Best single person canopy?

clnfrk · 03-07-07, 08:04

I purchased a 12'x12' Quikshades canopy from Lowes yesterday and upon attempting to erect it myself, I ended up bending one of the legs. I will be returning this because I find it impossible to set up by myself. Could anyone recommend a brand name canopy and where to buy that can be easily set up by one person?

I'm not looking to spend more than a couple of hundred dollars at this point. I just need something that will last a decent amount of time and most importantly easy to put up and take down. I also would like one with a blue top. Thanks for your suggestions.

Setec Astronomy · 03-07-07, 08:09

I have an EZ-Up and I don't think it can be done with one person...I'm not sure there are any that can be.

kpagel · 03-07-07, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

I have an EZ-Up and I don't think it can be done with one person...I'm not sure there are any that can be.

I went into an EZ-Up store (I actually live in the city these things are made) and spoke with someone about this issue. The salesman told me that there are no EZ-Ups that are designed to be setup and broken down by one person (effectively). That's not to say you can do it, but they simply do not make anything specifically designed for easy set up by one person. He did recommend a medium duty canopy. He said that the cheap light duty ones will bend and the big heavy duty ones will probably be too heavy.

Hope that is of some help.

toyotaguy · 03-08-07, 12:00

yeah my 12x12 is too hard for one person, so it stays at home unless I have help for the day...but they are a big help on hot summer days...

SpoiledMan · 03-08-07, 12:08

My 10 X 10 Caravan from Costco(who knew

) is easily set up by one person. Well, at least *I* can.

ajbarnes · 03-08-07, 03:59

Being able to bench 300, I pretty much can get a canopy up in about a minute or two.

Seriously, I've had a 10x10 and a 12x12 and I don't have a problem with setting them up. However, I also did experience one of the legs bending on the 12x12 too. I'm actually in the market for a good quality 12x12 straight leg tent.

brwill2005 · 03-08-07, 06:47

I can also set up my 10x10 caravan by myself.

DFTowel · 03-08-07, 07:01

Whoever says EZ-ups can't be put up by one person is very mistaken, that includes the so called salesman mentioned above.

I have a 10x10 and I can set it up in less than 3 minutes. My technique is to open it gradually corner by corner by walking around it and pulling on each corner. Before I know it it's all done and I just add the stakes or weights. Tearing down is done in a flash.

By the way, BJs has the 10x10 on sale at $199 INCLUDING four side curtains and the bag and wheels. It also includes a free printed banner with your name. I'm not sure but I think it may also include the stakes and weight bags.That's a very cheap price.

Setec Astronomy · 03-08-07, 07:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFTowel

Whoever says EZ-ups can't be put up by one person is very mistaken, that includes the so called salesman mentioned above.

I have a 10x10 and I can set it up in less than 3 minutes. My technique is to open it gradually corner by corner by walking around it and pulling on each corner. Before I know it it's all done and I just add the stakes or weights. Tearing down is done in a flash.

I've only used mine a couple of times so I don't really remember exactly, but I'll try that technique next time.

kpagel · 03-08-07, 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFTowel

Whoever says EZ-ups can't be put up by one person is very mistaken, that includes the so called salesman mentioned above.

I have a 10x10 and I can set it up in less than 3 minutes. My technique is to open it gradually corner by corner by walking around it and pulling on each corner. Before I know it it's all done and I just add the stakes or weights. Tearing down is done in a flash.

By the way, BJs has the 10x10 on sale at $199 INCLUDING four side curtains and the bag and wheels. It also includes a free printed banner with your name. I'm not sure but I think it may also include the stakes and weight bags.That's a very cheap price.

Leo, the salesman was not saying it can't be done, in fact, he suggested one model specifically for me if I were to be setting it up by myself. He was simply saying that EZ-Up does not make any canopies that are designed to be set up by one person, and suggests that every canopy be set up by two or more people, probably for liability reasons. I have set up EZ-Ups by myself and its a bit of a PITA until you get the technique down, but it most certainly can be done. I will try your technique next time. Thanks

clnfrk · 03-08-07, 08:05

Thanks for your help guys! It seems as if the consensus is that perhaps a 12'x12' canopy may be a bit much for one person to handle. I will stop by BJ's and check the 10'x10' out.

Brian B. · 03-15-07, 03:42

I have gone through 4 of the 12x12 straight leg quickshade recreational canopies. I got them from walmart for $98 each and all 4 broke the first time I used them. The legs would always bend at the top. I highly recommend not to buy those canopies. I had no problem at all moving, opening and closing those canopies alone. I am currently looking for 2 12x12 canopies that will last, moderately priced and that are light.