Another Pop-Up Canopy Thread - Opinions Needed Please

[shootr]

So here's my pretty lil' TTT:



It's a "typical" 4' x 8" Red Trailer build, and with only a single weekend camp trip under our belt we've starting our wish list and daydreaming. We know we want some sort of pop-up canopy with side walls for: Changing room / Sun shield / Rain cover.

I'm fixating on the 10' x 15' 4-leg designs for the following reasons:

Placed sideways over the TTT, which is 4' wide, I see several scenarios depending on available room at any given campsite:
Just a couple feet on one side would leave 8' or so on the "social" side - enough for a couple chairs and small table to enjoy the rain
Centered over the trailer would give both of us approx. 5' for changing, leg stretching, etc.
Or just centered over the TTT if the campsite doesn't allow for spreading out too much.

The entire trailer would be shaded (important in AZ, even in the high country). The kitchen would still have enough room to open (with a second, shorter prop rod) under it for cooking comfort. (If I'm wrong I can offset the canopy to the front so the hatch is outside of it)

This is the one I am eyeballing and would appreciate input if anyone has personal experience with the design - or pitfalls you have experienced with "budget" canopies like this. I'm a bit of a cheapo and until I know I'll be happy with the size and use - I can't spend over $250 initially. I'd be crushed dropping $400+ only to discover it won't work like I want.




The listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/130997926792?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The "short" walls are zippered and we can cover the windows for privacy when necessary. The feet can be pegged to the ground to help keep it from taking flight, along with ground screw anchors.

So let me know your thoughts and comments - you can't offend, only help me avoid overlooking something!

Cheers

[DrCrash]

First let me say this is my opinion and observation on these folding shelter.

They work great on a calm windless to very light wind day.
In a thunderstorm where it is gusting they fold, twist and fly away.
Some , including myself have tried to fix this by staking them down even hanging weights and I have used tent pegs and 2000lb ratchet straps attached to bumpers , picnic tables to hold the damn things down to no avail.

Now in all fairness the picture you have shown an internal cross bracing. Some have done that with great success with pvc pipe.

I do own 2 of them, we do use them but they come down when we go somewhere for the day and at night..

[dclarkbar]

And sometimes,while you are gone, the neighbors take down your canopy... while watching theirs fly away!!!!!

[DrCrash]

Ahh yes they do Dave. Thank you for the save..



Sorry about the hijack :-)

[Rolly]

Some of the newer designs have vents in the top that let wind gusts through, they are better but not wind proof.

Gary

[bc toys]

If it don't have EZ UP on it I want buy it just bought on straight legged and the 1st day the wind made it look like a pretzel yes it was staked down at all 4 legs I have a EZ UP THAT IS 10+ years old and still standing better tube steel and the plastic joints still work good the top is starting to show some ware. So if any of you have a 10x10 top you want to send me let me know.

[nevadatear]

We have an ez up dome II that was designed for wind. We have had it in some pretty strong winds with no trouble. Yes, we stake it down, but it handles them well. It lasted for 5 years, and probably would have many more, if we had paid a little attention at our last gathering when it was raining and drained the balloon of water accumulating from the down pour out of it before we went to bed! But that was our own fault. The legs were doing just fine!

[pohukai]

I have this from REI. I used it recently in a mild rain storm with wind. I staked it down. I absolutely love it. Two sides opposite sides are arched making it perfect for the galley hatch to get underneath for protection.

http://www.rei.com/product/794290/rei-alcove-shelter
and with the windbreaks.... FANTASTIC.

http://www.rei.com/product/761882/rei-alcove-windwalls/?cm_mmc=cse_PLA-_-pla-_-7618820018&mr:trackingCode=31AD3FB2-C919-E011-8E88-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=52774014400&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=68532232480&msid=Fyt17WDq_dc|pcrid|52774014400|

[shootr]

First let me say this is my opinion and observation on these folding shelter.

They work great on a calm windless to very light wind day.
In a thunderstorm where it is gusting they fold, twist and fly away.
Some , including myself have tried to fix this by staking them down even hanging weights and I have used tent pegs and 2000lb ratchet straps attached to bumpers , picnic tables to hold the damn things down to no avail.

Now in all fairness the picture you have shown an internal cross bracing. Some have done that with great success with pvc pipe.

I do own 2 of them, we do use them but they come down when we go somewhere for the day and at night..

Thanks for responding - exactly what I'm looking for - real world experience. This one has steel poles instead of aluminum, heavier but sturdier and I agree - lot's of cross bracing.

[shootr]

Some of the newer designs have vents in the top that let wind gusts through, they are better but not wind proof.

Gary

Finding that feature is tough, but I'm a bit of a tinkerer (well duh, look where I'm hanging out ) and think I may be able to figure out how to add some - either with extra material and sewing or maybe a vinyl patch kit...still working on that.

[stumphugger]

I have the REI Alcove, with no sides. It came in handy while camping near Astoria OR. in April. It does catch rain and sag. I may need to stake it out better? I also detect some tears starting, and it hasn't been used much. We took it down when there was a gale coming in. I'm not sure about recommending it.

[tony.latham]

I keep looking for the perfect canopy and have yet to find it. We use this "wing" for shade or shelter if it looks like we're in for a dinner-time thunderstorm:


It does well in the wind but you really have to duck to get in and out of it. I would like to find one that's a bit taller and uses clips for the poles instead of the sleeves.

My sister has a Kelty Tailgater for her 4-wide. The back side is open, so it looks like it' easy enough to get in and out of.


I'd really like to see it in in person but I think it'll have to wait for June since we got 4" of white stuff last night.

T

[bobhenry]

My” First up” brand pop up shelter was bought used in 07. It has been with me on each and every one of the 38 +/- 2 and/or 3 day gatherings. It has stood during wind storms, rain storms, and even snow storms. I have never taken it down out of concern for storm damage because it was staked in my opinion properly. It has been a kitchen , a living room , a privacy potty and changing room, and just simple canopy protection from drizzle and sun.





As you see to fly away it will have to lift the rear of the trailer and a picnic table, and if that happens there are a lot bigger things to worry about than a canopy

[shootr]

Even though I know there were threads on pop-up canopies before - thank you all for taking the time to respond.

Now I feel I have a lot more good info to take into consideration before deciding on one. Luckily it's winter so shade isn't critical for a few months - but good old Arizona - we get to go camping again next weekend, this time to Oak Flats, less than an hour east of Phoenix/Mesa but high, cool, and desert-pretty.

Both places we've camped and are planning to camp - I've never been before, and is indicative of the kind of camping we plan on doing (not so much formal campgrounds but "boondocking" in out-of-the-way but legal places), so these "dry runs" before deciding on a canopy will help us decide what will work for us.

Happy camping everyone and thanks again!

[shootr]

My” First up” brand pop up shelter was bought used in 07. It has been with me on each and every one of the 38 +/- 2 and/or 3 day gatherings. It has stood during wind storms, rain storms, and even snow storms. I have never taken it down out of concern for storm damage because it was staked in my opinion properly. It has been a kitchen , a living room , a privacy potty and changing room, and just simple canopy protection from drizzle and sun.





As you see to fly away it will have to lift the rear of the trailer and a picnic table, and if that happens there are a lot bigger things to worry about than a canopy

Is that a 10' x 10' you have there? A great series of pics because I'm wondering about if the canopy allows the kitchen to open and how far, ideas for tie-downs, and just a general look at how one looks offset a little just like it appears your is. Thanks Bob.