slowhike** · 09-06-2008, 18:45

koaloha05, I used those for a while, but I'm not sure how windy of conditions I used them in. I used them on the 4 corners along w/ bungee tensioners, so that relived stress on the cleats of course. I can't say for sure, but I'm thinking there was a time or two when one of the cleats slipped during a windy night.
I haven't seen wear on the cords but I haven't checked them extremely close, so I'm not being much help on that.

I decided on my last tarp, to replace the cleats w/ a sliding adjustment (can't remember the name right off) because I don't find myself needing to adjust the corner guy lines that often because of the tensioners.

**slowhike** · 09-06-2008, 18:46

Originally Posted by Dutch

I have those tiny ones from BLP. I also have larger glow in the dark ones that I got from a group buy from someone from this site. I haven't used either yet. They looke like they would work well though.

Yep, those are the ones I have. Over all, they seam to work just fine.

**koaloha05** · 09-06-2008, 19:14

Originally Posted by .....I just used them with Home Depot braided mason line for a weekend trip. The worked great!

I got them at this site: [url

http://www.UltralightDesigns.com/products/shelter/microLoc.html[/url]

BeanBaxter, thanks for the link. Site claims high loads, UV stable and tolerant to cold temps. Did you use the micro-tensioner on your tarp ridgeline. If so, was it windy? For the static load of just holding up the tarp the microtensioners seem to work fine.