In today’s world of tenting, demand for high-end decorating is at an all time high. Many renters are asked by the decorator, light company or audio company, “How much weight can I hang in the tent?” The response should include both how much weight can be hung and how it can be hung safely. This is based on the type of tent being used. Is it a conventional rope and pole tent, engineered structure, tension structure, trac-system or frame tent?
The process for determining the loads for engineered structures or trac-systems is driven by structural evaluations. For engineered structures, the amount of weight allowed and the exact attachment points are specifically stated. Normally these suspension points are at the ridge and at equal points on either side of the ridge. While the predetermined weight can be hung from specific points, it can also be uniformly distributed along the length of the rafter. The loads can vary from 500 to 1,000 pounds at the ridge and from 250 to 500 pounds at the other two points. The concentrated load could be higher or lower depending on the manufacturer.
