Set up a Tarp Over a Vehicle

[myway_1]

I think your tarp/awning idea is going to be just as unwelcome in a "Malwart" parking lot as an Easy-Up.  I didn't realize you planned to camp at WallyWorld.  

Do you have a roof rack you could attach a cargo box to?  Both Yakima and Thule make pretty nice, aerodynamic boxes that would easily hold whatever system you end up using. 

Just brainstorming here. 

Noooo! Haha! I wouldn't use either one in a parking lot. I meant for those times I would have it packed away inside the car with me it would take up too much space. A roof rack would be a good solution for just about any car other than a Prius. They are so aerodynamic that any roof rack causes a big decrease in mpg.

 

[skyl4rk]

If it is windy, I would recommend a Diamond Fly, if you have a good place to tie off the guy line. Page 25.

Another option is the Arrowhead Wedge Cover on page 31.

http://www.equipped.com/tarp-shelters.pdf



I have heard that the wedge type tarp setups with two poles (Arrowhead Wedge Cover) move more in the wind than the single pole versions such as the Diamond Fly. However the two pole versions give you room to back your car in.

You can also set up two Diamond Fly tarps facing each other, tensioning from each other with no guys. You may need a guy to set the first one up, but then you could set the second one up using the same pole and stake it out so you can remove the first guy.

 

[Oberneldon]

You have a number of good suggestions, but I think you will find it hard to have a solution that doesn't include taking up a significant amount of space.

I live in my Prius for 3-4 months a year and I have 3 lightweight ground cloth tarps for backpacking that I can tie together and to my Prius for shade during the day.

When near dusk and bugs come out, if they are bad enough I just get in my Prius back seat (40% side) with my two screened rear windows. I work on my blog, get tired, and go to bed.

I choose not to carry more than I need.

Brent

 

[myway_1]

If it is windy, I would recommend a Diamond Fly, if you have a good place to tie off the guy line.  Page 25.

Another option is the Arrowhead Wedge Cover on page 31.

http://www.equipped.com/tarp-shelters.pdf



I have heard that the wedge type tarp setups with two poles (Arrowhead Wedge Cover) move more in the wind than the single pole versions such as the Diamond Fly.  However the two pole versions give you room to back your car in.

You can also set up two Diamond Fly tarps facing each other, tensioning from each other with no guys.  You may need a guy to set the first one up, but then you could set the second one up using the same pole and stake it out so you can remove the first guy.

If it is windy but not rainy I would probably just take down the tarp because the wind would keep the bugs at bay. If it is windy and rainy I may just drive to town and spend the day in the library.
However, I may want to stay put, so these configurations for windy conditions are much appreciated.

How much wind will the dining fly take and how much wind will the diamond fly take?

 

[myway_1]

You have a number of good suggestions, but I think you will find it hard to have a solution that doesn't include taking up a significant amount of space.  

I live in my Prius for 3-4 months a year and I have 3 lightweight ground cloth tarps for backpacking that I can tie together and to my Prius for shade during the day.

When near dusk and bugs come out, if they are bad enough I just get in my Prius back seat (40% side) with my two screened rear windows.  I work on my blog, get tired, and go to bed.

I choose not to carry more than I need.

Brent

I am going to stay at least two weeks at each camp site, which makes me want to have a more substantial camp. Living out of a Prius full-time I believe will require some sort of a protected space to move around in. I could do without that for a few months but not longer. Since I won't have space to move around in inside my vehicle like those of you who live in a van or RV, I feel that I need to create a space outside the vehicle.

Another option with a Prius with its great gas mileage would be to just drive somewhere else if bugs or weather are a problem. But my personality is such that I prefer to control my environment.

I am considering using a hitch-mounted cargo tray so that I can carry more stuff.

 

[myway_1]

Another suggestion I received is to spread a shade cloth or tarp (depending on the weather) over the car using swim noodles to create a space for air to circulate over the roof. Put it a diamond pattern with one corner staked to the ground, two corners bungeed to the bumpers and one corner supported with an extendible pole.

The shade cloth would also have to serve as a bug net. Does anyone know any brands that serve that dual purpose?

 

[Suanne]

...I am considering using a hitch-mounted cargo tray so that I can carry more stuff.

Keep in mind the limited payload capacity of the Prius. My Gen2 '04 has a payload maximum of 780 lbs. The newer generations' payloads are higher, but not by much. The added hitch and tray may add so much extra weight that it would limit how much gear you could bring.

 

[myway_1]

Keep in mind the limited payload capacity of the Prius.  My Gen2 '04 has a payload maximum of 780 lbs.  The newer generations' payloads are higher, but not by much.  The added hitch and tray may add so much extra weight that it would limit how much gear you could bring.

You are right about needing to watch my weight. A light-duty hitch weight 30 pounds as does a light duty cargo tray. Total weight 60 pounds.

 

[skyl4rk]

The diamond fly will take a lot of wind as long as it is pointed into the wind and would be my choice for shelter during a wind storm. The dining fly is limited in the amount of wind it can take. I think you would see too much flapping above about 15 mph.

An extendable aluminum painters pole would be a good choice for a tarp pole. There are rebar stakes that can be hammered into the ground for secure staking. A 20'x20' white tarp would be a luxurious shelter and would allow you to keep your vehicle out of the weather.

 

[Oberneldon]

Good luck on finding a solution that works for you.

I too evaluated a hitch and cargo rack but the low ground clearance and the angle of some of the curb drainage in my travels I didn't want to drag in or out .

Another reason I ruled it out was that I access my fridge and use the rear to sit with hatch open.

I concluded that the best way to carry extra items would be to forgo some Milage and put a clamshell storage on top.

After reevaluating my setup I decided to live within my Prius shell by downsizing and being creative in my designs.

Brent

 

[akrvbob]

Another suggestion I received is to spread a shade cloth or tarp (depending on the weather) over the car using swim noodles to create a space for air to circulate over the roof. Put it a diamond pattern with one corner staked to the ground, two corners bungeed to the bumpers and one corner supported with an extendible pole.

The shade cloth would also have to serve as a bug net. Does anyone know any brands that serve that dual purpose?

I'm at least one person who gave you that idea, BUT, as with most of my "original" ideas, I stole it. I stole it from none other than our very own Suanne!

Suanne, I remember when you did that with the noodles, but you didn't keep doing it, why not?
Bob

 

[Cammalu]

You are right about needing to watch my weight. A light-duty hitch weight 30 pounds as does a light duty cargo tray. Total weight 60 pounds.

I recently found out the hard way that my SUV (which is supposed to hold a bit of weight back there) was pulled all out of rear alignment when I stuck a very light weight aluminum carrier with a disability scooter on there. My first indication was a bit of tire roaring. When I went to have the rear wheels aligned they told me it was the weight back there and it was way out of alignment. When I told them that I was within manufacturers guidelines they said, "They lied"

I have been looking at The Prius not for living or camping but as a driver and when I inquired about the hitch the salesman told me it would be fine. I think they are lying also.

 

[Suanne]

Suanne, I remember when you did that with the noodles, but you didn't keep doing it, why not?

When I cover my car with the tarp, using the swim noodles to create air flow between roof and tarp, the tarp covers/shades my front windshield, back hatch, and passengers' side of the car, leaving only the driver's side with a view to the outside (usually facing north). But, I so love my view out the windows, especially at sunrise and during stormy weather, that it's just not worth the shade. So, I would rather just deal with the heat by finding shade to sit in, or by moving further north and up in elevation. It's just my preference.

Thinking that a shade mesh tarp might give me both shade and the ability to see out my windows, as well as be less effected by the wind, I ordered one from ebay. For me it's just too bulky and heavy, compared to my current silnylon tarp, to carry around in my Prius where space is at a premium. Again, just my preference.

I learned about using swim noodles to create air flow between tarp and roof about 6 or 7 years ago ... I just can't remember from whom. I love how we learn stuff from each other in this community.

 

[Txjaybird]

An Easy Up would be great except that it would take up too much space. Living in a Prius, I'll need every bit of room there is. There will be times when I'll be in the vehicle with no place to put the Easy Up, such as in WalMart parking lot.

HOW ABOUT A ROOF RACK FOR SOME STORAGE?    {I'M NOT YELLING}         tjb

 

[myway_1]

HOW ABOUT A ROOF RACK FOR SOME STORAGE?    {I'M NOT YELLING}         tjb

That would be a great idea except the Prius has a highly aerodynamic shape and a roof rack cuts the mpg too much.

 

[DannyB1954]

How about a screen tent? Modify the door so you can drive in. This site shows models where you can take the ends off to put several together. http://diyfunprojects.com/?tag=camping-screen-tent
Maybe there is a model long enough to drive in. I use a screen tent for camping. It is light and packs small.

 

[myway_1]

How about a screen tent? Modify the door so you can drive in. This site shows models where you can take the ends off to put several together. http://diyfunprojects.com/?tag=camping-screen-tent
Maybe there is a model long enough to drive in. I use a screen tent for camping. It is light and packs small.

Good suggestion. I will do something like this if I decide to add a cargo carrier or pull a mini-utility trailer.

 

[BigT]

How about a roof rack with some solar panels on it?  Nice and flat so it cuts through the wind, and creates shade while also keeping everything charged.