Construction Plans for a Custom Designed Low (Mini) Tunnel

Proper orientation of hold down strap on end hoop

Adjust hold down strap to draw down cover several inches below hoop

A restraining strap may or may not be needed for each end hoop, depending on the amount of tension desired. If you install a hold-down strap on the end hoops, an 8-foot piece of rope will suffice. Position the strap on the side of the hoop towards the center of the bed.

If you're covering a rubber lumber bed, the process of installing the hold-down straps is similar, with one exception. The rope should be threaded through the hole drilled in each receptacle.

Cinching up the straps forces the cover against the hoop. Adjust the tension so the cover can slide up and down on the hoops with some resistance. The cover should be drawn down several inches below the hoops. Adjust the strap too tight and you won't be able to raise or lower the cover; too loose and the cover will flop in the wind. The hold-down straps will have a tendency to loosen over time. If you need to cinch up a strap, release the knot, adjust the tension and retie the knot.

During the spring and fall, it is often necessary to ventilate tunnels on sunny days and close them when cold or rainy weather threatens. Because of the tension exerted by the hold-down straps, the cover will tend to remain in any desired position. Over time, however, the cover will slide down the hoops. One method of ensuring the tunnel remains fully ventilated is to tie the cover together with rope or with a bungee cord when the cover is bunched together at the top of the tunnel.

Venting a mini tunnel

Tie the cover together with rope or with a bungee cord.