Tarp over CT & annex

[Xoe01]

Just a question really for you guys that do it.
Last time I was out, 2 weeks ago, I noticed a lot of people putting tarps over their camper trailers when camping.
For those of you that do it, is it to stop condensation? To keep warmer??? It is a bit chilly up here in sunny Queensland...
I'm going away again in 2 weeks and was thinking about doing it... Just looked a lot of effort when I was sitting back in my recliner drinking wine.... But if it's worth it I may be tempted...,

[Nay-DMAX]

There are a couple of threads on here with different answers about the tarp over camper. I think knoath started one on here perhaps last year I will see if I can find the link.

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=27599.msg431196#msg431196

not the one I was looking for but some replies in here.  I think for long trips more than a couple of nights I could see the benefits of it keeps warmer in winter cooler in summer and probably a bit darker for sleeping.

[MDS69]

A few other benefits are dry pack if it rains or you get a heavy dew and keeps the bird poo and sap off the canvas.

[Jeepers Creepers]

A few other benefits are dry pack if it rains or you get a heavy dew and keeps the bird poo and sap off the canvas.

That's my reason.

[Xoe01]

Thanks heaps guys... Going for 4 night.. Will probably give it a go!!

[Xoe01]

Interesting read, most people set up the tarp fully with poles etc,... I saw quite a few just draped over the tent. Would this way help with warmth and condensation do you think?

[michael h]

When we had a Trak Shak which had a foot print of approx 7.0m x 3.6m we would use a 9.0m x 6.0m (30 foot x 20 foot)tarp with poles and ropes to keep it cooler in summer it also helped keep the area dry we had about half of the tarp area for living under beside camper
btw we also would lay shade cloth under the whole area makes it easy to sweep and lets the sand drop through
We mainly bush camp near water/beach

Cheers Michael

[MDS69]

Another thing with a tarp over your soft floor is that you can do away with the awning and just use the tarp as your awning. Less weight to cart and quicker setup.

[way-t-go]

Xoe,
Having the tarp raised up above your tent will make it a lot cooler in summer, but you will have to carry more poles. Laying the tarp straight over you tent will still make it cooler in summer but not as cool as elevated, the benefit is no poles are needed if it is about the same size as your tent. Both will stop the condensation in winter and make it a bit warmer. The other benefit of tarps is the bird crap is kept off your canvas, so it's waterproofing is not compromised.

Gary