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Free Standing Manual Canopy
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Since I couldn't justify the cost of an EZ-up, I bought
an Ozark Trails (Wal-Mart brand) Dining Canopy for $30. I have seen
the same model marketed under various brands, and have seen it on
sale at a number of discount and sporting goods stores, even Menards,
prices ranging from $25-45
This is not the instant set up variety, but with a few organizational
enhancements, it can be almost as quick. It is also much lighter
and more compact that the EZ-Up models, Light enough to take on a
canoe trip, (about 20 lbs, as opposed to 40 lbs), and it folds up
to about 18" long. The modifications I describe here apply to
this specific model, but can be adapted to different models.
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We've recieved quite a few requests for copies of the original instructions for this canopy. Thanks to Jim Wagner, a downloadable PDF of the instructions is available [HERE!]. (170K file. requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
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| When you buy this canopy, stop by the hardware/electrical
section of the store and get a package of colored electrical
tape (the packs that come with five rolls of different colored tape)
and a spool of brightly colored marker cord.
This canopy comes with its own zippered case, a canopy,
tubular support structure, guy lines and stakes. When you see the
collection of tubes for the support structure you will tremble with
fear, as all appear identical. Each is numbered either 1, 2a, 2b,
or 3 to designate their lengths, or socket variations. The
instructions will guide your through the assembly, but it will
take you close to an hour to get assembled the right first time (breathe
deep, it gets better), so it is important to assemble it when you
have time to spare and not when you need to use it.
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| Give yourself an hour to get the whole thing assembled
properly, and then take a walk around the block to let your temper
cool (this is also not a good time for the Mrs. to ask you to fix
the disposal, if you know what I mean). You'll be frustrated because
it took you so long to identify each tube element and assemble it
to its proper mate. When you do get it all assembled (correctly)
take the colored tape and mark each side of a tube joint with
the same colored tape. Use only one color on each pole type. I marked
mine like this:
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Ridge Poles (3) Green Tape
Gable Poles (4) Yellow Tape
Leg Poles (4) Red Tape
If a different color scheme makes more sense to you, by
all means change it to your satisfaction
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| Also mark your corner junctions, as these all look the
same, but may have subtle differences. It's a good idea to mark the
orientation of the canopy, as when it is going up it is easy to put
on sideways. Left over you will have the Stakes and the Guy lines.
You should always use the stakes, and the guy lines are necessary
if the winds get up to 10 mph. This is where the colored cord
comes in. The guy lines may as well be called trip lines, so
you should do what you can to make them visible. The use the colored
cord to make replacement guy lines, they will be easier to see than
the white ones come included. |
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Now, for practice, disassemble the canopy,
and put it back together. You will be amazed that it will now only
take minutes to put in place. For even faster assembly on launch
day, pre-assemble the poles at home, providing your vehicle can handle
them that way. If you put the poles on you car top assembled, be
sure to TAPE THE SECTIONS TOGETHER.
I can assemble the canopy without help in about 10 minutes.
Disassembly and packing into the storage bag,takes about 5 minutes. |
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Another approach to this is to shock cord
the poles, like most quality tents are equipped. I am looking how
to retrofit my canopy inexpensively with shock cording
Naturally, the canopy will be useful for other activities,
which is important if you have to convince your wife to let you buy
one. We have used ours on a week long wilderness canoe trip, and also to shelter drywall outside the house while I was sheet-rocking our basement. It might even be useful for its intended purpose. |
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