Outback camper Tarp

[robbo12]

I've purchased a very basic old Outback camper, we haven't stayed in it yet, I believe it would be approx 14ft x 14ft  when it is opened up and the annex is on. We are going to use it at Easter  and because it could rain I would like to cover the whole thing with a tarp.  I guess my question is what do others do and would I need to have a bar go across the middle to keep the tarp off the tented area.  Any ideas and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Bird]

I've purchased a very basic old Outback camper, we haven't stayed in it yet, I believe it would be approx 14ft x 14ft  when it is opened up and the annex is on. We are going to use it at Easter  and because it could rain I would like to cover the whole thing with a tarp.  I guess my question is what do others do and would I need to have a bar go across the middle to keep the tarp off the tented area.  Any ideas and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Have a search around the forum, as theres plenty of threads and options out there

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

What your talking about is creating a tropical roof.
You can do it the really cheap way with RHS as the ridge and stretch out a big tarp.
Or you could use two tarps with a rope edge ea. and fit them into sail track anchored to your ridge.
You'd still need extra poles, pegs and ropes to keep it up off the trailer tent.

[edz]

Years back we made up a Spider & Spreader bar set up for a mate, that ran a 20' x 20'  Silver poly tarp over it ..
Worked Great except for the Hour or so setting up all the Bloody poles /  guy ropes & pegs  etc ..
 Not to mention having to lug all the crap around .. It was heavy and bulky so he soon tired of lugging it around / setting up / down all the time ..
Worked great in the back yard at home for BBQ's n Parties & as a carport 

[Alan Loy]

I've seen pool noodles used to keep the tarp off the tent.  They re certainly lighter.

I have used a polesapart ridge pole, I was going to link to it only to find they are closing down    I loved their stuff

[McGirr]

To set up camp McGirr on our kimberley trip we are buying this

https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/24ft-Spreader-Bar-2-x-9ft-U-Clip-Support-Bars-Genuine-Heavy-Duty-Free-Delivery/192109577620?hash=item2cba9f8594:g:WhgAAOSwKrhVWdZQ

We have ordered a 6mt x 7.2 mt tarp for extended stays in the bush camps. We will use the normal front awning for short stays.

Mark