Product information
Classic Caterpillar Tunnel
Product options
Everything Grows Better in a Tunnel
The Farmers Friend Caterpillar Tunnel kit brings the benefits of greenhouse production to your farm in an easy-to-assemble and affordable package. No bending hoops or shopping for random parts. Quick to build and move. All while providing excellent airflow for proper ventilation and protection from rain and light snow. What’s more, all Tunnels now include FREE SHIPPING, regardless of how many you order!
All kits include 6 mil greenhouse plastic.


New Length Options
25-ft Tunnels are Back!
Perfect for backyard growers, urban farmers, and market gardeners who are looking for a space efficient propagation house or smaller growing space, the new 25-ft Caterpillar Tunnel is everything you love about easy to build caterpillar tunnels all in a new convenient size!
All 25-ft tunnels now come with 55-ft of greenhouse plastic (up from 32-ft) so you have plenty of extra plastic for the standard cone-shaped ends, or to use in alternate end wall coverings.


All-season growing
Year-Round Crop Protection
Caterpillar Tunnels are often viewed primarily as a season extension tool, but that’s really only half of the story. Covered growing space provides year-round protection for your plants from things like rain, pests, frost, heat (when using shade cloth), wind, and even from dirt being splashed onto your plants in heavy downpours. (Image shown with optional Zipper Door End Wall)
Why choose Farmers Friend Caterpillar Tunnels?
Year-round crop protection
Irrigate on YOUR schedule
Quick and easy assembly
Step-by-step instructions with pictures+ video
NRCS grant eligible
Cheaper than DIY
Comes with all parts needed!
FREE SHIPPING on all tunnels! (to continental USA)


New Tunnel Options!
Wider, Stronger Tunnels Now Available!
Max out your farm with the thickest gauge steel Caterpillar Tunnel on the market! We now offer a 16-ft wide tunnel (up from 14 ft) with 40% thicker, 14-gauge steel bows (up from 17 gauge).
With steel strength typically found only in commercial high tunnels, these 14-gauge tunnels are designed to give you greater peace of mind on stormy nights. Plus, being 2 feet wider, you’ll have plenty of room for 18-inch pathways to more easily transport harvest bins/totes, or if desired, shrink your pathways to 10 inches and fit five 30-inch growing beds.


Gothic Tunnels
The Perfect Tunnel for Northern Growers!
Perfect for northern climates with frequent snowfall, the Gothic (pictured) will allow you to grow longer into the winter than a Classic Tunnel. This new tunnel also includes a solid purlin and wind bracing to add even more rigidity to your structure.
For extreme winter growing, upgrade to the Gothic Pro, which includes a Solid Purlin, Wind Bracing, Crossbars, and 16-inch Lift Kit for added strength and height.


Classic Tunnels
…And Southern Growers!
The Classic tunnel is our most cost-effective greenhouse. The Classic tunnels feature a rounded, quonset design that is wind resistant and is also our fastest greenhouse to build with just a 2 – 3 hour assembly time.
Our Classic Pro includes a 16-inch Lift Kit for added height, plus Wind Bracing and a Solid Center Purlin for added strength and rigidity, as well as greater peace of mind.
Caterpillar Tunnel Options
Classic vs Gothic
The Classic tunnel (LEFT) is cost-effective and portable. It’s a great starter tunnel and is excellent for those who frequently move it around their farm. The Gothic tunnel (RIGHT) is an excellent choice for those living in northern climates where snow is a frequent threat.




A Tunnel for Every Farm.
Which Caterpillar Tunnel is right for you?


Profitability
High profitability. Low cost. Free delivery.*
The Farmers Friend Caterpillar Tunnel Kit is one of the most cost-effective options on the market — even when compared to DIY kits. Plus get FREE shipping right to your door on all tunnels of any kit size — regardless of how many you order! Your plants will thank you.
*Free shipping to continental USA. Discounted shipping to Canada.
Versatility
Changing with the seasons.
Our Caterpillar Tunnels work great for starting crops earlier in the spring, and keeping them going longer in the fall. In the heat of summer you can easily push the plastic all over to one side, or take it off completely, and replace it with shade cloth to protect your crops from the summer heat.


Assembly & Mobility
Easy up. Easy down.
With our in-depth installation video and included step-by-step instruction guide, this will be the easiest tunnel you’ve ever built. Two people can fully assemble our 14′ × 100′ Classic Tunnel in as few as two hours. Our Caterpillar Tunnel kits are fast and easy to move around your farm as production needs change throughout the season.
FAQs
Check out our knowledge base of support articles below.
Tech Specs
14-ft wide
10.06 MB pdf
16-ft wide
10.04 MB pdf
Classic
7 feet 8 inches (2.3m)
9 feet with Lift Kit
Classic Pro
9 feet (2.7m)
Lift Kit included
Gothic
9 feet (2.7m)
10 feet 4 inches (3.2m) with Lift Kit
Gothic Pro
10 feet 4 inches (3.2m)
Lift Kit included
14-ft wide
14 feet wide
16-ft wide
16 feet wide
1 ⅜” outside diameter
14-ft wide
28 feet wide
6‑mil greenhouse plastic
3‑year rating
16-ft wide
32 feet wide
6‑mil greenhouse plastic
3‑year rating
-
-
Gothic
6 feet 9 inches (2.1m)
8 feet 1 inch (2.5m) with Lift Kit
Gothic Pro
8 feet 1 inch (2.5m)
Lift Kit included
Classic
1″ flat polypropylene strap
Classic Pro
1 ⅜” diameter 17-gauge galvanized steel pipe
Gothic
1 ⅜” diameter 17-gauge galvanized steel pipe
Gothic Pro
1 ⅜” diameter 17-gauge galvanized steel pipe
Classic
2 – 3 hours
Classic Pro
4 – 8 hours
Gothic
3 – 4 hours
Gothic Pro
5 – 10 hours
Our tunnels meet the basic 325R National NRCS specifications. Ultimately, you should contact your local NRCS rep and provide our installation manual found at the top of this page and the spec sheet(s) attached to our knowledge base article, “Do your tunnels meet NRCS specifications?” for their review. Also, check out the NRCS guide below for step by step instructions on how to apply!
NRCS Documents and Guides
- 5 Steps to Assistance — How to get assistance from NRCS for farms, ranches, and forests.
- 16-ft Tunnel Specs Letter — A document with the specifications of our 16-ft tunnels.
- 14-ft Tunnel Specs Letter — A document with the specifications of our 14-ft tunnels.
The Caterpillar tunnels are shipped on a 4×8 wooden pallet via motor freight (an 18 wheel tractor trailer). Depending on the order, sometimes multiple tunnels can fit on one pallet.
You will receive a pro number for tracking from Farmers Friend when your shipment is picked up from our facility. It is recommended that you contact the carrier prior to delivery to make arrangements for time and date. There is some flexibility in date and time of delivery, but customers in remote areas should accept delivery at the carriers convenience to avoid excessive delays or extra charges.
Prior to moving or unloading, please take pictures of the order. This is in case items are missing or damaged we have a way to verify contents and condition. We recommend conducting an inventory of the shipment with your included packing list as soon as possible after unloading.
As far as unloading, it is the customer’s responsibility. The carrier will not have a forklift to unload. A forklift or tractor with forks is not required, as the shipment can be unloaded by hand with two people. Simply break the bands and remove the packaging. The individuals unloading should be capable of team-lifting 130 pounds. Out of consideration for the carrier, we request you prepare to unload as quickly as possible.
Farmers Friend will not authorize the use of any liftgate services, and they are not included in any shipping charges, nor is it included with free shipping. If the local terminal or driver offers lift gate services, do not accept them for any reason as there will be an additional charge billed to you from Farmers Friend at $150.
There is no official wind rating on our tunnels. The caterpillar tunnel is designed to be a moveable structure. Therefore, it is inherently not made to withstand high winds.
A tunnels ability to withstand wind is based on at least 6 factors:
- Soil type
- Water Saturation
- Bracing
- Anchoring Selection
- Wind Direction
- Customer Installation
Soft soils have less grip on the anchoring materials, while more compact soils hold better.
Related to soil type is ground saturation. How wet is the soil at the time of said wind event? Saturated soil will be more likely to let go of the anchors.
The standard caterpillar tunnel is stabilized by a nylon purlin strap. Accessories that increase rigidity while maintaining the caterpillar attribute of moveable are: Solid Center Purlin, Wind Bracing, and Spring Wire.
Anchoring options that exist for caterpillar tunnels are rebar, cemented ground posts, and Earth Anchors. Rebar is the most economical industry standard effective in moderate winds. Cemented ground posts eliminates the Caterpillar Tunnel strength of temporary, but provides a rock solid foundation. Earth Anchors are an expensive ground screw option that holds like concrete but is easily removed and reused.
Tunnels have also been reported as having problems with the plastic being blown to one side from broadside winds. Spring wire is a solution to aid in preventing this occurrence.
Customer installation is the final factor. Assuming all instructions are followed and installation is correct, the standard tunnel can withstand light winds and moderate gusts.
With all that said, our standard tunnels have withstood winds up to 50+ miles per hour. In the cases where similar winds have damaged tunnels, the six factors must be analyzed.
The prudent grower would do well to evaluate these six factors in light of their budget, short and long-term farm plan, and specific growing context.
You may also like
Gothic Caterpillar Tunnel
14' x 25' / 5-ft / Standard
Haven High Tunnel
Classic / 24'
Side Curtain Hook
Zipper Door End Wall
Single Zipper
Product Reviews
Review data
5 star reviews
- 82%
4 star reviews
- 12%
3 star reviews
- 6%
2 star reviews
- 0%
1 star reviews
- 0%
Share your thoughts
If you’ve used this product, share your thoughts with other customers.
Write a reviewRecent reviews
best
5 out of 5 stars
I am using caterpillar tunnel 3rd year very satisfied with this tunnel good price
Classic Caterpillar Tunnel
5 out of 5 stars
Farmers friend cannot be beat.
5 out of 5 stars
This was my second order with farmers friend and I legitimately did not think they could outdo themselves from the first time.
Ordering is a breeze, they are standing by to answer any questions or concerns you may have and they are seriously the friendliest group of people I’ve encountered through a business. The greenhouse kits are great, they sent an extra of every single piece, just in case something was missed and if you do happen to need help or are missing a part they will have it to you priority. 10/10 and I will absolutely be going through them a third time when I need more gear.
It’s Tops…!
5 out of 5 stars
After researching greenhouse’s for about 2 years I decided to go with Farmers Friend and I can definitely say it was a great choice. I just finished assembling my 16’ X 25’ Caterpillar Classic Pro with additional drip irrigation package and the whole process went very smoothly.
I wholeheartedly recommend you check these folks out, you won’t be disappointed.
Great improvements
5 out of 5 stars
I purchased my first tunnel about a year ago and we put it up and I absolutely love it. The tunnel is so great even in high winds that we decided to purchase the second one. We noticed some improvements in the parts and pieces of the second one that make it even easier to install. I'm looking forward to this growing season and all of the abundance I'm going to get because of these tunnels.
Great job 👏
5 out of 5 stars
I am figuring it out. Love the videos you have done to help with this process
Soooo much better
5 out of 5 stars
I’m using mine for propagation, and I can already see improvement in the quality of my seedlings. Very straightforward to assemble between the manual and videos. I was able to do all of it myself except for the plastic. Great product!
Will buy again
4 out of 5 stars
It went up fairly easily. But I had to request more wiggle wire and channel, since what was provided was not enough. To other buyers especially those with NCRS grants, make sure you get enough wiggle wire and channel, you’ll need to order extra. To Farmers Friend, please consider adding more wire and channel, enough to completely cover the ends from one side to the other.
Missing parts but over good quality
3 out of 5 stars
While I greatly appreciate the quality of the tunnel. The first missing part was the white house for the irrigation system. Since the tunnel was delivered during an ice storm it took us sometime to get to putting it together. Customer service was great. Received the piping. All other parts were in bags and I honestly just didn't think to count each piece. BUT upon actually putting the system together discovered that the hose adapter piece was also missing from the kit. We live in a very rural area , outside of 1 hardware store it's a 40 min drive back to the city. Only adapter I could get local was brass and it cost me time and another $35,xx. We are a small family production farm , new to this property we have a lot of work. Having small errors like missing parts sets us back and really affects our operation. I am a content creator on TikTok I bought this on my own accord and while I want to be transparent about the struggles of farming. I want to show my followers companies and products worth their while. I do not want to bash companies but I need to be honest about the experience I've had. I left a second message with farmers friends about missing parts and have yet to receive a call back. It's very frustrating to want to boost a company and to also be disappointed in the execution of it's arrival. Small farms just don't have the time and extra money to be taking extra trips to the store for parts they already paid for or waiting for them to be shipped out days later. Again I do overall like the tunnel , it's sturdy and easy to assemble! There is a lot going for this product!
Hi Sarah, I'm so sorry about the issues you experienced with your order! This isn't the experience we want for our customers and your frustration is understandable. Your issue has helped us to discover a loophole in our packing system that our team is currently digging into. While I know it doesn't completely solve the problem, I hope the new white tubing we sent and the refund we provided to cover your brass fitting purchase could at least get you back up and running.
Worth the Money/ Great Product
5 out of 5 stars
Wife and I are first time farmers. We researched countless companies and finally settled on FF. We purchased 2- 100 x 16 foot classic pro tunnels using the NRCS program through the USDA. Purchasing and shipping were extremely fast, even with supply chain nonsense. Once we inventoried the kits, I found we were short 2 of the lift kit legs and had an extra bow. I called and got an immediate answer. The 2 legs were shipped out; arriving 48 hrs later.
We were able to complete our build in no time. I was able to build one kit by myself entirely in 2 days, even being a disabled vet. My wife helped with the second one, so we blew through it in half a day.
Pros: Packaging is excellent, Instructions are stupid proof, Plenty of info provided, videos are available if you get stuck, common sense construction, DIY Door Kits are fantastic, strong construction, all the parts do what they are supposed to. Great customer service so far.
Cons: Tek Screws on one kit sucked. I kept burning the self-tapping portion off of them.
Update: **We have had several TERRIBLE storms here in South East Louisiana. All have had tornadoes, high winds, hail, or frigid temps with ice. So far these high tunnels have held up with no issue. (thank God.) Will definitely buy again.