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Oh Brian,

I forgot to say it is very useful comparing my and your effort I can see how much tighter your canvas is and now I just need to copy it!!

Kitty

Quote: Originally posted by Kitty14 on 19/7/2010

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So bascially my understanding is that I pull as hard as possible - do I put all my weight into - is it possible I can break it or should I just pull as hard as possible?

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Dear All,

Thank-you so much - I think I now have a clear understanding of what I am aiming at and how to get there!  Put it up make sure I tension and front then go round and tweak and ensure that I have a slight curve in the fabric between the guy ropes.  All very very helpful.  Brian you have already very kindly typed me a set of instructions when I first mentioned my difficulties -  which I was following I think the key is the lack of tension as the instructions you gave are very clear.

Everyones replies have been wonderfully helpful as I really was very dishearten looking at my effort this afternoon and worried about our camping trip next week.  Now I am feeling more confident - I just couldn't work out what was wrong - thanks to all you good people now I know.  It is always part of the fun of camping learning how to persuade your tent to look how you want rather than how it thinks it would like to be.

Thank-you for advice and inspiration,

Kitty

Firstly,   ' there's nothing wrong with your tent, it's just badly pitched '    is what I was going to say when I first started reading your post.

         BUT

now I understand, first pitch and wrist problems, I'm not going to say that at all.

You may find it much easier if you replaced the sliders with a different type. I have found the sliders on some of my tents almost impossible to use.   There are some Vango style that turn through 90dgrs. to lock, or others that use a V grip which have been well mentioned on this forum. I'm sure someone will post pictures of them, I'm rubbish with the interweb thinghy so can't.

I'll pop off, and try to find a reference in the mean time. OK back with this offering. Type in GELERT GUY LINE RUNNERS this is the twist type, with a picture. There was also another long plastic one in the next picture, but not sure how they work.

Can't find any info on the other type, but there will be someone along who knows what I mean, who can give a ref. or picture etc.

There was a post a while ago, where they used a stainless steel flat bottom dog bowl. They used the area inside to put keys change etc. so they knew where the small bits and pieces were.

I use a thick circle of ply wood under mine.

More info, re sliders/runners.

They are made by clamcleat, and are called Line-Loc part number CL206/R. Having just read the instructions, you have to pull the cords sideways to release, not the loos end as I said previously.

 I used to sell earlier versions in the boating sailing dinghy trade, and the company produce a first class item.

Dear All,

Again thank-you hugely!

Apologies I have only just written this post my computer had some sort of breakdown and refused to work at all yesterday or the night before - after a little TLC it is reconsidering its options - thank goodness.  I would be lost without it.

The tip about the Line loks is ace - thank-you so much I have ordered them.  I am now hoping that they arrive in time to trial them before our trip.  They are beng dispatched today so I'm hopeful that they will be here by the weekend so plenty of time to try them out.

Again I feel so lucky that everyone is so helpful and considerate about how to overcome problems that are specific to me.

Thank-you all,

Kitty

P.S. As soon as I get the cleats and put it up again I shall post a piccy!  I am much more optomistic after all the hints and help and also knowing others have had issues  after the first pitch I'm glad I'm not the only one!!!

Dear All,

Thank-you for all your help!

I did manage to pitch okay even though our pitch was on quite a slope.  I wasn't sure about whether the pole should be upright or 90 degrees to the slope - which is how the De Waard tent close to me pitched.  I wrote this on the dutch pyramid appreication society page and I think the advice is what I will do in future pitch with the pole at 90 degree. 

I still can't upload my photo to here but I have added a photo from our trip to my profile.  Loks line are ace!!!

Kitty