Properly weighting or tying down a tent

Comment by Larry Berman on January 28, 2012 at 11:59am

I hang them about a foot off the ground but tie them to the tent legs so they don't sway. A tent can easily go over if the weights sway because that contributes to throwing the tent off balance. Also, stabars are an important factor in stabilizing the tent, especially if you don't have solid walls like ProPanels to connect the legs.

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

Comment by Kathryn Riechert on January 28, 2012 at 12:02pm

Can you tell me why it is beneficial to hanging them?  

Comment by Larry Berman on January 28, 2012 at 12:06pm

I don't see the point in having the center of gravity on the ground unless you don't have any other options. A little higher up will stabilize the top of the tent. I may be wrong but that's the way I've done it for years.

Larry Berman

Comment by Dennis Brady on January 28, 2012 at 12:26pm

If you are on a surface that ISN'T asphalt or concrete spiral dog tie downs work the best. On hard ground I use four foot long, 2" square solid metal bars that weigh 85 pounds a piece. They rest on the ground tied to each corner of my Trimeline with zip ties. I've always felt that a strong (and yes heavy) Trimeline canopy is your first step in keeping it from doing the Wizard of Oz on you.

Comment by Warren Townsend on January 28, 2012 at 2:10pm

I am a big believer in keeping the weights fastened to the tent as low as possible. You are putting extra strain on the locking devices by attaching them to the upper parts of the tent.  If you do not have the stabilizer bars between the legs and hang them from up high you are also adding to the fact the legs' feet will walk around on the surface to the paint the legs will not be up straight and could bend.  Further more when you have the weights resting on the ground you are also adding in the friction factor of the tent sliding.  Use a sturdy not strectching strap to hold the weights to the legs down low.

Comment by Ruth Finkenbiner on January 28, 2012 at 3:12pm

Dennis - where did you purcharse your square metal bars from?  I like the idea of the 2"square, takes up a lot less room than concrete weights in both the booth and truck, plus if they are square we won't have to worry about them rolling while driving down the road.

Comment by Dennis Brady on January 28, 2012 at 4:13pm

Ruth I made them, any place you can buy steel even a scrap yard you'll find a 2 inch square solid steel stock. they cut them to 4 foot planks for me and I welded the brackets the top which acts as a tie down to attach to your canopy. you're right about them not rolling around in my van and take up way less space than my big pvc tube filled with concrete.

Comment by Diane Wright on January 28, 2012 at 7:44pm

I use Happyfeet - www.happyfeet.com They attach to the legs of the tent on the bottom.  They have worked great for me.

 

Comment by Cheryl Stevens on January 29, 2012 at 1:27pm

Ruth- I use 55 lb. tractor weights...they are wonderful!! They are compact, thin, and so easy to stack in my vehicle. I have exhibitors stop a lot and ask "where did you get these?"

They have a "handle" type top on them...which helps for carrying and looping my tie down straps. My husband went to an actual tractor dealership to purchase them...but, maybe other type stores carry them.  I tried to find a photo of my tent with them to show you, but no luck. I am doing a show Feb. 11th and if you would like to see what they look like...just let me know and I will take a photo for you.

Comment by Larry Berman on January 29, 2012 at 1:59pm

They're called suitcase weights and you can purchase or order them through Lowes or Home Depot. They sell for about $45 each.

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

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