Pop up canopy recommendations

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Erickz

Well-known member
Need to buy a canopy, there was some discussions on this a while back but no joy from the search function, probably a 10x10 or a touch bigger. EZ UP offers an 8x12 that would seem to be a perfect size. Car is a Spridget and usually it will be a one man show opening it up and taking it down.
Suggestions? What are you all using? And yes I know they are useless in heavy winds.
 
I use the disposable Harbor Freight / Walmart ones, about $60-$75. Just as good as the expensive ones I've had and easier to throw away if it gets bent.

Both I've had for years with no problems, even in high winds.
 
My experience is that any of the "pop up" canopies like the EZ-UP will not survive in much wind or weather. The trash bins at tracks after storms support my opinion.

The ones based on electrical conduit and tarps hold up very well. They are slightly more expensive and more effort to setup. But they are FAR more durable. Mine is 12 years old. I had several EZ-UPs killed before I switched. Holiday sells the conduit ones. You can also get cheaper ones on fleaBay. BYO conduit.

-Kyle
 
There is an exception to the "all will eventually be in a dumpster at the track" rule and that is a Protex 1 Pop Up shelter. In the thread you were looking for Lawrence Loshak recommended one to me.

I bought the Protex One which has the largest hexagonal legs of those offered. It is 20 x 13 and only has 4 legs, not 6, so easy to work around. All aluminum it is still heavier than you might think, in part because the covering material is so heavy duty. You can buy spare parts for it if you ever need them. It could blow away of course but is heavy duty enough that it would not be bent or damaged when you retrieved it. 4 people can walk the corners out in 2 or 3 minutes and then I can fix all the little Velcro straps and stuff myself in less than an additional 10. Then of course another 10 to stake or weight it down. It packs away in a wheeled bag which I can handle by myself but it is heavy enough I would rather have help with. My wife and I took it down packed it away and put it in the trailer by ourselves when we left Watkins Glen last fall so you can do this in a pinch. Still way easier with a person on each corner when pushing it in or pulling it out. I purchased it with the optional sides which are easy to attach by myself and have quality windows and doors. For those that want something smaller I also have a 13 x 13 Protex One I use when we only have one car.

They can be purchased at http://www.surfturf.ca/ I had decided they were to expensive and was going to buy a Commercial EZUP using the SCCA Member discount but then at the last minute realized that the Protex Awnings are PRICED IN CANADIAN DOLLARS. The Canadian dollar is weak vs the US and this made it a good value (1 US to 1.40 CA today).

It will be at Hallet if anyone wants to see it.
 
We use the protex 2 canopy. we did bend a few rods at sebring but that was in 30+mph winds - ask anyone who was there about some of the ez up stuff in shambles. Plus there is a closeout section on surf turf's website on the protex 2 models. The closeouts are no diff than the existing ones, just the colors of the canopy are limited. Comes with all the sides. Parts were less than $100 to fix it. Wont buy another brand other than these.
 
I had a 10 x 20 and it was a PITA unless 4 people. Currently have two 10 x 10's and 1 person can set it up. Two set up if wet. Farm and Fleet, under $100.00 each.
 
The models with the center structure and high peak, and the sides are bolted to the frame, such as the EZ Up Enterprise, or the Protex models will survive the rain much better. The low peak versions will self destruct in heavy rain - the water pools in the top until the weight of the water causes the frame to collapse. Models with very low peaks, like the EZ Up 12x14 Escort Canopy - are the most fragile.

Always tie down and stake the canopy in at least two places - or it will blow away and into your neighbors paddock space in at least one event per season.

The tops with the silver backing block the sun more and are cooler underneath.

The EZ Up awning feature that adds another 18" is great, and you can move it during the day with the sun.

Good luck.
 
Something I learned several years ago from the Bigger Hammer Racing guys is to put a couple sections of 1/2" conduit across the inside of the frame. Drill some 1/4" holes in the ends of each stick, and then you can zip tie them to the flimsy cross pieces halfway across the span. do that in both directions, then add a couple zip ties in the middle to hold those together with each other and the canopy suddenly gets WAY stiffer. it takes about 2 minutes to do. I also take one side of mine and ratchet strap it to the side of the trailer. then I only have the outboard corners to worry about, which can be easily held down with spare tires. (heavy truck/trailer tires, not lightweight race wheels with expensive tires baking in the sun.)

Tied down like this it will never blow away, even if a tornado comes by and rips the canopy apart.
 
I use the EZ up 8x12. Fits the sprite perfectly under. And, at half mast overnight, the main hoop fits nicely in an opening. Have been very pleased with this since day 1.
 
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