How To Build A Tent Platform

How to Build A Wall Tent Platform

Construction of a wooden or concrete platform to act as a base will provide the most enjoyable canvas wall tent experience possible. Although we’ll be using a 12′ x 16′ platform as an example in this post, the measurements are easily adjusted for whatever wall tent size you want. You can also discover designs for our most popular wall tent sizes farther down on this page. Watch this short movie to get an insight of the platform-building process in action.

What you’ll need

Before you begin building, gather the following materials, which can be acquired at any local hardware shop with relative ease.

hardware

• Înainte of starting the building process, gather the following components, which may be acquired at any local hardware store:

Foundation

• Flat surface
• (9) 4′′ x 4′′ posts, trimmed to length
• (1 bag) gravel fill
• (1-2 bags) concrete, for a more stable foundation
• (1-2 bags) concrete
• (9) Concrete deck blocks (for use only on a slanted surface)

BeamJoist

• (2) 2′′ x 6′′ 16′ beams
• (3) 2′′ x 6′′ 12′ beams
• (18) 2′′ x 6′′ 8′ joists
• (2) 2′′ x 6′′ 16′ joists

Floor

• A total of 36 deck or composite floor boards measuring 5/4″ x 6″ x 12′

Setting the posts

1. Locate a level surface and outline a 12-by-16-foot space for the platform. In order to accommodate beams, posts must be placed 1 1/2″ from the outer corners. Locate the Middle Posts in accordance with the dimensions provided below. It is recommended that the center post be 5 1/2″ shorter than the rest of the columns in order to allow the center beam, which will rest on the post top connector. Once the location of the posts has been determined, dig a hole at least 6″ deep. Place the post in the ground and cover with gravel to improve drainage.

Attaching the perimeter

1. Reduce the length of two shorter beams to 11’9″
2. Reduce the length of two longer beams to 16′
3. Reduce the length of one short middle beam to 11’2″ Exterior beams should be screwed directly into the post using galvanized wood screws. Check to see if they are level. For a short beam, place (2) joist hangers within the middle columns. (Optional) A Post Top Connector measuring 4″ by 4″ should be placed in the center of the central column. Install a small beam on the center column between the two middle columns to provide additional support.

Adding the joists

1. Find the middle of the short center beam and use it to determine the joist spacing. Once the center has been determined, make a mark at 16″ on center for the remainder of the joists. Install joist hangers on both sides of the short central beam, where the joists will be suspended
2. And Install the joists in the joist hanger and secure them with wood screws. Screw straight from the beam to the joists on the outside of the structure.

Placing the floor boards

1. It is possible to utilize pressure treated wood deck board or composite deck board for this project. Deck planks should be cut to 12′ in length. Lay out the boards to check that they all fit on the platform without the need to rip the boards — If all boards are consistent 5 1/2″ in width, all boards should fit on a 12′ x 16′ platform without gaps between the boards. The floor planks should be fastened to the joists using screws.

Application of platform deck boards in 1216

adding an Outrigger

Once your platform is complete, you may add an outrigger to make your canvas wall tent experience even more enjoyable and memorable.

Still looking for the perfect wall tent?

Get started by looking through our most popular canvas wall tent designs. After all, adventure is only around the corner.

Create A Bell Tent Platform Deck

Even while a Life inTents bell tent is beautiful on its own, installing the tent on a hardwood platform makes it sparkle like no other tent in the world. However, it is not only about the beauty, but also about the functionality of the item. Building a base for your bell tent is the best way to ensure that your investment remains in excellent shape for many years to come. Using a waterproof bell tent, you may camp for a number of weeks without having to worry about it requiring any upkeep. However, if you want to leave your bell tent up for several weeks or months, you will want to take steps to ensure that it is properly protected from both standing and rushing water.

A tent platform elevates your tent off of wet ground, speeding up the drying process of the canvas and limiting the formation of mold in areas where the sun has difficulty reaching the tent’s canvas.

It is true that this insurance comes at an additional expense, but it is well worth the extra time and effort to get.

Selecting a Tent Platform Design

Platforms are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, with no one design being significantly more useful than the others. The most common designs for a 16-foot (5-meter) wood bell tent platform are squares (20’x20′), rectangles (20’x30′), hexagons (11-gons), and orhendegons (11-gons), all of which may be used with or without decks. The design selection that is best for you will be decided by your intended function, shape, and financial constraints. Materials, labor, and design are the three primary factors that influence the cost of a platform.

• The cost of materials increases according to the size of the platform
• Hiring a carpenter is unquestionably more expensive than attempting the project on your own
• In general, the more unconventional your design, the longer it will take to construct (see bullet2)

If your site is not level, you may also need to build footings to your platform, which may necessitate the construction of a stairs to reach to the front door. credit: @amlwarner photo credit: @boulders hideaway photo credit: @amlwarner Photo credit: @DalefarmphotosPhoto credit: @paintrockfarmPhoto credit: @Dalefarmphotos

Tent Deck Material Considerations

Your platform will be subjected to harsh weather conditions, which can vary depending on where you are located. The effects of the sun, rain, snow, and humidity on your platform can all deteriorate its condition over time.

Used treated timber and fasteners that are constructed to endure changing weather conditions are suggested for use in this project. In terms of wood for bell tent decks, cedar and redwood are two of the best options, followed by pressure treated wood, which is a more cost-effective alternative.

Anticipated Costs

Materials might cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the size of your platform, the quality of the wood, and the location of your platform. The cost of labor will also vary based on a variety of circumstances, but it is likely to be between $1,500 and $3,000 per hour.

Securing Your Tent Properly

You could estimate supplies to cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the size of your platform, the quality of the wood, and your location. The cost of labor will also vary based on a variety of circumstances, but it is expected to be between $1,500 and $3,000 per hour.

Bell Tent Platform Design Plans by Life inTents

We’ve created some really elaborate bell tent layouts that you might want to consider installing on your deck if you have the space. Our bell tent deck designs are exactly designed to fit the design of a 5-meter (16-foot) bell tent and include a deck off the front entrance for an awning, steps, and sturdy footings to provide a safe and secure structure. We’re glad to provide them for free with the purchase of a canvas tent from Life inTents. 5M people have life intentions. Rendering of the bell tent platform design

Alternatives to a Glamping Tent Platform

If you don’t have the resources to physically construct a platform, or if you only want a temporary protective ground barrier, you might construct a raised and flat rock bed on which to pitch your bell tent instead. We recommend that you use finely crushed rock such as decomposed granite or 14 minus gravel for this project. It should be enclosed with edging that is approximately 2 feet away from the tent’s exterior walls. Place about 1.5″-2″ of the material on top of the previous layer, packing the rock down between every 0.5″ layer.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with us!

Start A Mobile Glamping Business in 2022

Glamping event providers and backyard glamping enterprises began to spring up in the Wes boroughs in the year 2015. Mobile glamping enterprises are in high demand right now, surpassing their supply, making this a fantastic small business opportunity in your local community. We want to assist you in determining whether or not it is the right moment for you to start your own glamping rental business. THE LIT LIST will be published on January 9, 2022. 6 minutes to read

How to Maintain and Clean a Bell Tent

Canvas tents are extremely durable and may last a lifetime if they are properly maintained. Canvas tents, like keeping a healthy body, may last a lifetime if they are properly cared for and maintained. Here are some ideas to help you clean and care for your bell tent so that you may get the most usage out of it for a long period of time.

4 Easy Camping Structures to Build for Under $500

Planning on elevating the quality of your outdoor living area? When it comes to luring glampers to your property for a weekend escape, there’s nothing quite like a warm cabin or yurt. In order to welcome campers and glampers on your property, you should create an account with Hipcamp (it’s completely free to do so!).

Here’s a short and concise guide to four easy camping shelters that you can construct yourself (yes, you!) for less than $500 dollars each. Photo taken by Lisse L. at the Sundog Natural Building School in California’s Central Valley.

1. Cob House — $400 to $500

What do you mean, you ask? Cob homes are a fantastic alternative for campsites in warmer areas since they are easy to build. Cob houses, which are constructed of organic materials and dirt, perform better in warm climates where insulation is not a concern; yet, they will undoubtedly provide that extra unique something to your room. Another advantage of cob buildings is that they are extremely energy efficient. There is no such thing as a duplicate. Allow your imagination to go wild by incorporating a few brightly colored windows.

Julie W.

2. Yurt — $400 to 500

“What do you mean?” you might wonder. When it comes to camping in warmer climes, cob huts are an excellent choice. Cob houses, which are constructed of organic materials and dirt, perform best in warm climates where insulation is not a concern; yet, they will undoubtedly provide that extra unique something to your room. Another advantage of cob buildings is that they are extremely energy efficient and environmentally friendly. A pair of shoes is never the same as another. Fill in the gaps with a few brightly colored windows to let your imagination run wild!

At Luna Vista Ranch in California, a photo taken by Julie W.

3. Tent Platforms — $100

Creating a few tent platforms throughout your campsite is one of the most straightforward and effective methods of enticing customers to stay at your establishment. When guests pitch a tent, these modest structures provide a welcoming atmosphere while also guaranteeing that they remain comfortable and dry no matter what the weather throws at them. Build a modest roof over the main platform or a deck off the main platform to provide shade. Include a couple garden seats and a small table as well, and their tent will be transformed into the ideal outdoor living place.

took this photograph at Rusty Can Ranch in California.

4. Tiny Cabin — $300

We’ve all dreamed of spending a relaxing weekend in a log cabin with our families. The process of building one for those of us who aren’t lumberjacks, though, is actually more simpler than you would think. Choose a cabin constructed completely of recycled materials instead of chopping down trees, or if your budget allows, try supporting a local lumber mill instead of cutting down trees. You may save even more money by purchasing leftover wood from past purchases (we like this 8′ x 8′ hut that was made for around $300), so give them a call with your specs.

Don’t forget to double-check your construction blueprints before beginning your new project to ensure that they are up to code.

In most cases, modest and basic constructions (without utilities) will not pose an issue in rural regions, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before you start building!

Whatever your situation is, whether you have a structure or not, you should start hosting campers with Hipcamp(it’s completely free to create a listing!)

How to Build Your Own Portable Tent Platform

A weekend in a log cabin is something that everyone dreams about. The process of building one for those of us who aren’t lumberjacks, though, is actually lot simpler than you might expect. Choose a cabin constructed completely of recycled materials instead of cutting down trees, or if your budget allows, try supporting a local lumber mill instead of harvesting wood. You may save even more money by purchasing leftover wood from past purchases (we like this 8′ x 8′ hut that was made for about $300), so give them a call with your specifications.

Never forget to double-check your building blueprints to ensure that they are up to code before you begin your new project.

In most cases, modest and basic constructions (without utilities) will not pose an issue in rural regions, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before you start building anything.

Why build a portable tent platform

The main benefit of a portable tent platform is the ability to have convenience and comfort whenever and wherever you want it. It is especially beneficial if you anticipate spending a significant amount of time in your tent. More permanent tent structures, such as yurts, tipis, and canvas tents, are frequently placed on wooden tent platforms, and camping platforms have become increasingly popular in the world of glamping, or luxurious camping. Even if sleeping on a tent floor over rough terrain and uneven ground, or waking up fatigued to find a flooded tent, the novelty of such an experience quickly wears off.

• Despite their expertise, even the most experienced campers have their limits.
• Those traveling by vehicle will quickly discover that a tent is far more comfortable, while those traveling in RVs may require a “extra room” of some form depending on the amount of people traveling.
• Those who will be sleeping in the tent will be really grateful.
• This manner, you can quickly put it where you want it, pitch your tent on top of it, and then go from there if you so choose.
• In addition to long-term visitors, this is also significant for campers who are substantially older or younger than the average age.
• In comparison, the experience of someone in their 80s or even a toddler-aged camper is vastly different.

The use of a portable tent platform is highly recommended if you anticipate camping with anyone who would benefit from an additional layer of protection from the weather.

How to build a portable tent platform

There are a number various ways to construct a portable tent platform, and each one is dependent on your definition of portable as well as your understanding of what constitutes a decent platform. It has been recommended on certain online forums that all you need is two foldable tables put up side by side and you’ll have all you need. This is not true. Of course, you are allowed to experiment with this, but it is not suggested. In this section, we will discuss two approaches to developing a platform that is more resilient and helpful.

Building a removable tent platform for a trailer

It is possible to construct a portable tent platform in a number of different ways, each of which is dependent on your understanding of what constitutes an appropriate platform. According to certain internet discussion boards, all you need is two folding tables placed up next to each other to get the desired result. Of course, you are allowed to experiment with this, but it is not advised. In this section, we will discuss two approaches to developing a platform that is more reliable and usable:

Construction of the removable tent platform for a trailer

As soon as you have all of your materials available, it will be time to begin construction. The first item that has to be constructed is the platform’s foundation. The trailer’s base is constructed of three 2×4 supports that run the length of the trailer. One on either side of the room and one along the center. These supports will be used to attach the entire platform to the ground. A 6′ long trailer will require nine 2×4 pieces along the length of the trailer’s interior, with each section measuring 6′ in length.

• After that, you’ll need to cut fifteen support struts from the 2x4s you’ve gathered.
• To ensure a level trailer, the top piece of 2×4 should be level with the top edge of the trailer’s sides.
• As soon as you have screwed all of these 2×4 pieces together and placed them in their proper locations, you are ready to proceed.
• In order to create an inner platform, you will need to join two of the 48 boards together.
• You will still be able to lift the boards to gain access to the storage area beneath them.
• The remaining hinges will be used to join each part to the inner platform once it has been assembled.
• In order for these outboards to be able to fold inward, the hinges should be strategically placed.
• Due to the fact that these outside boards will be a little unsteady, you will need to construct legs for them.
• Some people have been inventive with similar ideas, and they have utilized chair legs, table legs, and even old walkers as structural support for their creations.

Whatever you choose to utilize, you’ll need something to assist support the outside platform, regardless of what you choose. You are now finished with your trailer tent platform for your portable tent platform!

A simpler construction

For those of you who find the trailer platform construction too time-consuming or who prefer not to have something constructed on top of a trailer, this next project is for you. It doesn’t get much more straightforward than this. Once again, this design is intended for a traditional-sized two-person tent, but you may modify it to meet your specific requirements by adding more space. You may potentially construct multiples of these platforms and arrange them next to each other on a flat surface.

• Two 48-inch sheets should be plenty.
• Aside from that, you will just require basic woodworking equipment such as a drill and a circular saw.
• Caution should be exercised when connecting the boards.
• Attach the hinges equally spaced around the centre of the sheets so that the sheets fold inward when the sheets are folded.
• When it is fully unfurled, the 2×4 base should provide sufficient support for your requirements.
• If you so like, you may also make a few modifications to this design.
• Additional 2x4s or even strong PVC pipe will suffice in this situation.
• This is a great opportunity to be creative, but just adding some hinged pieces of plywood with folding legs would suffice.

Modifications for your tent platform

Once you have invested the necessary effort to construct a DIY portable tentplatform, you can begin to enjoy it to its full potential. If you look around the platform, you’ll see that there are several small things you can make to improve its functionality and convenience of use. Here, we’ll go through some of the small details that, while simple to execute, can have a significant impact on overall operation. As you continue to work with the platform, you will undoubtedly come up with new ideas, which you should consider putting into action.

1. Short imitation grass can be purchased at places like Home Depot, and it is simple to install.
2. If you prefer wood, you may put higher-quality boards over the plywood sheets and even place a weatherproofing layer on top of that.
3. The installation of stairs or even a tiny ladder is another lovely feature that people prefer to have in their homes.
4. This may be accomplished by using miniature pool ladders or folding metal stairways, among other things.
5. After a long day of trekking that has left you feeling particularly exhausted and worn, you’ll appreciate the fact that your tent is only a handful of little steps away.
6. The movable tent platform for a trailer is equipped with hinges that allow you to access the area beneath it, but you can do much more with it.
7. You may get creative with other ways to gain access to the space beneath your platform if you choose.

Attachment points for baskets and other add-ons, as well as hooks for displaying items, are all options.

As your DIY carpentry and construction abilities improve, you will notice an increase in the number of options for creativity and originality.

There are a variety of battery-powered outdoor lighting choices that you may incorporate into the platform.

Beyond simply being aesthetically pleasing, this also serves as a valuable source of illumination when camping, making the platform and tent more visible at night.

With the addition of carpets, stairs, additional holding places, and lights, the movable tent platform transforms your tent into a true home-away-from-home experience for guests.

You now have yourself a camping front porch. Alternatively, a gas-powered or do-it-yourself camping stove, as well as a cooler, may be used to create an outdoor kitchen. An advantage that may be capitalized on time and time again is the availability of a movable tent platform.

Final Verdict:

With a few basic carpentry skills and a little imagination, you can construct a portable tent platform that is both sturdy and functional. Camping will become a far more relaxing experience as a result of the platform. With only a few inches of wood and a few hours of construction work, you will be able to get away from tough terrain, flooded campsites, pests, and animals. You will be able to take full advantage of the wonderful outdoors. A tent platform, such as this one, may also be a really wonderful way for less experienced campers, elderly campers, and very young campers to enjoy camping without having to rough it as much as they would otherwise.

Even if you don’t have one, you can still construct an excellent tent platform.

Do you have any suggestions about how to make it more helpful and comfortable for yourself?

Regardless of the platform you create, make it yours.

Deck Plans

Deck DesignsIvy Fife2021-12-20T11:59:47-07:00

Deck Plans

You may set up your tent on a platform that fits the footprint of the tent, or you can extend the deck to create a front porch, which will provide you with some really usable outdoor living area. Building the platform can be done by you or by a third-party contractor. You have the choice to choose. But don’t forget to put your unique stamp on it! We supply some basic drawings for your platform tent, as well as the necessary measurements. You have the option of customizing your platform and ridge pole to suit your needs and tastes.

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Build a Portable Platform

Editor for Outdoor Life Online Tent camping has long been a popular option for people to take in the natural beauties of the world’s most beautiful places. The novelty of sleeping on the ground, even with an air mattress, wears off quickly while traveling for a lengthy period of time. If you’re an outdoorsman who goes camping for weeks or even months at a time, you might want to consider building a tent platform for yourself. An exterior-grade plywood deck covering a 2×4 frame makes up the base of this tent platform, which was created for the Outdoor Life line of products.

It can even fold down to fit in the back of most pickup trucks.

The additional 4 feet in front of the tent forms a little “front porch,” which makes it possible to exit the tent without having to walk on the ground.

A full construction design for the platform is available on the internet. The cost of lumber and hardware will range between $450 and $500. What You’ll Require

• Six 4-by-8-foot sheets of ACX 12-inch plywood
• Ten 12-foot 2x4s (for joists)
• Four 8-foot 2x4s (for sides)
• Four 8-foot 2x4s (for legs)
• Six 4-by-8-foot sheets of ACX 12-inch plywood 12 Stanley LifeSpan strap hinges (No. 78-1515)
• 9 Stanley 3-in. utility hinges (No. 75-2060)
• 4 Stanley 3-in. butt hinges with removable pins (No. 08-3031)
• 10 3/8-in. Stanley eye bolts (No. 13-0290)
• 10 5/16-in. Stanley square U-bolts (No. 13-4250)
• 12 Stanley LifeSpan strap hinges with removable pins (No. 78-1515)
• 12 Stanley LifeSpan strap hinges There are ten 3/8-7/16-inch tee nuts, twenty 5/16-inch wing nuts, twenty 1-14-20x20mm insert nuts, twenty 1-inch washers, and twenty 1-14-20×1-inch flathead machine screws in this set of parts.

Instructions for Construction**1. Hinge the Frame ** The 16-foot-long sides of the platform are formed by joining two 8-foot 2x4s together. Using a heavy-duty 6-inch strap hinge, join the 2x4s together end to end from the bottom up. Following that, saw ten 12-foot 2x4s into twenty pieces, each measuring 7012 inches in length. Strap hinges are used to join pairs of 2x4s together to form ten floor joists that are each 11 feet 9 inches in length. 2. Construct the Legs Ten 2x4s were cut to 10 inches in length, and another ten were cut to 1312 inches in length.

Hold the leg to the platform’s frame with a C-clamp, then drill a hole through both with a 7/16-inch-diameter hole drill bit.

3.

The surface of the tent platform is made up of six sheets of ACX 11.2 inch fir plywood, each measuring four by eight feet.

For a stronger connection, use short machine screws, washers, and hex nuts to fasten the hinges to the door jamb and frame.

Assembly in the Field 4.

Bring each corner of the 2×4 frame together, ensuring sure that the two hinge leaves are completely interlocked.

Repeat the same for the remaining three corners.

Attach the Legs to the Base Ten legs, each measuring 1312 inches in height, raise the tent platform above the ground.

Insert the bolts through the frame and into the tee-nuts on the backs of the legs, starting at the top of the frame.

Use the eye bolts to secure the tent to the ground.

Insert the U-Bolts into their respective holes.

The legs are fastened together with square U-bolts and wing nuts.

7.

At each screw placement, drill an 11/32-inch hole into the top of the 2×4 frame that is 1 inch deep and 11/32-inch wide.

Then, using a 14-inch screw-shank clearance hole drill bit, make holes in the plywood.

tent platforms – Small Cabin Forum

Author	Message
Erins 1Mom	Posted: 19 Jun 2011 16:51ReplyIt’s mid June and nothing has been done in regard to cabin build.No permit, no foundation dig, nothing.I’m thinking I would at least like to camp out in the pasture of my future cabin build.But, I don’t want to sleep on the ground.What do you all know about building a tent platform?
nicalisaMember	Posted: 19 Jun 2011 16:59 – Edited by: nicalisaReplyWe framed it out with 4×4 pressure treated boards and then screwed the deck boards onto it:)It is our front deck, but we are using the same application for some canvas tents we are putting up (the deck is not higher than 2 feetand the “tent” is considered a temp dwelling:)Here are the tents. can even get a small tent woodstove. We are putting up a couple to house our friends on the weekend as our cabin only sleeps 6.in a very very cozy way:)
nebMember	Posted: 19 Jun 2011 17:26ReplyVery nice and your cabin looks great.
Rob_O	Posted: 19 Jun 2011 18:45ReplyI was going to do a platform for tent camping, but a used travel trailer got me more for less. Is that an option for you?
smittyMember	Posted: 19 Jun 2011 19:35 – Edited by: smittyReplyI see used pop up campers in our local craigs list for 300-800$ all the time. That would get you up off the ground, and covered.Or how about this. Go to lowes or something, and find a cheap shed on display in the parking lot. I saw one at ours, that was a display model, on sale for 400$ it was maybe 10×10 and would be NICE for camping, and later on down the road, you can use it as your garden/tool shed when you get your cabin built. It don’t take anything to set a garden shed. Sit it on a few concrete pads. Just tossing ideas at ya.
hattieMember	Posted: 19 Jun 2011 19:59Replysmitty:That garden shed idea you had is great!And it won’t be wasted after they finish their build.We got some smart people here.*S*
turkeyhunterMember	Posted: 19 Jun 2011 20:26Replyor build a tent platform. which will be used on you cabin later as a deck or front porch. build a 10ft x 10ft deck, where you want you cabin at. layout your cabin, (4 wooden stakes and some spray paint)and make sure you put the tent platform in the right place. You could build this in a weekend!
Erins 1Mom	Posted: 21 Jun 2011 22:17Replyturkeyhunter, i know.i’m thinking the same thing.i need release from my life.this would help.
Gary OMember	Posted: 21 Jun 2011 23:09ReplyQuoting: turkeyhunteror build a tent platform.Yup, can’t agree more. Put the hammer in yer hand and the hammer won’t soon let go. Really don’t need a nailer for it (just yet). You will be awash with fever. quelled only by a continuation. Enjoy, ’cause it’s incurable
naturelover66Member	Posted: 21 Jun 2011 23:23ReplyI get wanting to build. but i like Smittys idea.
dougb61Member	Posted: 2 Aug 2014 03:13ReplyMy wife and I own some land in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We love to camp but there wasn’t a good level area to pitch a tent. Last year (2013) I decided to build a 12×12 platform. It worked pretty good except our 4 persondome tent was about 8×8 leaving a small area around the tent for cooking, storage containers, the cooler etc. This year I returned and built a seperate 10X12 and outfitted it so we could pitch the tent on it, throw a tarp over it for extra weather protection and use the 12×12 for cooking and lounging when we aren’t hiking or exploring the area.
RichInTheUSAMember	Posted: 2 Aug 2014 07:22ReplyOne thought is to get hammock style sleeping bags. This gets you off the ground and would enable you to sleep at your property without building anything -it’s a very short term solution.
CaptCanuckMember	Posted: 2 Aug 2014 08:52Reply^Doug, looks great.Love that last photo.
VC_fanMember	Posted: 2 Aug 2014 13:13ReplyI’m with CaptCanuck – looks great!You just may inspire me to do about the same thing.We have a shack but with that shack comes maintenance (not much, but still more than I like to do), clearing, sweeping up a few bugs, etc.For the few times a year I’m there it would be hard to beat the simplicity of a tent and just a few niceties.
CaptCanuckMember	Posted: 2 Aug 2014 13:24 – Edited by: CaptCanuckReplyI’ve actually been giving a lot of thought of building a really large tent platform (20’x30′) and putting a permanent installation of a big wall tent on it (16’x20′).Google “Deluxe Wall Tents” (a Canadian company) and you’ll see what I have in mind.What I need to get a straight answer on is if I can build this tent platform/deck without at permit.The last time I spoke to the township about it, they said that if the deck was under 24″ in height I wouldn’t need a permit, but to be safe I need to see it in writing.One of the great things about a white wall tent is it is really nice and bright inside during the daytime.
WilbourMember	Posted: 2 Aug 2014 23:28ReplyI built a 10 x 10 deck/tent platform. The whole thing cost about $500 and is the platform for my wife’s tent. When she is not there we use it as a deck. It’s a little walk in among the grasses and has solar lights leading to the outhouse.I feel I must mention that she has issues sharing a tent with the males after beans so she gets her own area to sleep.
dougb61Member	Posted: 3 Aug 2014 06:21ReplyWe love it. It’s just the wife and I and our two dogs and the 4 person tent gives us plenty of room for our other things like clothes and hiking gear. We even carry along a small DVD player and watch movies at night. For electricity I hook a 12V-110V power inverter to the truck battery, run a 50′ extension cord to the camping area. You can’t run any big appliances with it but you can use it to power a fluorescent light, DVD player and recharge your cell phone, camera batteries, etc. I have run it all night without running down the battery on the truck but usually turn it off before going to bed. Just last month I spent a couple of weeks there and got rained on several times to include two days where it rained non stop for about 36 hours. I stayed very dry without a drop of water getting inside the tent.It has made our land much more useable for us.Below I’ve uploaded some more photos.
ChuckDynastyMember	Posted: 3 Aug 2014 16:16ReplyWish I lived in your ‘hood.I’d be afraid of a dead battery unless help is close by. I picked up a free power pack/car jumper at a recycling center which had it’s jumper cables cut off and replaced the 22ah battery, added a digital voltmeter, led bulb, 12v switch and a sunsaver 6 charger controller and wiring to hook it up to a inexpensive 30w solar panel. It already had two 12 volt sockets and a usb port. This will power a dog fence during the day and a pop-up at night and to charge stuff. Very happy with it so far using it in the pop-up and camping. With a coupon I bought a harbor freight power pack for less than $40 and like it very much.just the battery I bought for the recycled one cost more. You would be able to use the harbor freight one the same way or just bring it along in case your truck doesn’t start or a larger one that’s capable of starting it if this one isn’t.
ChuckDynastyMember	Posted: 3 Aug 2014 16:22ReplySorry the images weren’t CC on my computer. Here w/sunsaver 6
CaptCanuckMember	Posted: 3 Aug 2014 17:57ReplyDoug, have you considered a little generator like the Honda EU2000i (or the 1000?Might be a safer option just in case.Also, have you ever thought about putting a roof over your tent platform – kind of a permanent tarp if you know what I mean?I’ve thought a lot about doing something like that because it would let me set up a tent and leave it up, with zero worries about UV damage.
dougb61Member	Posted: 3 Aug 2014 23:55ReplyThanks for the feedback guys. I’ll definately look into the power pack. The driveway into the land it on a pretty steep slope and my truck has a manual transmission so it rolls off really easy if the battery is dead but the power pack may be a better option.The only way I’d consider a generator would be if it were so quiet that we couldn’t hear it at the camp site and it didn’t force me to constantly have to refill it with gas on a daily basis. I won’t compromise hearing the sounds of nature with a noisy gasoline engine, it would really defeat one of the reasons we camp there in the first place. Perhaps I could build some sort of a barrier to contain the noise?As I write this I see the Honda and Yamaha generators are very quiet and small. THat is definitely on my wish list now! Thanks!As far as a roof over the platform. That may be an option in the future, I just built the 10×12 the first week of July (2014) So it is a work in progress. Long terms for the land is to build a house/cabin and eventually move there permanently.
CaptCanuckMember	Posted: 4 Aug 2014 08:01ReplyI have the Honda 2000i and it is really quiet, especially on Eco mode.Buy a heavy gauge 100ft extension cord and place it some distance away from your living area, and that will help as well.If you have superhero hearing and that still doesn’t do the trick for you, put it on the other side of a hill, or build a large boxed in enclosure for it (keep one side open for airflow and to direct the sound away from you) and that should most definitely do the trick.I’m considering building one of these boxes myself just for kicks, using some leftover plywood, caulking and sheet insulation from our cabin build.
dougb61Member	Posted: 4 Aug 2014 10:57ReplyNow you really have me thinking with the wall tent idea. Several years ago my wife and I vacationed in Maine, went white water rafting and stayed a night in a very similar structure. It was roomy had enough cots for 6 people and a propane heater. This could meet our needs for a while till we are ready to build. It would be nice because we wouldn’t have to set everything up and tear it back down with every trip. Also could be heated with a wood burning stove for winter trips. Great idea!
creekyMember	Posted: 4 Aug 2014 21:10ReplyA tent platform is just a deck. Pretty easy to build. I have a canvas tent 9×12 on a cedar deck for my summer bedroom. It is awesome.Although sometimes the 4:30 a.m. bird song. but that’s what pillows are for (throwing at the birds, kidding, putting over your head)The great advantage for you’ze new to your property is a deck can be hauled around (mine’s been used for 5 summers now and was only converted to tent duty this year). And the tent would give you a chance to live out there and really see what is what.I do like going to bed with songs of the frogs and up with the birds. And mornings with the sun on the canvas heating up the bedroom. Cup of coffee. Magical.It’s my first canvas tent. but it gets the two thumbs up.
CaptCanuckMember	Posted: 4 Aug 2014 21:30Reply^creeky, a picture is worth a thousand words!
ksmisenheMember	Posted: 3 Mar 2021 12:43 – Edited by: ksmisenheReplydougb61I really like this design.Can you tell me how tall the 4×4 posts are?

The Simple and Useful Beauty of the Raised Platform

Several years ago, I published a Tiny House Blog piece on American river guides who live out of their tents or other cars throughout the river season. Unlike other river guides, however, you have the option of pitching your tent on a raised wooden platform, which will practically increase your position as a river guide.

If you are living in a society dominated by nylon and polyester, a basic, affordable platform can make all the difference in the world to you.

Tents become tiny houses when placed on a level platform.

Several years ago, I published an article on the Tiny House Blog about American river guides who live in tents or other vehicles throughout the river season. The majority of the tents are on the ground, but if you want to really increase your reputation as a river guide, you may pitch your tent on a raised wooden platform instead. If you are living in a world of nylon and polyester, a basic, affordable platform can make all the difference in the world.

Platforms can be low and simple…

Several years ago, I published a Tiny House Blog piece on American river guides who live in tents or other vehicles throughout the river season. Unlike other river guides, you can choose to pitch your tent on a high wooden platform, which will actually increase your position as a river guide. If you are living in a world of nylon and polyester, a basic, affordable platform may make a world of difference.

…or more complicated, but easily removable.

Photograph courtesy of Florida Rental by Owners Platforms for small dwellings can be permanently fixed, easily detachable, or temporary in nature. Heck, they may even be connected to the top of a building for even greater visibility. The individual’s preference will be determined by whether the home is on wheels or is fixed in place. Additionally, available property or backyard area must be taken into consideration. Consult a professional or watch videos of experienced builders such as Jon Peterson on YouTube to learn how to create a safe and solid platform or deck.

A permanent raised deck can expand a tiny space into a full home.

Florida Rental by Owners provided the photograph. In addition, platforms for tiny dwellings might be affixed, detachable, or only temporarily in place. If you want even greater views, you may even mount them to the top of a building. If the home is on wheels or not, the individual’s preference will be dictated by this factor. Another consideration is the amount of land or backyard area available. A professional or experienced builder, such asJon Peterson on YouTube, should be consulted before building an unstable platform or deck.