Umbrella stand that you drive your tire over.

[Ratty]

I'm planning on only using 2 garden umbrellas for shade this year. My big shelter is great but I'm never there to use it. I want 2 metal plates with tubes welded to them that I can place under my front and rear tires. When I want to hang out, cook, nap outside....I'll put an umbrella in the tube. I know which was the sun travels. I've considered the pole being close to my car. I'll keep a big bag under my car, (secured by the tires on the opposite side), to slip my umbrellas into when not in use.

I know I've seen these things for sale as a flagpole holder. Drive your tire over it and slip in the flagpole. Any thoughts?

[Bay Bridge Sue]

The stand is a good idea, the umbrella won't work, they WILL explode in the wind. Ask me how I know... better yet... don't. Use the stands for tieoffs for shade cloth or aluminet or camo net or some other shady cover that will not either launch itself or catastrophically kaboom in a 80 MPH windstorm.

[Ratty]

Yeah. I know about the wind. 2009. I only use my camp for sleep and occasional cooking. I'm not thinking of leaving up an umbrella or using it in the wind. Put it up, cook, eat, clean up, put it back in the bag under the van. Has anyone ever seen one of these contraptions?

[Elorrum]

I've seen them for flag poles. you might try a flag/flag pole seller.

[oneeyeddick]

Here you go.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=drive+over+flagpole+stands

[Bob]

I've seen people drive over all kinds of stupid shit... but an umbrella stand? Really?

[lucky420]

I've used our umbrella stand as a flag pole holder while at bm. I brought 2 sandbags and place them on the stand and it worked fine. While my stand is pretty heavy and sturdy I used the sandbags to keep it upright while the flag was in it during wind storms. It worked great.

[Oldguy]

I've used umbrellas out there, just close them in windy times and whenever you leave area. You can buy flat square bottom stands instead of round ones , so that you can park on one edge. Just stop the car, put edge of square in front of tires, get back in car, and pull forward 6.33 inches. Problem solved!

[Ratty]

Thanks for the input. I'm trying to avoid hauling anything heavy. Those cast iron stands weigh a ton. I think I'll get someone to weld a pipe on a plate. (Or buy a flagpole holder if it's the right diameter.) I'm a seamstress so I'll make something great out of the umbrellas plus a shade of some kind to connect the two of them. I know an MV guy in the city that really loves to weld. Hey! I'm going to 'The City' today for that BM orientation M&G. Maybe I can hook up with someone who needs help setting up, stocking the cafe or pottys, (this means YOU robbidobbs). I really want to get an early entry pass cause I leave when they light the match. Anyway. Thanks everyone. You've made me think.

[theCryptofishist]

robbidobbs is located in Oregon, so I don't think she'll be there today.

[Ratty]

Thanks. I'll run behind her car on the Playa. I should wear my 'Potty outfit' today. Well, maybe not.

[uncle sticky]

I bring a socket wrench and 12 inch lag screws to secure stuff. Metal plate with holes drilled through it, lag screws, secure!

[FIGJAM]

http://www.wholesalebolts.com/hexheadlagscrews.aspx

[Bob]

I'd plant a nine-foot railroad tie a few feet in the ground and lash the umbrella to that.

[Sail Man]

I'd plant a nine-foot railroad tie a few feet in the ground and lash the umbrella to that.

Bob, you'd lash that umbrella to Fishy's chair and watch the wind carry her away while whistling dixie

[theCryptofishist]

Not if I saw him first, carrying the umbrella and some rope. I'd run the other way. I'm not desperate!

[Ratty]

Craig's List 'FREE' has come through for me again. I scored the great-grand-poobah of all garden umbrellas. (Well, maybe there are bigger and better ones but not here in my world.) I got a freedom butterfly umbrella with a 4 pronged detachable stand. The thing is 9 or 10 feet across and extends out on an articulated arm. It's going to be perfect once I tweek it and make a new cover. the entire frame is made of square and round tubular aluminum so it's light weight and strong. I think this will work. If not...I'll recycle the umbrella part and go back to my original plan. The 4 pronged base is perfect for parking a tire on it. Hip hip... hooray.