Group Flip Pac Camper Rain Fly Buy [Archive]

billy bee

12-21-2010, 11:48 PM

Hi guys:

I and another ExPo'er are in need of rain flies for our FlipPac Campers. I have experience working at a canvas loft and can probably get a handful designed and built affordably and quickly.

Better still, I think we can improve upon the design. I would like to have vented areas and clear/tinted isenglass windows. There could also be some insulation built into the fly. I have some other ideas, and I am open to other design ideas.

The primary obstacle is the weight of the fabrics usually used for boat covers. They are waterproof and breathable but have a coarse finish and do not fold down very compactly. So they will take up a fair bit of storage room and could wear the FP tent fabric if deployed for long periods or in prolonged windy conditions.

So, I am looking for a handful of people interested in committing to building these for their un-fly'd FP. Let me know if you are intersted.

Bill B

dcabcody

12-22-2010, 12:39 PM

Interested.

I've seen the 360 dollar one and it looks nice. I'd say keep it like this one except for the clear patches on a couple of the side windows. A couple good vents up top are fine with me (don't care if breathable fabric).

Heavy, coarse and not real packable would not be a good thing. But for a lot less than $360 I'm flexable on what you're making. :sombrero:

thebrassnuckles

12-22-2010, 01:54 PM

SOOOO IN ON THIS!!!:wings:

ETAV8R

12-22-2010, 09:24 PM

Count me in if it is less than the $360 price tag from FRP.
I don't have to have windows, vents are nice.

Shruk

12-23-2010, 01:49 AM

You already know I'm in.

gwwing

12-23-2010, 04:32 PM

I would be interested. I kicked around the idea of a better fly ie. one that would have more venting, would be light weight and pack well and was cheaper then the current one for the FP. I worked out some ideas with different types of Tyvek. Also found some "seam seal" used in sails that could work for the soft Tyvek. Kind of fun building and stress testing (destroying!) the Tyvek samples. The amount of material I would have to buy for my small project was more then I needed and I ended up using a vinyl tarp and mini grabbits http://www.grabbittool.com/MG100/MG100Home.htm. Tarp worked ok but no ventilation.
Tim
Reno, NV

billy bee

01-06-2011, 02:07 AM

We are underway. I have my FP off and it is sitting in the loft at SLO Sail and Canvas (http://slosailandcanvas.com) in San Luis Obispo, CA. We are going to make a prototype starting with a very basic design and using some leftover cloth.

Some details: The cloth is a 70 denier coated poly/nylon. It looks like most tent rain fly material. It is lightweight (~ 1.5 - 1.9 oz), will pack tight, and is waterproof. And we are going to keep the design simple. It will be symmetrical with a series of webbing loops around the perimeter. We can run bungee or rope through the loops to lash the fly or stake the edges out to the ground (or tie to trees) depending on conditions and required ventilation.

Once we are happy with the basic design we will go back and cut the end panels and side panels for vents and windows, respectively. The windows are very easy. We'll make semi-circular windows to fit the FP zippered windows.

The vent design will require some additional thought. We are thinking of using some batten stock in the vent flap to give the vents some shape. The battens won't store easily in the fly but could be easily removed. And we will be looking into adding hook-and-loop fastener to close the vents entirely if there is a real blow.

Well, that's all I have for now. We'll try to get some pricing together once we build the prototype. Stay tuned.

bb

TACODOC

01-06-2011, 02:24 AM

:lurk:

billy bee

01-06-2011, 03:44 AM

Shruk

01-06-2011, 04:10 AM

Green works for me too. One question I have though is rainfly material will sometimes allow water to weep through if it touches the tent. Will this be waterproof even on the areas where it will touch the Flippac tent? Also, what are we looking at as far as timing? FRP may have one available for me before these are ready and it may be difficult to pass on a proven design for an unproven one without a timeline.

TACODOC

01-06-2011, 04:35 AM

Green is a bad choice IMO, you need a color that looks good with any color vehicle, especially if you want to sell these as a "better than OEM" solution. The OEM blue is hidious BTW and reminds me of those cheap blue tarps, green would be almost as bad, especially if you had a red truck...

Black is a better choice IMO, retains/attracts heat and in theory should shed snow easier/faster which is ideal for inclement winter weather.

YMMV

.02

billy bee

01-06-2011, 04:39 AM

One question I have though is rainfly material will sometimes allow water to weep through if it touches the tent. Will this be waterproof even on the areas where it will touch the Flippac tent? Also, what are we looking at as far as timing? FRP may have one available for me before these are ready and it may be difficult to pass on a proven design for an unproven one without a timeline.

I am moving forward to get pricing for the 5 guys who raised their hands. So, there is no commitment. But I am doing this b/c the FRP design is a proven one...and it sucks. To quote another ExPo'er, "It is like wrapping your FP in a cocoon." No ventilation and no visibility. My goal (as I said up front) is to get a better, affordable product faster. SLO Sail should be able to pump them out in about two to three weeks. Prototype should be ready in a week. Pictures and prices to follow... That's when they will take orders.

This material is similar to other fly material. Any fly might do that. Having an air gap is best, of course.

bb

billy bee

01-06-2011, 04:45 AM

Green is a bad choice IMO, you need a color that looks good with any color vehicle, especially if you want to sell these as a "better than OEM" solution. The OEM blue is hidious BTW and reminds me of those cheap blue tarps.

Black is a better choice IMO, retains/attracts heat and in theory should shed snow easier/faster which is ideal for inclement winter weather.

YMMV

.02

You have a good point. It will also dry more quickly in the sun. But any dark color will do that. In warmer climates white might be best...

I am not married to green. Hell, I'm colorblind. Just thought it is a nice camping color.

bb

Harp

01-06-2011, 09:59 AM

I agree with Tacodoc, I would go with black or white. White reflecting and less retaining of heat. I am in the wings waiting to see the proto but would also be interested. Maybe both colors available.

TACODOC

01-06-2011, 02:06 PM

In regards to white I would say that's probably not good either, it will get dirty and look nasty in no time (these things are huge inevitably drag the ground during folding). Also, it seems that the intended use of a rain cover is winter/rain/snow so heat reflection/loss is not ideal. An insulated cover might even be a nice option IMO. When I had mine up in the Olympics in WA, I went to bed in the driving rain and it was in the 20's when I woke to a quarter inch sheet of ICE encompassing the entire cover... It was not much fun stowing the cover that morning!

dcabcody

01-06-2011, 02:12 PM

I like the forest green idea. I too am more likely to be freezing in snow or rain. The sun hitting it in the morning would also heat up the flippac quicker.

Pretty flexable overall. Looking forward to the pics...

thebrassnuckles

01-06-2011, 02:29 PM

I think white would be good... but other than that i'll take green.

I have yet to use my fp, but when I sleep in a regular tent, if I dont wake before the sun comes up I will darn near sweat do death... maybe not in sub +30 degree weather, but I rarely camp in that weather (although I love it) and when it rains it is generally above 32 degrees..

i am still undecided on what color to pait my rig, I am thinking OD green or desert tan.. but I sure do like white...

billy bee

01-06-2011, 03:21 PM

We have to keep to one color to start. That will allow the guys at SLO Sail to buy one roll of cloth and keep the costs down. Martyn suggested gray. I'd be fine with that.

Thanks to you all for your insights. I know we will create a great alternative to FRP if we keep contributing.

bb

thebrassnuckles

01-06-2011, 03:44 PM

billy bee

01-06-2011, 05:21 PM

Some new info on the water tightness of the fabric where it touches the tent: The trade off is weight vs. water-proof-ness. The heavier fabrics will have a heavier backing and, hence, be more water tight. The PVC-backed fabric specs I scanned is a good example of a heavier, more water-tight fabric. The coating is 30 mil (honestly, i don't really know what that means) and is heavier than most fly material and would be pretty watertight...

Anyway, just wanted to share what Karl (at SLO Sail) had to say about that...

bb

gwwing

01-06-2011, 05:55 PM

billy bee

01-06-2011, 06:39 PM

White or gray will work for me. Of course I have a white truck. My plan would be to add a camouflage design to the fly with spray on fabric paint. Hard to get even close to stealthy with a white truck and blue tarp. I have used the spray on fabric paint on a couple of camping items and it worked fine.

I saw a camo cloth in Karl's rack. Not sure what it was. I'll ask him. May not be any good for a rain fly...

In general, I am not interested in a camo fly. Cool that you can paint one up just the way you want it.

BTW, I am wasting hours of productive work time in thinking, talking, and posting about rain flies. It'll be a late work day for me...

bb

Shruk

01-07-2011, 01:13 AM

I am moving forward to get pricing for the 5 guys who raised their hands. So, there is no commitment. But I am doing this b/c the FRP design is a proven one...and it sucks. To quote another ExPo'er, "It is like wrapping your FP in a cocoon." No ventilation and no visibility. My goal (as I said up front) is to get a better, affordable product faster. SLO Sail should be able to pump them out in about two to three weeks. Prototype should be ready in a week. Pictures and prices to follow... That's when they will take orders.

This material is similar to other fly material. Any fly might do that. Having an air gap is best, of course.

bb

The FRP one seems to be proven to stay on and repel rain from what I've read. I've also heard those other things as well so you're right, it's a give and take. Our storms, when they happen in the desert, tend to have a lot of wind associated with them along with the rain so my priorities would be in that direction. I won't need it often but when I do, if it isn't secure, it won't provide much protection as it flies across the desert. It sounds like your design if superior in many ways, including the grommets that would allow for lashing it to the truck, tree, ground, or just wrapping it with a bungee, rope, or strap. I believe the current FRP stays on well but would love to hear from a real owner. As far as colors, I'm still fine with the green but gray is okay as well. Black would show dirt just as much as white for me at least.

homemade

01-07-2011, 02:01 AM

On the flippac do the window screens have a zipper so they can be opened or are they fixed?

Shruk

01-07-2011, 02:11 AM

On the flippac do the window screens have a zipper so they can be opened or are they fixed?

No, they are fixed.

TACODOC

01-07-2011, 03:15 AM

The FRP rain cover does very well in high desert winds - so well that I laid awake half the night sure that it would rip off any second when in fact it was as secure as could be. Next time I wont worry at all. Howling winds with 30-40mph gusts are no problem for the FRP design.

ETAV8R

01-07-2011, 06:09 AM

Hey fellow flippacr's!
I just got back from Montana De Oro for one night and then driving through the Carrizo Plain National Monument. We were a slight bit concerned about potential weather as the past month has been quite wet here in socal. I was in a campground with a two Airstream owners and several tenters. A few people came by to inquire and I got a lot of interested looks from people driving by.

Oh yeah...colors and such...
Gray is good, green would work with me but any color is gonna get dusty/dirty when exposed to certain desert environments. Since I have a dark gray vehicle something which stands out is ok with me as a source to be spotted if need be. I don't think pure white or black would be that great. I'd take black over white due to the hope of some sort of heat production. The only times it will be used is in inclement weather so that would black would be better than white.

Gray or khacki/tan gets my vote. Looking forward to it!!!

billy bee

01-07-2011, 01:38 PM

Hey fellow flippacr's!
I just got back from Montana De Oro for one night and then driving through the Carrizo Plain National Monument. We were a slight bit concerned about potential weather as the past month has been quite wet here in socal. I was in a campground with a two Airstream owners and several tenters. A few people came by to inquire and I got a lot of interested looks from people driving by.

You were in my back yard...

Gray, or "silver" as it is called on the swatch sheet, looks like an agreeable color to everybody. Like I mentioned, the first one will be in burgundy, b/c that's what's available on the rack at SLO Sails. We are going to try that out on a few FPs here in SLO County for fit and pictures; then we'll discuss price, take orders, get fabric, and produce the rest.

bb

bb

TACODOC

01-07-2011, 02:39 PM

Shruk

01-07-2011, 04:22 PM

dcabcody

01-07-2011, 10:56 PM

I never thought I'd be so excited about a tent fly. :sombrero: Looking forward to some pics....

homemade

01-08-2011, 03:03 PM

I've seen it posted here and elsewhere that "all flippacs have the same size bed, are all the same size"....

Not true, and this may affect rain fly's. I was at FRP and asked if all beds were the same, Suntinez pointed out how large her FP was compared to mine (8ft bed Tundra) and that the lengths of all FP beds are the same, but there are two widths made. Seems that would mean two sizes of covers, not sure.

Just FYI

The internet is great media to get information that you just can’t find easily anywhere else. Everyone here knows that including those that view sites but don’t contribute (make an effort to contribute where you can). If flippac owners wouldn’t mind, it would be probably informative to a lot of people if they could take some measurements like length and width of the flip bed portion, height of the tent portion above the bed or side rails or anything else of interest that isn’t on the flippac.com site (or anything that is inaccurate or poorly described by them), photos of any particular feature of interest would also be helpful. Anything you find interesting likely other people would also.

I still plan to build my own but my wife is trying to convince me to just buy one, I think she is concerned about what a homemade version might look like.

Maybe there would be enough info for another thread.

homemade

01-08-2011, 03:35 PM

Here are the fabric samples I grabbed. The material for the prototype will be in a burgundy color, but we need to settle on one color to make this affordable. If we can all agree on one color, we can buy a roll and save on fabric costs. Here is the swatch sheet and some data on the fabric.

My vote would be for Forest Green.

http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/Fabric-Samples003/1148295318_Nfjrs-L-1.jpg

http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/Fabric-Samples004/1148295541_bco9Q-L.jpg

bb

For what its worth, that is pretty thin fabric.

maybe a slightly heavier ripstop nylon would be more durable?

The seattlefabrics.com web site has good info about fabrics and applications.

they list heavier ripstop coated nylon for tent fly use, I think Super-K or something like that, check it under their nylon fabrics products page. It doesn't look much more expensive than the taffeta which isn't ripstop.

billy bee

01-10-2011, 03:23 PM

For what its worth, that is pretty thin fabric.

maybe a slightly heavier ripstop nylon would be more durable?

The seattlefabrics.com web site has good info about fabrics and applications.

they list heavier ripstop coated nylon for tent fly use, I think Super-K or something like that, check it under their nylon fabrics products page. It doesn't look much more expensive than the taffeta which isn't ripstop.

I am learning as I go here and relying on the expertise of my sailmaker friends. But I do know that the "thin-ness" is influenced as much by the coating as it is by the fabric. I would prefer a lighter fabric with a heavier coating for pack-ability and water resistance. We are still looking at fabric choices but trying to split the difference between weight and compactness.

Also, the fabric you are mentioning is very expensive. There are other, more affordable fabric options that do the job as well or better. If somebody wants one made of Super K, I bet Karl would make one. But be prepared to pay. Also, I have worked extensively with rip-stop nylon having cut, stuck, and stitched countless spinnakers together. I find it very difficult to work with. Karl is good at it, but my experience is that it is harder to cut and sew than other fabrics...meaning, the price may go up.

One clear theme in the first several posts is cost. We want to keep the price down, deliver a better fly, and get them into the hands of FP owners quickly (something that FRP cannot seem to do).

bb

Rovertrader

01-12-2011, 04:18 AM

just found this thread, and I'm in as well, prefer gray as a neutral colour.

As a side note, I am going to remove my FP from the PW, and mount it on an M101. Then make permanent hook ups, etc like the other exp trailers. The advantage will be flexibilty to use behind multiple vehicles and allow a base camp if needed. Build thread to follow...

billy bee

01-19-2011, 03:21 AM

Picking it up taking it camping with me this weekend. Does not look like rain, but I will use it and get some pictures. It may be cold; so, I will get an idea of how it helps with keeping the FP warm...

Stay tuned. Pictures will be up this weekend...

bb

ETAV8R

01-19-2011, 04:01 AM

:lurk::tent:

billy bee

01-21-2011, 12:50 AM

I have the new fly in my grubby little paws. It looks great, fits well, and answers all the questions posed here. And it is just a first effort.

Some highlights:

We have four vents on the fly with removable stays, meaning the fly can be rolled up quickly and easily without worrying about breaking the battens. The vents are on either end and one on each side.
It is symmetrical, meaning it can be installed either way.
It can be ordered with any combination of windows and vents (and then installed with the vents/windows on either end of the FP).
It has a a series of loops around the base. They can be used to strap the fly under the lid, to the vehicle, or to the ground or surrounding trees, tables, rocks.
It has a bungee cord around the base to fit snuggly against the shell.
Corners are reinforced.
Weighs <10 lbs in its stuff bag...about the same weight as the FRP fly.
Packs down tight into a small duffel.
This one was made with two different color fabrics (b/c we ran out of the primary color). I like it; it is helpful in finding the ends for installation and folding/packing.

I took a bunch of pics with a friends camera. Waiting for him to send them.

TACODOC

01-21-2011, 02:22 AM

:peepwall:

SafariPacific

01-21-2011, 02:23 AM

:peepwall:

Ditto

dcabcody

01-21-2011, 03:11 AM

:lurk:

TACODOC

01-21-2011, 05:14 AM

This thread is worthless without pics :D

billy bee

01-22-2011, 11:07 PM

This thread is worthless without pics :D

Ask and you shall receive...

Looks pretty good, I think...especially considering it was made from fabric that was on hand... Look like nice two-tone Cadillac colors from the 1970s.
http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1386/1164704874_CB6GP-XL.jpg

Goes on pretty easily.
http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1373/1164703134_z5QrP-L.jpg

http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1374/1164703367_cTKhG-L.jpg

http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1375/1164703518_kTCkC-L.jpg

http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1377/1164703681_Ze7Ht-L.jpg

http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1379/1164703998_TekTZ-L.jpg

http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1380/1164704207_aEgFW-L.jpg

bb

billy bee

01-22-2011, 11:12 PM

Loops along the side for lashing under the lid or down to the truck or ground.
http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1381/1164704339_tPivF-L.jpg

Vent detail...
http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1384/1164704667_9gfvt-L.jpg

I want to add ladder buckles to these loops to throw a strap under the lid and cinch down to loops on the other side.
http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1382/1164704388_qvbbt-L.jpg

All fits into a small duffel
http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/IMG1372/1164703125_t6WjQ-XL-1.jpg

bb

billy bee

01-22-2011, 11:22 PM

I slept in the FP last night without the fly. It was 48 degrees outside when I got up and 54 inside. I am curious how much more heat it retains with the fly on. Film at 11...

bb

Shruk

01-22-2011, 11:40 PM

Looks great bb. :drool: How about putting it on and testing it for rain by spraying the top with a garden hose and plant sprayer :snorkel: :REExeSwimmingHL: for a while? And of course the obligatory questions... when can we order? how much? when will they be made? (not that I'm anxious at all)

gwg2426

01-23-2011, 12:51 AM

Also am coming to this late but would definitely be interested based on the final price. The prototype looks very good. Does it include the tie down loops or just a bungee at this point?

dcabcody

01-23-2011, 01:35 AM

Looks pretty good. A bit better than my blue tarp. Any chance you could head a thousand miles north for a few cold wet nights of camping?? :elkgrin:

The vent areas look good too. The extra base loops should work great for extra bungees. Thanks man!

TACODOC

01-23-2011, 01:47 AM

billy bee

01-23-2011, 04:33 AM

Looks to be a significant improvement over the FRP design. Rolls up much smaller, but that may be good or bad depending on how good the material is - the FRP material is very thick and heavy duty.

I know you mentioned a bungie drawstring around the bottom edge and some buckle straps under the lid, but in high winds some velcro straps that attach around the legs up front, the hinges in the middle and the latches at the rear would be real helpful and easier to use than cords, ropes or straps IMO.

The fabric is about t same weight but the coating is heavier. Final fabric selection is TBD, but it is comparable in weight to the FRP fly and probably better quality.

It packs tighter, I think, b/c the battens come out. Regarding Velcro and alternative attachment options, I think Karl will stick with the loops, bungee, and ladder buckles. He may consider adding custom options for a few extra bucks, but to keep costs reasonable, he'll keep it simple.

Lastly, mine does not have windows. I plan to add them to mine. Not quite sure how Karl will be pricing these, but windows may be more expensive. I know it will make the fly heavier and bulkier.

ddawson

01-23-2011, 05:51 AM

Just found this thread and I too am interested. I have been holding off on the FRP version and I like the look of this one. Thanks for your effort.

billy bee

01-23-2011, 01:05 PM

Good morning all. I have been posting from my iPhone. Pls excuse any typos. 45 degrees outside, 50 inside. Maybe not an apples/apples comparo. I doubt the fly could make it colder in here.

ETAV8R

01-23-2011, 01:33 PM

Looks great!
:wings:

thebrassnuckles

01-24-2011, 03:26 PM

Awesome!!!!

billy bee

02-14-2011, 11:50 PM

I think the original hand-raisers who were interested in a fly have already ordered one. Thanks for your support on this project, guys. I think we ended up with a better product because of your input.

The flies will be widely available soon and have some nice features and options. Keep an eye here for purchase info.

Thanks,
Bill

SD_Nissmo

02-21-2011, 12:16 AM

NotAMog

02-21-2011, 08:42 PM

Any updates on the group buy? I finally took delivery of my FlipPac this weekend. The FRP rain flys are still back ordered. This one may be a better option.

Shruk

02-21-2011, 09:49 PM

You can check out a pic of mine on page 3 of my build thread, post #25.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52625&page=3

billy bee

02-24-2011, 03:36 AM

Guys,

Just back from a miserable Mojave Road trip with the FRP fly that is NOT in any way waterproof.

Any luck on waterproof properties of the new fly? Very interested as I would love to extend my flip pack's camping season.

Let me know!

I camped with mine in the rain last weekend. I stayed dry. I think the weight of the coating is an important factor. I compared mine to a stock FP one and mine seems like the same weight fabric, but perhaps the coasting is thicker/heavier.

How old is your fly? The coating breaks down over time.

bb

newmexflippacker

03-04-2011, 06:49 AM

I camped with mine in the rain last weekend. I stayed dry. I think the weight of the coating is an important factor. I compared mine to a stock FP one and mine seems like the same weight fabric, but perhaps the coasting is thicker/heavier.

How old is your fly? The coating breaks down over time.

bb

Hey there...just happened to do a google search and found you guys! So excited! Can I purchase one of the flys yet? I actually liked the two toned burgundy look. Anyhow HELLO FELLOW Flippackers! Glad I found this site!:wings:

ETAV8R

03-04-2011, 11:06 AM

Hey there...just happened to do a google search and found you guys! So excited! Can I purchase one of the flys yet? I actually liked the two toned burgundy look. Anyhow HELLO FELLOW Flippackers! Glad I found this site!:wings:
Lots of great info here on EP. Welcome.

billy bee

03-04-2011, 06:25 PM

Hey there...just happened to do a google search and found you guys! So excited! Can I purchase one of the flys yet? I actually liked the two toned burgundy look.

I think we can sell you the prototype. It is not fully outfitted like the final product is. The final product has ladder buckles and two additional webbing loops. We could add the ladder buckles easily enough, I think.

If you are interested, PM me. If not, I suggest you contact Martyn at AT to purchase a new one. http://www.adventuretrailers.com/

Welcome to the forum...

bb

gwwing

03-04-2011, 10:33 PM

OK...!! almost ready for rain. The SLO rain fly came in today :wings: so I try it out. Made for an interesting tryout since I had to work in the mud and snow that was left over from our last storm here in Reno. It worked so well I had to try it out twice...

ETAV8R

03-05-2011, 07:20 AM

Looks great!

newmexflippacker

03-11-2011, 04:22 AM

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n637/xsocalguyinnm/fittingthefly2.jpg

Ok..between the new rain fly and the tent heater we just ordered....we should be ready for Whatever Moab dishes out next week.....of course now that we are prepared...there will be a freak heat wave

billy bee

03-11-2011, 04:33 AM

Ok..between the new rain fly and the tent heater we just ordered....

Tent heater? Do tell...

bb

newmexflippacker

03-11-2011, 04:38 AM

Well the reviews for the BlackCat by Coleman were good...its only $50 we have great sleeping bags too...should be all we need... Hey I sent you an email about the new fly...what do you think I should use for the strap down material? material like the tie down loops on the fly or like the bungy cord material..I saw ladder buckles at REI so I can get those.

Amazon.com: Coleman BlackCat PerfecTemp Catalytic Heater with InstaStart Technology: Sports & Outdoors

got mine at auction on Ebay for $39 + shipping

ETAV8R

03-11-2011, 05:42 AM

How safe are those tent heaters? I'd like one in my kit but am weary about toxic gases. Thanks. Keep on flippac'n!

Martyn

03-11-2011, 03:03 PM

How safe are those tent heaters? I'd like one in my kit but am weary about toxic gases. Thanks. Keep on flippac'n!

There have been many threads on this subject, and as many of you know I'm not a supporter of any heater that exhausts combusted gases into the heated air that circulates in your living space.

Units like this do emit CO, CO is accumulative in the blood stream i.e. it binds with the hemoglobin in your blood and prevents it from picking up oxygen. Long exposure to low levels of CO is fatal.

billy bee

03-20-2011, 04:16 AM

Hi guys,

I am currently camped in my SLO/AT-flied FP in Carmel, CA. Check the weather. It's rainy and windy. Even in the wind and rain thee fly went on pretty easily. I hook it over the connectors where the poles hinge. Unlike other FP owners, I have removed my poles from the roof/lid. When I went on a trail drive the first tree I drove by snatched the pole off the lid.

I spent a few minutes installing the battens and getting the fly oriented i did this under the cover of the opened rear window. Anyway, with the bungee cord laid over the lid and connectors the fly flipped over the tent pretty easily. I pull the rear down around the back of the FP and hook the bungee under the clamps. There is enough tension in the bungee to keep it formally attached in the gusty wind.

Oh, it's also dry as a bone. I'll probably treat the fabric with nickwax as an insurance measure. But it's pouring out there and I'm holding up well in here.

Will snap a pic in the AM.

Bill

billy bee

04-25-2011, 04:18 AM

Took a while to get this photo up. I was a very rainy night. Some water soaked into the fly material, but not enough to make the tent leak.

Also, as you can see, I designed a semicircular window. I like it. It requires that I use a bigger stuff bag to accommodate the taller window, but I have plenty of storage in my FP.

http://billybee.smugmug.com/Cars/CTD-FP/iPhone-Pix-204/1224316034_DzKTj-XL.jpg

bb

creekwalk55

07-17-2011, 10:56 PM

we just got a flip pac and it rained all weekend. we need the rain fly you are talking about. where do we get one?

GaryMc

07-18-2011, 04:11 AM

Indeed, how does one order one of these much improved rain fly's?

TACODOC

07-18-2011, 04:18 AM

They are for sale on AT's website:
http://www.adventuretrailers.com/flippacpricing.html

Palehorse1

12-14-2011, 05:23 PM

Bill,

Thanks for getting this sorted out and thanks to everyone who contributed to the project. I contacted Andrew at SLO Sail a coupe of weeks ago and he made us one in the "Texas Tan" (http://www.topvaluefabrics.com/nylon-oxford-cloth.html) color offered by their material manufacturer. I was a little worried that it would be more "Texas Orange-Brown" but the color looks very nice alongside our truck. The fly looks great and we can't wait to pick up our Flippac so we can see the two together. Again, thanks for taking the initiative on this and thanks to Andrew at SLO Sail & Canvas (http://www.slosailandcanvas.com/servlet/StoreFront) for his professional and personalized service.

billy bee

12-14-2011, 05:56 PM

Hi Guys:

This was a very rewarding project that seems to have been beneficial to everybody involved: AT, SLO Sails, me, and, most importantly, the ExPo Community. And SLO Sails and Canvas has been able to fulfill other custom orders for awning sides, etc.

I have continued to generate ideas that improve the design. Some are practical for "mass" production and some are not. I really like the semi-circular windows on my fly, for example. (See Post # 71.) Not sure if SLO Sails is making that an option or not. But they are great. The windows are really designed to fit over the rear windows. When we took the template, we used the rear tent windows to mark the placement of the fly windows. For some reason, they do not align as well with the front tent windows. I guess the tent design is asymmetrical. The fly is designed to be symetrical...one way SLO Sails was able to make it affordable with the extra bells and whistles.

The only other thing I recommend is treating your fly with Nikwax immediately for the best heavy rain results. Thanks to all of you for making this a success.

Bill

Bill,

Thanks for getting this sorted out and thanks to everyone who contributed to the project. I contacted Andrew at SLO Sail a coupe of weeks ago and he made us one in the "Texas Tan" (http://www.topvaluefabrics.com/nylon-oxford-cloth.html) color offered by their material manufacturer. I was a little worried that it would be more "Texas Orange-Brown" but the color looks very nice alongside our truck. The fly looks great and we can't wait to pick up our Flippac so we can see the two together. Again, thanks for taking the initiative on this and thanks to Andrew at SLO Sail & Canvas (http://www.slosailandcanvas.com/servlet/StoreFront) for his professional and personalized service.

TACODOC

12-16-2011, 07:05 PM

Those fly's look awesome, the FRP blue one looks hideous IMO.

I need to get one of these...

trevpiee

12-19-2011, 07:55 PM

Another +1 for SLO sail & canvas (http://www.slosailandcanvas.com/servlet/the-1491/FlipPac-Rain-Fly--dsh-/Detail). I ordered a fly in gold and they were very easy to work with and very accommodating. Highly recommended.

timber

01-27-2012, 02:53 AM

Another Happy Camper, Thanks SLO Sail & Canvas. I ordered online and paid with Paypal, Found it on the front porch 12 days later .http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww4/Timber5086/rainfly1.jpg
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww4/Timber5086/rainfly3.jpg

billy bee

01-27-2012, 03:28 AM

Great looking set-up timber. Glad it worked out...

bb

timber

01-27-2012, 04:33 AM

Great looking set-up timber. Glad it worked out...

bb And thank you for instigating this whole thing. Curious to hear if you ever ended up treating your fly with anything? I remember reading you were thinking about it as an additional measure. Thanks again. Tim

billy bee

01-30-2012, 04:47 AM

Curious to hear if you ever ended up treating your fly with anything?

Before I camp again in the rain with it, I will wash it with Nikwax (http://www.nikwax-usa.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=267).

bb

JasonRedwood

02-20-2012, 09:09 PM

Just ordered one like Timbers from SLO Sail and canvas.:wings:
I'm just assuming that one size fits all with the loops and ladder buckles right?

billy bee

02-21-2012, 04:58 AM

One size fits all with or without the elastic and buckles. Hope you are happy with the fly.

BTW, the SLO Sail and Canvas crew is coming with me to the Land Rover Experience Driving School (where I teach) for a day of training and fun in the Carmel Valley this Friday. Hope to post some pix of the crew here next week.

bb

suntinez

02-25-2012, 01:51 AM

One size fits all with or without the elastic and buckles. Hope you are happy with the fly.

bb

Has someone with a fullsize ordered this/tried it on/taken pics? It definitely look like there is sufficient fabric to fit, but the proof is in - the pics!

This looks like it may be the larger size (from the SLO website (http://www.slosailandcanvas.com/servlet/the-1491/FlipPac-Rain-Fly--dsh-/Detail)):
http://www.slosailandcanvas.com/media/1/a20791b12e6dd6effc62bb_l.jpg

Definitely better than the OEM offering, thanks for doing the legwork to get 'er done!