BOOTSTRAP FARMER Truss Kit Instructions
- June 9, 2024
- BOOTSTRAP FARMER
Table of Contents
Truss Kit
Truss Kit Instructions
Rev. Date 1/13/23
Tools
Pliers Level (level with magnetic base is recommended) Step ladder Tape
measure Adjustable wrench Wrenches or ratchet and sockets optional
Parts
¼ x 1″ Bolt (galv.) (6) ¼ Nut (galv.) (6) #8 Self tapping screws 1-” Tension
bands (6) 78″ Flat to Open 78” Flat to Swage 75″ Swage Ridge Pole 36” Flat to
Flat (for 20′ Truss)
Pole Layout (14′ & 20′ Rounds)
The Truss is made up of several pieces. The horizontal crossbar is made up of
78” flat to swage, ridge pole(s), and a 78” Flat to Open.
Pole Layout (14′ & 20′ Gothic)
The Truss is made up of several pieces. We have the horizontal crossbar that
is made up of 78” Flat to Swage, Ridge pole(s), and a 78” Flat to Open with
either (2) 24″ Diagonals for the 14′ Truss or (2) 36″ Diagonals for the 20′
Truss.
Determining Truss Height
The cross bar length will determine its height when installed in the
greenhouse. The longer it is, the closer to the ground. The shorter it is the
taller it will be in the greenhouse. By cutting the ridge pole(s) you can
shorten the length. We recommend installing the truss system with hoops in the
vertical position. This will allow you to level them. They can be installed on
the hoops before standing them up in the ground posts, but you will need to
leave all the hardware loose so you can level the truss after installation of
the hoop.
Installation
1. Determine the desired height of the horizontal crossbar from the ground.
Then measure from one side of the hoop to the other (Point A to Point B). This
will determine the length of the horizontal cross bar.
2. Cut the ridge pole down to shorten the crossbar to your desired length. 3.
Connect the 78″ Flat to swage, to the ridge pole, then attach these to the 78”
Flat
to open. Align the flat sections, so they are on the same plane. 4. Once
connected together, use #8 x ¾” self tapping screws at the joints to prevent
twisting and separation.
5. Install a tension band over the hoop and connect the flat section to the
tension band with a bolt and nut inserted through the tension band and hole in
the flat section.
6. Raise the opposite side of the crossbar up to the hoop and attach with a
tension band, the same as step 5.
7. Put a level on the bar and adjust it so it is level. Then tighten the
bolts at the tension bands.
8. Installing the diagonal supports on the 20′ wide kit, is similar to the
steps you have already taken. Install a tension band over the hoop, use a bolt
to attach the tension band to the diagonal, and install the nut. Install a
tension band on the horizontal crossbar and install the other end of the
diagonal with a bolt and nut, to the tension band. Position the bar close to a
45 degree angle as shown below.
9. Tighten bolts on tension bands holding the diagonal brace in place.You
should have a truss that looks similar to the one pictured below.