DaleH
FOUNDER of Classic Parker Forum
For many years I used PVC frame and tarps and had zero issues. But last Winter, my brother's 10-year old frame of wooden strapping survived the hurricane force winds (84mph at peak) we had last FEB during a blinding blizzard. Since his frame didn't buckle or flex, he had minimal damage to his tarps. while my neat idea PVC frame … uhhhh, was too flexible and allowed the tarps to tear to shreds.
So for this Winter I came up with a simple frame built of wood strapping, 8 & 12 footers. Total cost $30 for the wood and just a few drywall screws and 4” long bolts & fender washers to hold it all together. It was really easy suspending it off the tuna tower frame. Some older 1/2" PVC lengths I've used for years formed the 'hoops' to help shed the snow off the top and to prevent pockets snow could accumulate in.
Heavy-duty tarps sure went up with the rising price of fuel, as a 20’ by 25’ one was $80. 2 new tarps and the frame cost < $200 and since I'll get 4-5 years out of the tarps and 10+ ot of the frame ... my annual outlay for winter covers is what ... $30? Not too bad ... beats shrink wrap @ $10-$12 per foot per year :shock: !
So for this Winter I came up with a simple frame built of wood strapping, 8 & 12 footers. Total cost $30 for the wood and just a few drywall screws and 4” long bolts & fender washers to hold it all together. It was really easy suspending it off the tuna tower frame. Some older 1/2" PVC lengths I've used for years formed the 'hoops' to help shed the snow off the top and to prevent pockets snow could accumulate in.
Heavy-duty tarps sure went up with the rising price of fuel, as a 20’ by 25’ one was $80. 2 new tarps and the frame cost < $200 and since I'll get 4-5 years out of the tarps and 10+ ot of the frame ... my annual outlay for winter covers is what ... $30? Not too bad ... beats shrink wrap @ $10-$12 per foot per year :shock: !