Tarp spreader bar question

Hi George
Thank you for that. Do you have a simpler solution for covering the tent and creating an outdoor covered area please?

Cher the grey nomad newbie

I think the answer to your question depends on your style of camping, and how much (space and weight) you can carry.

If you normally camp for more than a day or two then using the 6M x 3M tarp you mentioned in your original post would probably work. That's what I used to do.

If, on the other hand, you camp for one or two nights while you're on the move then this setup will drive you nuts. In this situation we slept under the same tarp slung off the side of the vehicle (or sometimes in a smaller tent).

Have you considered one of the collapsible 3M x 3M gazebos, and do you have the space to carry it?

George_M

Hi George..
I don't like the dangerous scissors action gazebos. I have seen a cheap one at Kogan for $39 where you shape the roof with poles and joiners. I wonder if it would be to flimsy. The pack down size seems good.




What do you think?

Thanks
Cheryn

Hi Cheryn,

We had one similar to the one in your diagram a few years ago, takes a while to put together, and not very strong. Changed to the “scissor” type instead, but bought a heavy gauge one, not the light one. The light ones will bend in any sort off “stiff” breeze.

Macca.

Hi RMD
I get what you mean. I think we may do as George said and get a gazebo.

Thanks for your reply

Cheryn

I used to use 3 x 5 , 7x 4 all sizes. Pain in the butt really. Now I have 2 gazebos...3x3 and 4.5 x 3. Plus 2 side walls. Set up is quick..only take 1 gazebo that suits the camping time and place. Lot better than a tarp. I now have a forward fold camper and use the 4.5 x 3 gazebo...Works brilliantly and gives heaps of sun shade and rain protection...I also bought good quality ones.

Brilliant idea on putting the tent to one side to enable centre poles! I never thought of that. Thanks!