Shade structure tips

[bobushka]

Hey all,

Well the interior of my ride is just about done, the next project on my list is to make a shade structure. My plan was to build off of the back of the van. I was just curious about building materials. I wanted to use conduit pipe for the structure as it can be assembled on the spot and a plastic tarp for the shade itself. I was wondering if the tarp will be strong enough and will i be able to hammer conduit pipe into the ground there?

[dragonpilot]

Just be sure to make it big enough for alll of us!

[bobushka]

if everyone wants to try and fit in a 7'x7' area then sure it'll be big enough

[jella]

might be a little cozy

[Deleted]

Another way to do it is to build it off of the side. It really helps if you have a rack on the top of the vehicle. Secure a very strong tarp or shade cloth to the rack and then stretch it out and use some poles at the corners and the middle if necessary to hold it up. Starting it all the way on the other side of the van will give the top of the van shade which will help with the internal temperature.
Sort of like an awning I guess. I recommend Knit Shade Cloth with grommets every 2 feet.

[bobushka]

thanks for tip about shade cloth, I never knew the stuff existed. Looks like Home Depot sells a 6'x15' roll which will be the perfect size for what I need. I'll just make it so it can attach to the van either on the side doors or the back doors depending on how I'm parked relative to the wind/sun.

Now the question of whether steel conduit (picture below) pipe can be hammered into the ground easily. It would be the easiest material to make a collapsable frame out of.

[c]

Yeah your not going to be hitting any pipe into the ground... At least not like that.

Last year I saw Plowman (at least I think this was his setup, it could of been Motz) using a thing like this...

(sorry for the really quick bad sketch)
Pipe in holding bracket thing that's attached to a bit of wood... the wood has holes in it for your rebar. Just thought of this... but a pin between the bar and the holder might of been included in the setup (not in bad quick sketch)

[Deleted]

If you want to hold a tube in place on the playa just pound a piece of rebar in to the ground and slide the tube over the top. The rebar will keep it from sliding around and the securing of the tarp or shade cloth and pole with guy lines will hold it down. Optimum is probably foot and a half rebar pounded six inches in. foot long works and two foot really has you covered.

[Sarge]

C, stop fishing for compliments--you know you're an artistic badass.