Chinook 12x9 tarp

**robv60** · 05-06-2012, 18:02

Originally Posted by mrcheviot

I started off w/ a Chinook, agree it's a good tarp for the price. I've since gotten one that suits my 3S needs better, but I plan on holding onto the Chinook for awhile as a backup and winter tarp. The 4 tie outs per side allow for easily closing off one or both ends, which comes in handy during the winter or bad storms.

What makes it a good starter tarp is that it's large, offers a lot of flexibility and has the aforementioned tie out options. From that point, it's easier to determine if you want something smaller, lighter, with a cat cut, without doors, fewer tie outs, etc. It's generally a good idea to go through this process to identify your true needs through first-hand experience (instead of trying to ascertain them from the internet) before you put more money down on more expensive one.

Thank you, that is a lot of good information that I have been trying to find answers to. I feel better about the decision to get the chinook now. All the reasons you listed above are pretty much why I decided on the chinook and I think Ill be happy. I do think it may be a little bit overkill for me as I tend to be a fair weather camper and could probably easily go with something smaller but I do like the versatility of the larger size.

**robv60** · 05-11-2012, 10:45

My Chinook came in the mail a couple of days ago. I havent had a chance to really do anything with it yet. I havent even unfolded it fully but I did notice that it seems a little stuck to itself which has me worried after some other posts I have read about this tarp. Hopefully it will be OK. Ill try to take some Pics to add to this thread when I can.

**ccwaters** · 05-13-2012, 00:36

haven't reinforced mine yet, but for the money it is a decent tarp

**robv60** · 05-13-2012, 09:06

Originally Posted by ccwaters

haven't reinforced mine yet, but for the money it is a decent tarp

Ill most likely be doing the same where the grommets are.

**mrcheviot** · 05-14-2012, 09:22

I would just unfold it and not worry about the stick, it will go away. Go slowly if you're concerned. I also don't think reinforcing this tarp is necessary IMO, figure that a #1 s-biner will break before the grommets tear out.

**robv60** · 05-14-2012, 11:41

Originally Posted by mrcheviot

I would just unfold it and not worry about the stick, it will go away. Go slowly if you're concerned. I also don't think reinforcing this tarp is necessary IMO, figure that a #1 s-biner will break before the grommets tear out.

You know, im kind of wondering about the grommets myself. If tou look real close where those grommets are. Theyre not just going through the tarp material, theres actually a strip of what appears to be webbing sandwiched between the reinforced tarp material. The grommet goes through this webbing in addition to everything else. Pretty nice setup. Still makes me a little nervous but its a heck of a strong looking area. I finally got around to unfolding it last night. Whole thing was stuck to itself. Hopefully thatll lessen with time. Everything else looks pretty good except the seam tape. Its stuck on and i dont think itll come off on its own but its not instilling the best of confidence. There places all along the length of the tape edges where its not really stuck down. I could grab it and peel it lose pretty easy. This may be normal for seam tape though....ive never dealt with the tape before. Im wondering if i can iron it down or if id be better off removing it and sealing it with some sort of liquid sealer. Ill have to hang it up and check it for leaks.

**robv60** · 05-21-2012, 18:38

I think my Chinook is going back. I finally got it set up and while it seemed really nice and pitched fairly well, I noticed I could see "pin holes" of light around the stitching on the ridge line tie outs where the thread was pulling the material from the tension. I had it pulled fairly tight but I wouldnt have expected this. The Stitching was seemingly pulling against the material and stretching holes where the thread went through the fabric. Darn shame really because otherwise I like the tarp. Right price/right size. I just dont feel that it wouldnt leak. I really dont want to spend more on a tarp, I caught hell for spending what I did on this one.

**L.D. Cakes** · 05-24-2012, 19:23

Is it the stitching on the ends where the grommets are (which you were gonna reinforce anyway weren't you) or is it the whole ridge line?

**robv60** · 05-25-2012, 07:53

Originally Posted by L.D. Cakes

Is it the stitching on the ends where the grommets are (which you were gonna reinforce anyway weren't you) or is it the whole ridge line?

Its on several of the tie outs, actually. A couple of the corner tie outs and both ridgeline ends. Not around the grommets surprisingly but rather theyrr pulling loose where the sewn on reinforcements meet with the main body material.

**L.D. Cakes** · 05-25-2012, 08:18

Originally Posted by robv60

Its on several of the tie outs, actually. A couple of the corner tie outs and both ridgeline ends. Not around the grommets surprisingly but rather theyrr pulling loose where the sewn on reinforcements meet with the main body material.

Wow, This is very surprising. My Chinook has been a bomb proof tarp in many windy and stormy events. If you took pictures, or if you could take some please. I'd like to see them if your's could possibly be made different than mine. I bought mine a couple years ago and hope they haven't changed manufacturers. That would be a shame as these have been dependable hardy tarps.