Is a 10x10 canopy going to be big enough?

J

Jpostal

Excellence Auto Gallery
I started my mobile detailing business this past winter and due to insufficient fundalation I did not buy a pop up canopy to work under during the rainy season. Business has been fairly good and I want to buy a canopy of this winter. Initially I was planning to buy a cheap $100 canopy from WalMart, but I'm not sure if it will be durable enough in the long run. There is a local company that sells commercial grade 10x10 canopies for $299 that can be set up by one person in less than a minute. Just wondering if a 10x10 would be big enough. The next size up is a 10x15 which is $785.



I would love to get some feedback from other mobile detailers that use a tent. Should I go with a cheap one or spend a little extra for a better quality tent? 10x10, 12x12, 10x15...what is the ideal size?



Thanks for the input.
 
I assume you're looking for a "tent" that you can pack up and move around and be mobile with, so I'm not sure how large you can get away with. The bigger the better, it gives you more working space and will accomodate larger vehicles better. I have a tent, it's 16' x 20'x, but it's a sationary one of course, and even that's a bit of a tight squeeze, IMO. Check out Give Me Shelter | Portable garage, Portable Shelters for all your needs offering dome, greenhouse, utility shelters and other portable storage solutions, they might have something you could use.
 
So the consensus is that 10x10 is too small. 12x12 or 10x15 it is I guess. Does anyone use a 10x15 that can be set up by one person fairly quickly?
 
I've been looking at the EZ-UP brand 12x14 at K-Mart for $119.99 . Been told that the ones sold thru K-Mart might not be of the same quality as the ones from the EZ-up stores or web site offers. Had a 10x10 but wasn't happy with the smaller size . I think the 12ft width would help keep the legs away from the paint surface and allow you to work without being in the way.
 
i have 12x12 from pep boys , with cupons or sale is under 100$ , does good, i do half car at a time , but works.

an 10x20 will be better.
 
I have a 12x12 from Costco that works ok. 2 of them would work better though so I wouldn't have to do half the car then move it to do the other half. The wind has broken a couple of them though. Make sure you have something holding it down so the win ddoes not pick it up.
 
A 10x0 is fine if you want to keep moving the vehicle or the canopy. I just purchased a 10x15 from pepboys on sale for $149 and its great , Ive been detailing for 25 years and have had the expensive easy up canopies however they are quite heavy. Just keep in mind if you opt for the pepboys canopy the canopy material is not as heavy as the more expensive ones but it gets the job done and saves a nice bit of change
 
^^^Can the 10x15 from pepboys be set up by one person? This is my main concern...I will gladly spend the extra money on a tent that can be set up and taken easily by myself, but if a cheaper tent can be set up/taken down just as easily I will obviously go that route.
 
karwaxer said:
I am 53 years old and I can set it up and take it down by my self its a little work and takes about 3 min.
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Sounds easy enough...do you happen to know the make/model of the tent you got? I live in Canada and the nearest pepboys is a couple hours away. I may be able to find the same tent at store closer to home if I know what to look for. Thanks!
 
Im going to be a vendor a car show/cancer benefit in a month or so. How much of a difference is there between the commercial 10x10 ezup for $200 and the normal $100 other stores? I need to get some embroidered polos and what not and would like to save some cash if possible.



Thanks
 
I currently use a 10x10 canopy and although it does the job, doing half the car at a time, i would like something bigger down the line. The benefit is that i can set up or take it down in like 2 mins by myself.



FYI mine was picked up for pretty cheap at diick's sporting goods. they seem to have a pretty big selection and run good sales on them from time to time. I got mine right before football season when they were pushing the whole tailgating thing.
 
neighborsenvy said:
Im going to be a vendor a car show/cancer benefit in a month or so. How much of a difference is there between the commercial 10x10 ezup for $200 and the normal $100 other stores? I need to get some embroidered polos and what not and would like to save some cash if possible.



Thanks
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Just a suggestion, I'd invest in those EZ-Up leg weight downs or get some sandbags. I've seen tons of EZ-Up disasters at car shows where gust of winds blow them up and nothing like seeing an EZ-Up roll across a few show cars. Just a couple weeks ago saw the worst one yet where one guy grabbed on to the leg as it was flying away and if you've ever seen a kite as it catches wind and just does rapid circle loops like a pinwheel, poles slamming against surrounding show cars, only to be let go and continue on it's merry way causing a path of destruction...
 
I have plans the weekend of the car show so Im just donating a detail. Thanks for the heads up about the weights though. I dont know about getting a tent now after hearing this.
 
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