Tarp Style

[ROBENDOG]

Hey guys

Looking at a couple of tarps at the moment (24' x 30').

One has plastic reinforced corner holes http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330418261222&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT,

the other has S/S d-rings on corners and centre http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220578460680&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com.au%3A80%2F%3F_from%3 DR40%26_trksid%3Dm38%26_nkw%3D220578460680%26_fvi% 3D1&_rdc=1.

Any comments/experience/ in relation to the two different styles??

Thanks
Ben

[FNQCairns]

Have use both types extensively at home and camping, the non D-ring style will give a person more control over the trap when it is on poles, when adjusting you can end up with a tarp of beauty:) even with minimal poles but springs must be used.

The Ds are harder to nail down into a tarp of beauty:) on minimal poles, all this doesn't mean much if you have all the poles and the horizontal tie bars like i do but still the Ds always run second when everything else is a constant.

Another thing is the brand in your link with the Ds is the brand I use, I have not tried the other one. The first part to go on that D tarp is the fabric that hold the Ds on, this will happen after approx 1 year of unrelenting outside use, it will be almost a lifetime tarp purchase if camping..... if only they made that brand without the Ds as the tarp proper will hold up to 24/7/365x2.

We here have one of the most abusive environments found in Australia for anything fabric so I would expect an even better life down south.

Supercheap silver tarps are junk, junk junk..don't buy one of those.

cheers fnq

PS when the Ds fall off i punch a hole in the strengthened area adjacent and it's good to go for at least as long again.

[ROBENDOG]

Thanks FNQ.

I was concerned about the D ring straps breaking. Problem is it is a better size for my needs.

I plan on using it for camping 2-3 times a year. How long would you think the straps might last in your experience?

Thanks
Ben

[FNQCairns]

Hi Ben never had one straight out break, they seem strong enough when new.

The fabric like straps will degrade through wet and dry also UV I assume until they near dissolve away but that has only ever been my experience from ones set up permanently.

I suggest something else terminal will happen to the tarp if used for camping only before the straps get a chance to dissolve, still it's their weak link.

cheers fnq