Fixing Pegging and Anchoring Techniques When Rigging Your Stretch Tent

Stretch tent rigging is a very important factor when choosing a stretch tent. Poor practices can lead to a disastrous set-up for your stretch tent, resulting in an unpleasing site that is also structurally unsafe.  With that in mind, it helps to know the common stretch tent rigging mistakes so that you can avoid making similar blunders for your events. While stretch tents are generally quite sturdy, accidents do happen and things can fall. This is especially true if you or your crew is not experienced with putting up the stretch tent. It’s a good idea to use a guideline to help you understand how to load the stretch tent and secure the rig. With this guideline, you can learn how to put the stretch tent up safely.

What Kind of Stretch Tent Rigging Mistakes Should You Avoid?

Incorrect Pegging and Anchoring Techniques

Pegging and anchoring are two terms you’ll hear during stretch tent setup. Pegging refers to the metal spikes that are hammered into the ground. Anchoring refers to the metal stakes that are hammered into the ground, into the peg holes. For the anchorage techniques, here are some things to keep in mind:

• The amount of force that a ground anchor can withstand depends on the type of soil: whether or not it is muddy, whether or not water is seeping into it, the inclination of the ground and how deep the anchor is buried.
• Loose soil provides the least resistance, that’s why a pull-out test is required to ensure that the anchor will provide enough resistance.
• When there is no way to dig into the ground for support, heavy ballast weights can be used to hold weights down. It is often the case that ballast weight requirements are underestimated, and they can reach up to several tons per anchor point, depending on the structure’s size.
• If the manufacturer’s instructions are followed and a purpose-designed stake is used in conjunction with gang plates, then the ground should be able to resist the maximum uplift force expected. This prevents tripping, allowing the hose to be secured in place.

For the pegging techniques, you can consider the following: 

• Site inspections should take place before the event starts to ensure the grounds are in good shape.
• Riggers should select the right size of tent pegs for each type of ground on which they are erecting a tent.
• The pegs should be at least 25 sq. cm in area and at least 1 500 mm in length, and even longer if the sand is soft.
• The pegs we use to hold our tents in place should be driven into the ground at a straight angle and should penetrate the ground throughout their length.
• All pegs should have padded covers to prevent them from causing injury if someone trips over them.

The Bottom Line: Improving Your Anchoring and Pegging Techniques

If you are looking to hire someone to stretch your tent, don’t just hire the first person you come across! Hiring a professional to put up the stretch tent is a wise decision so you can avoid stretch tent rigging mistakes and the problems that can result from those errors. In order to hire a stretch tent professional, make sure you are clear about your needs and expectations, and that you are realistic about what you want to achieve with the stretch tent. 

Are You Looking for Stretch Tent for Sale in the UK?

Throwing a marquees event is a thrilling way to enjoy the great outdoors, but why not take the experience to the next level by going for custom stretch tents? With the help of Tentstyle, we can transform your outdoor events by adding bespoke installations of our tailor-made stretch tents. Get in touch with us to see how our weatherproof, fire retardant, modular, and uniquely designed tents can elevate your marquee experience!