How To Build A Wall Tent Frame

Equipment

Internal Frame for Wall Tent; How many Rafters?

When we purchased our wall tent, we also purchased an angle kit for the purpose of building an inside frame. In order to save money on shipping, I purchased 1 inch EMT tubing from a local building shop and cut the poles by hand myself. Angle kits are made up of three and four-way connectors that are welded together from 114 inch (inside) galvanized steel tubing and are used to keep the 1 inch (inside) EMT tube frame together. I was informed to account for 3 percent shrinkage, so I made the necessary adjustments to the tubing.

The roof section of the tent frame’s interior wall.

Legs have not been connected at this time.

Now that I think about it, I wish I had anticipated a 1 percent shrinkage rather than a 3 percent contraction.

How Many Rafters Does your Wall Tent Need?

With the purchase of our wall tent, we also purchased an angle kit for the purpose of building an inside frame. Rather than paying for shipping, I purchased 1 inch EMT tubing from a local building supplier and cut the poles myself. It consists of 3 and 4-way connectors that are welded together from 114 inch (inside) galvanized steel tubing and are used to connect the 1 inch (inside) EMT tube frame. I was informed to account for 3 percent shrinkage, so I made the necessary adjustments to the tubing.

Internal wall tent structure with a section of the roof on it Ridge poles, side supports, and 3-way and 4-way angles for connecting are all included.

Unless you account for shrinkage, the tent may not fit over the frame and you will have to re-cut the poles before you can put the tent up properly.

Once every couple of years, it’s not a great bother to cut another inch off the ends of the poles.

Number Tent Length
Rafters 12 Ft. 14 Ft. 16 Ft. 20 Ft. 24 Ft.
3 72 – – – –
4 48 56 64 – –
5 36 42 48 60 72
6 28.8 33.6 38.4 48 57.6
7 24 28 32 40 48
8 20.7 24 27.4 34.3 41.1
9 18 21 24 30 36
10 – 18.7 21.3 26.7 32
11 – – 19.2 24 28.8
12 – – 17.5 21.8 26.2
13 – – – 20 24
14 – – – 18.5 22.2
15 – – – – 20.6
16 – – – – 19.2
17 – – – – 18

Consider the following example of rafter spacing and strength:

  • 60-72 inches – only for usage in the backyard
  • When the weather is excellent, 48-60 inches is a decent length for light duty, short-term use. 36-48 inches — can withstand a few inches of light snow
  • 36-48 inches When the ground is 24-36 inches deep, it can hold a foot of light snow. Semi-permanent base camp should be between 18 and 24 inches in height.

Keep in mind that heavy snow can cause any tent to collapse if it is not swept off on a regular basis.

How Many 3 and 4-way Angles Do your need for your Wall Tent?

This is straightforward, especially considering that all end rafters require three 3-way angles for a total of six angles. A 3-way angle is required on both ends for the apex, as well as one on each side where the roof meets the wall at the corners. Every wall tent requires a total of six 3-way angles. Table 2 displays the number of 3- and 4-Way Angles required for a variety of rafter sections based on their length. Three 4-way angles are required for all interior rafter sections. As illustrated in Table 2, if three rafter sections are used, there will be two end rafters and only one interior rafter, resulting in just three four-way angles.

If there are seven total rafter sections, there are five internal rafters, which means that 15 4-way angles are required. Table 2 shows the number of angle pieces and rafter sections required for a variety of rafter counts for internal wall tent frames of varying sizes.

Total Angle Pieces Number of Sections
Rafters 3-Way 4-Way Legs Ridge Sides Rafter
3 6 3 6 2 4 6
4 6 6 8 3 6 8
5 6 9 10 4 8 10
6 6 12 12 5 10 12
7 6 15 14 6 12 14
8 6 18 16 7 14 16
9 6 21 18 8 16 18
10 6 24 20 9 18 20
11 6 27 22 10 20 22
12 6 30 24 11 22 24
13 6 33 26 12 24 26
14 6 36 28 13 26 28
15 6 39 30 14 28 30
16 6 42 32 15 30 32
17 6 45 34 16 32 34

If you are thinking about obtaining a wall tent, you should also think about getting an inside structure. Campers who are staying close to the trail head will appreciate how simple it is to set up camp. A wall tent makes it much easier to travel to those isolated trailheads that are located on terrible roads than it is to tow a trailer. It goes without saying that if you’re hauling a wall tent across a wilderness with horses, you’ll leave the interior frame behind. When purchasing an angle kit, I hope this page will make it easier for you to decide how many rafters you will need and also to account for some shrinking at the beginning of the construction process.

Alternative Ideas for Wall Tent Frame?

You should think about purchasing an interior frame in addition to your wall tent if you are thinking about getting one. When camping near the trailhead, it certainly makes setting up camp a breeze. When utilizing a wall tent rather than a camping trailer, it is much simpler to reach to those isolated trailheads that are located on terrible roads. It goes without saying that if you’re hauling a wall tent across a wilderness with horses, you’ll leave the interior frame at home. If you are intending to purchase an angle kit, I hope this page will assist you in determining how many rafters you will use.

Angle Kit Instructions

  • Monday through Saturday: NEW HOURS FROM 7:30 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. HOW TO DETERMINE THE FRAME CONDUIT CUT LIST FOR A TENT
  • HOW TO SET UP A TENT AND FRAME
  • Measure your existing tent for a “NEW” angle kit by following these steps: IN ORDER TO OBTAIN WIDTH (C) AND SLOPE MEASUREMENTS, PLACE YOUR TENT ON THE GROUND (B). THE MATERIALS REQUIRED ARE AS FOLLOWS: In order to construct your frame, 1 INCH WILL BE REQUIRED “”INSIDE DIAMETER” EMT (electrical) thin wall conduit, which has an outside diameter slightly less than 1 1/4 ” and can be obtained at any hardware store, has an outside diameter slightly less than 1 1/4 ” and has an outside diameter slightly less than 1 1/4 ” Electrical conduit sleeves are installed inside the 1 1/4 inch diameter pipe “To ensure a proper fit, the interior diameter of the frame angle tube should be measured. The number of 10′ SECTIONS is determined by the size of the tent. REFER TO THE CHART BELOW FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: When cutting your conduit, use heavy-duty pipe cutters to ensure that there are fewer burrs and sharp bits of metal. A hack saw or power saw with a metal blade, on the other hand, will also work. Completion of the Angle Kit Frame: In order to finish your frame, you need need three measurements from your tent: A, B, and D. CHECK OUT THE DIAGRAM BELOW. You must enlist the assistance of a third party to measure- IN ORDER TO OBTAIN TENT MEASUREMENTS*****, PLACE YOUR TENT ON THE GROUND*****.
A – WALL HEIGHT Bottom of canvas wall up to where wall meets/intersects the roof (roof /wall seam) Measure 2 ‘ from corner wall seam.B – RAFTER /SLOPECenter of END ridge grommet to top of sidewall. Do not measure the 2″ eave overhang which has D rings or grommets.C. – WIDTHNot required to complete frame.Required when ordering an angle kitD. – LENGTH -RIDGEAT EACH END OF TENT, Measure Ridge Seam to Ridge Seam

IN THE EVENT THAT YOU HAVE ANGLES MARKED R, THIS MEANS THAT THESE ANGLES ARE FOR YOUR RIDGENUMBER OF 10′ STEEL CONDUIT LENGTHS REQUIRED FOR EACH SIZE OF TENT

Tent Size 3 Rafter 4 Rafter 5 Rafter 6 Rafter
8×10 9
10×12 15 13
12×14 15 17
14×16 21 21
16×20 21 26
16×24 27 26
Porch 8′ 3 Rafter 12 2 Rafter 9 1 Rafter 6
Extended Fly 3 Rafter 12 2 Rafter 9 1 Rafter 6

IN THE EVENT THAT YOU HAVE ANGLES MARKED R, THIS MEANS THAT THESE ANGLES ARE FOR YOUR RIDGENUMBER OF 10′ STEEL CONDUIT LENGTHS REQUIRED FOR EACH SIZE OF TENT.

Wall Tent Angle Kits FREE SHIPPING

IF YOU HAVE ANGLES MARKED R – THESE ANGLES ARE FOR YOUR RIDGENUMBER OF 10′ STEEL CONDUIT LENGTHS REQUIRED FOR EACH SIZE OF TENT

MOST WILDERNESS AND CUSTOM ANGLE KITS / TENT FRAME FITTINGSSHIP 1- 3 DAYSAFTER ORDERING.

Angle kits for wall tents are built of 1″ steel conduit, sometimes known as EMT (electrical metal tubing), which may be found at any hardware shop. Because of the weight of an interior tent frame, shipping rates for internal tent frames are quite expensive. Conduit tent frame assembly does not necessitate the use of any tools. To cut the conduit, you’ll just need a hack saw, pipe cutter, band saw, or chop saw, among other tools. It takes around 1 hour to cut a conduit steel tent structure from steel conduit.

  1. When you use an angle kit to construct a frame, you will save a large amount of money.
  2. Instructions for using the Angle Kit may be found here.
  3. It might be challenging to locate the necessary tent frame components on occasion.
  4. When purchasing tent frame fittings / angle kits, this is especially true.
  5. The majority of tents employ one of these angle types, which can be delivered in 1-3 days.
  6. See our video at the top of this page for more information.
  7. We can figure out what angles you need for your project.

You can ask me for help if you are having difficulty understanding the angle kit instructions.

It is highly recommended that you study the frame information and suggestions before you construct or put up your tent.

See also:  How To Raise Temp In Grow Tent

It is inevitable that a tight fit will put strain on the seams and zippers, causing them to fail.

A zipper that is too tight will ultimately fail.

It is suggested that rafters be spaced no closer than 6′ apart.

Various tent sizes are included in the table below, along with the number of 10′ conduit lengths that are necessary.

The installation of an additional rafter considerably improves the structural integrity of your interior frame.

Canvas tents are not built to withstand large snow loads in the same way that a timber structure is.

During the winter, if you intend to leave your tent set up, you must have at least two rafters for every two feet of length.

Even with tent rafters every 2 feet, it is feasible that your roof will cave in under the weight of significant snow accumulations. During periods of severe snowfall, it is also required to clear snow on a regular basis. FOR EACH SIZE OF TENT, A MINIMUM OF 10′ STEEL CONDUIT LENGTH IS REQUIRED.

Tent Size 3 Rafter 4 Rafter 5 Rafter 6 Rafter
8×10 9
10×12 15 14
12×14 15 17
14×16 21 21
16×20 21 26
16×24 27 26
Porch 8′ 3 Rafter 12 2 Rafter 9 1 Rafter 6
Extended Fly 3 Rafter 12 2 Rafter 9 1 Rafter 6

If you are concerned about severe snow loads, there is T SUPPORT FOR RIDGE available. Tent frame angle kits for Wilderness, Civil War, and Montana Canvas Tents may be bought on the same day as the tents themselves. Our Wilderness Tents, Montana Canvas Tents, and Civil War Tents are all the same in terms of tentangle degree. Tent frame angle kits for Wilderness Tents will be shipped out within one business day of placing your order. RECOMMENDATION: If you are not using a fly, I recommend that you damp down your new tent once you have constructed your frame.

  1. Otherwise, it may shrink by more than 3 percent and in an uneven manner, and it may not fit well into your internal frame.
  2. In stress testing on a frame, none of the angles I offer fail.
  3. Wilderness angles are reinforced with a support brace between the joints to provide extra strength.
  4. EXTENDED FLY OR AWNING: TO MAKE AN ANGLE K Your ridge extension conduit will fit into the 4 way connector on the ridge end and then connect to a 3 way connector at the other end of the ridge extension conduit.
  5. Given the lack of a tent around the frame to keep the frame in place during windy conditions, I propose drilling holes in the ridge extension angles and conduit and installing nuts and bolts to hold these angles in place to maintain the frame in place.
  6. BEFORE ORDERING WALL TENT ANGLE KITS, PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: In order to ensure that you order/receive the exact degree of angle, have someone assist you in pulling the tent taut in order to ensure that the tent is precisely measured.
  7. The slope is the distance between the top of the ridge and the point at which the roof meets the wall.

For further information on how to measure your present tent for an angle kit, please see this page.

THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

You will be unable to use the custom angle kit if the tent measurements you supply are not precise.

LOTS OF SNOW.

Rafters are placed every 2 feet on the roof of a house to support the weight of snow on the roof.

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: Bottom caps made of rubber.

Bags for framing.

Sleeves are 10 inches in length.

Used if you split rafters in half to minimize overall length. Leg supports are available. Attaches to the platform in order to maintain the frame in position. Whenever you have any queries about wall tent angle kits, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-800-234-1150. Rich

Wall Tent

Take a look at 50 TENT PICTURES from some of our delighted clients for inspiration, including canvas tents with stoves, set-up instructions, and size requirements. In the event that you are new to camping and have questions, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU CALL 1 800 234 1150 OR EMAIL ME. We may make recommendations, and you can then pick which wall tent is the most appropriate for your needs. PREPPERS, JULIE ROWE is a well-known actress. She purchased her tent at the Tent Shop. Julie is the author of A Greater Tomorrow and The Time Is Now, among other works.

  • A VIDEO TAB is located on the top menu bar, and it has 16 films that demonstrate and explain our greatest hunting tents, stoves, and accessories.
  • I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU READ myCanvas Wall Tent Information Guide.
  • In order to be successful on hunting expeditions, and especially in the back country, the best canvas tents with stoves are required equipment.
  • All of the hunting tents and stoves have undergone extensive testing.
  • On this page you can find the best camping tents for sale on the internet.
  • THIS IS OUR GUARANTEE.
  • The majority of other providers only offer a one-year warranty.
  • FEATURES OF THE TENT ARE FREE.
  • Rear door or back window, reinforced ridge with an extra layer of canvas, sod cloth, storm flap over door zipper, reinforced eave with webbing and D rings, ridge lodge pole apertures, tent bag, and stove jack for stove pipe are all included as free extras.

*******CLICKCANVAS TENTSTO VIEW BEST SELLINGMODELS.

For ideas, canvas tent with stove, set up and size requirements, have a look at 50 TENT PICTURESfrom some of our delighted clients. If you are new to camping and have questions, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU CALL 1 800 234 1150 OR EMAIL ME. Then you can determine which wall tent is the best option for you based on our suggestions. PREPPERS, Julie Rowe is an actress who has appeared in a number of films, including The Tent Shop was where she purchased her tent. Both A Greater Tomorrow and The Time Is Now, written by Julie, were published in 2012.

  • A VIDEO TAB is located on the top navigation bar, and it has 16 films that demonstrate and explain our greatest hunting tents, stoves, and other related items.
  • MY RECOMMENDATION IS THAT YOU READ myCanvas Wall Tent Information Guide.
  • While on hunting expeditions, especially in the remote country, the best canvas tents with a stove are a must-have item.
  • We have properly tested all of our hunting tents and stoves before selling them to you.
  • Glamping tents for sale at the best prices available online.
  • OUR PERMISSION TO WORK WITH YOU.
  • The majority of other businesses simply provide a one-year warranty.
  • TENT FEATURES ARE COMPLETELY FREE!

Additional free features include a back door or a rear window, an extra layer of canvas and sod fabric, a storm flap over the door zipper, a reinforced eave with webbing and D rings, ridge lodge pole apertures, a tent bag, and a stove jack to accommodate a stovepipe.

TESTIMONIALS

To see the whole variety of tents, clickWALL TENTS. SHIPPING IS COMPLIMENTARY We have already finished inspecting the canvas tent and cutting the frame, as well as seasoning the stove. The tent has been constructed with exquisite craftsmanship. I’ll take photographs and write you a review, and I’ll do all I can to spread the news about Wall Tent Shop whenever we get the opportunity to show it out. It’s tough enough for a Rocky Mountain elk camp, but it’s also gorgeous enough for honeymoon glamping in the mountains.

  • It’s a pleasure to work with another veterinarian.
  • Joel.
  • You unquestionably offer the greatest wall tents on the market.
  • It was recommended to me by a couple of outfitter friends, who both praised the quality of your outdoor canvas tents as well as the additional bonus amenities that other companies do not generally provide.
  • I’d like to order a 16×20 canvas.
  • My canvas tent with a stove is one of my favorite things.
  • Rich, you and your employees make an effort to assist the consumer rather than only focusing on selling your things to them.

Joseph.

I am now 47 years old.

High-quality canvas with a reinforced additional layer of canvas at the ridge and eaves for further strength.

Once again, thank you so much.

My shipment was misplaced by FEDEX.

Your excellent customer service is much appreciated.

Lewis.

It has completely changed my life, and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Mostly due of the weight, but it’s good to have a little extra space to work with.

However, it is quite comfy and there are no difficulties.

Fantastic.

My neighbor recently purchased a 16 x 24 canvas wall tent kit from you, and I am really pleased with the overall quality and workmanship of the product.

A complete 6-rafter frame is included with the tent, as well as a wilderness 5 deluxe stove, a rain fly, and other accessories.

Jackson, number 1121.

In order to complete my tent frame angle kit, I recently purchased 1″EMT electrical metal tube conduit.

When I went to set up my wall tent at hunting camp, the frame was the ideal match.

I must add that the quality of the canvas and the double stitching have left a lasting impression on me.

A double layer of canvas was also used to strengthen the ridge, something I didn’t understand was a regular feature until I saw it.

Once again, thank you so much.

I just wanted to express how much I loved browsing around your website prior to making my purchase of a wall tent.

However, it was the hundreds of reviews I saw on Facebook, your website, and Google that sealed the deal for me to make a purchase from your company.

I would highly recommend your company. Customer service is outstanding, and the vast quantity of information available on your website and in your information guides is really helpful. Thank you very much. John MORE TESTIMONIALS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

12 OZ CANVAS?

Canvas with a weight of 12 ounces? I am frequently asked if it is better to purchase 10 or 12 ounce canvas. Tents made of 10 oz canvas are my favorite. Warning: Some businesses may attempt to upsell you to the more costly 12 oz canvas tent. Despite the fact that they have been using their tents for months under adverse weather conditions, my outfitter clients do not purchase 12 oz canvas tents. Outfitters have told me that the additional expense and weight is not worth it in this case. A canvas tent with a fly made of 10 oz fabric is a far superior setup that will last for decades.

See also:  What Is Tent Material Made Of

The Montana 12 oz tents are the best available; they are of the highest quality and come with an excellent craftsmanship warranty.

GETTING BACK TO THE TOP

Canvas Tent Frames – Costs

  • Metal frames are highly expensive to ship, especially in large quantities. Alternatively, you may purchase an angle kit and construct your own frame out of 1″ electrical metal conduit (not included). Conduit is available for purchase at local hardware stores. Generally, shipping a tent structure costs $100 or more. In most cases, you can construct your frame using steel conduit in approximately an hour. The only equipment necessary to construct the frame out of conduit are a hack saw, a pipe cutter, or an electrical saw, which is recommended. Angle kit instructions are included in the section under Angle kit instructions. In most cases, you may save $150 to $300 by building your own frame
  • However, this depends on the size of the frame. If you’re horse- or mule-packing, you may hang your tent from ropes, lodge poles, or trees near your camp to keep it from blowing away.

The cost of purchasing metal frames varies greatly between firms, and it must be a primary factor when deciding where to get your canvas tent. If the weight of the frame is a consideration, you might want to consider an aluminum frame. Please keep in mind that aluminum frames cost around 50-75 percent more than steel frames. If you have any questions or concerns regarding constructing a frame from an angle kit, please contact us and we would be happy to assist you.

WALL TENT FRAME TYPES

Tent Frames: There are three primary types of wall tent frames: framed tents, framed tents with windows, and framed tents with doors. The method for constructing a tent frame differs greatly depending on the type of frame being used.

  • Individuals camping near a road are more likely to utilize a galvanized steel wall tent frame or an aluminum wall tent frame as their internal framework. A lightweight aluminum tent structure, on the other hand, can be packed with relative ease. Internal frames are suggested because the rafters within the internal frame offer roof support. Other types of frames do not have the rafters that are necessary to support your roof, which is especially important during snowy weather.
  • It is possible to acquire an ANGLE KIT and create your own frame with relative ease. Make a purchase of one “electrical conduit may be purchased at a local home improvement store. The cost of the angle kit, as well as your purchase of one “Ordering and shipping steel conduit is far less expensive than purchasing and shipping a whole tent structure. The use of rafter spacing of 6′ or less is advised to minimize tent roof drooping and to maximize the ability of the tent to handle snow loads.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BUILDING YOUR TENT FRAME CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING THE ANGLE KIT.

  • A-FRAME: Galvanized steel tubular frame. Used in close proximity to a road or when cramming in. Instructions will be included with your A frameframe after it has been purchased.
  • LODGE POLE FRAME: This type of frame is typically used by persons who camp and build their own frame from lodge poles. For instructions on how to use the lodge pole, please email or phone us.

Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent

Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45156603/12/05
OPMemberJoined:Feb 2005Posts: 203 I recently bought a Montana Canvas wall tent, 14 ‘x17’ in size.I’ve looked at a number of commercially available frame kits, but it seems like this is something I should be able to make myself out of galvanized water pipe oor conduit.Has anyone ever built a frame like this?Thanks!img src=”/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif” alt=”” /
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45156703/12/05
Joined:Jun 2001Posts: 16,940saddlesoreCampfire Kahuna
Campfire KahunaJoined:Jun 2001Posts: 16,940 I built a few. The hard part is finding fittings. The people that sell frames also sell fitttings, but they are too expensive.For a tent of that size, you probably need a ridge pole out of 1 3/8,or 1 1/2 conduit, at least, with three uprights.You will need three Tees to hook the uprights into the ridge poles, and smooth on top so it doesn’t damge the canvas.It’s best to use TEES, so you can make your ridge pole stick out from each end of the tent a foot or so to connect for and aft guy ropes if needed.My TEES have set screws inthem to tigten after puttung the poles together.You can also make the uprights so that the two endshave a pinfastened to the top, and go though the ridge pole and through the end grommetson the tent ridge. The center pole pin has to be madesuch that it only goesin to the bottom of the ridge pole and not protrude into the canvas. The hard part about this method is to get some one to either swage open,or close an endof portions of the ridge pole so they will slide into each other.A muffler shop could do it. You can’t carry aroundaridge pole 18 ft long. It has to be in sections.Same with the three uprights. I prefer the fitings as they are easier to get apart.With either method, you haveto cap the end of the uprights on the bottom, so they don’t sink into the dirtFor the walls,get some1/2 conduit. Your tent probably has 5 ft walls, so you can make twowall poles per 10 ft section of conduit. Buy some 1/4 ” eye bolts with long shanks. Remove the guy ropes from each grommet at the top of the wall and put an eye bolt with a washer top and bottom, and anot on the bootm, of each grommet.Replace the guy ropes onto the eye of the eye bolt.Buy soem 3/*’ spikes at least 6′ lomg. These get driven though the grommet at the bottom of the wall.Insert a piece of the 1/2 conduit up into the shank of the 1/4″ eyeboltin the top of the wall and then slip the bottom over the head of the spike. You might have to grind off some of the heads to fit, as they vary. Before stretching out the guy rope to the stakes out from the tent, go downaround the conduit underneath and throw a half hicth around the condiut andrun the ropes out to the stakes. This keeps the poles and eyebolts straight.You might have to adjust the height of the 1/2conduit wall polesa few times to get the wall tight the way you want them, so don’t cut all the poles until you are satisfide with one heigth.I ahve also made ridge pol s with 2X6 lumber. I made three sections, and made some 1/4 ” think aluminum plates about 16″ long x 5 inches high. These I drilled and bolted on both sides of each joint in the ridge pole (kinda like a sandwich). For uprights i sued 2×4’s with a two 1/8″ plate son each side of the top to forma U that slips onto the bottom a for the ridge pole. I jointed the 2/4’s with section of aluminum formed around1 2×4 that the mating section slipped into. For wall poles, I just used 2×2’s with a pin in the top that goes through the grommet.All of these methods have with stood some heavy snow /wind storms fro me.

If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45156803/12/05
Joined:Feb 2005Posts: 203TooTechOPMember
OPMemberJoined:Feb 2005Posts: 203 Saddlesore,Thank you for a great response! VERY helpful. I WILL use your ideas for the side poles.What do you think about the idea of using galvanized water pipe instead of conduit? My local Home Deport sells pre-threaded sections of pipe up to 60″ in length. MUCH heavier stuff, but there are lots of plumbing fittings for use with the threaded pipe ends.Last edited by TooTech;03/12/05.
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45156903/12/05
Joined:Jan 2005Posts: 3,83641KeithCampfire Guide
Campfire GuideJoined:Jan 2005Posts: 3,836 saddlesore, the next time I need good detailed instructions on how to do something I may be asking you (I hope you don’t mind).img src=”/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif” alt=”” /THAT’S what I call help!

Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions.-Daniel Webster
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157003/13/05
Joined:Jun 2001Posts: 16,940saddlesoreCampfire Kahuna
Campfire KahunaJoined:Jun 2001Posts: 16,940 TOOTech. The water pipe is a lot heavier (wall thickness) than conduit. Pipe threads get banged up easily too. It’s a lot easier using slip joints than screwing pipe threads in. Usaully, just by hand, you don’t get enough engagement.If there are any busines that carry warehouse supplies, they make some aluminum fittings, like I have, for railings. But they are pipe sized, not conduit. I got some while dismantling some old mezzanines. Then I chucked them up in my lathe and bored them out to conduit size.My whole system is darn heavy, and I would hate to think of what one made out of pipe would weigh. If you can’ t make the conduit work, I would go with wood. With a 14 x 17 tent, you aren’t going to beputting it up yourself anyway.41keith. If I didn’t have this bum hand, I could type them a lot better.

If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157103/13/05
Joined:Jan 2005Posts: 3,83641KeithCampfire Guide
Campfire GuideJoined:Jan 2005Posts: 3,836 Hey, bum hand or not, you’re doing just fine as it is!You obviously “have been there and done that.”

Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions.-Daniel Webster
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157203/13/05
Joined:Sep 2004Posts: 766muzzleloadermanCampfire Regular
Campfire RegularJoined:Sep 2004Posts: 766 Have built one for a 14×17.We used “black pipe” its used to run gas in, for the connectors. and conduitfor the main poles. Every thing that saddlesore said I agree with. The one thing we did different was on the bottom of the uprights we just inerted another TEE. And at the bottom of the corner up rights we made one that had a 90degree angle with an upright in the corner of it. It helped alot in keeping uprights from sinking in sandy loamy soils. Since this is a 14×17 your not goona be packing it any where so you dont need to be worried about wieght.
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157303/13/05
Joined:Mar 2001Posts: 6,564KCCampfire Tracker
Campfire TrackerJoined:Mar 2001Posts: 6,564 TooTech:Here’s a tip; 1″ EMT (electrical conduit) fits perfectly inside of the top rail for chain link fencing.You can make slip joints and telescoping poles using that technique.Put a few screws here and there and you can make a variety of useful items.I have two sets of fittings that a welder at work made for me.He welded them out of the top rail for chain link fencing.I fit them together with lengths of 1″ EMT conduit to make the free-standing frames, which fit entirely inside my tents.The EMT is stronger than you might think and it weighs a lot less than steel pipe.My tents have stood under two feet of snow without any problem.You could probably have the joints/fittings welded by a good welding shop.The trick is to make a jig that has an angle of120�.That’s the angle you need for the corners of the most common wall tents with gable ends.You can ocasionally find the fittings/joints pre-fabbed.I see them at a local flea market.But they want $8 each for them.You can also buy “T”s and elbows for the EMT at hardware stores.You can use them to make ridge poles and sidewall poles for a pretty good frame.You need a bunch of guy ropes because that kind of frame is not free-standing but it’s a lot cheaper than buying pre-fab joints.KCP.S. one of my tents is 15′ x 20′ and the other is 10′ x 15′.Last edited by KC;03/13/05.

Wind in my hair, Sun on my face, I gazed at the wide open spaces, And I was at home.
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157403/14/05
Joined:Jan 2005Posts: 53,303crossfireoopsCampfire Oracle
Campfire OracleJoined:Jan 2005Posts: 53,303 If there’s an Amateur radio club in your district,check out their boneyard.aluminum t6 antenna element is mutiple sized,light an fantastically strong.Lotsa “hubs” used in these antennas may be of some use as well.Work safe GTC

Member, Clan of the Border Rats – “Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.”- Mark Twain
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157503/14/05
Joined:Dec 2002Posts: 11,677dennisinazCampfire ‘Bwana
Campfire ‘BwanaJoined:Dec 2002Posts: 11,677 I use commercial grade chain link fence “top rail”. It has the slip joints already built in.I cut the pieces so that I had two sections, both of which will lay flat in the back of my long bed truck.I then had the same thing with the two verticle sections which I put at each end of the ridge pole.I use 1/2″ emt for the side walls.My tent takes 5 to a side.These are all the poles I use.The side poles are on the outside of the tent.With the guy ropes pulled tight, the tent sheds water like a duck’s back.It I get a heavy snowfall,I cut a middle pole and wedge it near the center of the ridge pole.This has worked for me for the past 15years.I have it set up right now in the backyard so I can make some repairs to the canvas.I can set it up by myself, but it was easier with my 11-year-old helping.

NRA Benefactor MemberThose who live by the sword get shot by those who don’t.
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157603/14/05
Joined:Jun 2001Posts: 16,940saddlesoreCampfire Kahuna
Campfire KahunaJoined:Jun 2001Posts: 16,940 I never thought about the fence rail. That is a darn good idea.I have some TEEs that fit on my uprights. I can slide them up and down and lock them in place. I put some short 18″ sections in themwith some hooks and I hang lanterns, clothes line etc. on them. I have the ridge pole extending out the ends of the tent. I have my stove jack on the font wall of the tent. By putting a TEE and some short sections on the extended ridge pole, I can secure my chimney to it.

If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157703/14/05
Joined:Feb 2005Posts: 203TooTechOPMember
OPMemberJoined:Feb 2005Posts: 203 Thanks a bunch to everyone who replied!
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157803/14/05
Joined:May 2001Posts: 3,597downwindtracker2Campfire Guide
Campfire GuideJoined:May 2001Posts: 3,597 I used some steel tubing for the connectors that I found steel yard’s used section.First, I had gone to Home Depot and measured the outside diameter of 1 1/4″ EMT. Others who had used 1″ found it too flimsy for the 12x14x5.I had to take the weld off the inside of the tubing and polish it a bit.I made it up with three set of poles.I found out the hard way the ridge angle is different than wall to roof angle.

You can hunt longer with wind at your back
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45157903/14/05
Joined:Mar 2003Posts: 14,405HammerdownCampfire ‘Bwana
Campfire ‘BwanaJoined:Mar 2003Posts: 14,405 Too Tech – Welcome to the board.Congrats on the tent, I hope your tent had a sod flap, if not you should put one on, because you will need it.I have the same tent, 14 x 17 Montana Canvas.It took me twice to get it right.First time was a mess, second time, piece of cake. Buy the fittings from Cabella’s for your size of tent, as you will see it will take about 1″ heavy wall electrical conduit for your fittings.The way these fittings are constructed you will be able to make your frame without the use of any verticle ridge support in the center of your tent.All of my pieces are roughly 5 feet in length.You will need to joint two pieces of conduit coming from the ridge to the top of the wall line.This is how I did my connection.Drill a hole through the conduit approx. 8″ down from the end, insert a piece of black pipe, roughly 12″ into the conduit, leaving approx 12″ out, at the part where you drill the hole (weld it up).When you weld it up there, you will be able to slide another piece of conduit over your pipe extension to make for a nice connection.To know the length of these you will have to measure your tent, or if you live close to me, you can come by my house and I’ll show you (Yuba City, CA).You can e-mail me [email protected] you have any questions. I have had this tent and frame on many a hunt, it has withstood high winds, snow storms, (feet of snow) with no problem.I have all the confidence you could have in a tent frame in this one.Hope this helps – Hammerdown

Randy Cole NRAPatriot Life Benefactor Member 45 in 2020
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45158003/14/05
Joined:Mar 2003Posts: 14,405HammerdownCampfire ‘Bwana
Campfire ‘BwanaJoined:Mar 2003Posts: 14,405 One more thing, when you buy the fittings from Cabella’s for your Montana Canvas Wall Tent, they come at the proper angle or pitch for your tent.At least they did when I bought mine (6+ years ago).Check with customer service at Cabella’s or Montana Wall Canvas and ask them if those fittings will work for your tent.

Randy Cole NRAPatriot Life Benefactor Member 45 in 2020
Re: Want to build a frame for a large canvas tent45158103/16/05
Joined:Feb 2005Posts: 203TooTechOPMember
OPMemberJoined:Feb 2005Posts: 203 Again, great ideas. I’m going to draft something up and run it by my Dad (retired civil engineer) for his input.I’ll post a pic when it’s finally completed.
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Build your Own Canvas Wall Tent – Fort McPherson Tents

People who pack in and create their own frame out of lodge poles are most likely to utilize this type of frame. Lodge pole instructions can be obtained by emailing or calling us;

Specializing in Canvas Wall Tents

To avoid moisture loss, all Fort McPherson Tents are designed and constructed with interlocking lap-seams that are sewed together with a two needle lockstitch. All of the corners and stress areas have been strengthened. In order to ensure that our canvas tents are of the greatest possible quality, we use 10 oz., 100 percent cotton army duck Sunforger canvas. This material is mildew-resistant and flame-resistant. Fort McPherson wall tents are well-known and can be found in some of the most remote parts of the world, including Germany, Italy, and Finland.

Designed and manufactured in Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories, with care and strength by Canadians.

Please keep in mind that tents do not come with poles or a floor.

In most cases, our clients will construct their own tent frames on site from natural resources, or they may use timber for more permanent constructions. Create your own unique canvas wall tent and place an order for it online right now!

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