Carport tent platform

[rick carpenter]

We're newly renting a weekend lake home and I want to build a sleeping tent platform for our grandchildren. They will be ready to 'camp out' with me maybe next year. The home has a concrete floor two-bay carport with one bay 2x deep and semi-enclosed. The platform can't be permanent since we're renting, plus most of the time I'd need to stow them to the side so we can get a vehicle in that spot. In that tucked away area I'm thinking I'd lay down some plastic then build 2 side-by-side rectangular platforms out of treated 2x4s with insulation panels underneath. I'll cover them with plywood and screw in eye hooks to the frame sides for tent guy lines. Anyone got better ideas or constructive (<---pun!) criticism? Thanks

 

[DGersic]

Many years ago, going to Boy Scout camp in the summer, we were issued pallets to go in the tents as a “floor”.

Not sure why you want to camp in the carport, though. Wouldn’t it be more fun out in the yard?

 

[dcg9381]

I dunno if this is a weekend rental or full time. I've been putting all the kids in my cargo trailer recently - it's a good time of year for it and if it rains, not a big deal. Everyone is happy. They sleep on air mattresses with sleeping bags. Eventually I'll throw an AC on top for the summer.

 

[rick carpenter]

Many years ago, going to Boy Scout camp in the summer, we were issued pallets to go in the tents as a “floor”.

Not sure why you want to camp in the carport, though. Wouldn’t it be more fun out in the yard?

Yes, the yard would be more fun but it's too sloped. I should have said that from the get-go.

 

[Fixr]

Yes, the yard would be more fun but it's too sloped. I should have said that from the get-go.

My question is how do you keep the fire ants at bay?

 

[75gmck25]

Many of the current camping tents are completely self standing, so all you have to worry about is that it might blow away. I don't see why a platform is needed to protect the tent, since the concrete should be smooth, but you could use a standard tarp under it just in case.

A very simple solution would be four weighted buckets to hold the corners down, and just pop up the tent right on the concrete. You could add some insulation under it, but that's also probably not needed if they have decent insulated pads under each sleeping bag.

 

[rick carpenter]

Many of the current camping tents are completely self standing, so all you have to worry about is that it might blow away. I don't see why a platform is needed to protect the tent, since the concrete should be smooth, but you could use a standard tarp under it just in case.

A very simple solution would be four weighted buckets to hold the corners down, and just pop up the tent right on the concrete. You could add some insulation under it, but that's also probably not needed if they have decent insulated pads under each sleeping bag.

My thought on the platform was to have a vapor barrier. We are in mondo-humid East Texas and not 50 yards from the lake shore. And I've slept on enough concrete surfaces to know that you need to adequately isolate the sleeping pads from the concrete, otherwise every little movement during the night will screech in your ears.

 

[Zeke]

You don't need or want treated for temporary. VB or not the stuff is toxic.

Pallets is an excellent answer. Wish I had thought of that. Cots work well. That's what I would want.

 

[Adrichmen]

Building a raised platform for a carport tent makes a huge difference in stability and durability, especially in wet or uneven ground. I went with pressure-treated 2x6s and deck blocks, which worked great for drainage and airflow. If you're looking for durable outdoor setups, https://www.klyoutdoor.com/ has some solid options to check out. A raised platform also makes sealing up the edges against wind and critters much easier.