You all are making it to complicated.
I tied the tarp to the ladder in back and the bracket for the struts off the front. I used 2" pvc pipe for the post and 3/8" rope to tie every thing down. The tarp is from wally world and I have been through 3 of them. it holds most of the time. When I need to lower it no problem. Loosen the ropes and lay it against the truck.
I can put it up by myself. simple and very cool in August on the beach. Because of me not able to bend over very well, I started using the cheep surf rod holders made from rebar. long and a lot easier.
this is the best picture I have on photobucket.
ps. the surf rod holders are for the tent spikes I was using.
