Tarp tension

**Bigmeats** · 03-25-2017, 14:10

I am hanging my tarp (Warbonnet Superfly)right now and it's pretty windy. I have Dutch bling hanging off the split rings of the ridge. In order to get the tarp to stop flapping in the wind I have everything cinched down pretty tight, so tight my ridge is almost guitar string tight. Is this normal? Am I at risk of the tarp tearing?

Seems like I should know this with all the reading I do on here but I have a bit of brain fog today.

Thanks.

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**sr1355** · 03-25-2017, 14:12

Tighter the better in my opinion, well there is a limit but typically I like my tarp pitched TIGHT!!!! Looks better and performs better...

**curlymaple42** · 03-25-2017, 14:42

Good question. I'm new to this too and I'm so nervous about tensioning too tight. I'll be setting up for tonight's hang soon and I'm going to tension a little tighter than last time.

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**curlymaple42** · 03-25-2017, 15:03

At this point I have shock cord loops at the tie outs so I don't think I could tighten the lines too tight anyways.

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**Bigmeats** · 03-25-2017, 15:19

Originally Posted by sr1355

Tighter the better in my opinion, well there is a limit but typically I like my tarp pitched TIGHT!!!! Looks better and performs better...

Thanks!

**Bigmeats** · 03-25-2017, 15:19

Originally Posted by curlymaple42

At this point I have shock cord loops at the tie outs so I don't think I could tighten the lines too tight anyways.

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I have not put on shock cords yet. I really should get that done!

**jellyfish** · 03-25-2017, 16:03

I get mine as tight as I can.

Have fun!

**Bubba** · 03-25-2017, 17:39

I also like a very taut pitch. I think looser material will catch more wind like a saill and pull on lines. Tight material won't catch as much.That's my rationale anyways.

**canoebie** · 03-25-2017, 18:09

+1 on what Paul, Jellyfish and others have said. Tightness prevents a lot of flopping and whipping around of materials. I like mine tight and I prefer the ridgeline over the tarp as a CRL. Lots of debate on that one. Just a personal preference.

**Phantom Grappler** · 03-25-2017, 18:55

With a continuous ridge line--you can crank ridge line tight. With a split ridge line--depending on your tarps construction-strength--you might tear something loose in your tarp or tarp loops. Either way, you can tighten your tarp to prevent flapping in wind. But if you over tighten your tarp--undue stress may be placed at loops??
Phantom-with a loose tarp-not sure.

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