My first DIY Tarp...

[halfastronomical]

Without ever having used it, I suggest you try polyester grosgrain for the suspension instead of the usual nylon grosgrain. My thinking is it may have less stretch.

Yes sir, That is what I have been using. I dont want no stretchy stretch there.
I got that idea from squidbilly's DIY tarp. His buckles were slipping a little, but I think I found some buckles that will make it grab better.

[squidbilly]

Nice job halfastronomical ! Did you practice with the grey sil before you make your blackberry tarp?

What buckles have you found? Mine slip with the cheap fabric store grosgrain. Quest has light weight nylon that works well--slightly heavier than grosgrain that doesn't slip. Quest also has two types of grosgrain:don't remember which is better for the ladderlock buckles, but they mention it on their website. The buckles from my old Grammicci pants work the best. Don't know who makes them, but they have a slight curve to them. They hold really good.

I have not tried the polyester grosgrain, it sounds good though.

[Floridahanger]

Great job. A really fine looking tarp.

I also use key rings on my DIY tarp. Cheap and easy to use, put on/take off and strong enough for the job.

You can give the RL a good rain test by using your sprinkler system while your under the tarp.

[halfastronomical]

Nice job halfastronomical ! Did you practice with the grey sil before you make your blackberry tarp?

What buckles have you found? Mine slip with the cheap fabric store grosgrain. Quest has light weight nylon that works well--slightly heavier than grosgrain that doesn't slip. Quest also has two types of grosgrain:don't remember which is better for the ladderlock buckles, but they mention it on their website. The buckles from my old Grammicci pants work the best. Don't know who makes them, but they have a slight curve to them. They hold really good.

I have not tried the polyester grosgrain, it sounds good though.

Thanks man, you have got that right. Blackberry will be a winter tarp. Blackberry Winter...I like the way that sounds, actually.
I got these
http://diygearsupply.com/product/tensionlock-waveloc/

I am going with these different buckles instead of different grosgrain and just by initial tests they grab well on the poly grosgrain.

[gmcttr]

Where have you been getting your polyester grosgrain?

[halfastronomical]

Where have you been getting your polyester grosgrain?

I inherited a lot of it from my grandmother, but what I bought the 3/4 was on amazon. I also got some 5/8 from ebay. Readystraps also has some sublimated 3/4 grosgrain. I have yet to find a great place to buy it in bulk. I am curious about that myself...

[BigHat]

nice work

thanks for sharing