Tarp Tensioner Question

[roogles]

I've been following this thread Tarp Tensioners Specs & Additional Tips for Making Them and have a general question about setting up tarp tensioners.

Is it always preferable to have the self-tensioner on the end of the tie-out line attached to the tarp? Or will this work as well by putting the tensioner on the "stake" end?

It would be easier for me with my tarp setup to have a fixed loop and the tensioner on the "long" end of my tie outs b/c I'm using built-in adjustments on the tarp corners for the line length.

I'm sure there's probably a right way to do this? Thoughts?

Thanks!

[AaronMB]

It would be easier for me with my tarp setup to have a fixed loop and the tensioner on the "long" end of my tie outs b/c I'm using built-in adjustments on the tarp corners for the line length.
I'm sure there's probably a right way to do this? Thoughts?
Thanks!

If you like your adjustable setup, I see no reason not to put the tensioner on the end(s). It might take an extra step to keep them controlled when putting away the tarp. If it's some sort of adjustable loop/knot on your tie outs, there's a good chance it would work on the stake end. An adjustable knot on the stake end is easy to do (such as a taut line hitch).

[dannyvp]

Is there a problem with just using some bungee line?

[Tendertoe]

I originally used more complex tensioners and moved to simply taking a loop of shock cord and attaching it to the tarp and then attaching the tieout to the shockcord. You could use a similar method by simply attaching a loop of shock cord at the end of your tieouts and looping the shock cord itself over your stakes.

The only real advantage I saw with using tensioners at the tarp rather than at the stake is in snowy conditions. Sometimes I bury my line in the snow a foot or two attached to a stick or whatever and in that case your tensioner is buried with it. If the tensioner is at the tarp then you can bury as much of the line as you like and still have it at the tarp doing its job.

[Bubba]

IMO whatever works for you. After you have used them, you will learn what you like and what you need to modify.