Product information
Gothic 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.
Installation
FREE Installation Quote
We now offer installation services in Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, and Northern Alabama. Our team will ensure a quick and efficient installation, allowing you to maximize your growing season.
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)
5 out of 5 stars
New Tunnel Options!
Wider, Stronger Tunnels Now Available!
Max out your farm with the thickest gauge steel Caterpillar Tunnel on the market! Now both our 14-ft wide and 16-ft wide Gothic tunnels are made 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. The 2 feet wider tunnels provide 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, Cross Bars and 16-inch Lift Kit for added strength and height.
5 out of 5 stars
Classic Tunnels
…And Southern Growers!
The Classic Caterpillar 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 Caterpillar Tunnel 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 or where wind is a greater problem than snow. 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 contiguous 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.
5 out of 5 stars
FAQs
Check out our knowledge base of support articles below.
Tech Specs
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
Classic
17-gauge (14-ft wide)
14-gauge (16-ft wide)
Classic Pro
17-gauge (14-ft wide)
14-gauge (16-ft wide)
Gothic
14-gauge (14-ft & 16-ft wide)
Gothic Pro
14-gauge (14-ft & 16-ft wide)
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
4‑year rating
16-ft wide
32 feet wide
6‑mil greenhouse plastic
4‑year rating
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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.
Product Reviews
Review data
5 star reviews
- 90%
4 star reviews
- 5%
3 star reviews
- 3%
2 star reviews
- 0%
1 star reviews
- 2%
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I purchased three of these tun...
5 out of 5 stars
I purchased three of these tunnels, and put them up by myself. Instructions were clear, and all the parts came with it. I did find that it went significantly faster to slide the clamps for the cross bars onto the peak hoops, before attaching the side hoops. That way I didn't have to spend the time spreading the clamps, and then squeezing them together.
Love these tunnels.
5 out of 5 stars
We now have a total of three of the 16x50 gothic pro tunnels. They are easy to assemble, stand up to harsh New England winds and have a huge impact on improving growing conditions. On top of all this, Farmers Friend stands by their products and offers amazing customer service. We plan to add more tunnels to our farm in the future.
Been there, Done that
5 out of 5 stars
I have constructed many tunnels over the last 25 years as a farmer, and this one was definitely the easiest! In the first few weeks, my Farmer's Friend tunnel has withstood heavy winds beyond belief. I am very grateful for the free shipping and quality of the customer service.
Love these hoophouses
5 out of 5 stars
This is our 4th Gothic Tunnel hoophouse and we love these tunnels but more so, the customer service Farmers Friend provides is unmatched. We will continue to support them for their great service and quality of products they provide. Thank you for all your work to help extend our growing season.
Great cat tunnel
5 out of 5 stars
Love this thing, wish I had bought it years ago. I have the 14’ by 35’ one (I added on some parts to get the extra 10’) and it is much sturdier than I anticipated, even before adding crossbars, wind braces, used extra crossbars as windbraces, endwalls and added weights along the bracing. I live in a windy area and have had structures get damaged before. I did it mostly by myself, never have built much before. Plastic was easy to get on with one person and some heavy duty clips- used those at the top to secure it and then went from there. Added my own endwalls using the extra plastic, 2 by 4s, and adhesive zippers. The instructions were very clear- only thing I would say is that it DEFINITELY took more than 3-4 hours to put up. Took me more like 20 with the endwalls. I was missing 4 ez clips but called and got them the next day. I’d definitely buy another kit!
Mud season
5 out of 5 stars
Our Caterpillar Gothic tunnel arrived on one pallet perfectly wrapped. Unfortunately for us Mother Nature is not giving us the spring weather , instead snowstorms have been adding to mud season. We are very anxious to get it set up but we need a solid month to dry out. At that time I will add to my review.
Easy to assemble, sturdy structure, easy delivery
5 out of 5 stars
This is our first ever high tunnel/greenhouse, so keep that in mind. We ordered the 50foot gothic pro, with one framed double zipper end door. the end door instructions... could be a tad bit clearer, as in, in the tunnel instructions each page showed what parts/tools would be needed for that set of instructions. all in all, we figured it out and had the whole thing, including the door, built in two days(again, this is our first ever one of these. getting the plastic on looks way, way easier on the youtube video, we wish we had another set of hands just for that part, but we did it, and one day later the whole thing survived 60mph gusts perfectly!)
The best customer service helped through missing tunnel items
5 out of 5 stars
My pallet was broken apart when I recieved it, and was missing the wind bracing and the associated hardware. I also had mis manufactured clamps for the top center purlin (2 of them). When I called farmers friend about these issues they quickly sent out the missing/correct pieces for my Gothic pro. It did take longer to put up than I had originally anticipated, but they company made things right, and their staff are polite and very kind. This is my 4th tunnel purchase from them.
LOVE these tunnels!
5 out of 5 stars
We just purchased our 3rd and 4th Gothic pro tunnels. With two people, these are an easy setup, probably 15 hours for each tunnel, and they look great! Excited to get these up and planted for the new season!
Great season extension
4 out of 5 stars
These tunnel kits are an easy solution when money is tight and a quick season extension solution is needed. They serve their purpose. This was my 2nd & 3rd purchase of a gothic tunnel from FF. I took a star away because there was a step missing from the pamphlet of directions that had me scrambling. Luckily I kind of remembered how it was supposed to go from the first build a couple years prior. The build is pretty intuitive, but still. I tried finding the corresponding video but the website & videos are inaccessible on Saturdays. Which is when so many farmers - especially part-time farmers - are building/working. It baffles me.