A little update to the shelter.

[SmokeyBob]

The blue tarp on top didn't work out. A couple of the grommets I installed on the tarp ripped out. Mainly because I didn't add any reinforcement to the grommet. So now I'm using a heavier tarp, the kind that has that silver on one side. I'm not attaching this tarp to the frame. It's just stretched out over the top and held down with the ropes. So far it's working and staying put. And I did get the shower curtain up.

Now it kinda looks like a circus tent Well it is the Alegria.


View from the other side.

[jagular7]

I would suggest you check out a boat cover place. They fab custom fabric covers for boats and could easily do something for you. If you think about it some, you could place a bungee style cord in the sewn hem and have little hooks to hook to holes in your poles. Or use shower curtain hooks to the bungee cord.

I had an open trailer cover made to work with the trailers hooks in such a manner. I added a pvc to hold the middle up to help drain the rain water.

[SmokeyBob]

Mike, thanks for the tip. I know in time this tarp will sun rot and I'll be looking to replace it with something else.

[Ira]

On a similar subject:

The collapsable EZ-Ups that a bunch of us bought recently:

I went to HD yesterdat and bought eight 1 1/2" fender washers with 1/2" openings. I'm going to epoxy these in 4 spots of the top, and stick a 1/2" vinyl hose in each to route away any collected water so the roof doesn't collpase.

Since this EZ-Up is so big, once it's up, from THERE I'm going to look at it and the TD to rig side walls using the EZ-Ups legs to secure lines and such to hang wall material.

We'll see.

[SmokeyBob]

Ira
Sounds like a plan, take pics and let us know if it works. One other thing, if you add side walls to that EZ-Up, make sure it's tied down. While setting up my shelter a gust of wind blew it over before I got it tied down.

Have a great day.

[jagular7]

I got a Quest canopy. It comes with a rolling bag and weighs 57#s. My color is red and the legs are more straight up/down. A friend of mine got a cheaper model, also a Quest, which was blue, has the built in tension rope, and angled legs. His looked to be the same, but is 37#s, comes in a smaller bag and was on sale for $60 at Dick's.
Mine also came with a wind/sun blocker. It velcros to the legs and frame. Here is a pic of mine.


I don't see a way that rain will gather on these types of canopies. To hold the canopy down, we both used long thick pegs on the legs.

[Ira]

Mike, rain CAN collect. Be careful, or do a hose test in the backyard.

[b.bodemer]

Just got back from a four day kayak trip. My Quest from Dick's is green and is a 12' x 12'. It poured like crazy one night and everyone was under that set up. Again and again it's proven to hold up to wind and heavy rain. I laughed when I saw all the chairs set up and then a second row of people. Looked like movie theater seating. The last morning it took just about 2 minutes to take down. Lowered it, took off the top and folded, walked in all corners and it's good to go. It comes in a rolling bag too and because I have a truck it's no problem packing it. For sure I am getting the side walls soon. We used a blue tarp that night to keep out the blowing wind.

Whatever you use or pick to buy it just has to work for you...........
Barb

[SmokeyBob]

A question to the owners of the EZ-UP or Quest canopy's.

The main reason I haven't purchased a canopy such as a EZ-Up or Quest is I'm not sure if I could set it up by myself. I can only use one arm and I have limited strength in that arm. I would hate to spend the money and then find out I couldn't set it up. I have observed this type of canopy being set up and it looks like you need at lest two people to do it. Just stretching the canopy over the corners, because of it's tight fit, seemed to require some physical strength.

Would someone mind setting up there canopy by only using one arm to see if it could be done. Or do you feel, from your own experence, that you would need at least two people to set it up.

[asianflava]

Mine is a fairly heavy duty model EZ-up. Setting it up probably wouldn't be too difficult one handed (it would be an excercise in paitence), the problem is getting it out and placing it where you want. Even though the bag has wheels, it is heavy and akward. If you are at a gathering help is easily available if you are on your own, you are just that....on your own.

[jagular7]

Both of mine do require a 2 person to handle the separating the legs. I keep the cover on it once up and down. I don't remove it while packing it. The larger red one comes with the single bag with 2 wheels and 2 pegs (standing up). I can't see using 1 hand to pull it out of the camper, setting up, and taking down, then repacking it back into the bag.

I would suggest that you look into maybe a pop-up style canopy. Its a bag that is attached to the top of the camper. It could have the poles rolledup in it, or separated. I would think you could find that better to handle.

[Gambam]

I have two, one has the heavier ez-up frame, the other is the Quest. I set them up by myself but I could never do it one handed.

One person set up is pretty easy. Just set the frame on one corner of where you want it and secure one leg to the ground. Then grab the opposite corner, lift and walk back. The frame will go up and you just have to lock in the corners.

I really like the Quest from Dick's, and you can't beat the $59 price. The tent accessory is very nice and super easy to use.

[jagular7]

....snip....One person set up is pretty easy. Just set the frame on one corner of where you want it and secure one leg to the ground. Then grab the opposite corner, lift and walk back. The frame will go up and you just have to lock in the corners. ....snip....

I had thought of that, but then my daughter asked what she could do to help. Amazing for a 12 yr old!!!

Thanks for the working way of doing it oneself.

[SmokeyBob]

First let me say thanks to everyone for your input. It gives me something to think about.

Haven't given up totally on getting a canopy. I always feel if there is a will there is a way. But I'm also realistic. Sometimes you can have all the will you want and there is just no way.

Thanks again.