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  1. #1
    Senior Member latriper's Avatar
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    Tarp tensioner question

    I tried making some tarp tensioners to go on my DIY tarp. I am pretty happy with the result but I have a question. I like the idea of cranking down the tension of my tarp to prevent flapping but it seems that if I do that now I loose the benefit of the tarp tensioners. Did I go about this the wrong way? Now, I tighten the guy lines just until the shock cord starts to stretch then tie it off. Tarp is pretty tight but it will flap in a stiff breeze. Any thoughts/comments?
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  2. #2
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    I use the same tensioner but I do pull so that 100% to 75% tension is made. I just was out in a high wind and rain and the tensioner's worked great. You can also have one side 100% and the other side 75% was well. Happy hanging

  3. #3
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    The way I understand the tensioners is that they take up slack that the tarp gives when wet so you should pull them to near 100% to get maximum retention

  4. #4
    Senior Member 12trysomething's Avatar
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    Is your shock cord 100%, meaning will it double in length?
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  5. #5
    Senior Member craige's Avatar
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    I agree with canoefor2 and johnnie.rivers, you need the tensioner tight initially for it to work.

  6. #6
    Senior Member latriper's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by craige View Post
    I agree with canoefor2 and johnnie.rivers, you need the tensioner tight initially for it to work.
    I will try it out hopefully next weekend. Spring thunderstorms should be a good test

    Quote Originally Posted by 12trysomething View Post
    Is your shock cord 100%, meaning will it double in length?
    I'm not sure but it is close. At its maximum stretch, the guy line loop slack has been taken up. Not sure if that is the correct way but I was thinking the shock cord would break before major damage to the tarp in high winds.

    Quote Originally Posted by johnnie.rivers View Post
    The way I understand the tensioners is that they take up slack that the tarp gives when wet so you should pull them to near 100% to get maximum retention
    Thanks johnnie.rivers,
    I had this a little backward in my mind. I was thinking more of giving with the wind than drawing back after tarp sheds water/dries. Thanks for the clarification!

    Quote Originally Posted by Canoefor2 View Post
    I use the same tensioner but I do pull so that 100% to 75% tension is made. I just was out in a high wind and rain and the tensioner's worked great. You can also have one side 100% and the other side 75% was well. Happy hanging
    Thanks Canoefor2, That makes sense. I appreciate the help!

  7. #7
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    The benefit of the tarp tensioners is so that when you cinch down your tarp, when the fabric relaxes, the tarp tensioners keep it pulled tight.

  8. #8
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    Can someone clarify...... It is my understanding that to actually pitch a silnylon tarp taut, you should pull upwards of 40# at the tie-outs. The self-tensioners I've seen people use here pull no where near that.... What gives??

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  9. #9
    Senior Member AaronMB's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Countrybois View Post
    Can someone clarify...... It is my understanding that to actually pitch a silnylon tarp taut, you should pull upwards of 40# at the tie-outs. The self-tensioners I've seen people use here pull no where near that.... What gives??
    The tension only needs to be as much as it needs to be in order to get a tight pitch, which tarp design and attempted pitch will influence. I certainly can't imagine that I've ever put 40 pounds on any tie out.

  10. #10
    Senior Member FreedomVan's Avatar
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    I'll preface by saying I have no experience in this matter. However, it would seem to me that you'd want the tensioners expanded. That way when the sil itself stretches, the tensioners have the ability to contract and take up the slack.

    No expertise here, just thinking about mechanics and physics.

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