What is best portable canopy?

[dragracerray]

I am not looking forward to the heat of summer. I would like a way to at least partially keep the car out of the sun. What products have you guys had good luck with? Here are some of the things I have heard are important.
-ease of setup, ease of tear down
-ability to stay in place in the wind
-what size to use, is 10x10 to small?

thanks in advance, Ray

[FED 387]

if you look around you can usually find at the Big Box stores inexpensive ones (NOT CHEAP BUT LOW COST) or online but figure in shipping if you go online--- Expect to spend about on average in the $100-130 range for a 10x10 and they go up from there- DO NOT get a anything smaller than 10x10 it gets too crowed and some cars are too wide to fit underneath them -whatever you get make sure that the "ribs" that hold the roof area up are metal tubing not the fiberglass rods that the real cheapies have---also invest in some bungee cords or cheap ratcheting straps to anchor the corners down if it gets breezy along with some weights to attach those cords to---Obviously EZ UP is the Cadillac of them all but probably the most expensive watch out for the Walmart units some models are not worth it too many problems(JUNK)---lesser priced units are available and will do a good job---I suggest if it is in your budget buy 2 canopies that way you can move them about if need be to cover the whole car and provide shade for the troops too---Suggest WHITE as any of the others (RED, BLUE) will make everything under neath have a bluish or red tint to it-- thats my experience----FED387

[HR9121]

I highly recommend spending the extra money for one of the EZ UP canopies. They are a little pricey but I have the 10x20 that I've had for 6 or 7 years and it's still in great shape. It's a little on the heavy side but I can put it by myself but definitely works easier with 2 people. Just like everything else we do spend a little more now but save a bunch in the long run.

[65signet]

I have the best luck with Summit brand canopy, it has lasted longer that any of the others, and you cant beat the price.

[JGrossijr]

There are several brands that are good. I think it's more about the features and construction.

Important construction/features in my opinion are
- Aluminum frame - for lower weight
- Vertical legs - So shade coverage is as big as the footprint
- Full truss construction - This is a must for strength & durability
- Spring pull pins - Easy to operate and replace if necessary
- Vented top - Less likely to fly away in a gust of wind

I've been happy with the Caravan brand Aluma model. Own several of them

[FED 387]

Also some offer a white powder coated frame nice extra touch but not necessary--- ditto on what the others said 10x20 can be kind of cumbersome but if you have a few guys its easy to put up--just noticed that EZ UP has some sales going now depending on the retailer--FED 387

[dragracerray]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Lots of good advice. I have never owned a canopy before. This is a big help. Ray

[dartman]

just make sure you can tie it down.nothing like a canopy flying in the pits.

[Andy Friar]

We have a Coleman brand 12 x 12 and is nice. Can withstand a pretty decent wind and rain, provided you use all of the nails and stakes to hold it down to the ground at the poles and using the strings. One technique I learned from camping, put all the pole stakes in a varying angles so the canopy can not lift up and down on the stakes. We bought the optional and removal walls too for hot sun and low wind days. Works for good for blowing rain days since we are a truck and trailer setup. Whatever brand you buy, I recommend from a long time durability standpoint to remove the canopy when you store it. Yes more work, but the metal structure can pinch, tear, cut and wear the canopy in the bag and when being moved around or towed in the trailer.



https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Insta.../dp/B00339C3EG

[1700camaro]

Originally Posted by Andy Friar

We have a Coleman brand 12 x 12 and is nice. Can withstand a pretty decent wind and rain, provided you use all of the nails and stakes to hold it down to the ground at the poles and using the strings.

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Insta.../dp/B00339C3EG

X2 on the Coleman 12 x 12 & we have had/used the ez up brand,