In-line tarp tensioner

**aboyd** · 01-30-2011, 15:47

I have been reading about the different ways to setup tarp tesioners. I tried some from bungee cords, and they work ok, but I wanted something a little different. I liked the idea of the surgical tube as the tensioner and read that some had used replacement slingshot tube, so I went by Walmart to look for some, but no luck. However, I did find something that I think might work. Walmart sells these resistance exercise tubes, so I made a couple of inline tensioners and will see how they hold up. I have some Triptease on the way and plan to use it as my guy out line. I am planning on sliding the tube over the line and bunching up a section of line inside the tube to make inline tesioners, attaching the loop end to the stake, and then use a prussik to attach the other end to the tarp D ring. Anyone else try this? Any thoughts on how this might work out?

**itsjustbusiness999** · 01-30-2011, 16:19

I have used these exact same tubes and they have worked fine. I keep my lines attached to the tarp, and I have the tubes right behind the larks head at the d-ring on the tarp. If I had to do over again, I would make the loop for the larks head a little larger so I could easily remove them to switch to other tarps.

**aboyd** · 01-30-2011, 16:35

I was thinking of attaching the tube end at the stake and using a prussik larksheaded on at the D ring so I could make adjustments from under the tarp if need be. Have you tried it both ways? Any difference in performance?

**PuckerFactor** · 01-30-2011, 18:25

There's another cool benefit if you put a loop on both ends of the guy line. With the prussik at the tarp, you can use both ends of the guy line. The bungee'd end for most of the time, and the non-bungee'd end for those times when the tarp is too close to the ground.

PF

**creativeKayt** · 01-30-2011, 19:34

Originally Posted by PuckerFactor

There's another cool benefit if you put a loop on both ends of the guy line. With the prussik at the tarp, you can use both ends of the guy line. The bungee'd end for most of the time, and the non-bungee'd end for those times when the tarp is too close to the ground.

PF

(Lightbulb -- BING!) Oh, I like that idea. (cK rushes out to change her design)