Question: Portable Shelters/Canopies

I am looking for a 10’ x 20’ portable shelter for the upcoming race season. I trolled the paddock this past season and the preferred brands appear to be "EZ-Up" or “Caravan/Undercover” (a cheaper Costco brand?).

I'm looking for something with side extensions to be able to create a completely closed enclosure in case of heavy rain. Other than ordering new online, anyone have any suggestions on where to purchase new or used? (I've tried Craigslist with surprisingly little luck.)

Thanks for any ideas or insights on this incredibly boring but increasingly necessary topic.

/Rich

Go to Walmart and buy two 10 X 10 First Up canopies with side walls. A 6" wide piece of plastic and 3 spring clamps will make a gutter between them.

Easier to set up, easier to haul and 75% of the time you will only need one. Personally I HATE the 10 X 20 erector sets. They are heavy and almost impossible to set up with one person.

In reply to Toyman01:

Your raise an excellent point: I was reading the comments for some of the 10 x 20 shelters and it seems that setup is really a two-person job. While my experience is that my neighbors in the paddock are always willing to lend a hand, I am my own "crew" at race events so would need something that can be set up with one person in a pinch. So I take it that the 10 x 10s can be set up with one person?

Yes sir!!

I used the same setup described in Toyman's post.

It also doubles as a nice tent and porch setup using the "skeeter" net on one 10x10 and the side walls on the other with fake grass as the floor

another pair of 10x10 suggestion, I got the entire setup for $130 on sale 3 black fridays ago (at sport authority, no lines, mess or hassle). The setup also doubles nicely as a paint booth using a pair of box fans, 4 filtrete filters and drop sheeting

The only problem with two 10x10 units next to each other is cobbling together some sort of gutter in the middle. If the intent is to provide dry work space for a car, then that may be an issue.

Also - if going with two, make sure the legs are straight and not splayed/slanted out. The latter is more stable when solo, but the former are easier to place side-by-side and strap together. The slant leg version seem to be the ones you see for sale for cheap.

EZ-ups are a bit of a PITA to erect/take down solo. While I've done it many, many times, it goes considerably faster with two people.

It doesn't surprise me that you're coing up empty on CL. They're not the sort of thing you sell once you buy one. They're just too damn useful to have around.

If you're planning to use it often, look for one with metal parts vs plastic. The cheap ones often have plastic hinges and will eventually break. I have two - one I bought over a decade ago - all metal construction and straight legs. I used to put it next to my van when camping at mtn bike races. It's been up/down hundreds of times over the past decade-plus. When I first started autocrossing, I brought it with me, but then decided I didn't use it enough to be worth the hassle. I also have a slant leg version with plastic parts I inherited from a friend. It was only used a couple of times a year for picnics, but despite the less frequent use, is starting to fall apart.

All the stage rally guys by me use 10x10s, doubled up if necessary, that's what I know. I've never seen any of them use a 10x20 and these guys have no shortage of cash, manpower or hauling capability.

I have a 10x10 that I got from Dick's Sporting Goods year's ago for well under $100. I left it out one winter to cover a project and the top tore but I still use it as a garage, covered porch, or shelter from the elements. We've started camping more and are adding a second one with mesh and solid walls. It takes me about a minute less to setup/teardown with a helper. Thanks for the tip on the "gutter".

I've assembled the 10x20 erector set types on more than one occaision at our church, and I own one of the 10x10 $90 WalMart specials.

Buy 2 10x10s.

Don't even look at the other ones unless you are guaranteed, no questions, not having to touch it yourself. Like, hire a team of migrant works to fit the tubes while you sip mint juleps. And make sure they read Chinese.

With some thought you could make a gutter piece that wraps up inside each tenet and attaches to the support bars on the 10x10s so it's pretty stable. Be sure to point one end downhill so the water runs out and doesn't collect. It would take some thought but I would bet your end result is as watertight as one of the cheapo 10x20s. If it's REALLY bad weather, you're screwed either way.

The straight legs are absolutely the way to go, I second that.

Guys... I don't think he's talking about a 10x20 "erector-set" type canopy, but a 10x20 EZ-up... Which are nice because they tend to be more "commerical-grade" in construction. If they a down-side, they're bloody heavy and I don't know if single-man set-up would be possible.

One other thing, when tying them down, most people only worry about the legs themselves, tying them to tires filled with concrete or 5 gallon buckets filled with water (easier to transport). The key to keeping it from flying away and twisting into a pretzel is to use the cords for the ends of the canopy itself and tie those down too. Makes a world of difference. I've got one of the WalMart 10x10's that many people told me would fall apart, but it still works well 5 years later. There's a few worn spots in the canopy from rubbing on the frame, but a tent patch kit will fix them right up.

-Rob

I got to work under a 10.20 at LS Fest and it definitely nicer than having 2 10x10's as I do myself, I park so the gap is at the bottom of the windshield so in the rain it's not horrible. I sometimes use a single side curtain kit spring clamped to the frame, any tarp would work as well. not great but usable.

In reply to Ian F:

Ian: You are correct, this is the type of 10 x 20 I was considering although I was hoping to find the equivalent, slightly cheaper version like Costco's Caravan brand:

www.ezupdirect.com/product/eclipse-ii-10-x-20-steel-black/

Regarding the option of getting two 10 x 10 canopies, I assume this is the straight-leg style people are recommending:

www.ecanopy.com/ca10x10alcap.html

Decisions, decisions . . .

Northern Tool sells a similar 10x20 for less than half: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200435212_200435212

N-T shipping can be pricey, tho... If you have a Tractor Supply near you, their prices are similar and while they may not have it in stock (although a 10x20 they probably do), you can do a buy-online/phone & ship-to-store pick-up to save on shipping. That's what I did when I bought my 13x20 temp garage.

In reply to Ian F:

Thanks Ian!

We used a white tarp type canopy 'garage' with a steel frame for outdoor storage. It was not tall enough for an AS. The frame needs to be securely fastened down and the sides and top tied down well. Wind lifted ours and bent it a lot. It was salvageable but just barely. In Southern California sun the fabric essentially fell apart in three years. If served the purpose but I won't waste the money on one again.. I found many on internet. You can also try these.. Check here..

You can also visit http://www.artisantents.ae/products/shade-solutions/car-park-shades/ here.. If you want more Portable Shelters/Canopies..

When it comes to the portable pop-up type shelter tents, there's E-Z UP and then there's everything else. E-Z UP is expensive, but it is head and shoulders above the competition. Especially if you're going to attempt to wrestle with a 10-20.

Since this thread was made I've had a chance to try my knockoff EZ-up...it's not the real thing, but I have a hard time believing that even the real deal would stand up to anything but the mildest weather considering how much damage mine has taken from the wind and how often you need to push pooling water off in the rain. I can see why the stage rally guys always truck in the big heavy "erector set" types now.

My 10x10 straight-leg EZ-up(1) withstood a freak thunderstorm about 6 years ago. The shear winds were incredible. I should have taken it down, but we didn't think it was going to be that bad. It was worse than bad. At least three other ez-ups(1) were destroyed, but mine survived thanks to me and a buddy holding it down and me standing on my cooler pushing against the wind. It was nuts.

(1) "EZ-up" = actual EZ-up brand pop-up. "ez-up" (lower case) = generic pop-up, unsure of brand

The 10X20 ez ups are not a lot of fun. We use them in our paddock. They are really heavy and most definitely are a multi person setup and tear down. There durability isn't the best either. We use the commercial grade ones. Some keys to living with them: Check the nuts and bolts at every event. Use zip ties to force up the center canopy support, making the canopy tight, as it will shed water easier. Trying to open or close the canopy by yourself, contributes to breakage, as the canopy will flex, and eventually break. Get good weights for them as well. We use them primarily for hospitality. We also use hex tents out of the UK. The frames are far stronger(also heavier). These are more ideal for the car, as it gives you a lot more usable covered work area for the car.

GameboyRMH wrote: Since this thread was made I've had a chance to try my knockoff EZ-up...it's not the real thing, but I have a hard time believing that even the real deal would stand up to anything but the mildest weather considering how much damage mine has taken from the wind and how often you need to push pooling water off in the rain. I can see why the stage rally guys always truck in the big heavy "erector set" types now.

That's the difference between a real EZ-UP and a knock off.

The knock-offs pool water, sag, break, etc. The expensive EZ-UP holds the fabric tight so it sheds water, and they survive winds and stupid snow loads.

You very much get what you pay for. You'll also discover the differences when it comes time to put one up, or take it down.

Don't get me wrong, I've got a cheapish knock-off. It's a fair weather toy only. But for that, it's adequate. Built in rain catcher sags, many extra steps and time in setting up or taking down, wiggly and flimsy. But, it keeps the sun off and was less than $100.

foxtrapper wrote: When it comes to the portable pop-up type shelter tents, there's E-Z UP and then there's everything else. E-Z UP is expensive, but it is head and shoulders above the competition. Especially if you're going to attempt to wrestle with a 10-20.

This is truth. I've got a 10x10 EZ Up, and it is built like a tank. Downside is that it's fairly heavy, and not a snap to set up solo. I've had mine for years, and my neighbor has been through several of the cheapies.

Adler is a sophisticated canoe?

In reply to Enyar:

I was thinking the same thing

Contact Wes Holliday owner of Holliday Canopies:

http://www.holidaycanopies.com

He's a great guy, and will give you honest advice on what best suits your needs. Many of us have used various types of canopies, but Wes has forgotten more than most of us will ever know about these things.

+1 on the EZ-Up being superior to cheap-o brands. We travel and set up booths at events throughout the country, and our canopies take a beating. The EZ-Up 10x10 shelters we use have been extraordinarily sturdy and long-lasting. They also offer replacement parts instead of having to purchase an entirely new canopy.