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  1. #1
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    Question Tarp auto tensioner methods - pros and cons

    Hi all, can someone explain to me the pros and cons of these two methods of auto tensioning guylines to tarps. Sorry for my ignorance, I'm an absolute newbie.

    At first blush, it seems like Method #1 would be "easier". Just larkshead the looped shock cord to the tarp and hook it to the line lock. But there most be a reason why I see most seasoned folks using Method #2. Thanks all!

    Method #1 - a continuous loop of shock card, larksheaded to the tarp and hooked to the hook of the black line lock
    method1.jpg

    Method #2 - a continuous loop of shock card, connected inline to the guyline
    method2.jpg

  2. #2
    Senior Member tsshaw78's Avatar
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    I've only started using the method 2 option last year but I think method 2's benefit is you are rooting on the courage for strength, not the shock cord. Also, method 2 prevents the shock cord from being over stretched.
    A day camping in the rain is better than a good day at work,
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    tsshaw78 is too hard to say on the trail - Just call me Shaw.

  3. #3
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    Having the loop inline gives you the benefit of setting a “maximum stretch”. After that it just becomes a regular hard line. This config gives you a hard line that won’t go slack over night.

    Having the loop separate means you have full time stretch. This can be great for adding and removing trecking poles for porch mode and for setting and moving stakes. It’s works well in conjunction with tying the tarp directly to the hammock suspension where the entire rig can move when you sit in the hammock. It becomes undesirable in windy conditions when the tarp can become a sail.

  4. #4
    Senior Member Rusty Shackelford's Avatar
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    This is actually my preferred method, kind of a hybrid between the two, the benefits are that you get to keep the shock cord closer to the tarp which is beneficial when you have limited space. I also like that it leaves a guyline anchored to the tarp in case the shock cord fails. It is not permanent and as mentioned above, it prevents the shock cord from being stretched to the maximum. I just loop a single piece of shock cord through my tie outs and then clove hitch the ends together using the guyline.

    Tarp Tensioner.jpg
    Last edited by Rusty Shackelford; 02-06-2021 at 11:23.

  5. #5
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
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    I still like and use my tensioners all the time. Method #2...if the shock cord snaps you still have guyline. I find guyline stronger than shock cord.
    Shug

    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  6. #6
    Senior Member tsshaw78's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rusty Shackelford View Post
    This is actually my preferred method, kind of a hybrid between the two, the benefits are that you get to keep the shock cord closer to the tarp which is beneficial when you have limited space. I also like that it leaves a guyline anchored to the tarp in case the shock cord fails. It is not permanent and as mentioned above, it prevents the shock cord from being stretched to the maximum. I just loop a single piece of shock cord through my tie outs and then clove hitch the ends together using the guyline.

    Tarp Tensioner.jpg
    Yes, I think that is the approach I chose too. Memory is a little weak since I haven't opened my tarp since Halloween.
    A day camping in the rain is better than a good day at work,
    --Shaw.

    tsshaw78 is too hard to say on the trail - Just call me Shaw.

  7. #7
    TallPaul's Avatar
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    Tarp auto tensioner methods - pros and cons

    Option 3 - none of the above
    If I get a little slack, I just move the stake an inch or two farther away or wrap the line around the stake a couple times.
    I used something akin to option 1 for awhile then had an incident where the stake turned into a projectile. I’m guessing it would be less likely with option 2.

  8. #8
    Senior Member cmoulder's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TallPaul View Post
    Option 3 - none of the above
    If I get a little slack, I just move the stake an inch or two farther away or wrap the line around the stake a couple times.
    I used something akin to option 1 for awhile then had an incident where the stake turned into a projectile. I’m guessing it would be less likely with option 2.
    ^^^^^^This perzackly.

    Unless your tarp is nylon... the stretch can be uber-annoying. However, even nylon is going to stretch only so much, so keep that in mind when pitching and leave enough adjustment range to compensate. I did this all the time with my MLD Duomid (pyramid tarp) and it worked well.
    Five Basic Principles of Going Lighter (not me... the great Cam Honan of OZ)
    “If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” ~ Gen. George S Patton

  9. #9
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    I throw my tarp over the top ridgeline of my SLS setup so that when I get into my hammock the tarp is pulled more taught. If I'm not I'm my hammock, I don't really care how much sag my tarp has. I leave a little slack in the guy lines and the nylon takes care of the rest.

    Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

  10. #10
    Senior Member Rambler_'s Avatar
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    I haven’t had a problem using this method yet. I like the fact that if the shock cord breaks my guyline is still there to hold the tarp.
    Attached Images Attached Images

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