Tarp set-up concern. Founded or unfounded?

[breyman]

Tightening it down a good amount definitely won't hurt it, although I wouldn't test that by going too crazy.

Keep in mind that a taut (no wrinkles) set up isn't just due to the ridgeline tension, but the tension of all tie outs working with each other. Get the ridgeline nicely (but not overly) taut, but then make sure each tie out is also fairly/equally tight (again, you don't have to overdo it, though) and the whole tarp tensions/smooths out very nicely.

[SC_Dave]

Thanks guys for the info. So considering what you all have posted here should I remove the shock cord from my tie-outs in order to tension the tarp better?
David

[nothermark]

If the shock cord is sized properly it should let you tension the tarp without stretching the shock to it's limits. That allows for some stretch due to moisture and some relief in gusty winds. It is also an argument against undersized shock cord to save weight. ;-)

[Bubba]

Do you have self tensioning lines or is it all shock cord for your tie outs?

[SC_Dave]

Do you have self tensioning lines or is it all shock cord for your tie outs?

Bubba, I have line-loks with with 2mm glow wire attached to a loop of 1/8 shock cord that I larks head through the triangles on the tarp. I could post a pic if this is not clear. What do you think. Thanks!

[Bubba]

Bubba, I have line-loks with with 2mm glow wire attached to a loop of 1/8 shock cord that I larks head through the triangles on the tarp. I could post a pic if this is not clear. What do you think. Thanks!

Is there some cordage that would prevent the shock cord from over stretching? Self tensioning lines often have a way to prevent the bottoming out of whatever is allowing for some elasticity. Your set up sounds like it should give you a taut pitch though.

[SC_Dave]

Is there some cordage that would prevent the shock cord from over stretching? Self tensioning lines often have a way to prevent the bottoming out of whatever is allowing for some elasticity. Your set up sounds like it should give you a taut pitch though.

670E4A14-A715-4148-94F4-CB45F100A0A9_zpsroebwecm.jpg
This is my tie-out set up.

Below is just a pic of my ridge line set up. Pay no attention to the orange glow wire in the ring, it's just used for a clothes line under my tarp.

[SC_Dave]

Bubba, did my pics above answer you question?
Thanks, David

[nothermark]

Shock cord bottoms out when the load is transferred from the rubber inside to the sheath on the outside. The way to check is to push on the cord and see if there is still stretch. It there is none it can be either really stiff cord that will not stretch or really light cord that is pulled tight under normal load.

IMHO an improvement of SC_Dave's double loop would be to anchor the shock cord to a loop knot in the cord then continue on to the triangle. Adjust the length of the cord to limit shock cord travel so it almost hits it's maximum stretch. That protects the shock cord from breaking under load. I could be wrong but I think the breaking strength of shock cord is less than that of the line.

You might find this interesting:

http://theultimatehang.com/2012/04/r...ne-tensioners/