Fitting Selection:

Fitting selection is made base on the application requirements. Fittings and tubing go hand in hand so the selection of one determine the other. Look over the list below and select the application that best suits your needs.

Tubing Selection:

Fittings are designed to work with five sizes of tubing, 3/4", 1", 1 3/8", 1 5/8" and 1 7/8". Select matching fittings and tubing that best fit your requirements. The 3/4" and 1" tubing is standard EMT (electrical conduit) available at any major hardware store such as Home Depot or Lowe's. EMT tubing is sold in 10 foot lengths. Selecting 3/4" and 1" tubing will limit the maximum tarp width to 20 feet due to the tubing length. If wider canopies are required select a larger tubing size. The 1 3/8", 1 5/8" and 1 7/8" tubing is standard chain link fence tubing and can be purchased at most fencing companies. Select a high grade (thickest side wall) tubing when possible. When selecting wall thickness the smaller the number the thicker the metal. For instance a 16 gage sidewall is heaver than a 17 gage sidewall.

Light weight applications:

Shelters built with 3/4 inch EMT (electrical conduit) are only recommended for temporary light weight use. We do not recommend building a canopy any larger than 10' wide x 20' long using 3/4 inch fittings and tubing.
Typical applications include:
  • Hunting
  • Camping
  • Family reunions
  • Tailgate parties
  • Saturday markets
  • Craft Shows
  • Animal shade
  • Work covers
  • Photo backdrops
  • Outhouse or shower frames

Medium weight applications:


Shelters built with 1 inch EMT (electrical conduit) and 1 3/8 inch metal chain link fence tubing are good for many structures.
Typical applications include:
  • Car canopies
  • Temporary storage
  • Wood sheds
  • Wood Storage racks
  • Kennel covers
  • Greenhouse frames
  • Hot tub shelters
  • Hunting
  • Camping
  • Wall tent frames
  • Craft shows
  • Construction work areas
  • Tailgate parties
  • Patio or deck covers

Heavy weight applications:


Shelters built with 1 5/8 and 1 7/8 inch metal chain link fence tubing are the best solution for structures which will be left for longer periods of time. Any canopy with sides higher than 8 feet should use 1 3/8, 1 5/8 or 1 7/8 inch materials. All shelters should be considered temporary structures and are not designed to withstand acts of nature such as heavy wind and snow.
Typical applications include:
  • RV canopies
  • Car canopies
  • Boat canopies
  • Construction work areas
  • Animal shelters