Dome tent fly modification

[Moondog55]

Well I started
I haven't fully thought through where to put the tent hooks so I thought I would start my sewing in the tie-down points where the pegs and the pin & ring assemblies will go.
I'm using 25mm LW polyester webbing somewhat lighter than the one offered by Simon. This is rated 450kg but is easy to sew.
I'm using a combination of straight stitch and zig-zag to give a bar-tack

[Moondog55]

Sewing along the base is easy as I can maneuver well
Going along quickly
Working for a couple of hours and only 2 to go
Still deciding on spacing for the Delrin loops, they can hold 75kilos and wind forces on the sail area will be large but as the dome tapers to the top most of the force will be lower down so perhaps the old fashioned tie at the centre top will be the better way to hold the wands in place; reinforced of course with 12mm tape

[andrewa]

What about just sewing the loops/hooks directly onto the seam in the fly, with 2 rows of single stitching and maybe a single bartack? I know that 3 rows of single stitching with heavier thread ( I can't break it with my hands in a direct pull) and no bartack is enough to hold the shoulder straps on my rucksack with 25kg load . I do get a bit anxious about barracking thinner nylons, as I think the multiple stitch holes are more likely to pull out than single rows of stitching.

Have fun. We're off up Bogong for the weekend.

A

[Moondog55]

Bartacking thru the seam is sewing through 4 layers of fabric plus the waterproofing tape but I take your point and i used 2 widths of zigzag to spread the load First lot of loops are sewn on [ I missed one tho] and I'm going to erect in the yard now and take some more pix

[Moondog55]

So I think this will work out
Of course the wands I am using are too small but the other spare tent is at my brothers place.
Found a couple more hooks so I have another 16 here

[Moondog55]

I'll do some more work on the big shelter today as soon as the aircon guys have finished the repairs to the slit systems [ huge voltage surge last month] and I get power back to the sewing room
Using what materials I have around and so LW grey polyester helmet tape for the next lot of loops
Not really much sense in having the tape much stronger that the 75kg strength of the Delrin loop and the grey tape is about 100 kilo rated

[simonm]

Nice work mate.

[Moondog55]

I have been thinking about adding in a cover over the doorway' I have a largish triangular section here I cut out of an old wall tent that would fold over the wand on one side and could provide a good cover and extra wind resistance tie down capability. I'd sew on the loops then add the triangle so the extra piece would be reinforcing the whole section
I guess I should add some extra peg points around the perimeter while I have the machine up too.

[RonK]

I have been thinking about adding in a cover over the doorway' I have a largish triangular section here I cut out of an old wall tent that would fold over the wand on one side and could provide a good cover and extra wind resistance tie down capability. I'd sew on the loops then add the triangle so the extra piece would be reinforcing the whole section
I guess I should add some extra peg points around the perimeter while I have the machine up too.

Sounds like the top hat on my Hilleberg Soulo. Make sure you incorporate the rain gutter. Keeps the drips out of the vestibule nicely.

[Moondog55]

Hi Ron I've never looked at the Hilleberg rain gutter but I like the sound of the idea
I just spent half an hour with pins and the fabric and it may work out well enough to spend the time needed to do it.
I use a top hat on my Plateau even tho it doesn't have centre vents and I know they work well
Folding over the wand however will not work; so some more work with pins needed to determine the optimum placement for the loop fittings; looks like one more needed in the middle and at least one more on each side

[stry]

Nice work MD

[Moondog55]

Thanx Stry
We had some pretty wild weather last nite and I went out this morning expecting to see the tent shredded. It wasn't; very pleasing as I had only pegged down the 4 main corners
I have just heard from ANSCO that the larger Easton pole sections are being phased out except for OEM use so as I do not have any spare cash to purchase now that means that any future project will need either wrapped FG or much smaller alloy wand sections

[Moondog55]

91 kph
Fine at 80 but the extra 11klicks was too much without being properly guyed out
But being old and second hand it is possible it was split already and I did not notice
Lets face it good poles are very expensive

[RonK]

Hi Ron I've never looked at the Hilleberg rain gutter but I like the sound of the idea
I just spent half an hour with pins and the fabric and it may work out well enough to spend the time needed to do it.
I use a top hat on my Plateau even tho it doesn't have centre vents and I know they work well
Folding over the wand however will not work; so some more work with pins needed to determine the optimum placement for the loop fittings; looks like one more needed in the middle and at least one more on each side

Here's a pic - looks like it's really just binding tape doubled over and stitched only along the bottom.

[Moondog55]

OK Got it
Thanx Ron

[Moondog55]

Got some more work done, and despite my best efforts I did miss a loop or three
Would I trust my life to it? No way
But as a comfort and group shelter were it to be destroyed it would not be a great loss.
Also these cheap domes are quite robust if tied down properly and everywhere poles cross is a tie-down point too

[Moondog55]

If we are going to use this as a group shelter in snow should I put valances? I think yes but how big will be big enough? 200mm was marginal on the big tipi and this is about as strong but certainly not stronger

[Moondog55]

Last report on this particular project as apart from the valances and the missing loops All I really need to do is shockcord all these second hand sections together
As this may need to be used in semi-stealth mode I grabbed few cheap cans of paint and gave it a quick camo makeover
it is just waiting now for the silicon on the hole patches to dry and I'll put away until it's needed
I also got yelled at severely because on Saturday morning I get another S/H ten from the people across the road
A Coleman semi Geo-dome this time but lots of shattered wand sections this time, but it was only $20- and the tent and fly are in very good condition
I'll start a new thread for that rebuild

[Moondog55]

OK I lied
One last couple of pictures in total stealth mode as I was cleaning out the garden shed and found the old bird net