Canvas tarp set-up
Submitted: Monday, Sep 20, 2021 at 17:30
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Louise F2
Hello,
I have been given a canvas tarp 6m x 3.5m and looking at getting poles for it.
I'm thinking I'll need 6 upright poles, 10-12 guy ropes + pegs + 3.6m centre roof pole.
Is the centre roof pole called a ridge rail or a spreader?
Thanks in advance, I'm new to this and not wanting to buy the wrong thing.
Reply By: Member - shane r1 - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 07:57
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 07:57
Hi Louise
Not sure what to call the roof pole . I suggest you go to somewhere like tent world and I’m sure they’ll be able to help out. They should have a huge range of poles , ropes and pegs.
Cheers
AnswerID:
637982
Reply By: Mikee5 - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 09:03
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 09:03
A canvas tarp is bulky, heavy and can't be put away wet. Consider instead buying a heavy duty poly tarp. Go to a camping store and compare. You didn't say what you are doing with it, swagging or covering a tent, or day use. More info would help.
AnswerID:
637984
Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 12:43
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 12:43
She already has it - "I have been given a canvas tarp 6m x 3.5m"
FollowupID:
916197
Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 10:54
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 10:54
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Hi Louise,
A "centre roof pole" usually has a dome at the top
like this. It is positioned near the centre of the tarp to elevate the roof such as to prevent water pooling. The plastic dome is simply placed on the top of a standard tent pole of sufficient length to elevate the centre above the sides of the tarp.

Pole cap
Ridge rails work similarly but are a horizontal rail supported by poles to raise a "ridge" on the roof to also resist water pooling.

Ridge Rail
AnswerID:
637991
Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 18:11
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 18:11
We used to use a ridge pole as the main support for larger canvas tarps, and steel pickets on each side to tension the tarp. These items are quite heavy so lighter items would be preferable these days.

Canvas Tarp, using ridge pole & steel pickets, 1972.
Incidentally, the ridge pole was in 2 sections that sleeved together, and was easier to transport.
Bob
AnswerID:
638003
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 18:48
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021 at 18:48
.
And that was just for the fridge!!!
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916203