Poly tarp in sail track
Submitted: Sunday, Dec 27, 2009 at 20:41
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outsider
I've been wanting to attach my large tarp to the sail track on my campervan.
Visited the local canvas
shop and they quoted me around $70 to sew on the keder cord that slides into the sail track. This would seem fair enough except my old faithful tarp only cost me $20 way back when I bought it.
After thinking about it I decided to experiment with a small tarp by running a 6mm rope about 40mm in from the edge, adding a generous bead of silicon and simply folding the tarp over the rope. Being impatient as I am, I only let the silicon set for a couple of hours before putting it on the van. The weather has been fairly ordinary here today with gusty winds and rain and it is holding up fine so far.
Happy with the test result, I purchases a tube of sikaflex and some new rope for my large tarp. Cost me $22, I really can't see any reason why it would fail.
Reply By: trainslux - Sunday, Dec 27, 2009 at 22:14
Sunday, Dec 27, 2009 at 22:14
Why didnt you just grab a sewing machine, and stitch the cord into the folded piece of tarp you have??
Instant, and strong.
Done this to several cheap tarps and some canvas.
Trains
AnswerID:
396570
Follow Up By: outsider - Sunday, Dec 27, 2009 at 22:33
Sunday, Dec 27, 2009 at 22:33
I don't have a sewing machine, only have man stuff in my shed..
Sounds like a good idea though.
FollowupID:
665343
Follow Up By: trainslux - Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 10:09
Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 10:09
hehe.
Im confident enough in my manhood to not only admit to owning several sewing machines, but also on how to use them. :)
Made up alot of tarp products, side awning for vehicle, spare wheel cover, swag for myself and some mates tool rolls, covers for
camp ovens and other items etc.
Very handy skill to know.
Some handy tips in this thread as
well, am taking notes.
T
Every man needs at least one sewing machine. :)
Even if its only to bring out when the missus new fandangled plastic crap janome cant be fixed and she has to finish her project.
Here ya go dear........use this ya princess. :)
FollowupID:
665643
Reply By: Member - Kiwi Kia - Monday, Dec 28, 2009 at 07:36
Monday, Dec 28, 2009 at 07:36
If you go to a marine
shop you can buy small nylon bullet shaped "sail slugs" (about 80c each) These are made to run smoothly through the sail track. The 'slugs' have a lug on one side which you can zip tie to your tarp eyelets and are very easy to slide into your sail track.
KK
AnswerID:
396594
Reply By: Member - Carl- Monday, Dec 28, 2009 at 07:41
Monday, Dec 28, 2009 at 07:41
If the wife has a hair straightener, you can use this to weld RVC tarps. It will need to be on a high setting (220 approx). Why women heat their hair to this temp I do not know.
Press together till the pvc looks about the same of
well chewed bubble gum then release. Try on a spare bit first to get it right.
You can weld a rope into the tarp in this way as
well. Mind you, get caught and you could be getting more than $70 worth of pain from the wife.
Canvas Tarps can be sikaflex with 303 or silicone as
well as you mentioned.
AnswerID:
396595
Reply By: sweetwill - Monday, Dec 28, 2009 at 09:21
Monday, Dec 28, 2009 at 09:21
hi there outsider.
the tarp only cost you $20, my first new house cost me $12,300, but times change and prices also, i was thinking $70 was cheap. cheers for now bill.
AnswerID:
396608
Follow Up By: Member - Mary W NW VIC - Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 19:08
Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 19:08
I find the slugs are excellent.Make it so easy to feed the tarp/shade cloth etc into the sail track especially if travelling solo.Just add a few islets and cable tie to the slug,
Cheers,
Mary
FollowupID:
665545