canopy set up

jason rawls

jason rawls

Weekend Warrior
Whats the best portable canopy to use for a mobile detailer.I need something that I can set up by my self without looking like a bumbling idiot. I'm also looking for something affordable - say between 100 to 200 bucks. I bought and EZ Shade canopy from Wal-mart a while back and had one hell of a time trying to set it up by myself. Even worse was trying to take it down because I broke it. Luckily I bought from Wal-Mart and had no problems returning it. I know there's gotta be a better way!
 
Jason,
I'm in the same dilema you are in. I've been looking myself. I have found one solution but the cost is up there. Also, this may not work for you because of your set up. I've looked into the roll down type of canopy that you find on RV's. I have a cargo van I work with and this type can be bolted on the side of my van and rolled down by myself with no help. I'm not making the move though until I know it will work well and won't look completely stupid on my van. So far it's the only thing I've found that will serve my needs. Let me know if you figure anything else out. You can find a picture of my van at www.denverdetail.com
 
Somebody else suggested this idea to make it easy to set up one those canopies such as EZUP that springs up as you pull it open. What you do is attach rollers to the bottom of all the legs except one before you pull them apart. The one leg will stay planted while the others roll out. Then just reverse the process to take it down. Sounds like a pretty good idea although I havent tried it yet. I thnk that it would save you from having to have the type of set up you are talking about. Good luck!
 
There are a few companys that make "Quick tents" and they go up in a few seconds. I have been searching the net since I read this and I have the picture of it in my head but i haven't found it yet.

Ive searched for everything like .... portable garage, portable canopy, quick canopy ect... to no avail. there is a lot of stuff out there.

I work for a camping company (www.campmor.com) and being that I am one of the buyers I have access to all of the vendor catalogs. I will take a look through the tent companys and see if there is any alternitive solutions. I will try to get back to you tommorow.

On another note. The ez-up style canopys are pretty easy! as a sugestion ...the first thing I always tell people to do is to lightly grease the different fittings (helps make it slide easier) other than that there isn't much I can tell you.

Ill get back to you soon
 
jason rawls said:
I just bought an 10x10 EZ UP from Wal Mart for $92 - not bad at all (comes with a two year warranty)
Click to expand...

Im very interested to know ease of set-up when only one person is putting the canopy up. Keep us posted. :D
 
Just to give you an update....

I spent a good portion of last week flipping through the various manufactures catalogs. And as of now the only tent that is suitable for the job is the ez-up style tents.

I will keep looking and keep you guys updated if I do come accross anything. If you guys know of a brand that does make a unit that is more suitable but can't find a location to buy it at... let me know if there are enough of you that want them I can probably place an order for a bunch and you would beable to buy them through me.

Nick
 
Without a doubt the EZ-UP is the best. It's fast to set up and fast to take down and is very sturdy and well made. I've had mine for three yrs. now and it still looks like new. I found it from some supplier on ebay for $200 + S&H of about $65. It came with the weight bags, thhree side curtains, stake kit, and roller bag. It has to be the best $265 I've ever spent.
 
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