OT: Instant Canopy Recommendations?

WeberWho

Thanks guys. I picked up a 13x13 Coleman canopy from Costco. I couldn't find it cheaper elsewhere. Plus it was an additional $20 off sale that expires tonight. So I went with it. 

RRP

WeberWho said:

Hi I'm looking for an easy up type of canopy for an occasional bbq competition or cook over night. I had a 12x12 EZ-Up canopy which seemed to work descent but was rushed when put away in the rain. It ended up breaking and snapping a few poles. I'm not opposed to buying EZ-Up again but was wondering if there are some other brand name canopy you guys recommend? I'm hoping to get another 12'×12' canopy. Straight legged is preferred. Really hoping for something under $150. It will be used sparingly. Thanks for any help or tips!

Hey, buddy ..any chance you would be willing to drive down to Pete's Eggfest in Sterling, IL on Sat, June 16th? I have a 10x10 (or maybe it is 12x12). Trust me the price will be right. 

Botch

I got a cheepie for my one-and-only BBQ competition a couple years ago, was $100 but I've since seen it on sale for as low as $59.  
I see you've made your purchase.  One thing you should consider is a couple of anchor points, many use a 5-gal pail filled with water, strapped to two or more legs.  Mine was unanchored during the competition, and I got a queazy feeling with a few of the breezes that came through.  A cinder block or two would work as well, although I'd worry about the 70-mph winds that rip thru utard on occasion....  

RRP

Botch said:

I got a cheepie for my one-and-only BBQ competition a couple years ago, was $100 but I've since seen it on sale for as low as $59.  
I see you've made your purchase.  One thing you should consider is a couple of anchor points, many use a 5-gal pail filled with water, strapped to two or more legs.  Mine was unanchored during the competition, and I got a queazy feeling with a few of the breezes that came through.  A cinder block or two would work as well, although I'd worry about the 70-mph winds that rip thru utard on occasion....  

I hear you. After doing the water bucket route and never finding a water source I went with 4  cinder blocks on sale for .88 a piece. Even that old crap became a p.i.t.a.

northGAcock

We got some small buckets and filled them with mixed concrete. We stuck a bolt in the center. Put them under the legs, bolt sticking up thru the hole in bottom of the legs and add / thigh ten a nut. Raises the tent a bit and want budge in high winds. 

WeberWho

RRP said:

WeberWho said:

Hi I'm looking for an easy up type of canopy for an occasional bbq competition or cook over night. I had a 12x12 EZ-Up canopy which seemed to work descent but was rushed when put away in the rain. It ended up breaking and snapping a few poles. I'm not opposed to buying EZ-Up again but was wondering if there are some other brand name canopy you guys recommend? I'm hoping to get another 12'×12' canopy. Straight legged is preferred. Really hoping for something under $150. It will be used sparingly. Thanks for any help or tips!

Hey, buddy ..any chance you would be willing to drive down to Pete's Eggfest in Sterling, IL on Sat, June 16th? I have a 10x10 (or maybe it is 12x12). Trust me the price will be right. 

I appreciate the offer RRP. It sounds like a fun time. Unfortunately it's the same weekend as the annual Turkey BBQ Festival in ND. 

WeberWho

Thanks for suggesting the anchors Botch and NorthGAcock. I've looked at making some in the past but never got around to it. I know I've needed them a few times. Definitely will make or buy something for this canopy. Even my wife mentioned it after buying it that we need to find some anchors for this one. 

WeberWho

My first impression with the Coleman is good. Setting up was a breeze. Not bad for a couple guys not knowing what they were doing. 



I went with your guys suggestions and made a couple weight sets for my friend and I. Maybe a little overkill but the canopies are anchored nontheless. The top of the canopy can be strapped down to the weights if the weather gets severe. 

jtcBoynton

Weights are not overkill.  They are a necessity. I once had set up my canopy on a nice sunny day to provide shade while egging.  I ran an errand and when I got back my canopy was gone. Looked around the yard and didn’t see it anywhere. Couldn’t understand why anyone would steal it but you never know.  Then looked up to see the canopy on the roof of my house.  Wouldn’t ever set it up again without weights.

WeberWho

jtcBoynton said:

Weights are not overkill.  They are a necessity. I once had set up my canopy on a nice sunny day to provide shade while egging.  I ran an errand and when I got back my canopy was gone. Looked around the yard and didn’t see it anywhere. Couldn’t understand why anyone would steal it but you never know.  Then looked up to see the canopy on the roof of my house.  Wouldn’t ever set it up again without weights.

Oh that's crazy! That was some strong wind.

They'll come in handy.  Especially when the canopy is setup in a parking lot. I looked at purchasing some round weights that were made for canopies. They were only 6lb a piece though. Which might be suitable but these homemade ones got to be around 25lbs. If I pair them up with some straps it should put up a fight with a storm 

WeberWho

We had 36 people under two canopies at one point when raining yesterday at the park. That was also with a picnic table in each and chairs. I should have charged everyone a $1/piece!    

lkapigian

WeberWho said:

We had 36 people under two canopies at one point when raining yesterday at the park. That was also with a picnic table in each and chairs. I should have charged everyone a $1/piece!    

They are quite popular in the rain or sweltering sun

WeberWho

lkapigian said:

WeberWho said:

We had 36 people under two canopies at one point when raining yesterday at the park. That was also with a picnic table in each and chairs. I should have charged everyone a $1/piece!    

They are quite popular in the rain or sweltering sun

They were appreciative and we had plenty of room. A quick way to meet complete strangers!

BBQBuddy

Hotch said:

I agree with Ron. That's where I bought mine years ago.
Maybe you can find one with UT Longhorns like mine!

Looks like an eggfest in your backyard.  I like that!  

YukonRon

With the Coleman canopy, the vent at the top release a lot of the air pressure you experience on a normal windy day (winds up to 10-15 mph). When you experience anything much above that stakes in the ground help. But if you are on solid surface, and have winds or strong gusts, it absolutely necessary to have a weighted anchoring system.
The Coleman you bought is a very stout piece of equipment for what it is. We have used ours very frequently in all types of weather and have had zero issues.
We like the wall surrounds on cooler days or when wind is blowing rain or snow. Summers in hot weather, you can bake bread when the walls are up......

WeberWho

YukonRon said:

With the Coleman canopy, the vent at the top release a lot of the air pressure you experience on a normal windy day (winds up to 10-15 mph). When you experience anything much above that stakes in the ground help. But if you are on solid surface, and have winds or strong gusts, it absolutely necessary to have a weighted anchoring system.
The Coleman you bought is a very stout piece of equipment for what it is. We have used ours very frequently in all types of weather and have had zero issues.
We like the wall surrounds on cooler days or when wind is blowing rain or snow. Summers in hot weather, you can bake bread when the walls are up......

Glad to hear the Coleman is still going strong. I could see how the walls would come in handy in cooler weather. I'll have to take a closer look next time at the vent. When glancing up I didn't notice any vent. Maybe something didn't open up or the vent is really restrictive. The pics above with the canopy doesn't look like much of a vent either. A bigger vent would be nice when a smoker is under it.