A common problem with (silnylon) tarps is that they stretch and and get floppy after guying them out. There are a few ways to deal with this. One is to tighten your guy-outs as the tarp gets loose (not a good option in the middle of the night). Another way to address this is with self tensioning guy lines. There are various ways of making tarp tensioners. This is just one variation.
Things you will need:
Things you will need:
- Guy line
- Shockcord
- Knife
- Tape measure
- Lighter
- Marker
Step 1: Cut guy line to desired length - I use 6' of braided mason's line for my guy lines (it's important to use braided and not twisted).
Step 2: Cut shockcord to 1' length. Us a lighter to melt the ends of the cord.
Step 3: Find the max stretch in your shockcord. That distance will be the length between points where the shockcord and guy line is attached together. This will prevent the shockcord from hitting is breaking point.
Step 4: Using a double fisherman's knot attach the guy line and shockcord based upon the measurement from Step 3.
Step 2: Cut shockcord to 1' length. Us a lighter to melt the ends of the cord.
Step 3: Find the max stretch in your shockcord. That distance will be the length between points where the shockcord and guy line is attached together. This will prevent the shockcord from hitting is breaking point.
Step 4: Using a double fisherman's knot attach the guy line and shockcord based upon the measurement from Step 3.
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Notes: I tried to keep the tensioner as close to the tarp as possible. That way I could pitch the tarp steep if I wanted. Tying the double fisherman's knot with shockcord proved to be a test of my patience.
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