I have seen lots of posts on what has had to be my biggest dilemma while camping, Ideal rain and sun shelter for the campsite.
I had my mind set on an E-Z up (not brand specific) any style of pop up, but like most things everyone has different opinions on what's the best road to go. For every good thing I have heard about EVERY brand of pop up I have heard 3 drawbacks, the number one killer of pop ups seems to be high wind, be it due to failure to secure well or just the inherent design of the giant kite like box we huddle under to hide from the elements.
the purists even scoff at the idea of said shelters stating "your camping, suck it up"
The price points of most "shelters" was holding me back from pulling the trigger, and while waiting for myself to make up my mind which one would be right for me I have been using two "texsport" brand SUV shelters, I purchased two off of the world wide web clearance for $20 each, and they are not bad, not bomb proof by any means but have held up well in high wind and are serving me well. (will attach photos)
these limit themselves to "rain fly" for the teardrop and don't work well over picnic tables, and while they set up quick enough, I was still on the quest for Instant shade. The other drawback with the pop up shade/shelters is they set up well with two people, while I have set one up all by myself, thirty hands would be an advantage.
I ran across a maker of a device that caught my eye (I will not post name here as I am not plugging their product ), if you send me a line I will email you their web site) I had a eureka moment! and said I can make one of those so below are some photos of the project.
Basic idea is I have a receiver tube on the back of the teardrop for a bike hauler (I know there are several opinions on this practice) I have put together a device that folds out (telescopes if you will) and holds TWO 10' x 6.5' rectangle patio umbrellas. Patio umbrellas can be found cheap enough and go up VERY fast with one person cranking away! they hold up very well in high wind, and the device that holds them in place fold out to move both independently of each other; fold out from rear to cover galley, each of the teardrop entry doors, or swing out to cover picnic seating!
I can toss it all in the trunk and use just on the receiver of the jeep for picnic, tailgating, etc.
The over all cost of the project including umbrellas has been under $100 (less than the pop up shelter I had my eye on!)
While everything does not always work for everyone... this works for me!
Cheers!
Jimmie
