EZ ups - which do you have?

[sachbvn]

Looking at EZ Ups online, there are tons. Let's just settle on the actual EZ Up brand to start with.

I've found what looks like three main designs.

Sierra, Express, and Dome (all II models)

Sierra is the cheapest, followed by Done and finally Express.


I think the Express looks like it would be the best in regards to wind - but not sure if it is really necessary.

What models do you have? Can you shed some light on this shadow casting subject? haha - I make a funny!

Aso - I'm planning on making my own weights - what do you guys recommend? There is actually tons out there on what you can do for weights. Gallon jugs w/ water or sand, cement, etc.... laundry jugs, PVC pipe that is capped. Is it best to hang the weights or have the weights on the ground and some 550 cord strapped tight to the frame?


Thanks!
Zac

[Ruffnek]

I have the Express II. Last year I got sidewalls for it so that Boodrow and I could leave our stuff set up overnight in relative security.

I don't have weights for mine and so far haven't needed them. Last year was a litle windy at the Edom Art Festival but with the sidewalls, there was never a problem with the canopy lifting.

Since that particular show is outdoors on grass, a lot of people used spiral anchors screwed into the ground and 1" wide, ratcheting tie-down straps to hold their canopies in place. That works well on grass or dirt.

However, if you are doing a street fair or an outdoor show where you have to set up on concrete or asphalt, then a hanging weight will be needed. I've been planning on making four PVC weights filled with sand to hang on the canopy...attached at the top of the corner and velcroed or tied to the leg. That's the way I have seen most of them done.

I've also read at IAP that the EZ-UP canopies aren't great in a rainstorm. So far, I've never had to deal with that, either. For what Boodrow and I do, though, the Express canopy works great.

[sawduster]

Dang, guess we're gonna have to learn a whole bunch more encrypted terminology and such with you vendor types throwing stuff around. EZ Ups? Thought it was some new fangled lathe tool or something till I read the posts.

[Beamer]

Sounded like potty trainin' diapers to me

[sachbvn]

lmao - Beamer, NICE!

Thanks Cody - I'm thinking more towards the Express II - it seems more substantial than the Sierra, and the Sierra legs are flared where as the Express look 90 degrees to the canopy. I LOVE the idea of velcro for the weights on the legs!

I'm thinking PVC pipe filled with sand, maybe some eye bolts bolted into one of the caps in case you need to latch on to it.

It would be great to be able to anchor in grass - however at this past weekend's show, it was street set up only as far as I could tell....

Great to know about the sidewalls - I was on the fence either way about them.... depends on the show and how far from home before I'd decide to let a tent and tables sit.

Thanks guys!

Zac

[Ruffnek]

May 2, 2010 17:00:52 GMT -6 sachbvn said:

Great to know about the sidewalls - I was on the fence either way about them.... depends on the show and how far from home before I'd decide to let a tent and tables sit.

That art show Boodrow and I do every fall has security personnel on the grounds at night but neither Boodrow nor I felt good about leaving our stuff out for anyone to see...and grab.

The sidewalls mainly just hide the goods from view, removing some of the temptation for anyone looking to lift something.

[imahic]

May 2, 2010 15:20:41 GMT -6 sawduster said:

Dang, guess we're gonna have to learn a whole bunch more encrypted terminology and such with you vendor types throwing stuff around. EZ Ups? Thought it was some new fangled lathe tool or something till I read the posts.

I thought they were talking about kids pull up pants and wondered what the hell??.. ;D ;D ;D

[Beamer]

SEE!! i wasnt' the only one!!!

[Ruffnek]

You guys are funny...although I can see how one could confuse EZ-Up with Pullups...if we weren't on a woodworking forum in a segment devoted to turning, showing and selling our art. ;D

Y'all been hanging out on a site for new mothers?

[boodrow]

Zac Codys set up is the cats meow. The certains also help with the sun , as well, glad my bud has one.
Boodrow

[Doug B]

I got mine at Sams Club. This is the one. Cant seem to find a model number on it, but it seems to be the Express II. Just under $200.00 at Sams, but they are not in stock right now. www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod711059

You will definitely want the side walls, for shade, privacy, security, wind. We have not had to find out how well it does in rain yet...knock on wood.

I do not leave my pens and bottle stoppers out overnight for the craft shows. It is easy enough to pack them all up, and even with the security provided...eh, just not willing to risk it, even on the indoor ones. Lots of folks cover their goods with a sheet/blanket but I only leave the displays, not the pens and stoppers.