Lots of opinions on Canopies

Our last trip out our REI Alcove met with a damaging windstorm in the desert, ripping the fabric in one corner where the tie-down cord attaches. I tied it down directly to the canopy frame for the rest of the outing and that worked until we got home. I repaired the fabric cover at home by sectioning that corner and re-stiching, reusing the binding material. It appears to be good, we will see when the next big wind comes along.

I also purchased another complete Alcove off eBay, it came from a Goodwill store in Washington state. It cost less than I paid for the original one and is in great shape except for a little rust on the poles where they join. I cleaned up the rust and put on some rust inhibitor, I have it in storage as a backup. Check eBay, they do come up occasionally, as well as some parts.

We really like the Alcove, it is minimalist while providing good cover, easy to carry, setup and tear down, we have two windwalls (three now, as the eBay one had a wall too), and a large mosquito net that we can use in buggy places. I really haven't seen a canopy solution I like better.

 

The bolded is exactly what I would like to find. For some reason it seems some of the best reviews are for products no longer available. I'm retired and work is now a four letter word to me. Easy, simple, and convenient are some of my favorite words now.

 

A very nice solution! I just sent you a PM about using your design files.

 

I do believe you can still get replacement hubs through TentPole Technologies - contact: support@tentpoletechnologies.com

 

Looks like it's back in stock..........better hurry.G6 Deluxe 6-Sided Portable Gazebo

 

I would be interested! Where do you live? Maybe we could “swing by” during some of our travels! We are currently in Colorado, and heading home to Ohio some time in the next 7-8 days.

 

I really like this canopy. Thanks for the review. But I'm just a bit concerned I might not like carrying it around due to the weight. Are you still just as happy with it 3 years later? What's your thought on lugging it out and back on all your trips?

 

Northern Breeze is taken.
We replaced it with a 10 foot one and are happy with it so far.

 

Thanks!

 

Yes. So much so that we bought a larger 15 x 10 model so we have 2. They are heavy but the wheels on the cover make it pretty easy to move around. It's just the loading and unloading that the weight becomes a problem. We had it out last weekend and the weather turned ugly and windy (probably gusts around 20-25mph) and we staked it down and it held great. Our friends bought a 10x10 model and were camping with us, staked his down and his held fine as well. So, yes, pretty pleased with it still.

 

Thanks. That's good to hear. I've been agonizing over wanting something sturdy but not wanting something heavy. Unfortunately I don't think you can have both. Amazon had a lightning sale and I decided to bite the bullet. I ordered and just received the Eurmax 10x10 but the standard rather than the premium model. I think it's about 10 pounds lighter. The frame isn't quite as beefy but the rest of it looks exactly the same. I haven't had a chance to open it and set it up yet. Hopefully in the next day or two.

https://www.amazon.com/Eurmax-Commercial-Instant-Removable-SandBags/dp/B081G87FJP/?th=1

 

We just purchased one off of Facebook Marketplace in Indiana on our way south. I noticed there are three others listed in MI, OH and KY.

 

$300

 

Ok, here is one more addition to this fat thread. I have an Alcove but rarely bring it as it seems to be more trouble than it's worth, at least here in the dry Southwest. I recently got this Kelty Sideroads Awning as a simpler awning for the galley area. I haven't used it yet except in my driveway.



Once I added these little loops to the locking rail on the galley door, it goes up quickly.



Also, I added some hooks to the straps you see going to the front of the trailer so I could just hook them over the front of the fenders instead. So far, I'm very happy with it. Goes up easier, lighter and smaller to carry and packs up in a minute. Also I expect it to be better at keeping wind out of the galley area once the 2 feet are staked down.

 

very smart mod on great solution for sw desert sun! Like the quick up and down...

 

I think you must have the wrong guy. Selling is the last thing I'm thinking about.

 

I hadn’t seen that picture before, couldn’t say if it was from this forum.

I do recognize the tent - that’s an Oztent (link).

The tent is designed with a protected door, and there are also numerous accessories to extend in various ways. There are different sizes available. It’s a rapid setup tent, and doesn’t collapse like other tents, when collapsed it’s more like a 6’ long bundle, like a steel-framed canopy.

Oztents are highly respected among the overlanding crowd….