Lots of opinions on Canopies

Re: Canopies (once again)

We tried using the portable BBQ inside once never again the heat was unbearable. If there is no breeze it does get very hot but if there is the slightest breeze you can let the air flow in any side. Sometimes we just lift the flysheet hooks up and clip onto the corners this leave the flysheet half way open and gives air flow but maintains some privacy.
 
Re: Canopies (once again)

mcnugit said:
AlCat-Believe it or not, the mesh of the screen is so tight, that it restricts air flow! We could hardly believe it but, on our last camping trip with friends, we were all sitting inside the NB, playing cards and it was getting toasty, even though it was a fairly breezy day. We opened and rolled up the screens, and felt an instant breeze! We still love our NB, but we bought a battery powered table fan for future use.
Click to expand...

good thing the screens roll up

thanks for the feedback!!
 
Re: Canopies (once again)

Has anyone posted a photo of the REI Alcove and a teardrop?
 
Re: Canopies (once again)

Joan said:
http://www.campinnforum.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=7321&Searchpage=1&Main=970&Words=Alcove&Search=true#Post7192
Click to expand...

thanks - really nice to see the pics. REI didn't have any good photos handy, at the store, when I wanted one last look.

I'm glad my wife's opinion was vindicated. Out here in Cali, I am looking forward to some benign camping weather, so we bought an Alcove. I also know there'll be a time when we want a Northern Breeze, so we'll probably get around to that come November. We should be happy with the Alcove until then, at least. Of course, we were skiing by Thanksgiving in Cali in 2010, so.....
 
More on Canopy


eCanopy.com is a on-line vendor of canopies of various, manufacturers, designs, and costs Lots to choose from at reasonable prices.

I've purchased two canopy's. One is a 10' x 10' commercial grade canopy (Caravan) with steel frame and full sidewalls. It was sold as package which included a substantial discount.
With two people, the canopy set's up quickly. With one person
it's a struggle but doable. It does get easier to setup over time.

The second canopy I purchased was another commercial grade canopy that is 5' x 5'. Perfect size for over the Galley. The optional sidewalls are great wind protection or privacy. It goes up easy with one person.

We camp in the Mojave Desert every year so the steel framed commerical canopy's work much better in the harsh desert environment.

Worth checking out. Happy Traveling.

eCanopy.com
1-800-445-5611.

Carl #403
 
Re: More on Canopy

Jenn, if you decide on an Alcove Shelter wait for REI's sale. They're 30% off sometime in February or March.
 
Re: More on Canopy

Heheh... more horsepower, Argghh, Aargghhh... (Tool Man Tim's Grunts)...

I just ordered my Commercial grade 16x16 with 2 panorama (mostly clear) side wall and an additional one with an entrance.. Yikes.. heheh.. it's going to be a beast, not for just one night camping, but for longer, should be fine... and with my propane fire pit, warm and toasty too...

Gawd, doesn't it ever stop.. oh well, on the way to Camping World for the Honda Generator.. then, that's it, done, Finito...
Till the next item that is...

Caravan Canopy
http://www.caravancanopy.com/

FB:
http://www.facebook.com/caravancanopy
 
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Re: More on Canopy

Jenn, if you decide to get an REI Alcove don't forget to pick up a 12 pack of 36" bungee cords to use as rafters. If you don't the first good rain you'll have a great deal of water pool and probably a collapse of the shelter. The bungees eliminate this design flaw. There is a picture of an Alcove with the bungees in an earlier thread.

Also we have enjoyed having one of the optional windwalls. It helps in rainy windy weather and also gives a little more sun protection as well as a little privacy if desired.
 
Re: More on Canopy

Launching..heheh... That sounds like I'm traveling around the world... not yet anyway...

I am trying to do some extended weekend trips to get a feel for it and plan accordingly. I now, or shortly will, have all my "stuff" (don't be jealous of the Truck space, it just means you can bring more "Stuff" - you fill an empty space quickly with whatever... heheh) and the weather has not been cooperating, rain squalls etc..

Clearing this weekend, tomorrow and will be going out just to get out, somewhere local just to remember which end to open up to cook.. heheh..
Stay tuned... Camping/dog sledding/ next week...
 
Re: Canopies (once again)

AlCat,

Look at my Avitar.. it shows the REI Alcove Canopy and the bungie cord rafters.
 
Evan,
First of all, thanks for the welcome. Has anyone investigated the SUV tents available? If you pull the SUV out of the picture and back in a teardrop they look like a natural. In looking at the Camp Inn site pictures I see the Shaeffer's have used one. Any feedback on the concept? Here are a couple of sites. There are more but these look the best to me. Cabela's, Napier and Rightline Gear. They all have SUV Tents.
Thanks
George
 
George,

The SUV tents do indeed fit the trailer like a glove. One problem we ran into in our testing however. With the tent that tightly sealed to the galley you cannot use the stove. It overheats the hatch. You would need to do your cooking outside with a portable stove using the external gas connection.

Cary
 
Cary,
Thanks for the cooking warning. Do the SUV tents hamper the use of the right side cooler table? I suppose the table could be stored and the cooler set somewhere else. Also I need to talk to you about another topic that we discussed earlier. I will call you on the phone.
George
 
Cary said:
George,

The SUV tents do indeed fit the trailer like a glove. One problem we ran into in our testing however. With the tent that tightly sealed to the galley you cannot use the stove. It overheats the hatch. You would need to do your cooking outside with a portable stove using the external gas connection.

Cary
Click to expand...

could this also create an asphyxiation hazard?

-Al
 
I wish my experience with the REI alcove was good. It was raining, I did have tea rafter straps....a fit did fail. Catastrophically.

It broke 1 leg and 2 often corner knuckles. Be warned, REI does NOT sell parts. So, I have a $130 pile of random tubes and fabric....

Grrr...

We just bough a paha que cottonwood.... I watched one last weekend stand up very well, and they have great customer service according two one owner. I hope we dont have to find out. I'm still looking for a good collapsible kennel or my two traveling buddies.....the camp inn side ten works well, but I want something a little more robust....
 
Yah, the canopies are a tough one. I've had about 6-8 of them and now have 3: 2 12x12 and a 16x16 aka "Circus Tent" and 2 with side panels that can fit onto the other one if needed.
1 - 16x16 Heavy duty (Caravan Canopy) but bulky...
1 - 12x12 Heavy duty (Caravan Canopy)
1 - 12x12 Shelter Logic? Light weight (use for summer and mild weather)

I Furl the "Sails" or tops when really windy so I don't have to take the frame down at all..

Like this. I drop the front 2 legs and it's easy to just furl and bungi it. Simply release the velcro corners, let it flap in the wind and then roll it up. saves breaking/bending the frames.

When wind dies down, unfurl and just pull it back along the sides to re-stick to the corner velcros..
Heavy duty 12x12:

P1000643.JPG


Heavy duty 16x16 "Circus Tent": While I did put it up and take down by self, I'll wait until there are 2 people next time... Never have used the side panels yet.. clear down to 2' from the ground so you can still enjoy the outside...

camanoFeb13-17.jpg


and then the lightweight, comparatively heavier duty than the EZ_tops..:

940957_10200963030218501_1926473198_n.jpg


Hope that helps show the options...

ps. I'm DONE !!! with canopies.. heheh..
...
 
Sorry to hear that Sweeney. The Alcove is not really meant for heavy rain. It is a shade shelter and can tolerate light rainfall. Our REI Alcove broke from the wind in a violent thunderstorm. We just brought it back to the store, and they replaced it with a totally new one, no questions asked. They stand behind their products, stating If at any time you are dissatisfied with anything you buy there, you can return it for a refund or replacement. It's worth a shot! Good luck to you!
 
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